Here’s a round-up of news briefs from around Southwest and Southside. Send yours for possible inclusion to news@cardinalnews.org.
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Virginia Tech raises fundraising goal to $1.872 billion
Virginia Tech has increased the goal for Boundless Impact, the most ambitious fundraising campaign in university history, from $1.5 billion to $1.872 billion in response to unprecedented generosity from Hokie Nation to date, according to the school.
The new target alludes to the 1872 founding year of what is now Virginia Tech, which began as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and is now a nationally renowned institution with enrollment over 37,000 and annual research expenditures over $531 million.
Boundless Impact: The Campaign for Virginia Tech was announced in October 2019 and is due to last through 2027. It’s the fourth national fundraising campaign the university has run. The university passed the $1 billion threshold for its Boundless Impact campaign toward the end of 2021. Virginia Tech’s current fiscal year, which started July 1, 2021, and ends June 30, 2022, has already seen the university announce its largest ever gift by an alumnus and conduct a record-setting Giving Day that raised over $8.4 million from more than 15,700 donors.
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P&H to add tennis program
Patrick & Henry Community College has announced that the college will soon be adding a new sport: tennis. The college plans to offer both men’s and women’s intercollegiate tennis teams. Recruitment for the teams will begin soon, and play is slated to begin during the 2022-23 academic year. Both teams will compete in Division III of the National Junior College Athletic Association.
The college already has two tennis courts on campus for its future teams. However, to accommodate the anticipated number of players, P&HCC has partnered with Henry County Parks and Recreation department to utilize additional courts in the community. College officials say they have seen an increased interest in tennis programs among local high school students, so they are preparing for a similar level of interest among collegiate participants.
A search for a Head Coach is underway. College officials say that there are many more steps to complete before the tennis program will be ready to debut. However, they anticipate recruitment will begin in a few months. To stay up-to-date on the progress as these new teams develop, follow the Patrick & Henry C. C. Athletics page on Facebook.
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Carilion seeks patients for Huntington’s Disease study
Carilion Clinic researchers are recruiting patients with Huntingon’s Disease to participate in a one-time online survey to learn more about their experience with the disease, quality of life, and perceived stigma. Individuals who are interested or want to learn more can visit CarilionClinic.org/huntingtons-disease.
The disease is a genetic, progressive, neurodegenerative illness. It affects the brain and gets worse over time, and it’s passed down from one generation to another. There are three types of symptoms: behavioral changes, cognitive decline, and involuntary movements. Currently, there is no cure. There are ways, however, to treat the symptoms.
(Disclosure: Carilion is one of our donors but donors have no say in news coverage. You can read our policy and the full list of donors.)
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ValleyStar foundation raises money for Carilion
The ValleyStar RISE Foundation, the charitable arm of ValleyStar Credit Union, will host The Big Tee Off golf tournament at Chatmoss Country Club in Martinsville on May 5. All funds raised will support Carilion Children’s Hospital located in Roanoke.
The original goal was to raise $40,000 but ValleyStar says it has surpassed that and now has a new goal of $48,000.
(See disclosure above).
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Dan River Region Black Chamber of Commerce forms
The Dan River Region Black Chamber of Commerce (dba Black Business Collaborative-Dan River Region) launched with SWaM Strong Spring Procurement Fair on April 26. SWaM Strong was held at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research and hosted 19 Procurement Representatives and 76 small and minority businesses. This event was a collaboration with the City of Danville Office of Economic Development, ClayCo, Rise Collaborative, Danville Community College, Entrepreneur Ecosystem Dan River Region, and Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce.
For more more information about the Dan River Region Black Chamber of Commerce, visit www.DRRBCC.org