Diane and William Elliot and Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc. of Roanoke, Va., have received the 20^th Annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. They were nominated by 51����.

Hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE), the 20th Annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy Luncheon brings together over 200 guests to recognize outstanding philanthropic contributions to Virginia’s Community Colleges.

In his welcoming remarks, Chancellor David Doré saluted and thanked the donors for their unwavering commitment to students whose potential might otherwise go unrealized. “The individuals and organizations we honor in this room represent an extraordinary $27 million in lifetime giving to Virginia’s community colleges,” he said.

The sentiment was echoed by Secretary of Education Jeffery Smith, who underscored the importance of philanthropy and its ability to remove barriers that could impede or even block the way forward for students short on resources. “Every Virginian deserves a pathway to economic opportunity,” he said.

In addition to Secretary Smith, distinguished guests in attendance included State Board members as well as members of the VFCCE Board of Directors. Author, philanthropist and educator Brent L. Kendrick, Ph.D., whose career reflects a lifelong commitment to teaching and community college education, delivered the keynote address.

2026 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy Recipients

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

Franklin, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Carilion Clinic, provides strategic direction and operational oversight for nursing services across a complex health system, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and compassion. 

She began her healthcare career as a nurse assistant and, after earning her Associate of Science in Nursing from 51���� in 1991, transitioned to a registered nurse role in the Emergency Department at Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley. Franklin later continued her education at Walden University, further strengthening her leadership foundation in healthcare. 

Throughout her career, Franklin has held leadership roles across numerous service lines, including Emergency Services, Women’s Services, Family and Community Medicine, Community Health Education, Nursing Support Services and Children’s Services. She previously served as co-interim Chief Nursing Officer, overseeing the Nursing Center of Excellence and nursing operations at Carilion Medical Center and across ambulatory practices.  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Franklin led the implementation of a systemwide employee attestation process designed to identify potential infection control risks and protect the safety of healthcare teams during the height of the crisis. During this same period, she also guided the Children’s Services team in launching the Children’s Center at Tanglewood, a transformative initiative that streamlined multidisciplinary services and significantly improved access to care for families throughout the community. 

“Michelle is an exceptional leader whose professional achievements, unwavering commitment to healthcare delivery, clinical care and community service, and deep-rooted dedication to elevating healthcare access and quality make her an extraordinary representative of 51����’s values and mission,” said Nancy Howell Agee, CEO Emeritus of Carilion Clinic and a former member of the 51���� Educational Foundation Board of Directors.  

Franklin was honored April 8, 2026, at the Educational Foundation’s annual Awards Ceremony and Reception in Whitman Theater. More than 120 student scholarship recipients were recognized at the event. 

Prior 51���� Distinguished Alumni honorees:  

• 2025 – Dr. Michael D. Brennan 

• 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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“We currently offer more than 130 scholarships to a wide range of students — full and part time, traditional and adult learners — and in most programs of study,” said Annie Fentress, Scholarship and Community College Access Program Coordinator. “Award amounts vary from $500 to more than $3,000, while most scholarships are need-based and not tied to academic merit.”

The scholarship application period opens March 1 and closes May 1. Throughout March and April, 51���� staff will be available to help navigate the scholarship application process and answer questions about funding, eligibility and availability.

These events are open to all students planning to attend 51���� in fall 2026, and they are free to attend with no registration required. Sessions will take place on 51����’s campus at Webber Hall Room 311, 3098 Colonial Ave. SW, Roanoke, VA 24015.

The sessions are being held:

March 3, 2-4 p.m.; March 6, 9-11 a.m.; March 11, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; March 12, 2-4 p.m.; March 23, 3-5 p.m.; March 24, 2-4 p.m.

 April 1, 9:30-11:30 a.m.; April 6, 12-2 p.m.; April 15, 12-2 p.m.; April 17, 2-4 p.m.; April 21, 2-4 p.m.; April 27, 9-11 a.m.; April 29, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

For more information, visit . For questions, contact Annie Fentress at afentress@virginiawestern.edu or Rebecca Kraemer at rkraemer@virginiawestern.edu.

For information on donating to or establishing a scholarship at 51����, contact Philanthropy Director Amanda Mansfield at (540) 857-6962 or amansfield@virginiawestern.edu.

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

Prior honorees:  

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���� 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����.
• 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���� 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���� Educational Foundation, at scombs@virginiawestern.edu or (540) 857-6833.

