Published 04/02/2026
The BRCC Educational Foundation is proud to celebrate another record‑breaking year of scholarship support—and the powerful stories that make this generosity so meaningful.
During fiscal year 2025–2026 to date, the Foundation has awarded $565,902 in scholarships to 328 students, opening doors to opportunity, stability, and success. That impact was on full display at the annual Scholarship Luncheon Celebration on March 6, 2026, where more than 220 supporters and student scholarship recipients gathered to honor the life‑changing power of education and philanthropy.
A Student’s Journey of Resilience and Hope
Student speaker Amina Anwar, soon to be a BRCC IT and cybersecurity graduate, shared a deeply moving story of perseverance, courage, and transformation. Originally from Pakistan, Amina spoke candidly about surviving an abusive relationship, navigating a new country and culture, and rebuilding her life as a single mother, all while pursuing her education at BRCC.
Through online classes, supportive faculty, and scholarship assistance, Amina found not only academic success but also confidence, leadership, and a professional identity. Scholarships allowed her to leave multiple jobs and fully focus on her studies, ultimately leading to leadership roles on campus and an IT internship at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community.
“Blue Ridge didn’t just give me a degree. It gave me confidence. Skills. Leadership. Experience. A professional identity. A voice.”
Amina reminded attendees that scholarships do far more than cover tuition—they bring peace into students’ homes, reduce stress, and make it possible to dream beyond survival.
“I came here broken, scared, and unsure. I am leaving confident, skilled, independent, and hopeful.”
Investing in Education, Investing in the Future
Foundation supporter Ed Morse (top image) reflected on why he and his wife, Debbie, chose to establish endowed scholarships at BRCC—both in celebration of family members and in honor of careers dedicated to service, education, and community well‑being. Drawing on a quote from Benjamin Franklin, Ed captured the heart of donor impact:
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
For the Morse family, supporting scholarships is both personal and purposeful—helping students pursue careers in agriculture, education, counseling, and human services, while giving back to the college that played a formative role in their own lives.
Thank You for Making This Possible
The Scholarship Luncheon was a powerful reminder that behind every award is a story of determination—and behind every success story is a community of supporters who believe in the promise of education.
Because of you, thousands of BRCC students are building brighter futures for themselves, their families, and our region. Thank you for making 2025–2026 another extraordinary year of impact.
Videos from this event can be found on the BRCC Educational Foundation’s website.
