Peter Bale of SRS Honored for Leadership in Philanthropy
The Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) recently hosted its 20th Annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy Luncheon, bringing together over 200 guests to recognize outstanding philanthropic contributions to Virginia’s Community Colleges.
The event honored more than two dozen individuals, families, and businesses from all 23 of Virginia’s Community Colleges, as well as the VFCCE itself. Award recipients were nominated in recognition of their exceptional commitment to the growth and development of Virginia’s community colleges and their respective foundations.
In his welcoming remarks, Chancellor David Doré saluted and thanked the donors for their unwavering commitment to students whose potential might otherwise go unrealized. “The individuals and organizations we honor in this room represent an extraordinary $27 million in lifetime giving to Virginia’s community colleges,” he said.
2026 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy Recipients included Peter Bale of Sentinel Robotic Solutions (SRS) for Eastern Shore Community College. As Founder of SRS, Peter Bale helped establish an Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) education program at ESCC, and he secured a donation of $1.8 million in UAS equipment to help ESCC students explore drone-related STEM careers.
Additionally, he created a partnership with ESCC for SRS to teach aerial drone flying to clients of the Department of Rehabilitative Services that is now being expanded statewide. Peter served on the ESCC Foundation Board from 2020-2025, and he has been a generous donor and sponsor of events.
Dr. Daryl Minus, President of Eastern Shore Community College, added “Peter’s unwavering commitment to ESCC’s mission has greatly enhanced our impact on the communities we proudly serve. He is dedicated to ensuring that our students have the support and equipment necessary to succeed, and he is a tremendous ally in ESCC’s continuous effort to deliver high-quality, relevant academic and workforce programs.”
ESCC will partner with Bale and SRS, the Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable, the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission, Luminary Air Group, Accomack and Northampton Counties, and the Accomack County Airport in the implementation of the recently awarded Go Virginia Grant of $788,700.
The grant will help establish a comprehensive unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) workforce and business development program aligned with regional industry demand and statewide aviation strategy. The program will expand credentialing opportunities, develop new engineering and electronics curricula, and provide hands-on training through real-world applications, building a scalable workforce pipeline for Virginia’s growing aerospace and unmanned systems sector.
Eastern Shore Community College and ESCC Foundation applaud the unwavering support of Peter Bale and congratulate him on this recent award.
Peter Bale, Founder of Sentinel Robotic Solutions (3rd from L), was honored April 22 as Eastern Shore Community College’s 2026 Leader in Philanthropy by Virginia Community College System. L to R: Patty Kellam, Exec. Director of ESCC Foundation; Erika Bale, CEO of Sentinel Robotics Solutions, Peter Bale; Dr. David Doré, Chancellor of Virginia Community College System; Dr. Daryl Minus, President of ESCC; Ray Wood, Chair of ESCC Advisory Board; Jeremy McLean, President of ESCC Foundation