Rappahannock Community College Honors Scholarship Recipients and Donors at Annual Celebration
Rappahannock Community College (RCC) recently hosted its annual Scholarship Reception, honoring student recipients and generous donors whose support continues to transform lives across the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck.
RCC’s Educational Foundation, Inc. (EFI), awarded a record $777,000 in scholarships to 571 students for the 2026-2027 academic year. Notably, all high school applicants from RCC’s service region received a scholarship.
Dr. Rob Gates, a longtime RCC supporter and chair of the EFI board, welcomed guests and reflected on the growth of the college’s scholarship program. “I’ve had the pleasure of over 20 years of involvement with RCC, both on the Local and Foundation boards, and have witnessed the growth of our scholarship program,” Gates said. “It’s been a truly rewarding experience, and my wife Beverly and I take great pride in supporting a scholarship that helps empower students.”
RCC President Dr. Kennedy thanked donors and celebrated the determination of students who balance college with work, family, and other responsibilities. “What a joy it is to see our scholarship donors, student recipients, families, faculty, and staff together in one room,” Kennedy said. “Tonight, we celebrate achievement, generosity, and the shared belief that education changes lives. I am so proud of you.”
Approximately 80 percent of RCC students attend college part-time while balancing classes with jobs, childcare, and family responsibilities. Scholarships help ease the financial burden of college, allowing students to continue working toward degrees, credentials, and career advancement.
“What fills this room is a true community, one where neighbors lift up neighbors, and where one person's generosity becomes another person's opportunity,” Kennedy said.
The reception also featured RCC alumnus Bryant Hudgins, a healthcare leader and business owner who shared how his education helped shape his career. Hudgins began as a Certified Nursing Assistant before earning his Licensed Practical Nurse credential at RCC. He advanced to positions as a nurse manager, assistant administrator, and administrator of a 180-bed care facility.
As his career progressed, Hudgins returned to RCC for additional coursework, completing classes online at night after work and once his children were in bed. His commitment to healthcare leadership earned him recognition as Virginia Healthcare Administrator of the Year. Under his management, Walter Reed Acute Rehab was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Nursing Homes for multiple consecutive years.
Hudgins’ journey was not always straightforward. Growing up in Gloucester, he initially gave little thought to his education. His perspective changed when he saw a friend pursuing nursing at RCC and realized he wanted to do work that helped people. Once enrolled, he found that he needed to develop stronger study habits. Classmates invited him to join their study group, helping him build the skills and confidence to succeed.
Sharing advice with scholarship recipients, Hudgins encouraged students to take on challenges and recognize the value of small steps. His experience demonstrates how education, perseverance, and support from others can lead to opportunities students may not have imagined. He now owns his own business and looks forward to creating opportunities for others along the way.
During the reception, Kennedy also highlighted RCC’s recent 5.1 percent enrollment growth and plans to expand educational and workforce opportunities. Upcoming projects include a new Health Sciences facility on the Warsaw Campus and expanded diesel and welding training on the Glenns Campus. RCC is the region’s only provider of nursing and diagnostic medical sonography programs.
“As we celebrate 55 years of RCC, we are not just looking back—we are building what comes next: more access, more completion, more graduates in high-demand fields, and more partnerships that ensure talent grows locally,” Kennedy said. “With your continued support, we will keep doors open, dreams within reach, and opportunities close to home.”
The reception concluded with a thank-you video from scholarship recipients to the donors whose generosity has helped make their education possible.
The 2027–2028 RCC scholarship application is now open through February 19, 2027. To learn more about applying for a scholarship or establishing one, visit rappahannock.edu/scholarships.