Receiving the 19th Annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership

John Custis of Onancock, Virginia, has received the 19^th Annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. He was nominated for the award by Eastern Shore Community College. 

Hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE), more than two dozen individuals, families, and organizations were honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. The awards were presented at a luncheon ceremony in Richmond on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. VCCS Chancellor Dr. David Doré served as the emcee, and Mr. Mark Hourigan, founder and CEO of Hourigan, delivered the keynote address.

“Every time our donors support a scholarship, fund a new program, or an emergency grant, they are not just giving back, they are lifting up,” said Hourigan. “They are invaluable partners whose generosity can and does make the difference between a student dropping out or staying the course and realizing their true potential.”

Doré echoed those sentiments, adding that a culture of care can have a profound impact on student performance. “When our students realize that someone cares enough to help remove the formidable obstacles standing in their way, it’s life-changing,” he said. “The things they thought impossible suddenly become doable, and their confidence soars as a result.”

This year’s class of distinguished philanthropy leaders has collectively contributed $24 million dollars to Virginia’s Community Colleges.

John Custis has been a generous and loyal supporter of ESCC Foundation. Under John’s leadership on the Board and as Chair, ESCC Foundation completed a successful capital campaign and more than doubled the assets of our Foundation. As a successful attorney, John works with a number of our donors on planned gifts and continues to help ESCC Foundation build its Legacy Society and attract community leaders and businesses to support our mission.

“We are so pleased to honor John Custis for his work to build business partnerships, planned giving, and to widen our circle of friends and supporters,” explained ESCC President Jim Shaeffer. “John understands the obstacles that some of our students face like food insecurity, transportation, housing and childcare, and his support helps us meet these challenges. He and his wife Abbi give generously to the Foundation, and we are grateful for their leadership in philanthropy.”

About Virginia’s Community Colleges
Since 1966, Virginia’s Community Colleges have given everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills so lives and communities are strengthened. By making higher education and workforce training available in every part of Virginia, we elevate all of Virginia. Together, Virginia’s Community Colleges serve approximately 230,000 students each year. For more information, please visit www.vccs.edu.

About the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education
As the supporting arm of Virginia’s 23 community colleges, the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) broadens access to educational opportunities for all Virginians, while ensuring the long-term success of the Commonwealth and the needs of its workforce. To ensure access to high quality, affordable degrees and certifications, the Foundation’s statewide leadership raises funds and resources in order to supplement and support the activities of both individual students and community colleges. For more information on VFCCE and its mission, and to provide your support, visit www.vfcce.org.