To “encourage excellence and
innovative thinking in the next generation of leaders in our community,”
Richard S. (Major) Reynolds recently announced a gift of $500,000 to help
students in Reynolds Community College’s Honors Program pay for school and
participate in experiential learning and service opportunities outside of the
classroom.
“Students accepted into the
Honors Program participate in more advanced, complex academic work,” said
Honors faculty coordinator Dr. Ashley Bourne-Richardson. “All Honors courses
share the foundational pillars of critical thinking, independent research,
interdisciplinary learning, and engagement. It’s rigorous, but rewarding.” To
complete the Honors Program and earn an Honors certification on their diploma,
students must complete 18-21 credits in designated Honors courses.
The availability of
scholarships greatly influences the ability of participants to fully engage in
the program and succeed academically. Honor students have approximately the
same level of unmet financial need as their peers. 62 percent have applied for
financial aid and 67 percent report working at least a part-time job while in
school.
The half-million dollar gift
to the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Educational Foundation
establishes the Reynolds Family Honors Scholars and provides precious
scholarship dollars for an annual cohort of recipients. “Our college is named
for a beloved public servant who championed access to higher education,” said
Gary L. Rhodes, president of Reynolds Community College. “With this investment,
our students can explore and apply on and off campus those ideals of
scholarship and service. This gift from the Richard S. Reynolds Foundation is
another example of the financial and moral support shown for our college by the
Reynolds Family, and we’re honored to receive it,” said President Rhodes.
