John J. Rainone, EdDPresident, Dabney S. Lancaster Community College |
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The INSIGHT Into Diversity Giving Back Award honors college presidents and chancellors who go above and beyond their everyday duties to give back to their institutions and communities. President Rainone was nominated by colleagues and selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity as a 2016 Giving Back Award recipient for his dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion and encouraging community service both on his campus and in the surrounding community.
Civic Involvement
President of the local Rotary Club; board member of the LewisGale Hospital Alleghany and Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation
Supporting Students
Rainone established a veterans services center on campus to assist student veterans and their families with all aspects of applying and enrolling, as well as filing for financial aid. He also secured grant funding to help dual-enrolled students and their families cover out-of-pocket costs.
Engaging Underrepresented Students
Rainone approved the launching of a new club to engage African American students in areas in which few are involved. This student club, which is open to the public, provides open meetings and initiates dialogue among its members.
Recognition
Recognized as a “Mover and Shaker” by Seacoast Media Group in 2013
Nomination Excerpt
“Rainone is all about students of all backgrounds. As a first-generation college student himself, he continually strives to reduce barriers for those seeking postsecondary education. [He] leads by example [and] does not ask anyone to do anything that he himself would not be willing to do. In every work group — from collecting trash and [doing] yard work for community homes to painting walls to brighten up student lounge areas — he takes the lead and puts in numerous hours beyond those required of his position. … [He] regularly asks, ‘What can we do to make this college and the community better?’”
