Editorial pages across Virginia over the weekend celebrated the unique relationship of Virginia’s Community Colleges to the communities they serve.

At the Lynchburg News & Advance, editorial writers celebrated President Darrel Staat as he leaves Central Virginia Community College for a new post as president of South Carolina’s system of technical colleges. CVCC, the editorial quotes Chamber of Commerce president as saying, is an

indispensable part of linking workers to jobs being created in the Lynchburg region.

The Culpeper Star-Exponent tipped its hat to philanthropist Doris Buffet and her ”generous and refreshing” gift to Germanna Community College –

It’s nice to know someone is still looking out for people trying to balance work, life and school. 

As well as a nod to the critical practical training going on at Germanna‘s fifth annual State Simulation Alliance nursing conference. 

It’s pretty safe to say that when lives are at stake; the more training, the better.

A Letter to the Editor in the Bristol Herald Courier cites Mountain Empire Community College (along with the University of Virginia’s College at Wise) as community assets:

The anchor to most progressive and growing communities is higher eduction…… Leadership, integrity and dynamic commitment to education excellence have made these institutions priceless community assets.

And in the Shenandoah Valley, new President John Downey’s heart-felt and touching thank you to the communities that support Blue Ridge Community College earned the headline – Area Support of BRCC:  Priceless:

None of this would be possible if it was not for the support the college receives from our community, Downey writes. ”Our state government officials and legislators understand the critical importance of lifelong education, and their ongoing support of our efforts is deeply appreciated by the students we serve. Area governments, even in tight budget times, have shown their encouragement for the manner in which we educate the future workforce of the Valley.

Business leaders consistently demonstrate strong backing for our mission…..Partnerships with schools, technical centers, colleges and universities provide our community with wonderful educational pathways….both for those who wish to earn a baccalaureate degree as well as for those who wish to explore the myriad of career fields our local economy provides.

As we say goodbye to Memorial Day and turn to the summer, it seems Virginia’s Community Colleges are part of the celebration.

Posted by Susan Hayden