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Since July 1 when I joined 51���� as president, my days and heart have been full of learning and gratitude. Countless members of our campus community have shown me what a privilege it is to step into a place where people care deeply about those around them and exhibit that care in tangible acts of hospitality and service.

Our beautiful campus and facilities have provided a perfect backdrop to so many indelible moments already: from walking among the Arboretum’s beautiful blooms, to taking selfies with students on an incredibly joyful first day of fall semester, to sharing time in thoughtful conversations with staff, faculty, board members and community partners.

At our opening session for faculty and staff, I asked everyone in what ways their work aligns with and advances our mission, which is to provide quality educational opportunities that empower students for success and strengthen communities. The excitement and volume of the conversations that ensued after I asked that question was heartwarming. We are indeed a mission-driven campus!

Rapid change is all around us, and we need steady hands and clear minds to adapt to technological development, workforce demands and economic fluctuations. 51���� has a track record of spurring innovation and developing community partnerships to establish our role as a trusted partner with business, industry and higher education in the Roanoke region and beyond, and we need to take that to the next level to benefit our students.

We need to foster an environment where creativity sparks workable, innovative ideas. When we encourage our employees to think differently, we ultimately serve our students better. This is one reason I am so thankful for the College’s Innovation Grants. With these, 51���� has been able to empower staff and faculty to focus on projects designed to propel our students’ academic learning and career preparedness. By targeting investment in innovation, we will not only adapt to change but lead the way.

Supporting our faculty, staff and students translates to investing in the Roanoke region’s economic and civic well-being. As president, I have the great pleasure of helping to shape this synergy and watching it unfold. 51���� spurs our community’s development, and I invite you to join us in forming a bold, future-focused vision that truly serves the best interests of our students and the region.

Sincerely,
Dr. Laura J. Treanor
President, 51����

Welcoming Dr. Treanor

Dr. David Doré, Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System, announced in May that he had appointed Dr. Laura J. Treanor to become the fifth president of 51����. Treanor’s selection concluded a search that attracted 61 candidates nationwide.

“Succeeding Dr. Robert Sandel, who has led 51���� for more than two decades of transformative service, Dr. Treanor will have a hard act to follow,” Doré said then, “but I am confident that she will build on VWCC’s outstanding history of serving its communities and its diverse student populations.”

Her service as president at 51���� began July 1, 2025.

“We are very excited to welcome Dr. Laura Treanor to the 51���� and Roanoke Valley communities,” said 51���� Local Advisory Board Chair Todd Putney. “Dr. Treanor is an experienced educational leader well-equipped to take the college to new heights in regional workforce development through academic, training and credentialing excellence.”

Meet the President

Dr. Laura J. Treanor
51����

Progressive leadership experience:

Vincennes University, 2018-2025
Baker College, 2005-2017

Teaching faculty experience:

Roanoke College, 2001-2004
West Virginia University, 1994-2001
Barton College, 1989-1994

Education:

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Curriculum and Instruction, Virginia Tech
Master of Arts, Education, The Ohio State University
Bachelor of Science, Education, Virginia Tech

A Q&A with the College President

What drew you to 51����?

After moving with the Navy, my family settled in Virginia when I was 12. I attended Virginia Tech for both my undergraduate and doctoral degrees and taught at Roanoke College. When I saw the posting for 51����’s president, I jumped at the opportunity to return to Virginia, and the Roanoke region in particular. From the moment I stepped on the campus, 51����’s strengths were clear, and I knew this was the place I wanted to be.

What are you most proud of in your career?

My work that has directly transformed students’ lives: developing strong leaders, building high-impact teams and creating systems and supports that help students thrive. Efforts such as forming strategic partnerships with employers like John Deere, Amazon and Toyota have expanded opportunities for students to succeed in meaningful careers.

What are some of your hobbies?

I engage my mind and have fun through reading, board games and The New York Times word puzzles. I connect with nature and recharge through hiking and searching for beach glass.

Tell us about your family.

My husband, Brian, and I are from big families: I’m the oldest of seven and he’s the youngest of five. With my dad in the Navy, we moved often, and my parents placed a significant emphasis on education. Originally from Canada, Brian’s an avid fly fisherman. Be sure to share your favorite fishing spots with him!

What is a fun fact about you?

I was inducted into my high school hall of fame and still hold several high school sports records, a testament to a competitive spirit that remains very much alive!

What’s a special skill?

I can perfectly proportion whipped cream on dessert or salsa on chips so that it lasts exactly to the final bite.

(This was published in the Winter 2026 edition of Impact magazine, a publication of the 51���� Educational Foundation.)

