Statement from the President of Blue Ridge Community College

Students and Employees of Blue Ridge Community College:

The challenges brought about by COVID-19 during the last three months have disrupted the lives of virtually everyone, and the resulting strain and suffering is sometimes difficult to bear.   Yet, even that pain pales in comparison to the pain of this past week, prompted by the horrific death of George Floyd on the streets of Minneapolis.

The values of Blue Ridge Community College are built upon four critical pillars:  Excellence, Ethical Behavior, Education and Empowerment.   All too often, we humans fail to live up to the values we say we espouse, both as individuals and collectively.

Each of us at Blue Ridge Community College must never stop striving to realize those values we cherish, as we work tirelessly to achieve our critical mission of providing a higher education to the residents of the Shenandoah Valley.  Every single person has an inalienable right to make a better life for themselves through hard work and equitable access to a quality education.   Now, more than ever, our institutional values must be employed, and our resolve redoubled, to ensure that we are doing all we can to achieve equity as we deliver instruction and services for all who strive to benefit from them.

Sincerely,

John Downey, Ed.D.
President, Blue Ridge Community College