Pictured above are RCC President Shannon Kennedy and Jack Neal.
At its spring 2022 commencement, Rappahannock Community College (RCC) conferred an honorary degree to Graham “Jack” H. Neal, Jr., recognizing his significant contributions to the progress and development of RCC and its students. He recently retired as a Certified Financial Planner and Senior Vice President of Neal Wealth Management of Wells Fargo Advisors in Kilmarnock, Virginia.
Neal is President of the George and Cornelia Verlander Memorial Foundation which was established in 2001 by Mr. Verlander’s estate. Over its 20-year history, the Verlander Foundation, under Mr. Neal’s guidance, has given $1.4 million to the RCC Educational Foundation for academic scholarships, workforce credential tuition assistance, and student success initiatives.
“I have been close partners with RCC since 1999. The value the College adds to the counties it serves has grown tremendously over the years,” said Neal. “RCC offers the opportunity for continuing education that otherwise might not be possible for many. I have seen both young and older students glide into four-year colleges or gain skills and certifications that change their lives forever.”
“Jack is a true partner with RCC leadership, asking how the Verlander Foundation can best help students and then following through with support,” said Dr. Shannon Kennedy, RCC President. “He goes beyond just providing funding to Lancaster County students through the Verlander Foundation. He knows their families, checks in on them, and mentors these young people. Jack works years in advance, with a network of local school officials, identifying Lancaster County students in the fifth through seventh grades so they can begin talking to them about the possibilities of higher education. All the Verlander Foundation asks is that they be good students and good citizens.”
“I am honored to be a part of the value RCC adds to our community,” Neal said.
Since 1970, Rappahannock Community College has been breaking down barriers to education in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck. Five degrees, 6 certificates, and 26 career and workforce studies programs are offered through RCC, in addition to nearly 40 guaranteed admissions agreements with colleges and universities across the state and region. For more information, visit rappahannock.edu.