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By Karenna Glover

If you or a family member attended 51���� in its early years, and between moves and household purges can’t put your hands on that yearbook or clippings from the student-run campus newspaper you had been holding onto, you’re in luck. Yearbooks, newspapers and catalogs from throughout the College’s nearly 60-year history have been digitized and are now available to search, view and share. You can by title, name, year or building.

As part of a collaborative project with the Library of Virginia in Richmond, the College was able to digitize the collection that the campus library had archived through the years. The Virginia Newspaper Program locates, inventories and preserves newspapers housed in Virginia libraries, including colleges, and there’s no cost for the individual libraries. A team from the Newspaper Program picked up the boxes full of 51���� print publications, including 135 newspapers, in May 2024, and the full collection was online in February 2025. The print materials have been returned to the campus library so the community can continue to access them there, or from anywhere with the new digital collection.

Dale Dulaney, open educational resources and collections librarian at 51����, oversaw the project with support from library assistant Clair Spencer. Digitizing the materials that have been archived in the library makes them more accessible, and also preserves them.

“It’s wonderful that we had all of these resources, but they were just sitting in archivable boxes, and very few people knew they were there, and the pages were so fragile, it was easy to unintentionally compromise them,” Dulaney said.

If you want to see what classes and degrees were offered in the early years of the College or any year since, the collection includes all College catalogs since 1967. Only two yearbooks were ever published at the College, in 1969 and 1970, but both issues are available.

The most significant, but equally sporadic collection, is of the college’s student newspaper. First published in January 1967, the newspaper was named the Communi-Cator. The first issue was a mimeograph with a hand-drawn masthead, and the main story was a feature of Dr. Thomas E. Jenkins, who was the administrative assistant to the College’s president, Dr. Travis McKenzie. That was the only issue published that inaugural year. The lag between publications likely reflects the time to get sponsors and student writers, according to Dulaney.

The following year, the Communi-Cator published twice a month during the fall and spring semesters and carried a more traditional newspaper format. Only two editions have emerged for 1969, but it’s possible other editions were published that year, and the records weren’t maintained. In total, there are 95 issues of the Communi-Cator, which continued to publish through 1981.

In 1984, the paper started back up with a new name, VWCC Gazette, which published 29 issues over five years. In May 1989, the paper was renamed the 51���� Folio, which lasted through 1993. Ten of those issues are digitized. Later, the paper was renamed 51���� Voice, but only one issue was published.

Now, anyone with an interest in 51���� can browse the digital records and learn about its place in history and its evolution over the years. For example, you can see how buildings on campus have changed over time, and even the history of certain major campus structures, like the walkway, from the proposal to the drawing to what it is today. That timeline and process is captured in these archives.

“You see how the use of buildings has changed over time, and how student concerns are the same, from cramming for exams to the bustling active life of the campus,” said Dulaney. “A lot of that stuff gets lost over time as students leave and people retire. These newspapers are a snapshot of that.”

(This story was published in the Winter 2026 edition of Impact magazine, a publication of the 51���� Educational Foundation.)

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For as long as he can remember, Kevin Austin has always been a mathematical, analytical thinker. As a student at James River High School, Austin attended the Botetourt Technical Education Center (BTEC), and that’s where he connected his problem-solving mindset to a career path.

“I look at any situation through the analytical lens first; it’s just how my brain works,” he said. Austin chose to pursue a career in engineering but wanted to get there the most cost-effective way.

Through BTEC, Austin learned about 51����’s engineering program and its pathway to four-year universities. After doing the math, Austin saw 51���� as a smart first step. He knew he made the right decision, as 51���� provided an affordable start to his education, he said. With the aid of part-time employment and tuition reimbursement through United Parcel Service (UPS), he was able to complete his first two years without the burden of student loans. Beyond the cost savings, what stood out most to Austin was the quality of instruction.

“I cannot say enough about those professors,” he said. “They’re not just concerned about their research; they love to teach and they just pour knowledge into their students.”

Austin earned his Associate of Science in Engineering from 51���� in 2022 and transferred to Virginia Tech, where he graduated in May 2025 with a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. More than just cost savings and guaranteed admission, Austin credits 51���� with giving him the academic foundation and credit he needed to thrive.

“When I started at Tech I was worried about the rigor of the classes — that they’d be much harder than what I was used to,” he said. “But actually I was really blessed to take courses at the College. The rigor there gave me everything I needed.”

