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vision
mission
8
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
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.
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.”
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
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
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).
Schalles Earns National Award
for Community Service
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.