Community Link Newsletter

A group of BRCC students and administrators traveled to Richmond in January to thank local legislators for their support of BRCC and to encourage their continued commitment to higher education in the Commonwealth.  From left to right, BRCC students Chance Snell and Taylor Vierrether, BRCC president John Downey, BRCC students Anna Jensen and Angelica Puzio, BRCC Dean of Learning Resources Frank Moran, BRCC Vice President of Finance and Administration Bob Baldygo, and Delegate Steve Landes.

BRCC student Angelica Puzio blogged about her experience at VirginiaHigherEd.com, a blog dedicated to updating Virginians on the latest news and information about Virginia higher education and Virginia’s Community Colleges:
“Going to the General Assembly to visit Virginia’s Senate and House members was an experience I will never forget.  My school, Blue Ridge Community College, has given me so many opportunities; this is what I wanted to convey to our legislators. However, I was a little nervous about talking with them.
I couldn’t have been more surprised at how personable our legislators are! Not only were they easy to talk to, they were compassionate- they truly listened to what each person had to say. I felt as if I was speaking with people I knew about my experience with the Virginia Community College System; this was both comforting and pleasantly surprising.
Speaking with our legislators reflects something that most people are starting to no longer associate with politicians- the sense that they truly work for their constituents. I saw this in each Senate or House member that I spoke with. Upon leaving, I felt confident that our group had advocated well for VCCS and that our visit would remain in the minds of our legislators.
Both our legislators’ compassion and dedication stuck out to me and renewed me with admiration for those who work as legislative authorities in this state. As I watched the House of Delegates in action speaking the words of our Pledge of Allegiance, I could not help but feel elated with patriotic love towards my wonderful country and the state of Virginia. The General Assembly renewed my pride in being a part of this nation, this state, and more specifically, as a student of the Virginia Community College System.”