At Virginia Tech, Austin interned at Altec Industries, a Botetourt-based manufacturer of custom trucks, cranes and other equipment. After Austin graduated from Tech, Altec hired him as an applications engineer where he designs the structure and systems for trucking customers. Lining up a job before graduation is not always possible, but Austin credits the relationships he built during his internship as well as the academic preparation from both Tech and 51����.

“I felt confident going into the workforce that I had the foundational skills to do whatever I need to do,” he said. “Between the knowledge I gained at both colleges and the hands-on work and interaction with employees in my internship, I was really set to step in and get started.”

Internship opportunities like Austin’s at Altec are made possible by Dr. Rick Clark, Program Head of Engineering at 51���� and adjunct engineering professor at Virginia Tech. Clark helps bridge the academic experience for engineering students like Austin who begin at the College and continue on to four-year programs. He also helps build relationships with employers in the area who need well-trained workers to fill jobs. Internship programs like the one at Altec help enhance students’ learning and also help build a pipeline of skilled and work-ready graduates to fill jobs of local employers.

“Altec wants forward-thinking students, and they recognize that 51���� students have the caliber and capability to perform well in internships and as full-time employees,” Clark said. “We’re in the business of producing the type of talent they want to hire.”

(This story was published in the Winter 2026 edition of Impact magazine, a publication of the 51���� Educational Foundation.)

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Onaca Umak had originally planned to study nursing at 51����, but after applying to the program, she learned she was missing a prerequisite course. That was far from the end of her healthcare education at the College, however. Guided by her academic advisor and inspired by the TV show, “Grey’s Anatomy,” Umak set out on a new path: Surgical Technology.

Umak had always been interested in the healthcare field and, as she progressed further into the Surgical Technology Program, she discovered it was ultimately a better fit. Her interests aligned more closely with hands-on medical work, rather than documentation and charting.

“One reason why I really wanted to go into the medical field is because I loved anatomy. I genuinely loved figuring out how everything works together to help us function,” Umak said. “I applied, got accepted, and here we are. The rest is history.”

After graduating in May 2025, Umak accepted a position at LewisGale Medical Center and looked forward to working with the program’s students during their clinical rotations in fall 2025.

“It’s definitely my passion. I wanted to make a difference in someone’s life, and I genuinely feel like I am,” Umak said. “Getting to watch as a cancer is removed or as a burn patient gets a skin graft– you don’t realize how much it affects you until after the fact, and you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, I really just did that.’ “

Her success story exemplifies how the program’s hands-on training and real-world clinical experience is preparing students to meet a growing need for Surgical Technologists, one of healthcare’s most critical roles. Through the Surgical Technology program — the only one of its kind within 100 miles — students earn an Associate of Applied Science degree while gaining experience in diverse surgical settings, preparing them to directly enter the workforce.

The program was originally offered through Jefferson College of Health Sciences, then Rad-ford University Carilion, before finding a home at 51����, where it is now fully housed and operated after officially transitioning in 2022. The spring 2025 graduating class was the second cohort composed fully of 51���� students, marking a significant milestone for the program.

Over five semesters, students learn through a mixture of skills labs, lecture courses and clinical rotations. The curriculum combines professional, cognitive and technical competencies, and meets national quality standards for Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accreditation.

According to the Association of Surgical Technologists, typical duties of a certified Surgical Technologist include: preparing the operating room, including the sterile field; setting up surgical equipment, supplies and solutions; passing instruments, fluids and supplies to the surgeon during surgery; and counting supplies to prevent foreign retained objects. They also advocate for vulnerable patients undergoing surgery.

“The patient’s asleep. They have no idea what’s going on, and if you see a contamination, that contamination could very much be the difference between life and death,” said Program Director Morgan Boyd. “We really work with our students to help them realize it’s not just a procedure — it’s a human.”

Students are required to do three semesters of clinical rotations and complete at least 120 surgical cases before graduation. However, the program’s students are exceeding that requirement by 1½ to two times.

Students rotate to various clinical sites, which include local hospitals and surgery centers, every four to five weeks. Students work closely with a preceptor, typically a Certified Surgical Technologist, who provides immediate and direct oversight. The program utilizes a clinical tracking system that gives real-time feedback, and instructors observe and assess students’ performance during rotations.

“What’s really cool and full-circle for us is that most of the preceptors we’re seeing in these facilities are our graduates, who know what our standards are, what our expectations are,” Boyd said. “For the program to be able to continue to put out competent graduates that can then shape our current clinical students — that is, in my opinion, true mentorship.”

