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UVA Wise Honors Campaign Cabinet as 2025 Volunteers of the Year

Dedra Duty
Campaign cabinet members with Chancellor Henry and Valerie Lawson

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise proudly recognized the members of the Honor the Future Campaign Cabinet as the 2025 Volunteers of the Year. This prestigious award honors individuals and groups whose extraordinary service has made a lasting impact on the College, its students and their families.

Each year, UVA Wise takes time to celebrate a Volunteer of the Year honoree, and this year’s recognition carries special meaning. Since the fall of 2019 the Campaign Cabinet has been advocating for UVA Wise, setting bold goals and leading the way for unprecedented philanthropic success.

The Cabinet launched the Honor the Future campaign with a goal of $100 million, a target many thought ambitious, but which these dedicated leaders pursued with unwavering commitment. The campaign launch in late 2019, was filled with energy, enthusiasm and excitement. Soon after, the pandemic presented unexpected challenges. Yet, rather than slowing down, the Campaign Cabinet adapted, caring for family, friends and the UVA Wise community while also embracing new ways of engagement through emails, texts, calls and virtual visits.

“The leaders of the Honor the Future campaign were resilient and dedicated,” said Valerie Lawson, vice chancellor for advancement and alumni engagement. “Every member played a crucial role in helping us achieve this ambitious goal. We could not have done it without them.”

 

Campaign cabinet members

This year’s honorees include the Executive Committee: Rhonda Perkins, Lewey Lee, Marcia Gilliam and Marvin Gilliam, along with the full Campaign Cabinet*, who together turned what seemed impossible into a reality. Their tireless efforts and heartfelt devotion to UVA Wise helped make the Honor the Future campaign a remarkable success.

Rhonda Perkins, Campaign chair says, “My dream for UVA Wise is that any student that has a desire to further their education can do so, if they have a little or nothing. Our students are great people and will go on to do great things. Making sure they have the finances to become that is our goal.”

The Volunteer of the Year Award is the highest recognition of service the College bestows and honors the very best of our college community.

* UVA Wise Honor the Future Campaign Cabinet

  • Mr. Mike L. Allen
  • Mr. Brian K. Blanton
  • Mr. Bruce Cahoon
  • Mr. Joey Carico
  • Mrs. M.J. Dixon Carpenter
  • Mrs. Elizabeth M. Cranwell
  • Mrs. Katheryn B. Curtis
  • Mr. Van W. Daniel III
  • Mrs. Dawn Gilbert
  • Mrs. Marcia E. Adams Gilliam
  • Mr. Marvin W. Gilliam, Jr.
  • Mr. James M. Gott
  • Mr. Don M. Green
  • Mr. Leton L. Harding, Jr.
  • Mrs. Donna P. Henry
  • Mr. George E. Hunnicutt, Jr.
  • Mr. Fran G. Hunt
  • Mrs. Valerie S. Lawson
  • Mr. Lewey K. Lee
  • Mr. Larry J. McReynolds
  • Mrs. Karen S. Mullins
  • Mr. Lawton Mullins
  • Mrs. Rhonda M. Perkins
  • Mrs. Jennifer L. Quillen
  • Mr. William J. Thompson, III
  • Ms. Santana Vasquez
  • Mrs. Dawneda F. Williams