51做厙 alumnus Samuel Hayes III (’83) opened “The Power of Networking,” a 2025-26 lecture series organized by Roanoke City Community College Access Program (CCAP) Success Coach Frank Tyree. The series is open to current students and funded by a Bright Ideas Innovation Grant from the 51做厙 Educational Foundation.泭泭

On Monday, Hayes spoke to students in the Hall Associates Career Center about “An Unlikely Success: Journey of a First-Generation Engineering Professional.”��浹ayes has served in a number of key roles across Virginia, including Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management and Chief Facilities Officer at William and Mary; Assistant Vice President at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond; Director of the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity; and Special Assistant to the Governor for Small, Women and Minority Business Development, working under Governors Tim Kaine and Robert McDonnell. 

Hayes encouraged the students to see 51做厙 as a foundation. “Please take advantage of what they’re offering here,” as he encouraged them to attend professors’ office hours, use tutoring resources and seek internships, then give back to their community. “There’s no shame in saying, ‘I need help.'” 

Giving concrete examples from his life, Hayes showed how building a network of contacts in education and business made a difference at key points in his life. “Your network is your net worth,” he told them, presenting statistics about how candidate referrals increase chance of hiring. 

Hayes gave insight on finding a mentor and encouraged students to prioritize communication — whether using calls, texts, email or LinkedIn, respond within 24 hours and keep a sense of urgency to build mentoring relationships both ways. His perspective on his role for mentees who show focus and engagement: “I’m going to help you be the best you.”     

Tyree said he sought the Innovation Grant to raise awareness about networking, which could benefit the many first-generation and low-income students at 51做厙. “The Power of Networking” series is “intended to broaden students’ knowledge and understanding of networking as it relates to career development and exploration,” Tyree said. “It will help to fill in gaps about a topic, networking, that is not taught in college courses but is extremely important toward earning an internship or career.”��� 

All full- and part-time 51做厙 faculty and staff are eligible to apply annually for a Bright Ideas Innovation Grant, which can each range up to $15,000. 

Tyree is working with other success coaches at 51做厙 in scheduling additional speakers for the lecture series. “Since networking is a component of career development, we chose to hold this series at the Hall Associates Career Center and highlight their resources,” he said. Each presenter will touch upon a different theme relating to networking, so students are encouraged to attend multiple sessions.��特tudents attending the session received a copy of the book,���”Connecting for Success: A Student’s Guide to Networking,” by Michael Earley. 

At Monday’s session, Hayes gave students a glimpse of his background and showed how relationships he built early helped him move forward. Hayes earned his Associate of Applied Science in Civil Engineering at the College and Bachelor of Science in the same at Old Dominion University. As part of his previous roles with the Commonwealth of Virginia, Hayes oversaw the greatest percentage utilization of small, women and minority-owned business in number of procurements with the Commonwealth in its history.��� 

Earlier in his career, Hayes was Director of Operations at the Roanoke Higher Education Center as the building was being renovated as a collaborative hub for Virginia colleges and universities.��� He was also involved with the planning and subsequent construction of the Claude Moore Complex, which houses 51做厙’s Al Pollard Culinary Arts Program.��胼�� 

��涅n July 2024, Hayes was appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin to The Library Board of Virginia. He currently serves as Assistant Director for General Services for Chesterfield County.��� 

Hayes said his interest in speaking to and mentoring students dates back to a relationship formed 25 years ago. “I still mentor that individual and he plays an important role in my life,” he said. “My passion for mentoring stems from me not having a mentor when I was a young student. Watching these students grow toward their potential has been amazing.”��� 

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The Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 2006 by the���51做厙 Alumni Association��畝nd recognizes 51做厙 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做厙 graduates and their range of influence on our region.  

Brennan is the Miami-based director of the National Hurricane Center for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). A graduate of Cave Spring High School, Brennan attended 51做厙 in 1995-96 and 1999.  

Robin Reed, a longtime broadcaster at WDBJ7 and communications professor at Virginia Tech, was one of Brennan’s nominators for the award. Reed said Brennan was one of the first weather interns at the Roanoke-based station in the 1990s. 