Outside of clinical rotations, students receive hands-on training in a lab space that has been created from a previously used operating room located on the sixth floor of Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital. The lab provides a realistic setting and includes two mock operating rooms with an operating room table, patient beds, manikins, a deconditioned anesthesia machine, positioning devices and access to general and specialty surgical instruments.

Carilion often donates decommissioned operating room equipment, which makes the learning experience more realistic and helps students familiarize themselves with equipment. In the lab, resourceful instructors find creative ways to help students develop their skills in a controlled environment that simulates real-life surgical situations they may encounter on the job. Exercises such as practicing cauterization on rump roast and using surgical instruments on replicas of human anatomical parts made of Play-Doh or other food items, not to mention the generous use of theatrical prop blood, make for memorable hands-on learning experiences.

After completing their courses and clinical rotation requirements, students must pass the national Certified Surgical Technologist examination, administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Upon passing the exam, students are certified to work anywhere in the United States.

Because the program produces well-rounded graduates with experience in all types of surgical settings, most have employment lined up by the time they graduate. On average, recent Surgical Technologist graduates in the Roanoke region start out earning upwards of $23 an hour. Many facilities also offer sign-on bonuses, and upon finishing orientation, new Surgical Technologists are typically required to take “on call” hours, which also add to their income.

Throughout the rigorous program, instructors make a proactive effort to touch base with students frequently and try to be as active as possible in helping students overcome both academic and personal barriers to success.

“It’s an excellent program because we have a 100 percent employment rate and a 100 percent national board pass rate, so the students are getting what they need,” said Marty Sullivan, Academic Dean of Health Professions. “The faculty are exceptional teachers.”

When Umak addressed her fellow graduates at 51����’s May 2025 commencement, she spoke from hard-won experience about pursuing education while juggling work and responsibilities.

A proud first-generation college student who completed her degree while working to support herself, Umak earned the highest GPA in her class and became a member of the country’s most prestigious academic honor society, the Phi Beta Kappa Society. In her speech, she expressed gratitude to both on-campus resources, including the 51���� Food Co-Op, Brown Library and Student Life Center, and financial aid resources such as the Community College Access Program (CCAP) and Fralin Futures scholarships for helping her achieve her goals.

“Thanks to CCAP and Fralin Futures, I graduated debt-free. It was all grants or scholarships, and I am beyond grateful, because I wouldn’t have been able to go to college without them,” Umak said. “I worked very hard for everything I’ve got, and I appreciate all the help I’ve gotten along the way as well.”

For more information about the Surgical Technology program, visit virginiawestern.edu/academics/health-professions/surgical-technology/ or call (540) 857-6644.

(This story was published in the Winter 2026 edition of Impact magazine, a publication of the 51���� Educational Foundation.)

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Since 2008, public localities and private donors have united in support of CCAP, which is the largest “free college” program at a Virginia community college. CCAP provides up to two years of tuition for recent high school graduates who meet program requirements, as funding allows. More than 4,800 Roanoke Valley students have participated in the program as of fall 2025.

“We are so grateful to all of the CCAP donors — municipal, corporate and private — for helping thousands of students further their education at 51���� over the past 17 years,” said Russell Ellett, Chair of the 51���� Educational Foundation, a nonprofit affiliated with 51���� that administers the program.

Roanoke region high school seniors may apply for the fall 2026 CCAP scholarship now through Feb. 1, 2026, at virginiawestern.edu/ccap. Applicants must also apply to 51���� and submit the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) by the same date.

Students who are ineligible to complete the FAFSA can complete the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application as an alternative, also by the Feb. 1 deadline. The VASA provides state aid only and is for Virginians who have certain nonimmigrant visas, are undocumented, have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status or are otherwise ineligible to file a FAFSA.

Those interested in learning more about CCAP are invited to attend a Zoom information session on Jan. 15, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m. To register, visit virginiawestern.edu/CCAP.

To stay up-to-date on important CCAP application deadlines, financial aid workshops and more, sign up for text alerts by texting “2026 ccap” to 877-235-2279. (Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help; message and data rates apply.)

