Today is National Philanthropy Day, and NOVA gratefully recognizes all the NOVA Educational Foundation donors who have so consistently helped our students cross the finish line with a certification or degree that leads to a family-sustaining career.

To keep our students on the path to success, the NOVA Foundation provides financial support for otherwise academically successful students facing financial hardship stemming from a lack of healthcare, transportation, housing or other basic needs. With their generous contributions, our donors provide life-changing wrap-around support in the form of scholarships and emergency grants for food, gas and other expenses.

Last week, ahead of Veterans Day, the NOVA Foundation celebrated veterans and military families – and a new partnership – at a “We Salute Our Veterans” event at the Medical Education Campus (MEC). The event kicked off with remarks from MEC Provost Dr. Shelly Powers, who touched on how important the student-veteran and military family population is to NOVA.

“We salute and honor our veterans, and we celebrate the tenth anniversary of Transurban North America,” said Powers. “We at the Medical Education Campus would like to express our gratitude for veterans and your self-sacrifice to protect the freedoms of our country.

NOVA serves over 4,000 students using military education benefits—including spouses, active duty servicemembers, veterans and dependents—with the goal of easing the transition from military life to civilian life, while also assisting those on active duty. During the event, Transurban (the operator of the 495, 95 and 395 Express Lanes) announced a $25,000 donation to specifically support veteran- and military-affiliated students to persist in their educational or professional journey despite daily financial challenges.

“For more than 10 years Transurban’s focus has been to strengthen the communities along the corridors in which we operate,” said Mike Discenza, chief financial officer for Transurban North America. “With one of the largest populations of veteran, military and government families in the nation calling Northern Virginia home, Transurban honors their service to our country and is committed to supporting their education and transition to the civilian work force.”

Kelly Persons, executive director of the NOVA Foundation, thanked Transurban and talked fondly of her family who served. “To our veterans, we celebrate you every single day.”

Financial gifts made to the NOVA Foundation support the students, faculty and programs of Northern Virginia Community College and help to continue to deliver academic innovation and excellence to our community. Even a small donation can have a big effect. The generosity of our donors leads to real results for NOVA students and the entire Northern Virginia region.

Takesha McMiller, director of military services, said, “What we do here at NOVA is to make things happen to support our students. It is so fitting that we have the opportunity to be here today with our students and Transurban..”

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About Transurban North America

Transurban is one of the world’s largest toll-road operators and developers, working to get people where they want to go, as quickly and safely as possible. In fiscal year 2022, our faster, more reliable roads saved customers an average of 320,000 hours each workday across five global markets. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, our public-private partnerships are transforming transportation choices using dynamic, real-time pricing on the 495, 95, and 395 Express Lanes. As we celebrate a decade of keeping Virginia travelers moving, we continue to work alongside our government partners to drive the technology, policy and mobility solutions that are connecting and strengthening communities today and ten years from now.

Learn more about Transurban North America at: Transurban.com | Expresslanes.com | A25.com

About Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA):

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is the largest public institution of higher learning in the Commonwealth of Virginia and one of America's largest community colleges. NOVA enrolls nearly 75,000 students at its six campuses in Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Springfield (Medical Education Campus) and Woodbridge, through NOVA Online and high school dual enrollment. We offer more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs to help our students reach their academic and professional goals through university transfers and access to the most in-demand careers. At NOVA, we strive to ensure that every student succeeds, every program achieves and every community prospers. For more information about NOVA and its programs or services, visit our website, www.nvcc.edu, or call 703-323-3000.

About the Northern Virginia Community College Educational Foundation (NOVA Foundation):

Founded in 1979, the NOVA Educational Foundation is dedicated to supporting Northern Virginia Community College’s goal of providing all students with a high-quality, life-changing education.  By connecting donors to NOVA programs, the Foundation raises funds, increases visibility and strengthens partnerships among the College, individual donors, businesses and state and local communities. The Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization, governed by a Board of Directors. Make a gift. Make a difference.