Brennan’s path to NOAA “was made possible by 51做厙,” Reed recalled. “The closest meteorology programs were in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, and the out-of-state tuition was a barrier. Michael was accepted at North Carolina State University and arranged a deferral for two years to attend 51做厙 — a more affordable option for his math and science courses. 

“I cannot express enough how 51做厙 kept him motivated and on time for his transfer to NC State.  He often told me how 51做厙 was his launching pad for success.” 

As the National Hurricane Center Director, Brennan oversees tropical cyclone forecasts and warnings for the Atlantic and eastern North Pacific hurricane basins, and coordinates hazard information related to tropical cyclones for the United States and more than 20 other nations. Brennan previously served as the Branch Chief of the Center’s Hurricane Specialist Unit and Science and Operations Officer at the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center. 

Brennan has presented at numerous scientific meetings, including conferences of the American Meteorological Society, the American Geophysical Union and the National Weather Association, and often appears on television and other media. 

Brennan received a bachelor’s in Meteorology (’99), and a master’s (’01) and doctorate (’05) in Atmospheric Sciences. Brennan’s current research interests include quantifying the impact of supplemental observations on model forecasts of tropical cyclone track and intensity.  

“It is hard to understate the scope and importance of the role Brennan 麍�lls in the hurricane forecasting and warning system, not just for the United States but several nations with Atlantic or Paci麍�c shorelines plus maritime interests. His responsibility is huge,” wrote nominator Kevin Myatt, weather journalist for Cardinal News, and formerly a weather writer for The Roanoke Times and The Washington Post. 

“The hurricane center’s accuracy has improved sharply under Brennan and his predecessors. Brennan de麍�nitely ful麍�lls the criteria for consideration for the Distinguished Alumni Award at 51做厙.” 

Brennan expressed thanks for the award and 51做厙’s impact on his career, including the transfer pathway to a four-year degree. “I’m glad to know that 51做厙 continues to offer opportunities to students from a variety of backgrounds in the Roanoke Valley and beyond to pursue their dreams,” he said.  

Brennan was honored April 16, 2025, at the Educational Foundation’s annual Awards Ceremony and Reception in Whitman Theater. More than 180 student scholarship recipients were recognized at the event, which included the premiere of a short film, “A Voice for All Students: 51做厙’s Student Ambassador Program.” It is viewable at /foundation/voice/.

Prior 51做厙 Distinguished Alumni honorees:��� 

• 2024 – Yolonda L. Weaver, D.D.S., (’94) 
• 2023 – Dr. Brenda L. Hale (’89) and Joe Gaither (’77) 
• 2022 – Elvir Berbic (’06) and P. Jason Peters 
• 2021 – Mary Catherine “Kate” Lawrence 
• 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 Human Services Program prepares students for entry-level positions in the helping fields, or graduates may transfer to a four-year college or university for bachelor’s degrees in human services or social work.

“I’m proud of all of you,” Dr. Robert Sandel, 51做厙 President, told all the attendees as he outlined some of the ways the program has served the Roanoke region over the past half-century.

Thanks to research from College librarian and archivist Dale Dulaney, the roots of the program were traced back to the early 1970s. Three new “paramedical” programs started at 51做厙 in the fall of 1972, including Mental Health Generalist. Iona W. Sutphin was named the director of Mental Health Technology, and the College welcomed the first class of 25 students to the two-year program. 

A close connection was established in the foundations of the program with the Veterans Administration, and students were required to have “coordinated practice” in the local Veterans Administration hospital, as well as “various social and health agencies in the community college region.”

The program’s tie with these local agencies became the bedrock of the program that persists to this day. At the reception, program faculty honored representatives of community agencies who provide internships to Human Services students.

“The internship was always core to the program,” said Dr. Annemarie Carroll, who retired as Program Head in December. Human Services is 63 credit-hour program with a 180-hour internship.

