Fuller Honored with 2017 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy

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Richmond, VA – The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation is pleased to announce that Joe Fuller of Nickelsville was recognized by the Virginia Community College System with the 2017 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy at a luncheon ceremony in Richmond on Tuesday, April 18.

The Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy luncheon is hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) to honor the 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 $10 million dollars to Virginia’s Community Colleges.

Fuller has dedicated his life to bettering his community. Retiring from CSX in 1988, Fuller devoted his time to fostering the growth and progress of Scott County. He served as a member of the MECC Foundation Board of Directors for two terms (1991-1997) and continues to support special events of the college. In 2012, the Rotary Club of Scott County renamed its existing MECC Foundation Scholarship in Joe’s honor.

In addition, Fuller was instrumental in establishing a new Rotary Club of Scott County in November 1988. He served as charter club president and continues to be very active in club and district activities. He received a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow award in 1989 and a Skelton Fellow Award of Rotary District 7570 for year 2004-05.

Fuller served as President of the Scott County Chamber of Commerce from 2002-03 and has served as Treasurer for the past 12 years. He is Chairman of the Scott County Economic Development Authority, past Chairman of the Scott County Tourism Development Committee, treasurer of the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association, and assisted in the development of the Wilderness Road Designation as well as the Clinch Mountain MusicFest.

“Joe Fuller has dedicated his retirement to serving others and supporting economic development efforts in Scott County,” said MECC President Scott Hamilton. “He is compassionate and knows how to get things accomplished with humor and kindness. He served on the MECC Foundation board for six years and was a strong supporter of the Foundation’s mission. Since that time, he has been a generous donor to Foundation scholarships and special events.  Because of Joe Fuller’s generosity and hard work, more students are receiving help in meeting their educational expenses, and they have more options for working in their local community.  Joe’s mission and much of his life’s work has been creating a better life for others.”

Virginia Community College System Chancellor Glenn DuBois expressed his gratitude in his address to the crowd. “You are difference-makers. You are opportunity-creators. We thank you, not just for the dollars donated, but for the standard of leadership you represent. Your example motivates and challenges us all to do more to ensure that opportunity is there for those who come next.”

Auto World and MECC Foundation conduct golf tournament to benefit scholarship program at MECC

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The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation and Auto World of Big Stone Gap will conduct the Auto World – MECC Golf Classic on Friday, April 28th at Lonesome Pine Country Club to benefit scholarships at MECC.

Registration for the captain’s choice tournament begins at 8 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9:15 a.m. The tournament will feature two flights and will have “most accurate drive” and “closest to the pin” prizes, as well as chipping and putting contests. Mulligan packages will be available for $10 each.

All players hitting a hole-in-one on hole #10 will win a 2017 Jeep Cherokee sponsored by Auto World of Big Stone Gap. There is also a prize of $1,000 for hitting to within 12 inches of the pin on hole #10. If more than one player accomplishes this feat, they will divide the prize money.

Following the tournament, there will be a cocktail reception featuring delicious heavy hors d’oeuvres. During that time, golfers may bid on some great items during the live auction. There will also be a silent auction which will be ongoing throughout the event.

The entry fee of $100 per person includes a continental breakfast, golf shirt, cart and green fees, post-tournament reception, most accurate drive and closest to the pin contests.

Tournament Sponsorships are available at three levels – Bronze, Silver, and Gold for financial support in the amounts of $500, $1,000, and $1,500 respectively. All tournament sponsors will receive a complimentary team and will be recognized during the tournament welcome and in the printed materials for the tournament.

Hole sponsorships are available for a $100 gift to the MECC Foundation. Hole sponsors will be recognized in the golf tournament program and by signs erected on the golf course.

Individuals or businesses who would like to sponsor the tournament in any way, provide an item for the auction, or provide a door prize may contact Jeri Bledsoe, Tournament Coordinator, by e-mail at jbledsoe@mecc.edu, or by telephone at 276-523-2400, extension 287.

Registrations may also be faxed to 276-523-7485, e-mailed to Jeri Bledsoe at jbledsoe@mecc.edu, or called in to Jeri at 276-523-2400, extension 287. For questions, please contact Jeri at the previously mentioned telephone number or e-mail address.

All proceeds from the event will benefit scholarships for Mountain Empire Community College students. Registration Form