Hale is 2019 Volunteer of the Year

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise recognized Donna G. Hale as its Volunteer of the Year Saturday during the annual Benefactors Celebration at the David J. Prior Center.
 
The award honors extraordinary service that has a substantial impact on students and their families. Valerie Lawson, vice chancellor for advancement and alumni engagement, presented the award to Hale.
 
“Donna Hale gives of her time, talent and treasure,” Lawson said. “She is often called an unsung hero who champions and supports her students and their activities. It is her mission in life to let students know they are valued.”
 
Hale goes the extra mile to support her students. As an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Social Sciences, Hale drives 90 minutes each way from Council, Virginia to work in Wise two days a week, but she is often on campus most of the week.
 
“She enjoys being engaged in the lives of students and she wants them to know that someone is always here to support them as many of their family members live hours away,” Lawson said.
 
A shutterbug, Hale often photographs events on campus and shares the snaps with students and their families. She took the one photo that captured the College’s football victory over Emory & Henry on a play that happened the last 12 seconds of the game several years ago.
 
“She was in the right spot that day capturing the play, and she is always in the right spot documenting what will become treasured memories,” Lawson said. “Donna is an amazing person and a remarkable faculty member who positively impacts anyone that she meets.”
 
Hale is a 1971 graduate of the College and she earned a master’s degree from Radford University.