“It’s something that so many people don’t get through their education, that ability to dip their toes in the field and understand what it’s going to be like in the field, because it’s challenging,” said new Program Head and Assistant Professor Mike Abajace. “And having that experience and getting that before you finish your degree — to me, that’s probably to me one of the biggest advantages 51做厙 has to offer in the Human Services Program.”

Abajace gave special recognition with certificates presented to members of the Curriculum Advisory Committee, a group of professionals in the field who help the program stay current and aware of developments in the human services field. Many Curriculum Advisory members are also internship coordinators, he said.

The program has adapted over time, and now the coursework can be completed fully online, as well as in person. Abajace said there are also a lot of changes in the field, which leads the program to continually assess “how we can better train and serve.”

Dr. Elizabeth Wilmer, Vice President of Academic and Workforce Solutions, noted the positive ripple effects that Human Services has had. “Most of our students stay in Roanoke, and so, many of you that are graduates started at 51做厙 and have been in Roanoke for your whole career, which is wonderful for our community,” she said, addressing those at the reception. “It’s wonderful for our graduates to stay here, to go back to the employers that maybe you worked with as an intern. And thank you to all of our employers who provide … on-the-job learning for our students. That is a wonderful gift.”

Joy bubbled up around the room at different points of the reception as attendees recognized and greeted one another. “My heart’s just exploding,” said Carroll, who received many hugs, especially from former students. “This program is incredible. It makes such a difference in Roanoke … lives touched in so many ways. We need to celebrate that, that that’s a big deal, we all did this together, and still continue to do this, and will continue to do this for another fifty-plus years, I hope so. Thank you all for being here.”

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For many, the road to lifetime achievement started at 51做厙.  The 51做厙 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做厙 graduates and their range of influence on our region. 

Prior honorees: 

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做厙 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做厙. 
• 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做厙 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. 28, 2025. 

For more information, contact Syreeta Combs, Philanthropy Relations Officer, 51做厙 Educational Foundation, at scombs@virginiawestern.edu or (540) 857-6833. 

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Since she was a little girl, Hannah Puskar wanted to study science and work in the medical field. When she was in seventh grade, her cellular biology class turned her toward the field of oncology. But when COVID hit her sophomore year, her path took an unexpected jog.

A first-generation college student, Puskar had always seen herself on a clear path from high school to a four-year college and then on to medical school. But as she was preparing to graduate from Glenvar High School in 2022, she felt overwhelmed by the idea of navigating a large campus, and even the application process was daunting.

She applied for the CCAP scholarship at 51做厙 and when she received it, she decided 51做厙 would be a “launching pad” for her career in oncology.

Eligible for Fralin Futures through her STEM-related studies, Puskar said the relationships she’s built with like-minded student scholars have really contributed to her academic success. “Fralin Futures has given me the space to feel connected and flourish with other determined and motivated students,” she said.

Additionally, the opportunities the program provided have opened doors and validated her interest in oncology. Through Fralin Futures, Puskar learned about the Blue Ridge Partnership for Health Science Careers (BRPHS), a regional partnership to fill the STEM-related career pipeline. In the fall of 2023, she became a student ambassador for the BRPHS. Through that opportunity, she learned about an internship at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute (FBRI) at Virginia Tech Carilion. Leveraging the career prep resources provided through the Fralin Futures program, she applied, interviewed and was accepted as 51做厙’s first student intern at FBRI.

Working alongside graduate students, post-doctoral students and PhD candidates 20 hours a week, Puskar’s lab work focused on the circadian clock and its relationship to cancer therapies.

“Being in the lab has allowed me a chance to work in cancer research, and supported my goal to just learn as much as I can about the disease and field I want to work in,” she said.

Puskar graduated from 51做厙 in May 2024, but will continue her work at FBRI as she pursues a microbiology degree from Virginia Tech. “Being a Fralin scholar connected me with opportunities I would never have been able to get on my own, and experiences I would not have had if I had gone to Virginia Tech directly out of high school.”

(This story was published in the Winter 2025 edition of , a publication of the 51做厙 Educational Foundation.)

