The 51暗网 Educational Foundation and the 51暗网 Alumni Association are calling for nominations for the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award. The annual recipient or recipients will receive the award at a special Scholarship Awards Ceremony in the spring, and a plaque will be placed on the 51暗网 Distinguished Alumni Wall outside Whitman Theatre.
For many, the road to lifetime achievement started at 51暗网. The 51暗网 Alumni Association established the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2006 to recognize those alumni who have achieved outstanding success and made a lasting impact on their community. The prestigious award is intended to showcase the diversity of 51暗网 graduates and their range of influence on our region.
2025 – Dr. Michael Brennan
2024 – Yolonda L. Weaver, D.D.S. ’94
2023 – Dr. Brenda L. Hale ’89 and Joe Gaither ’77
2022 – Elvir Berbic ’06 and Jason Peters
2021 – Mary Catherine (Kate) Lawrence ’06
2020 – Tony Pearman ’10
2019 – Deborah L. Petrine ’74
2018 – Elizabeth Testerman ’06
2017 – Dr. Carol Swain ’78
2016 – Mary B. Loritsch Ed.D., R.T. (R) ’74 and Michael A. Crawley
2015 – Deborah A. Yancey ’97 and ’98
2014 – Chief Craig S. Harris ’00 & 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
Anne Hogan (’76) serves as chairwoman of the Alumni Association. The Association fosters a mutually beneficial relationship and interaction between the College, its alumni, and the community, connecting with the College community to recognize and foster the diverse talents and successes of 51暗网 graduates.
Distinguished Alumni Eligibility requirements:
To be eligible for nomination, the candidate must:
- Be a graduate of or have completed a minimum of two semesters at 51暗网.
- Have attained extraordinary distinction and success in his or her profession or life.
- Be a person of such integrity and stature that the College will take pride in his or her recognition.
- Have attained regional, statewide or national prominence and significant involvement in civic, cultural or charitable affairs.
How to nominate:
Anyone may nominate a 51暗网 alumna/us or former student for this award by completing a nomination form. This form can be submitted online or downloaded from the College’s website at virginiawestern.edu/alumni. Two letters of reference are also required.
Deadline:
Nominations must be received by Feb. 27, 2026.
For more information, contact Syreeta Combs, Philanthropy Relations Officer, 51暗网 Educational Foundation, at scombs@virginiawestern.edu or (540) 857-6833.