Recipients of the CCAP scholarship for 2025-26 are:

BOTETOURT COUNTY

First-year students:

Natalie Alban, Abigail Bjorklund, James Bowling, Ethan Bryant, Trevor Clarke, Abigail Clyde, Joshua Crigger, Corey Curran, Joshua Dickerson, Kaleb Fisher, Seth Fitzwater, Emily Gomez Castaneda, Hilary Gutierrez-Cortez, Kaylee Hale, Madeline Harless, Koleman Harvey, Shea Hubbard, Noah Longley, Caden Marshall, Aidan Mitchell, Jared Monaghan, Jocelyn Osborne, Madison Painter, Jillian Rose Prado, Miguel Ramirez-Bautista, Oscar Ramos Cedillo, Merridith Schmeidler, Madison Snare, Rut Solito, Kailey Teaford, Christopher Vasquez Perez, Alazae Willey, Avery Williams and Brennan Wright

Second-year students:

Luke Bocock, Sarah Crain, William Dulaney, Madison Guy, Nicholas Hall, Christopher Martin, Elle Norris, Amber Puckett, Samantha Shields and Kaylee West

Third-year students:

Kerrianne Desai, Shanandoah Forson, Ethan Frank and Hailey Reeves

CRAIG COUNTY

First-year students:

Justin Boitnotte, Hayden Bradley, Emma Cole, Maggie Mays, Jamie Ratliff, Talon Ritter and Erin Snider

Second-year students:

Matthew Lucas, Seth Parsons and Hayden Reynolds

Third-year students:

Ashton Early

FRANKLIN COUNTY

First-year students:

Patrick Anderson, Jacob Blankenship, Blaize Brubaker, William Coleman, Evelyn Cortes-Rojas, Nassira Davis, Jianna Daye, Ashlyn Denny, Xadanii Espinosa Garcia, William Gardner, Imanol Gonzalez-Hernandez, Pearl Gordon, Wyatt Grogan, Jalen Hatchett, Brayden Haywood, Anna Hodges, Tristan Hunt, Jacob Hylton, Madison Ingram, Kylie Kincanon, Matthew Lopez, Jacob Mazeika, Abigail Morris, Liberty Mossor, Dylan Mullins, Amelia Phillips, Tyler Reedy, Nathan Richmond, Andrew Rider, Malaina Scott, Maeve Shanahan, Ryan Slough, Chance Smith, Chelsey Vanover, Natalia Velazquez-Ventura, Ashton Weatherford, Emma Wells, Graham Whitaker, Afton White, Emilee Wickline, Hunter Williams, Alexander Wilson, Moriah Woody, Jesse-Sophia Wright and Seth Young

Second-year students:

Alexandra Algeier, Jonathan Castaneda Gonzalez, Jack Dubyk, Brooklynne Ellis, Karinna Gonzalez-Torres, Jadon Greenway, Ethan Hodges, Laci Lawless, Sierra Moore, Hayden Nelson, Benjamin Piotrowski, Elijah Richmond, Taylor Worrell, Madelyn Yopp and Hagar Youssef

Third-year students:

Payton Foley, Skylar Fox and Aundrea Lineberry

ROANOKE CITY

First-year students:

Yehia Abdelkader, Negina Ahmadyar, Aaron Alexander, Deshaiya Anderson, Manuel Andrade, Olivia Arnold, Rhya Bittle, Makenzie Bowes, Jaden Brown, Joseph Burgess, Briana Cabrera Ruiz, Porter Carter, Guadalupe Castro, Lindsay Chavez-Ochoa, Emy Chicas-Nolasco, DaMarius Childress, Dakota Corbitt, Kamya Durham, Heavyn Eanes, Michael Edmonds, Tania Espinosa-Amador, Isai Estrada-Fuentes, Ajayla Ford, Breanna Gaither, Lilian Garcia Espana, Sharalda Garcon, Krishna Gautam, Cristian Gonzalez Perez, Alma Gonzalez-Rosas, Rylee Graham, Kai Hansard, Noah Harris, Johana Hernadez-Portillo, Ryan Hess, Sanae Holloway-Keaton, Mustafa Kamal Hussaini, Robina Ismail, Alexa Jablonski, Sheriff Johnson, Anijah Jones, Di’Nyah Kasey, Carmen Kerr, Maryam Mantigne Kourouma, Quinton Le, Wesley Lee, Alin Magar, Isadora Mangiaratti, Jacqueline Mar-Hernandez, Ashley Martinez-Nolasco, Christian Mayo, Malcolm Mazyck, Megan McCall, Omni McGeorge, Kayleigh McMahan, Elder Menjivar-Madrid, Sebastian Moctezuma-Vazquez, Lado Moja, Cameron Moore, Rex Morgan, William Mowles, Janasia Myers, Karol Naredo-Solabac, Alexander Odenwalt, Marlicia Odenwalt, Ella Paulos, Taylor Phonasa, George Pickering, Dylan Platt, Sasha Quintana, Darwen Ramirez-Alas, Gavin Robinson, Tavarie Robinson, Zuhal Sadat, Alexandria Salvey, Carlie Scaife, Jayden Schultz, Giselle Segura, Coleman Shell, Brianna Shepherd, ZaMondre Spinner, Alisha Tamang, Luyn Tran, Jeremy Urbina, Jocelyn Vasquez, Kennedy Vest, Sophia Williams, Ahnasia Wilson, Artie Woodson and Elias Zimmerman

