Danville Community College (DCC) has proudly announced that Senator Frank Ruff will be awarded an honorary degree during their upcoming commencement ceremony on May 11, 2024. Senator Ruff's remarkable dedication to education, public service, and his profound impact on the community make him an outstanding recipient of this prestigious recognition.
Elected to serve in the Virginia Senate in November 2000, Senator Ruff's illustrious career spans decades of tireless advocacy for educational initiatives and workforce development in Virginia. Prior to his tenure in the Virginia Senate, he served with distinction in the Virginia House of Delegates from his first election in 1993. Throughout his tenure, Senator Ruff has served on numerous Senate Standing Committees, including Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, Education and Health, Senate Finance and Appropriations, and General Laws and Technology, among others. He has also been actively involved in various commissions and councils dedicated to advancing the interests of the Commonwealth.
"For years, Senator Frank Ruff has been a driving force behind economic development, education, and workforce training in rural Virginia," said Dr. Jerry Wallace, President of Danville Community College. "His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the betterment of our community have left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals. It is with great honor that we recognize his extraordinary contributions and service to the Commonwealth."
Senator Ruff's advocacy for short-term credential funding and scholarship creation has directly benefited students within Danville Community College's service region. As a champion of the Virginia Community College System's G3 and FastForward program funding, he has supported DCC's workforce program offerings, ensuring that students have access to quality education and training opportunities. Additionally, as Chair of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (VTRRC), Senator Ruff has played a pivotal role in supporting workforce financial aid programs, such as the Tobacco Commission's Scholarship Program, benefiting eligible students enrolled in both short-term non-credit workforce programs and degree-seeking workforce programs at DCC.
“Senator Frank Ruff has long been a proponent of community college education and workforce training,” said Shannon Hair, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the DCC Educational Foundation. “Through his work with the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, Senator Ruff has been instrumental in creating workforce financial aid programs for community colleges in southside and southwest Virginia. These programs have allowed thousands of students to achieve their goal of a college degree or workforce credential, which has, in turn, enriched their lives and added value to our communities.”
Senator Ruff will address the graduating class, offering insights and wisdom gleaned from his distinguished career in public service.
The Danville Community College Commencement Ceremony will take place on May 11, 2024, at Averett University’s North Campus. This event is open to ticket-holders only.
For more information, visit www.danville.edu/graduation.
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