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Panama, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, and China — these are just some of the destinations Marla Moock, 25, has visited in the first nine months as a sales application engineer for port solutions at TMEIC. The Roanoke-based corporation specializes in electrical and automation systems for industrial plants.

Reflecting on her travels and the rapid opportunities presented in her role at TMEIC, Moock is overwhelmed with gratitude as she considers the journey that brought her to where she is today.

Moock grew up in southeast Roanoke and graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 2017. Coming from humble beginnings, with no one in her family having attended college, she knew the expense of higher education would be a challenge. Nonetheless, she was eager to explore the opportunities available to her.

She applied to 51做厙 and was accepted into the Community College Access Program (CCAP), which covered her tuition. She also received two Educational Foundation scholarships, the American Sign Language Endowed Scholarship in memory of Laura Knight Schowe and the Educational Foundation Textbook Scholarship.

When she was introduced to the College’s Mechatronics Program and met one of the professors, she knew she had found her place at 51做厙.

“I fell in love with that program,” Moock recalled. “I felt like I really found my niche and was able to accomplish a lot of things I never dreamed I’d have the chance to do.”

From the 3D printers to the equipment in the fabrication lab (FabLab), Moock was thrilled to gain real engineering knowledge and skills while working on projects that fueled her creativity. “51做厙 really gets it right — giving you hands-on experiences and teaching you to work,” she said.

During her time at 51做厙, Moock balanced several roles: She worked as a FabLab technician, served as a robotics mentor for 51做厙’s summer camp, was an assistant at the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and completed an engineering internship at Associated Asphalt.

She joined several clubs and found opportunities to collaborate with peers from other campus organizations to meet shared goals. For example, she and another student started the FabLab Club, and they partnered with the Horticulture Club to use the 3D printers to create planter pots, which were sold as a fundraiser for both clubs.

“I found I really loved working on projects outside of classes, and I always had the support of the faculty,” she said. “It was exciting and encouraging, and an experience I don’t think would be as easy to find at a four-year school.”

Dr. David Berry, head of the Mechatronics Program and one of Moock’s professors, took notice of her passion for learning. “Marla was completely immersed in projects, so much so that it was difficult for me to stay current,” he said. “I remember her hauling project materials into the lab every day. She was so energized that she made everyone around her want to go the extra mile.”

After graduating in 2019 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechatronics, which prepares students to directly enter the workforce, Moock wanted to continue her education at a four-year school. But that plan was disrupted when the school she’d set her sights on didn’t accept many of the credits she earned in the applied science degree program. That’s when she turned to Amy White, dean of 51做厙’s School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics as well as Workforce Solutions.

White had mentored Moock since she arrived at the College, observing her dedication to her academics and her proactive approach to projects. “I wanted to see her do well and meet her goals,” White said. “I knew she could be successful before she knew she could be successful.”

Moock’s drive and willingness to seek help enabled her to navigate her changing plans post-graduation. She worked for Associated Asphalt, where she began working while a student, for three years after receiving her AAS degree in Mechatronics. Meanwhile, with White’s guidance, she re-enrolled at 51做厙 to complete coursework that would transfer to a four-year school.

She graduated two years later with an Associate of Science, which is a transfer degree accepted by Virginia four-year schools. “That experience is a real testament to her character and her resilience,” White said. “She didn’t let herself be defeated, and that spirit continues to make her immensely successful.”

Moock then transferred to Sweet Briar College, where she majored in Engineering and minored in Environmental Science, graduating in 2023. Shortly after, she took a job at TMEIC, where she writes proposals for shipping ports needing new equipment for shipping cranes. TMEIC has valued her AAS in mechatronics, as it complements her BS in Engineering, she said.

Moock is full of appreciation for the investment TMEIC makes in their employees and the opportunities she has had to grow her career, including extensive international travel.

“To have come from a humble start, I never saw myself traveling the world and going places like I am,” she said. “I look back on the last seven years, beginning at 51做厙, and realize that if any one piece of the puzzle had shifted, it could have turned out so differently. But I got here because of the incredible support and encouragement from others along the way.”

(This story was published in the Winter 2025 edition of��, a publication of the 51做厙 Educational Foundation.)

