The first program award in the Robert E. Kauffman Fund was presented to the dance program at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC), and helped pay for their travels to a national competition.

The fund is named after the former head of the college's theater and performing arts department. Kauffman, 73, of Arnold died in March 2011 of cancer. The performing arts theater at AACC was named in his honor.

Kauffman was known affectionately as "chief" by those who knew him best. An endowment fund was set up in his honor, and is used to support programs within the college's performing arts department.

AACC President Martha Smith announced Tuesday that the first award in the program's fund would go to the college's dance company.

The fund was used to help pay expenses for the dance company to attend the northwest region of the American College Dance Festival, held in Utah in March. Out of 31 colleges attending, AACC was one of just three community colleges in the conference. The dance company submitted two pieces for judges. Both of which were well received, Smith said.