Lynchburg Chapter Awards

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The 56th Lynchburg Humanitarian Awards Dinner takes place on Thursday, May 23, 2024. Under the leadership of Dinner Chair Bill Bodine, the following individuals will be honored:

2024 HONOREES

Jennifer Bryant-Foster & Watt Foster
Laura Lacy Hamilton
Muriel B. Mickles
Chalmers M. Nunn, Jr.
Verna R. Sellers

The Humanitarian Award of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities is presented to those individuals who have demonstrated a personal commitment to the promotion of respect and understanding among people of diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. On occasion, the organization may bestow the Jeffrey B. Spence Award for Interfaith Understanding to individuals who have conducted exceptional work in the area of interfaith understanding. The Distinguished Merit Award recognizes corporations or community organizations for their humanitarian work.

2024 Honorees:

Humanitarian Award Honoree

Jennifer Bryant-Foster and Watt Foster

Learn More About Jennifer and Watt

Jennifer Bryant-Foster and Watt Foster are distinguished philanthropists committed to enhancing the well-being of communities. Watt’s stewardship at Foster Fuels Inc., a family business, has not only fostered business success but has also supported philanthropic endeavors. Recognizing the importance of giving back, Jennifer and Watt established The Foster Foundation in 2019, focusing on supporting women, families, veterans, and senior citizens in rural and urban communities. Through their Foundation, they have provided crucial support to numerous organizations including the Academy Center of the Arts and the National Center for Healthy Veterans, among others. Furthermore, their passion for land conservation has resulted in the preservation of over 4,500 acres in the region. In addition to their foundation work, they have implemented impactful workplace initiatives at Foster Fuels, promoting corporate social responsibility and inclusive policies, while fostering a culture of giving back and community engagement.

Humanitarian Award Honoree

Laura Lacy Hamilton

Learn More About Laura

Laura Lacy Hamilton, Executive Director of Lynchburg Beacon of Hope, is a transformative figure in Lynchburg’s educational landscape who ensures that every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Her dedication has led Lynchburg Beacon of Hope to launch groundbreaking initiatives aimed at enhancing college and career access for Lynchburg City School graduates. Laura’s innovative approach has led to the establishment of pioneering programs such as the Universal Promise Scholarship and High School Future Centers, which have significantly boosted post-secondary enrollment rates and forged invaluable partnerships with local educational institutions and industries. Laura’s impact extends beyond her professional endeavors, as evidenced by her active participation on the boards of Centra Health, Easley Foundation, Lynchburg Area Development Corporation, and past presidency of the Junior League of Lynchburg.

Humanitarian Award Honoree

Muriel B. Mickles

Learn More About Muriel

Muriel B. Mickles has inspired generations of students and community members alike, leaving an indelible legacy of service and impact on Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) and beyond. With a distinguished career spanning over five decades, Dr. Mickles’s contributions to education and community success are immeasurable. Her tenure at CVCC, including roles as Vice President of Academics, Students, and Workforce Development, and Interim President of Danville Community College, reflects her unwavering commitment to educational excellence and student success. As she states, she “has worked to create a culture of care where all individuals feel supported, important, and valued.” Dr. Mickles’s impact extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by her active involvement with the Alliance for Excellence, Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Roads to Recovery, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and numerous other organizations.

Humanitarian Award Honoree

Chalmers M. Nunn, Jr.

Learn More About Chal

Chalmers M. Nunn, Jr. epitomizes the values of healthcare excellence and community leadership while making enduring contributions to Central Virginia and beyond. With a distinguished medical career spanning decades, including roles as Chief Physician Executive for Nash Healthcare Systems and Chief Medical Officer of Centra Health, Dr. Nunn has been at the forefront of healthcare innovation and transformation. His involvement in local organizations such as Academy Center of the Arts, HumanKind, and the Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce (now Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance) reflects his commitment to community engagement and empowerment. Furthermore, his role as an executive coach and consultant provides invaluable support to healthcare professionals and organizations. Dr. Nunn names his greatest achievement as the relationships he has built and connections he has forged.

Humanitarian Award Honoree

Verna R. Sellers

Learn More About Verna

Verna R. Sellers has excelled in the field of geriatric medicine and community service, enriching the lives of countless individuals in Lynchburg and beyond. As CEO of Nazareth Geriatrics, LLC, Dr. Sellers provides vital education and consultancy services for post-acute and long-term care organizations, ensuring the highest standards of care for vulnerable populations. Her distinguished medical career, including roles as Medical Director of Centra PACE and Geriatrics Service for Centra Health, reflects her unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality. Dr. Sellers’s involvement in organizations such as the Lynchburg Academy of Medicine and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. underscores her dedication to community engagement and professional development. Her leadership and expertise continue to drive positive change, ensuring that individuals receive the compassionate care and support they deserve.