(Danville) — Danville Community College is ready to honor a long-time state lawmaker who recently retired.
Former State Senator Frank Ruff will be awarded an honorary degree during DCC’s commencement ceremony on May 11, 2024. He will also deliver the commencement address.
During his legislative career, Ruff pushed for G3 and FastForward program funding for state community colleges. He also supported DCC’s workforce program offerings, giving students access to education and training opportunities.
“Senator Frank Ruff has long been a proponent of community college education and workforce training,” said Shannon Hair, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the DCC Educational Foundation. “Ruff has been instrumental in creating workforce financial aid programs for community colleges in southside and southwest Virginia. These programs have allowed thousands of students to achieve their goal of a college degree or workforce credential, which has, in turn, enriched their lives and added value to our communities.”
As Chair of the Virginia Tobacco Commission, Ruff supported a Scholarship Program helping eligible students enrolled in both short-term non-credit workforce programs and degree-seeking workforce programs at DCC.
“For years, Senator Frank Ruff has been a driving force behind economic development, education, and workforce training in rural Virginia,” said Dr. Jerry Wallace, President of Danville Community College. “His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the betterment of our community have left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals. It is with great honor that we recognize his extraordinary contributions and service to the Commonwealth.”
Ruff won re-election to the State Senate last fall, but stepped down a month later because of health reasons. Former Ruff aide Tammy Mulchi won a special election to replace Ruff in the Virginia State Senate.
Last month, the Center for Rural Virginia was renamed in Ruff’s honor.