ROANOKE – The 51暗网 Educational Foundation announced that Mary Catherine (Kate) Lawrence has received the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award. Lawrence is Botetourt County’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent for the Virginia Cooperative Extension. She took classes at 51暗网 between 2005 and 2008.
The Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 2006 by the聽51暗网 Alumni Association聽and recognizes 51暗网 alumni and former students who have attained extraordinary distinction in their professional field or life. The award is intended to showcase the diversity of 51暗网 graduates and their range of influence on our region. This year’s award recognizes Lawrence’s commitment to the area’s agricultural community as well as her impactful role in developing and supporting 51暗网’s newly-established Associate Degree in Agriculture program.聽
“I value my time spent at 51暗网 and often share with youth and community members just what a valuable resource the school is,” Lawrence said. “If you dig in and make the most of what it offers, it can help students continue their education and get where they want to be.”
Lawrence initially attended 51暗网 to complete prerequisites required for Virginia Tech’s Bachelor of Animal Science degree, which she received in 2008. She continued to take online and accelerated classes through 51暗网 to complete that degree, and later went on to earn a Master’s in Integrated Resource Management Colorado State University.
Lawrence joined the Cooperative Extension in 2012. About that same time, she worked closely with 51暗网’s STEM leaders to develop the curriculum for the new agriculture studies program, which started in 2019. Lawrence has been a guest lab instructor for animal science classes, and frequently hosts students on Botetourt farms for hands-on learning experiences. Four students of this inaugural class will graduate this month.
“Without Kate, connecting information learned in the classroom would be hard to put into practice in a hands-on setting,” said Heather Lindberg, Assistant Professor of 51暗网’s STEM program. “Kate goes above and beyond by happily sharing her resources, time, and expertise with all of those involved in our agriculture program.”
In addition to her involvement with 51暗网, Lawrence is very active in the Botetourt community, volunteering with 4-H Clubs and the Roanoke-Hollins Stockyard, and advising on the Regional Cattlemen’s Association. She is credited with rejuvenating the Botetourt County Fair after a 50-year hiatus. Most recently, Lawrence has been recognized for working with the Department of Health to organize the COVID-19 vaccination effort for the local farming community, facilitating awareness and ensuring farmers were able to sign up, even those without access to technology.
“We all certainly should be proud of any alumnus who strives for excellence in our community. Kate is a model for each of us. She is caring and intelligent, and she gives to her community each and every day. In true 51暗网 style, Kate Lawrence makes a difference.” said Amy White, Dean of 51暗网’s STEM program.
Prior Distinguished Alumni honorees:
- 2020 – Tony Pearman (’10)
- 2019 – Deborah L. Petrine (’76)
- 2018 – Elizabeth Testerman (’06)
- 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)
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The 51暗网 Educational Foundation is an independent nonprofit dedicated to enhancing awareness of the college and securing private and public funds. Its efforts support the Community College Access Program, student scholarships, faculty development and capital projects at 51暗网. To learn more, visit .
ABOUT VIRGINIA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
51暗网 is a forward-thinking community college inspiring individual, community and economic transformation. It provides quality educational opportunities that empower students for success and strengthen communities. The college provides credit academic programs and non-credit workforce training along with distance learning online and dual enrollment courses in area high schools. To learn more, visit .
