FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 17, 2026
Baton Rouge Community College welcomed supporters, community leaders, and philanthropic partners to its second annual Chancellor’s Circle reception, celebrating the continued momentum of the College’s premier leadership giving society and a defining milestone: the achievement of its First Fifty Founding Chancellor’s Circle Members.
Held at the home of community leaders and Chancellor’s Circle members Robert Schneckenburger and Whitney Vann, and co-hosted by Ralph and Edie Bender, the invitation-only gathering brought together BRCC Foundation Board members, business executives, industry leaders, philanthropists, alumni, and community advocates who share a commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening the future of the Capital Region.
Established in 2025, the Chancellor’s Circle unites philanthropic leaders who believe in the power of education to transform lives. Through annual support, members provide flexible resources that allow BRCC to respond to emerging opportunities, strengthen academic and workforce programs, and address the evolving needs of students, employers, and the community.
“BRCC is leading Louisiana’s economic future by addressing the state’s workforce needs and preparing students for high-wage, high-demand careers. Our Chancellor’s Circle members support that mission. They are true examples of what happens when generosity meets potential. Reaching our First Fifty Founding Members is a remarkable milestone, and their investment is already expanding opportunity, strengthening workforce pathways, and transforming lives throughout our region.”
-Willie E. Smith, Sr., BRCC Chancellor
The evening featured remarks from special guest Richard Nelson, President of Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges, who underscored the critical role community and technical colleges play in connecting education to employment and driving Louisiana’s economic growth.
“My vision for Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges is simple and direct: we must build the strongest education-to-employment pipeline in the country. That is exactly what's happening at Baton Rouge Community College, and it’s being done at a very high level. BRCC is not just participating in this work; they are helping lead it.”
--Richard Nelson, LCTCS President
That impact is reflected in the College’s outcomes. Nearly two in three BRCC students are first-generation college students, and 62 percent receive grants and scholarships that remove financial barriers to education and workforce training. BRCC graduates enter the workforce prepared, with an average starting salary of $46,300, contributing immediately to Louisiana’s economy.
A highlight of the evening was the opportunity for guests to engage directly with BRCC scholarship recipients representing programs ranging from nursing and construction management to business, culinary arts, process technology, and the sciences. Through personal conversations about their educational journeys and career aspirations, attendees gained a firsthand perspective on the impact of donor support. Behind every scholarship is a student pursuing opportunity, a career pathway meeting workforce demand, and a stronger future for the communities BRCC serves.
“We are deeply grateful to the individuals and families who have chosen to join the Chancellor’s Circle. Their leadership and generosity are helping create opportunities for today’s students while strengthening our community for generations to come.”
--Pilar Blanco-Eble, Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Executive Director of the BRCC Foundation
BRCC extends its sincere appreciation to Robert Schneckenburger, Whitney Vann, Ralph Bender, and Edie Bender for their hospitality and continued commitment to advancing the College’s mission.
To learn more about the Chancellor’s Circle or how to support Baton Rouge Community College, visit www.mybrcc.edu/foundation or contact the BRCC Foundation at foundation@mybrcc.edu.