Spire Spring 2017

vision mission

Schalles Earns National Award for Community Service

B luefield College seeks to graduate servant leaders who understand their life calling and transform the world. If alumnus Ryan Schalles is any evidence of that, then BC is doing a good job of fulfilling its mission. In fact, Schalles, a 2002 BC graduate, was recently recognized by his employer, the Wendy’s Corporation, with a community service award for his work with Always Believe, a non-profit

Since joining the Always Believe cause, Schalles has helped the Bogues family plan several fundraisers. As part of his efforts, he invites local sports celebrities to give of their time to attend the fundraising events. He also assists with celebrity luncheons and with acquiring sponsorships for Always Believe fundraisers.

“I am blessed my company could support Muggsy and the Bogues family with Always Believe,” said Schalles. “They are

foundation dedicated to creating a safe place for underserved and at-risk children of Charlotte, North Carolina, to learn and grow, primarily through the game of basketball. Created by Muggsy Bogues – a former professional basketball player who enjoyed significant success in the game, despite being the shortest player to ever play in the NBA at 5’3” – Always Believe offers at-risk youth in the community the opportunity to be a part of Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball teams in order to develop and get exposure athletically and academically. Schalles got involved with Always Believe through another part of his community service, Celebrities and Strikes, a fundraising bowling event designed to benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

doing an excellent job changing children’s lives one at a time.”

In addition to planning fundraisers, Schalles gets to spend time with the youth who are a part of Always Believe, where he and others within the foundation teach the kids essential life lessons about character, leadership, and team building, all with the hope that the lessons will inspire the youth to reach their full potential as students and eventually adults. “I believe our efforts are truly making a difference with at-risk youth,” said Schalles, “because we are spending time with these individuals, which is needed so desperately to encourage positive behavior and to encourage growth and positive reinforcement. It is all about showing our at-risk youth that we care about them and they can reach their goals with

Alumnus Ryan Schalles (pictured right) says he is blessed to be able to work with former NBA great Muggsy Bogues (pictured left) in providing at-risk youth access to basketball camps and competitions that teach valuable life lessons.

Through his involvement with Celebrities and Strikes, he was invited to participate in Always Believe’s annual basketball summer camp where he heard Bogues’ story. “Muggsy inspired me to continue to make a difference in our community,” said Schalles, “and to appreciate a humble heart while holding leadership development, character building, mentoring, and team building to the highest standard.”

determination and thinking outside the box.”

Schalles credits Bluefield College for instilling in him the value of service. While a student at BC, he studied business management and exercise science. He was part of the Honors Program and a frequent member of the Dean’s List. He was also a member of the men’s varsity tennis and soccer teams and an active participant of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

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