Peter Bale of SRS Honored for Leadership in Philanthropy
The Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) recently hosted its 20th Annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy Luncheon, bringing together over 200 guests to recognize outstanding philanthropic contributions to Virginia’s Community Colleges.
The event honored more than two dozen individuals, families, and businesses from all 23 of Virginia’s Community Colleges, as well as the VFCCE itself. Award recipients were nominated in recognition of their exceptional commitment to the growth and development of Virginia’s community colleges and their respective foundations.
In his welcoming remarks, Chancellor David Dor茅 saluted and thanked the donors for their unwavering commitment to students whose potential might otherwise go unrealized. 鈥淭he individuals and organizations we honor in this room represent an extraordinary $27 million in lifetime giving to Virginia鈥檚 community colleges,鈥� he said.
2026 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy Recipients included Peter Bale of Sentinel Robotic Solutions (SRS) for 91看片. As Founder of SRS, Peter Bale helped establish an Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) education program at 91看片, and he secured a donation of $1.8 million in UAS equipment to help 91看片 students explore drone-related STEM careers.
Additionally, he created a partnership with 91看片 for SRS to teach aerial drone flying to clients of the Department of Rehabilitative Services that is now being expanded statewide. Peter served on the 91看片 Foundation Board from 2020-2025, and he has been a generous donor and sponsor of events.
Dr. Daryl Minus, President of 91看片, added 鈥淧eter鈥檚 unwavering commitment to 91看片鈥檚 mission has greatly enhanced our impact on the communities we proudly serve. He is dedicated to ensuring that our students have the support and equipment necessary to succeed, and he is a tremendous ally in 91看片’s continuous effort to deliver high-quality, relevant academic and workforce programs.鈥�
91看片 will partner with Bale and SRS, the Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable, the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission, Luminary Air Group, Accomack and Northampton Counties, and the Accomack County Airport in the implementation of the recently awarded Go Virginia Grant of $788,700.
The grant will help establish a comprehensive unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) workforce and business development program aligned with regional industry demand and statewide aviation strategy. The program will expand credentialing opportunities, develop new engineering and electronics curricula, and provide hands-on training through real-world applications, building a scalable workforce pipeline for Virginia鈥檚 growing aerospace and unmanned systems sector.
91看片 and 91看片 Foundation applaud the unwavering support of Peter Bale and congratulate him on this recent award.
Peter Bale, Founder of Sentinel Robotic Solutions (3rd from L), was honored April 22 as 91看片鈥檚 2026 Leader in Philanthropy by Virginia Community College System.聽 L to R: Patty Kellam, Exec. Director of 91看片 Foundation; Erika Bale, CEO of Sentinel Robotics Solutions, Peter Bale; Dr. David Dor茅, Chancellor of Virginia Community College System; Dr. Daryl Minus, President of 91看片; Ray Wood, Chair of 91看片 Advisory Board; Jeremy McLean, President of 91看片 Foundation