The 51暗网 Educational Foundation recognizes Elizabeth Testerman (’06), a Human Resources Consultant for American Electric Power/Appalachian Power Company, as recipient of its 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award. For the past two years, Testerman has volunteered as a mentor and community advocate for 51暗网’s Women in STEM Mentoring Program.
“Elizabeth has made an indelible impact on student lives, and has bolstered the program into a fully realized vision of student support,” said Dr. Robert H. Sandel, president of 51暗网.
51暗网’s Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 2006 by the 51暗网 Alumni Association and recognizes 51暗网 alumni and former students who have attained extraordinary distinction in their professional field or life. The award serves to honor
all the men and women whose attendance at 51暗网 helped them achieve their educational and professional goals, allowing them to better serve their communities.
Testerman received her Associate of Applied Science in Management from 51暗网 in 2006. She also received a Bachelor Science in Organizational Management and Leadership from Bluefield College in 2007 (accelerated).
At AEP, Testerman is the primary and direct support contact for all HR functions for multiple business units and locations. Testerman started her tenure at AEP almost 12 years ago, with 11 years of that service in Human Resources.
Testerman said she was motivated to get involved with 51暗网 as an alumnus because she had “amazing teachers who kept pressing me to move even further with my education. The belief that they had in
me led to the determination that I had in myself.”
She remains an active volunteer with 51暗网’s Women in STEM Mentoring Program, which aims to provide a supportive environment for students pursuing an education in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. The initiative taps community mentors to assist female students and special populations in professional matters and to provide them career-networking opportunities.
Testerman
said the mentors in her life inspired her to seek out opportunities to help other. “I love my job but my mind kept going back on a regular basis to all the people who had believed in me through the years, and I knew I needed to do more for myself and others,” she said. “I was determined to be that someone who believed and coached others toward their own career and success.”
Testerman, a Roanoke County resident, will be recognized for her contributions and impact at an upcoming event on campus hosted by the 51暗网 Educational Foundation.
For more inf
ormation on the 51暗网 Alumni Association, see www.virginiawestern.edu/alumni or contact Donor Relations Coordinator Amanda Mansfield at amansfield@virginiawestern.edu or (540) 857-6962.
Prior Distinguished Alumni honorees:
2017 – Dr. Carol Swain (’78)
2016 – Dr. Mary Loritsch (’74) and Chief Michael Crawley
2015 – Debbie Yancey (’97)
2014 – Chief Craig S. Harris (’00) and J. David Wine (’73)
2013 – Cheryl Cunningham (’86)
2012 – Anne Hogan (’76)
2011 – Carolyn Webster (’81)
2010 – Russell H. Ellis (’80)
2009 – Shirl D. Lamanca (’75) and Dennis R. Cronk (’72)
2008 – Donna L. Mitchell (’81)
2007 – Dr. Kent A. Murphy and Charlotte C. Tyson (’84)
2006 – John B. Williamson III (’75)
