Donald Cooper is one of 10. Of the more than 250,000
students served by the Virginia Community College System, he was one of only 10
selected as a Valley Proteins Fellow. That’s impressive. And even more
impressive, this is the second year in a row a Reynolds student has been chosen
for this prestigious program.
“I am very grateful for the honor. I was up against a lot of
candidates and the application process was a bit intimidating,” says Cooper.
“Reynolds provided me with the tools and the opportunities, like the Valley
Proteins program, to get an education.” The scholarship, combined with
professional development, travel, and cultural opportunities, has an
approximate value of $15,000.
The core mission of the Valley Proteins Fellows Program is
to help promising, second-year students at Virginia’s community colleges pursue
their academic goals and strengthen their leadership skills. In addition to
receiving full tuition, book expenses and fees, the Fellows participate in a
unique curriculum of intellectual and cultural activities. The Fellows also participate
in 80 hours of community service during the academic year to hone their
leadership abilities and develop a strong foundation for future success, while maintaining
a required minimum 3.5 grade point average.
“Receiving this fellowship has alleviated some of the
financial stress I was feeling about how to pay for my education. And what’s
priceless is that it has already given me the incredible opportunity to go to
the governor’s mansion and meet Governor Terry McAuliffe. I shook the governor’s
hand and thanked him for supporting the Virginia Community College System.”
The fellows program is made possible through the generous
support of Valley Proteins, Inc. The Winchester-based company has been in the
rendering business for more than 60 years and currently operates plants in
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.
The management of Valley Proteins is committed to outstanding corporate
citizenship, excellent customer service, technological innovation and support
for the community college mission.
President of Valley Proteins, Inc. Gerald Smith, Jr., said, “My
brother and I are pleased to support the Valley Proteins Fellows program
because it provides us with the opportunity to develop a more educated and
competitive Virginia.”
For a student who readily admits only a few years ago his
goals weren’t so lofty, Cooper has come a long way and gives Reynolds the
credit for his growth. He plans to graduate from Reynolds in May 2018 as a Business
and Social Science major, before continuing his education in economics, finance
or law at the University of Virginia, University of Richmond, or William and
Mary. Cooper says, “I’d like to be the person who shows others that
opportunities are out there and waiting if only they will put forth the effort
to pursue them.”
“The Virginia Foundation for Community College Education is
dedicated to expanding opportunities by leveraging partnerships,” said Glenn DuBois,
chancellor of Virginia Community College System. “This program is a great
example of the synergy that comes from joining together employers that are
vested in the quality of tomorrow’s Virginia workforce and the community
colleges that elevate it every day.”
Serving over 18,000
students annually, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College is the youngest and
third largest of 23 community colleges in Virginia. The College operates three
campuses serving residents in the City of Richmond and the counties of Henrico,
Hanover, Goochland, Powhatan and Louisa.
