The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, FORGE, VA (VR) — Dr. John J. Rainone, president of Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC), has been honored with the prestigious Founders Award by Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Presented during SNHU’s recent Homecoming Weekend, the award
recognizes Rainone’s distinguished 35-year career in higher education, institutional leadership, and dedication to student success.
Associated with SNHU’s Alumni Hall of Fame, the Founders Award celebrates alumni whose professional achievements and community contributions exemplify the university’s commitment to excellence and service.
Rainone, a two-time graduate of SNHU, earned his bachelor’s degree in 1985 and master’s degree in 1990, when the institution was known as New Hampshire College. As a first-generation college student, he credits his undergraduate experience with shaping his lifelong mission to keep higher education accessible and transformative.
“When I first arrived at New Hampshire College, I could never have imagined that my journey would lead me to become a college president,” Rainone said. “As a first-generation student, I simply hoped education would open doors. What I discovered was something far more meaningful: education has the power not only to change our own lives, but to transform the lives of others.”
Since July 2013, Rainone has served as the fourth president of Mountain Gateway Community College, where he has championed workforce development, student retention, educational equity, and regional economic growth. His broader career spans leadership roles across New
Hampshire, Maine, and Virginia.
A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Rainone is an active speaker and author on philanthropy, non-profit leadership, and the vital role community colleges play in regional vitality.
Reflecting on the honor, Rainone expressed gratitude for the foundation provided by his alma mater and the mentors who guided his path.
“This award belongs just as much to the family, friends, mentors, and colleagues who supported me along the way,” Rainone added. “To Southern New Hampshire University, thank you for giving a first-generation college student the foundation to dream bigger, lead with purpose, and dedicate a career to helping others discover their potential.”
ABOUT MGCC: Founded in 1962 and located in the Alleghany Highlands region of Central Virginia, Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) is a two-year public institution of higher education and one of 23 community colleges in Virginia.
Mountain Gateway Community College operates two educational campuses, the Clifton Forge campus and the Rockbridge Regional Center in Buena Vista. MGCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees.
Mountain Gateway Community College is supported by the Commonwealth of Virginia, the counties of Alleghany, Bath, Northern Botetourt, and Rockbridge; the cities of Buena Vista, Covington, and Lexington. For more information about Mountain Gateway Community College, please visit MGCC.edu
ABOUT SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY: Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit university headquartered in Manchester, New Hampshire. Founded in 1932, SNHU serves learners through a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs and recognizes distinguished alumni through its annual alumni awards program.
