BRCC EDUC ATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC
Fall 2025
BRCC Opens On-Campus Commercial Driving Program Training Facility Speakers (left to right) included Delegate Tony Wilt, CDL Advisory Board Member Chris Earhart, CDL Program Director Jim Butler, BRCC President Dr. John Downey, College Board Chair Cathleen Welsh, and Delegate Chris Runion.
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RCC hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting on September 23 for the new, on-campus Commercial Driving Program training facilities. The space includes a nearly five-acre lot for training and testing, and a building dedicated to Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) instruction. Local business leaders, trucking company executives, DMV partners, and College supporters joined BRCC faculty and staff for the event. “Our commercial driving, heavy equipment operator, and fork lift training programs are vital for the growth of the regional economy,” said BRCC President John Downey. He added, “BRCC transportation and logistics graduates ensure that products get to their destination, that land can be prepared for new construction, and that goods are ready for local markets.” CDL Program Director Jim Butler recognized CDL Training Coordinator Bill Byrd, and shared how it was program graduates’ growth and success that helps drive the program. “All of our students have a story and a dream, and that is what this new space will offer; the opportunity to achieve their goals, change their lives and the lives of their families.” BRCC Educational Foundation Board Chair Bret F. Harrison Vice Chair Holly M. Rasheed Secretary John A. Downey Treasurer Anastasia O. Triplett
Kenneth R. Boward Cynthia K. Didawick Janet S. Ewing Crystal L. Farmer
Dinah Gottschalk Donna S. Hahn Richard K. Halterman Hans C. Harman
James C. Hawkins Donna J. Ladd Larry K. Landes David R. Metz
Paula C. Moore-McClure Mary Pavlovskaya Heather Ream B. Randolph Roller
Jerry D. Sheets Daphyne S. Thomas Courtney W. Thompson Keith J. VanBenschoten
Community Link is an official publication of the Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation. It is distributed to friends in the Shenandoah Valley, as well as BRCC faculty and staff, and is published quarterly by the Development Office, Blue Ridge Community College, Weyers Cave, VA 24486. If you have any questions or comments regarding this publication, please contact Angie Glenn, Development Services Coordinator, at (540) 453-2307 or glenna@brcc.edu.