Second-year students:

Cristofer Azamar-Carlos, Quinlan Beachy, Samuel Christian, Diamond Dance, Skarleth Guerra, Keira Hale, Taniya Johnson, Steven Mckee, Jacob Meza, Starly Moreno, Donovan Moss, Alana Rodriguez-Lewis, Gabrielle Williams and Hunter Witten

Third-year students:

Danielle Brown, Griffin Craig, Laura Dang, Alicia Hubbard, Cecilia Maiolo, Donna Nguyen, Kylee Poff, Hannah Pohlman, Jennifer Rodriguez-Soto, Edwin Sainvil, Jaydon Saunders and Devin Shorter

ROANOKE COUNTY

First-year students:

Corin Ackroyd, Salman Ahmad, Sarah Albright, Yara Almajali, Faye Amburgey, Yandier Andujar, Mario Arias, Olivia Arthur, Aaron Avery, Michael Baker, Christiana Ballard, Luke Banks, Layla Bannister, Clayton Barker, Joel Beasley, Logan Beavers, Andrew Becher, Layla Berryman, Carson Bivens, Ella Boone, Rowan Breeding, Yanpablo Cano, John Ferdinand Casil, Erika Coon, Matilyn Cox, Cody Davidson, Nevaeh Davila, Amelia deColigny, Karis DeLong, Salma Diaz, Aubrie Dodson, Jeru Doletin, Estrella Dominguez, Kaitlyn Duncan, Madison Duncan, Ethan Engleman, Savanna Fisher, Olivia Fobare, Lowen Fullen, Janell Garcia, Donaya Goode, Logan Graham, Dakota Gunter, Jolee Hairston, Payton Hall, Charles Hartless, Brookelyn Hartman, Blake Hill, Hannah Holliday, Nicholas Hollifield, Passha Huffman, Rawan Ibrahim, Conner Jones, Lashman Karthik, Jonathan Key, Hannah Kirk, Brandon Koelsch, Noah Largen, Andy Le, Jackson Lewis, Quinn Logan, Makayla Long, Mikah Long, Alan Malaga-Ortiz, Mason Martin, Emanuel Merritt, Lenyn Meza Claros, Hudson Miller, Noah Miller, Janeth Miranda Angeles, Alexander Montgomery, Arkadiy Muller, Selena Newman, Raymond Nguyen, Camila Ortiz, Jackson Padgett, Gabriella Palmer, Bryan Parker, Genevieve Paul, Laine Pennylegion, Ian Phillips, Shaine Picard, Caleb Pickeral, Jacob Polakowski, Michael Price, Pierce Rakes, Haleigh Ratcliffe, Sean Rickman, Cohen Riddle, Gracey Rider, Johnathan Rozenboom, Robert Sankbeil, Laksh Sansoa, Maleigh Schmeling, Christopher Sekinger, Anakin Semones, Dylan Shaver, Parker Shields, Jacob Simmons, Emma Slayton, Olivia Sloan, Jordan Smith, Richard Smith, Aung Soe, Scott Sowder, Evan Spangler, Ethan Spencer, Kevin Stultz, Davin Tate, Lucas Thomas, Alexander Thompson, Elva Vega Diaz, Joseph Vos, Piper Walk, Kenneth Walters, Mason Ward, Alayna Wickham, Sydney Williams, Xavier Williams, Keagan Wilson, Noah Wiseman, Landin Wray, Karter Yopp and Luis Zavala Rodezno

Second-year students:

Dakota Adams, Abdulrahman Alshammari, Jenna Capito, Amayah Clarke, Gabriella Cochran, Margaret Collins, Emily Cook, Kaleigh Copper, Christopher Darnell, Jocelyn Davis, Madelyn Davis, Christian Estrada, Nicolas Franklin, Steven Grubb, Reid Hanson, Matthew Hinchy, Elijah Hutchins, Hope Hutchins, Leighanna Kissner, Cole Kovacevic, Robert LaPrad, Savanna Lee, Aiden Likens, Elia Linkous, Holden Lovern, Sophia Mays, Adam Megdadi, Aiden Moore, Tyler Morrison, Fiona Novick, Grace Painter, Hannah Pennewell, Andrew Quakenbush, Haden Ross, Hunter Ross, Anton Sanders, Milla Schart, Madilynn Seale, Ben Shi-Wang, Isabella Vass, Isabelle Werle, Lukas White, Brenin Witcher and Leslen Wright