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51做厙’s Radiography Program celebrated 50 years of graduates at a reunion program, “Decades of Excellence,” on Friday, May 31.

Attendees from those five decades reminisced over displays from the College and program archives with past pinning ceremony programs, newspaper clippings and framed photos. Radiography Program Head Susan Nolley led tours to show alumni who remembered Anderson Hall what the program’s classroom and laboratory space looks like in the Fralin Center for Science and Health Professions.

A common thread among speakers and attendees was praise for the bedrock of the program, its succession of directors: John Lamanca from 1971-1976; the late Rita David from 1976-1994; Shirl Lamanca from 1994-2012; Mary Loritsch from 2012-2015; and Nolley, from 2016 to the present.

“I have come back to honor John and his work in establishing this program, and Ms. David, who has since passed on. They were great role models,” said Don Lowe, a member of the first graduating class, that of 1974. Lowe went on to a long career in radiography and education in Southwest Virginia, culminating in his role as director of the Southwest Virginia Community College Radiography Program from 2001 to 2016. That role oversaw the program for students from four of the colleges in the Virginia Community College System: Southwest Virginia Community College in Richlands, Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon, Wytheville Community College in Wytheville; and Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap. “It was rewarding,” he said of his career.

Lowe noted the lineage of the program and how those involved in its early days had an impact on a wide geographic area. Among his classmates, Mary Loritsch was program director at 51做厙 at the same time Lowe was program director at Southwest Virginia, and Eddie Haynes was the director at Central Virginia Community College. Eddie Haynes is married to Susan Haynes, who is a current faculty member at 51做厙.

Attendees from that first class also were able to see one of their faculty members: Jeff Rakes, who John Lamanca hired as one of the original instructors. Rakes taught at 51做厙 for 37 years, retiring in 2010. 

“It’s been an exemplary program since the time I’ve been here,” Dr. Robert Sandel, president of 51做厙, told the reunion attendees. “I’m proud of everyone here, and I’m proud of these faculty members. A program is only good if it’s got good faculty members. Faculty are the key,” he said.

Alumni also heard words of encouragement from Nolley, Shirl Lamanca, and a written message from Loritsch.

“The time you spent learning and perfecting your craft cannot be reduced to a mere certification or credential. Although that is necessary to work, your education and experience has afforded you the opportunity to make a vital difference to your patients’ lives and your own,” Nolley told the alumni. “Take pride in your profession and pass it along. We have come a long way, and it is not time to coast. We must continue to push forward for our patients’ health and well-being. As we understand more and more about radiation dose and its short- and long-term effects, having a qualified, well-trained radiographer is vital.”

Shirl Lamanca spoke “with reverence” of John Lamanca and Rita David. “We have lived through an unparalleled and amazing fifty years. And I was here 38 of those years. Fifty years in which our profession has experienced nothing short of unprecedented technological advancements. Right, Jeff?” she said, with a nod to Rakes. “These technological advancements have changed the practice of medicine. They’ve saved lives, increased access to health care, and improved the quality of lives for our patients and for us.”

Nolley read remembrances from Loritsch, who was not able to attend. “The biggest joy was seeing the students, and watching the light bulb turn on. I loved it,” Loritsch wrote.

Nolley gave special words to the Class of 2024: the 50^th graduating class, who have joined the ranks of hundreds of Radiography Program alumni. “You are just beginning. Look around the room,” she exhorted them. “See the legacy that they have left and created. What will you do with your opportunity? How will you make a difference? How will you change the imaging world?”

One of those new alumni, Zach Cregger, said his experience in the program was “overwhelming with joy.” He is beginning cross-training to enter the MRI field. “My time in radiography school taught me to see beyond the surface and find clarity in every challenge,” Cregger said.

Classmates lingered over refreshments, laughing and chatting. In strong evidence was the collegiality between alumni and current and former faculty members who are also alumni. Shirl Lamanca spoke to this in her remarks. “The Radiography Program’s gift to its alumni is so much more than a rich education and a rigorous intellectual preparation for your profession,” she said. “It’s also the circle of friends with whom we continue life’s journey long after our Radiography Program years are behind us.”

