Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, which has a major manufacturing and distribution facility in Oxford, recently established a new scholarship at Vance-Granville Community College.
For the company, headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the scholarship marks an enhancement of its partnership with the community college. The company was the presenting sponsor of VGCC’s 33rd annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament in May, which set a new record for fundraising success.
Mike Little, president of Santa Fe Natural Tobacco, said his company values VGCC’s important role in economic and workforce development. “It’s important for us at Santa Fe to be involved in our community and supportive of our community,” Little said. “In addition, if we can help prepare people for professional life who might work for us one day, that’s a win-win.” He added that VGCC, particularly through its Continuing Education division, has been helpful to his company. “Vance-Granville has already provided us with great training that has deepened the skills of many of our employees, and we look forward to continuing that partnership,” Little said. 
The “Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company Academic Achievement Award” will be the company’s first endowed scholarship at a community college, according to Little. His company is a subsidiary of Reynolds American, which, Little noted, is also interested in philanthropy and supporting higher education. In awarding the new scholarship, preference will be given to students enrolled in programs that help meet the employment needs of manufacturers, such as Welding Technology, Mechatronics Engineering Technology and Business Administration.
“Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company is a strong community partner and supporter of Vance-Granville,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of VGCC. “We are grateful to them for investing in our students and in the future of our region.”
Through the Endowment Fund, VGCC has awarded more than 8,800 scholarships to students since 1982. Scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education. For more information about the Endowment Fund, call (252) 738-3409.
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