Hampton Roads Community Foundation and its president and chief executive officer, Dr. Deborah DiCroce, have earned the 2016 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. The nomination for the award was made by Paul D. Camp Community College.

The award was presented at a luncheon ceremony at the Country Club of Virginia on April 19.

Hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education, the 11th annual event honors leading philanthropists from each of Virginia’s 23 community colleges, as well as the statewide foundation. This year’s class of distinguished philanthropy leaders has contributed a combined total of more than $11 million to Virginia’s community colleges.

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation has been a long-time supporter of Paul D. Camp Community College. In 2014-15, the foundation committed $148,146 to launch a regional licensed practical nursing program at the college. This provided a much-needed service, as the nursing program was dropped by area public schools due to budgetary constraints.

By recognizing this need and helping fill that gap between educational and employment opportunities in the area, HRCF has brought students’ dreams to a reality and changed lives in the community.

“In addition, HRCF has played integral roles in funding PDCCC’s career coach and GED programs, which are demonstrating great effectiveness in our market,” said Dr. Renee Felts, vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of the PDCCC Foundation.

In addition to helping community college students continue their education, donors play a critical role in Virginia’s workforce development efforts, according to keynote speaker Mike Petters, VFCCE board member and president and chief executive officer of Huntington Ingalls Industries.

“By supporting the foundation, you support access, affordability and student success at every one of Virginia’s community colleges across the state, from Big Stone Gap in southwestern Virginia to Melfa on the Eastern Shore — and 21 community colleges in between,” he said.