Inspired By Excellence & Innovation

The Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges’ mission is to advance the distinctive values and strengths of our seventeen independent Virginia member colleges and universities. We do this by securing financial support, increasing visibility, facilitating innovative and collaborative programs, and supporting initiatives which ensure that this personalized educational experience remains an affordable choice for tomorrow’s citizen-leaders.

Student Spotlights

Kei’Shaun DeAurey Hardy, Virginia Union University

Kei'Shaun Hardy, originally from Washington, D.C., is a standout student at Virginia Union University for his extensive involvement in campus leadership. His roles have included

Maggie Kicklighter, University of Lynchburg

Maggie Kicklighter, a Westover Honors Fellow at Lynchburg, used GIS technology and a grant from the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges to map the hiking trails at Lynchburg's

William Crowder, Shenandoah University

Will has excelled for Shenandoah’s track and field program, earning All-Region (USTFCCCA) and All-State (VaSID) honors six times each. He’s a two-time ODAC champion, and was a

Rob Lindsay, Virginia Wesleyan University

While many students use winter and summer breaks from school as an opportunity to relax and step away from the classroom before returning to campus, Virginia Wesleyan junior and

Chloe Goode, University of Richmond

Chloe Goode was among 36 students — and the first UR student — to receive a competitive Fulbright Summer Institute fellowship to study at Queen’s University Belfast. She is also

Jaden Kuehner, Washington and Lee University

Jaden Kuehner, an ROTC cadet at Washington and Lee University, spearheaded fundraising efforts to build the first Gold Star Memorial in Lexington, Virginia. The memorial, which

Andy Chitwood, Roanoke College

Chitwood interns with Carilion Clinic’s head of neurosurgery research after being connected to their office by his advisor at Roanoke College. He also serves on the board of the

Abby Thompson, Randolph-Macon College

Thompson serves as the vice president for Macon Women Engineers as well as the historian for her sorority, Delta Zeta, and the president of the honor society Omicron Delta Kappa.

Jadin Wilkening, Randolph College

Jadin, a Presidential Ambassador at Randolph, is interning in web development with NASA's Disaster's Program, which helps communities plan for and recover from disasters, while

Catherine Young, Marymount University

Catherine is very involved in the Marymount University campus community, serving as a Student Leader for Catholic Campus Ministry, Student Ambassador in the Office of Admissions,

Grace Gardner, Mary Baldwin University

Grace combines her interest in artistic expression with her desire to enact business’ potential for good. She serves as president of MBU’s chapter of the national social and environmental

Charvi Gangwani, Hollins University

Gangwani cofounded a nonprofit organization that empowers adolescents in her home country of India and globally with essential emotional well-being skills. Her advocacy for mental

George Langhammer, Hampden-Sydney College

George is an ambitious scholar-athlete and engaged community member. He has been acknowledged as the College's fourth consecutive semi-finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy,

Ty Roberson, Emory & Henry College

Ty Roberson booked his first professional theatre job at Timberlake Playhouse in Mt. Carroll, Illinois last summer, utilizing the acting and singing methods and the skills he learned

Leigha Dillard, Bridgewater College

In the summer of 2023, Leigha took part in the prestigious National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates, working with Dr. Soo Jean Park at Macquarie University

Zelda Vasquez Ramirez, Sweet Briar College

Zelda is a Presidential Scholar, president of the LatinX club, a Mary K. Benedict Award winner and over this past summer, she was an intern at Glad Manufacturing Company.

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The VFIC is a not-for-profit corporation tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Copies of the financial statement are available upon request.