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Nominated by New River Community College, Foster’s foundation “is dedicated to fostering a brighter future and a stronger community within Virginia Tech and Virginia’s New River Valley through community involvement and scholarships,” according to a statement from the college.

“We can’t say enough about the generosity shown by Bud Foster and the Lunch Pail Defense Foundation,” said NRCC President Robert Brandon. “Mr. Foster’s belief in the value of hard work is legendary, and it’s heartwarming to see that he places such value on the potential of community college students who are willing to work hard to achieve their goals. The lives of many students and their families will certainly be improved thanks to the Foundation’s financial support.”

More than two dozen people, families and organizations were honored with Chancellor’s Awards for Leadership this year, representing contributions collectively of $24 million to Virginia community colleges.

“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 Mark Hourigan, founder and CEO of construction firm Hourigan and the keynote speaker.

w “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.”

Virginia Community College System Chancellor David Dore said the giving has a profound impact on students. “When our students realize that someone cares enough to help remove the formidable obstacles standing in their way, it’s life-changing,” he said. “The things they thought impossible suddenly become doable, and their confidence soars as a result.”