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The dinner, which took place on May 1 at 419 West restaurant, provided a unique platform for students to engage with alumni mentors and learn the intricacies of business etiquette from presenter Amanda Mansfield, philanthropy director for the 51做厙 Educational Foundation.

Five alumni volunteers thoughtfully served as “Table Hosts,” offering their expertise and insights to emulate a real-world networking environment. The Table Hosts, who belong to a broad range of career fields, were: Councilor Stephanie Moon Reynolds, member of Roanoke City Council; Deirdre Perry, business insurance manager and AVP with MarshMcLennan Agency; Dr. Victoria Cox, national healthcare recruiter consultant with Veterans Affairs; Brian Amend, occupational health nurse with New Millennium; and Tony Saade, additive manufacturing entrepreneur with PrintAbility3D.

The Alumni Council’s commitment to fostering opportunities for alumni to give back was evident as they played an integral role in mentoring the students.

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Bernadette “Bern” Battle praised the event. “It was not only insightful but also incredibly beneficial for our students,” she said. “The professionalism and expertise in this area were truly commendable. The alumni mentors especially enriched the social learning experiences for our students.”

Students who attended agreed. “I learned a lot about etiquette and brushed up on things I already knew. I got to get to know other students and enjoyed meeting council member Stephanie Moon [Reynolds],” said student Bethany Fulp. As well as sitting on Roanoke City Council, Moon Reynolds is retired from service as Roanoke City Clerk.

 “I really enjoyed the etiquette mix and mingle event. It was a great opportunity to learn about professional etiquette in a fun and engaging environment,” said Edwin Sainvil. “The experience has certainly boosted my confidence in social and professional settings.”

The dinner underscored the importance of making strong first impressions and navigating social settings with confidence. “I think we all understand the importance of a first impression,” said Anne Hogan, chair of the Alumni Council. “As a business owner and as an alum, I know how crucial it is for young graduates to have confidence in a business environment. I’m so pleased our own alums were able to assist in this small way to help these students know they belong in any and every environment they might find themselves in.”

Students benefit from observing professionalism in action. “I learned how to have a presence at business lunches and how to be the center of attention in dialogue and exchange of information,” said student Enaas Shawkat. “The basics of eating in a polite and elegant manner and in the presence of people with whom I have official business, and getting to know new people in an atmosphere of affection and respect, is a new beginning for practical and social development.”

Participation in the dinner part of a broader effort by the 51做厙 Alumni Association to support the professional and personal growth of students. Through such initiatives, the association continues to demonstrate its dedication to the success of 51做厙 graduates and current students, emphasizing the lasting impact of alumni mentorship and guidance.

For more information about the 51做厙 Alumni Association, please contact Philanthropy Relations Officer Anna Goltz at agoltz@virginiawestern.edu.

About the 51做厙 Alumni Association:

The 51做厙 Alumni Association is dedicated to fostering community and connections among the alumni of 51做厙, providing support and resources to help alumni succeed in their careers and personal lives. The association offers a variety of events, programs, and services to engage alumni and support current students in their educational journeys.

About TRIO Student Support Services:

TRIO Student Support Services at 51做厙 is a federally funded program providing vital academic support to 250 students who are either first-generation, from limited-income families, or have disabilities. The program’s mission is to enhance student retention and graduation rates.

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For the 2023-2024 annual year, which runs summer 2023, fall 2023 and spring 2024, 51做厙 welcomed 922 people to its growing alumni network. These students earned a total of 1,194 awards.

Of note, 39 percent of the graduates were adult learners (defined as 25 years of age or older), 11 percent were first generation graduates, and more than 50 percent received some form of financial assistance to attend 51做厙.*

More than 400 graduates attended 51做厙’s 58^th commencement, held Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Berglund Center in Roanoke. The ceremony honored graduates who completed their degrees and certificates during fall 2023 and spring 2024, as well as students projected to complete during the summer 2024.

