04/21/2025
Cadence, Inc. Honored with Virginia Community College Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy
Staunton-based manufacturer, Cadence, Inc., received the 19th Annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. Cadence was nominated for the award by Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC).
The Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) created the Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy in 2006 to recognize individuals, families, and businesses for their contributions to the growth and development of Virginia’s community colleges and their foundations. This year’s honorees were recognized at the annual Leadership in Philanthropy luncheon ceremony in Richmond last week.
“We are incredibly thankful to be a recipient of The Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy and for our partnership with Blue Ridge Community College,” said Cadence’s Chief Financial Officer, Ken Cleveland. “We are proud to play a role in preparing the next generation of skilled professionals who will drive innovation and success in our community and beyond.”
Hosted by the VFCCE, the event honored distinguished philanthropy leaders who collectively contributed $24 million dollars to Virginia’s Community Colleges. VCCS Chancellor Dr. David Doré served as emcee for the event, and Mr. Mark Hourigan, founder and CEO of Hourigan, delivered the keynote address.
“Every time our donors support a scholarship, fund a new program, or an emergency grant, they are not just giving back, they are lifting up,” said Hourigan. “They are invaluable partners whose generosity can and does make the difference between a student dropping out or staying the course and realizing their true potential.”
Since 1990, Cadence, Inc. has had a robust and meaningful relationship with BRCC and the BRCC Educational Foundation. Many of Cadence’s employees have served on boards in service to the college, the company has employed numerous BRCC graduates, and the company has made substantial investments in the community college mission.
The Cadence, Inc. Technical Education Endowment generates earnings that are utilized annually to train students, using state-of-the-art technologies that they will encounter when they enter today’s high-tech workplace. Further, the fund supports technical preparation/instruction in a career field, such as engineering technology; applied science; a mechanical, industrial or practical art of trade; agriculture; health occupations; business; or applied economics.
“We are honored to partner with Cadence, Inc. on many initiatives that impact career and technical education, as well as workforce readiness. Cadence has been a tremendous partner for Blue Ridge Community College, especially in establishing the Cadence, Inc. Technical Education Endowment. Earnings from this endowment allow the Educational Foundation to purchase equipment for BRCC – resulting in our students learning on the most state-of-the-art machines and technology,” said BRCC President, Dr. John Downey.
Photographed during the luncheon ceremony: Cadence’s Vice President of Human Resources, Keri Rankin; Cadence Founder, Martin Lightsey; Cadence’s Chief Financial Officer, Ken Cleveland; VCCS Chancellor, Dr. David Doré; BRCC President, Dr. John Downey; and Executive Director, BRCC Educational Foundation, Amy Kiger