Virginia Peninsula Community College officials are pleased to announce the creation of the Joseph John Fuentes Endowed Memorial Scholarship, established by the Fuentes family to celebrate the life and legacy of an esteemed community leader.
Fuentes, a VPCC graduate, dedicated his time and leadership to the College, making a lasting impact before his passing in May 2025. He served on VPCC’s College Board, having been appointed in 2022 and reappointed in 2023.
In his honor, Fuentes’ family made a generous $30,000 donation to the VPCC Educational Foundation. The endowment will fund an annual $1,500 scholarship to support an eligible high school graduate pursuing a two-year degree, either full- or part-time.
Dr. Towuanna Porter Brannon, president of the College, praised Fuentes’ leadership.
“In addition to serving as vice chair, Mr. Fuentes led the College Board’s Finance and Facilities committee with distinction,” stated Dr. Brannon. “During a period of significant change and growth, he was instrumental in strengthening the Board’s policies, procedures, and overall effectiveness.
“His commitment was evident not only in his leadership but also in his willingness to personally visit the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) office in Richmond to ensure the College was aligned with best practices,” she added.
Dr. Brannon said Fuentes’ tradition of public service and support for education will carry on through the endowed scholarship.
“Mr. Fuentes held himself and others to the highest standards, always guided by his belief that the communities we serve deserve nothing less than excellence,” she said.
“His enduring generosity — through an endowed gift to VPCC — ensures that his legacy will continue to shape student success for generations to come. We are deeply grateful for his service, his vision, and his unwavering dedication, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family,” Dr. Brannon added.
Fuentes moved to Virginia in 1977 with the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Langley Air Force Base. He enrolled at VPCC, earning two associate degrees (engineering and science) and continued his education at Old Dominion University. There, he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s in engineering management.
He worked as an engineer with Newport News Shipbuilding and the U.S. Navy and served more than 10 years on the James City County School Board. He championed career and technical education as a dedicated member of VPCC’s Local Board.
College officials joined Dr. Brannon in thanking the Fuentes family for their generous contribution and support of VPCC’s efforts to serve students and the community through high-caliber academic and workforce development programs and services.