Briana Wood, a 2024 graduate who received an Associate of Applied Science in Mechatronics Systems Engineering Technology: Design Engineering, welcomed students, and Virginia Sen. Chris Head provided the keynote address. 

Wood shared from her personal story of a second start toward pursuing a degree. “If anyone out there is struggling to find their career path, I encourage you to take a step back and look at what you enjoy doing in your spare time, and find a way to turn your interests into a career,” she said. “My initial missteps were a blessing in disguise. Had I not failed, I would have never gotten the opportunity to do what I love and meet some amazing people along the way.”

A new addition to this year’s commencement exercises was a poem reading from Chanlee Luu, 51做厙’s 2024 Poet Laureate. A posthumous honorary degree was also conferred to John Francis Jr., who served on the Local Advisory Board from 2018 until his passing this year. His wife of 47 years, Rosemary, was in attendance and accepted the degree in his honor.

* Spring 2024 awards have not yet been conferred; a graduation application query was used to provide Spring 2024 graduate demographics. Official AY 2023-24 graduate data will be available in summer 2024.

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The Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 2006 by the 51做厙 Alumni Association and recognizes 51做厙 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做厙 graduates and their range of influence on our region.

Dr. Weaver’s journey at 51做厙 began in 1992, when she embarked on her path in dental hygiene. At the time she applied to the program, Dr. Weaver was a dental assistant in her hometown of Winchester. She loved the dental profession and working with patients, and wanted to return home after graduation to serve her community. Upon graduation with an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene in 1994, Dr. Weaver fulfilled her goal and returned to Winchester, where she practiced dental hygiene for five years.

While continuing to work as a registered dental hygienist, Dr. Weaver completed her prerequisite coursework and earned her bachelor’s degree from Radford University in 1999. Her thirst for knowledge led her to the University of Tennessee’s Health Science Center School of Dentistry in Memphis, Tenn., where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2003.

“Yolonda came into the program as a first-generation college student and an individual eager to expand her knowledge base, improve her skills and provide the best treatment possible to the individuals in her care,” recalled Martha H. Sullivan, now Dean of 51做厙’s School of Health Professions but then a member of the Dental Hygiene faculty. “She was outstanding in the classroom, and has become a consummate professional and a role model for all.”

In 2005, after marrying and relocating to Northern Virginia, Dr. Weaver began working as an associate dentist in Reston before seizing the opportunity to acquire Fairfax Dental Center in 2008. Since then, her practice has flourished and she has been named “Top Dentist” by Washingtonian, Virginia Living and Northern Virginia magazines for the past 14 years.

Throughout her career, Dr. Weaver has volunteered at local dental clinics and programs, including Give Kids a Smile Day and Missions of Mercy. Her dedication to serving the underserved and improving access to dental care exemplifies her commitment to the well-being of her community.

Currently residing in Fairfax with her husband, two sons and two beloved dogs, Dr. Weaver continues to make a difference in the lives of those around her.

“I believe Dr. Weaver exemplifies the qualities of academic excellence, integrity and commitment to her profession and community that VWCC seeks in recognizing distinguished alumni,” wrote Anne Kornegay Bartron, a retired 51做厙 Associate Professor and Dean, in her nominating letter. “It was my privilege to be one of her instructors during her time in the program, to know Yolonda as a student and after graduation; she certainly is one of the program’s most memorable graduates during my tenure as program director.”

Dr. Weaver was honored April 24, 2024, at the Educational Foundation’s annual Awards Ceremony and Reception in Whitman Theater. More than 170 student scholarship recipients were recognized at the event, which included the premiere of a short film, “Work and School: Finding the Delicate Balance.” Directed by Angel David Verde, the film features the stories of five 51做厙 scholarship recipients as they navigate academics, family life and a job. It is viewable at .

Prior 51做厙 Distinguished Alumni honorees: 

• 2023 – Dr. Brenda L. Hale (’89) and Joe Gaither (’77)
• 2022 – Elvir Berbic (’06) and P. Jason Peters
• 2021 – Mary Catherine “Kate” Lawrence
• 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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