Third-year students:

Raelyn Adams, Kylie Altizer, Emily Banks, Tyler Booth, Sebastian Burnette, Jimena Colazo, Kelsey Cone, Rachael Cone, Hannah Johnson, Madison Johnson, Jakob Kroese, Ashley Linsenman, Riley McGraw, Kristen Patrick, Trace Poindexter, Sidney Price, Mark Thomas and Jordyn Tucker

SALEM

First-year students:

William Barnett, Amadi Brahmstadt, Teagan Butt, Kadence Campbell, Ashley Cortez-Guzman, Joseph Cummings, Alyssa Davenport, Alexis Fields, John Griffin, Alexis Hancock, Sebastian Hernandez, Caden Hutton, Jayden Jennings, Ivan Kelderhouse, Emaleigh Lane, Summer Lovecchio, Austin Mattox, Anna Mullins, Shaveon Murdock, Ettyen Noel, Andrea Roblero Perez, Miurel Rugama, Antonio Salinas-Miguel, Leon Scales, Daniel Shelton, Tuyambaze Slydio, Grayson Smith, Ciara Steele, Logan Sword, Elena Terry, Heather Thomas, Ryan Warren and Dylan Weeks

Second-year students:

Tristan Cox, Lily Fielder, Dayanara Garcia, Madeline Graboyes, Claire Higgins, Andrew King, Cole Robarge, Anna Spence, Sarah Tennant, Julian Warme and Daniel Wisdom

Third-year students:

Bari Elmore and Carter Logan

For more information about CCAP, see virginiawestern.edu/ccap or contact Annie Fentress, CCAP Coordinator, at (540) 857-6371 or afentress@virginiawestern.edu

The post 51����’s CCAP accepting applications through February 1 appeared first on News from 51����.

By Karenna Glover

In a bright corner of the STEM building at 51����, an 8-foot-tall hydroponics chamber hums quietly. Designed and built by students, the self-sustaining system monitors light, water quality and plant health using automated sensors and industrial controls. It looks like something from a research lab, but it started as a classroom project.

The hydroponics system was brought to life by Timothy Boyd and Daniel Moran, two students in the College’s Mechatronics program, and sponsored apprentices at Steel Dynamics Roanoke Bar Division (SDI). Their work highlights a growing collaboration between the College and SDI, as well as a larger shift to blend technical training with agriculture innovation, giving students the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly automated workforce.

That shift is taking shape in 51����’s new Associate of Applied Science in Technical Studies, a degree program designed to give students flexibility to create a customized curriculum based on their interest, experience and future aspirations. A $343,000 National Science Foundation grant creates a pathway for students to combine mechanical, electrical and agricultural skills through the Associate of Applied Science in Technical Studies degree program to prepare them for the evolving needs of industries like food systems and controlled-environment agriculture.

“This program is designed for the farms of tomorrow. We’re starting to see them shrink in footprint but increase in efficiency,” said Dr. David Berry, who leads the College’s Mechatronics Program. “Agriculture and forestry are two of the top industries in Virginia, and they’re becoming more technical every year. We want our students to be ready for that shift.”

Boyd and Moran were the third cohort of students sponsored by Steel Dynamics, which fully funded their tuition, books, project material and even paid them an hourly wage while they were in class. In return, the company gained skilled, job-ready employees trained to meet its specific needs.

“This opportunity completely changed my path,” said Boyd, who had been working retail while slowly pursuing a degree, having moved to Virginia from Ohio in 2017. “Getting a competitive wage while in school and having everything covered financially allowed me to focus and really grow. It’s been a game-changer.”

A 2016 Staunton River High School graduate, Moran, who first earned an electrical wiring certificate at 51���� before entering the Mechatronics Program, agreed. “The support from SDI and the College was incredible,” he said. “The professors are amazing and a huge help, and getting hands-on learning with others allows you to learn in different ways and feed off each other to gain understanding.”

The idea for the hydroponics project took off when Berry shared news of the ag-tech grant with Boyd. He brought in Moran, and together they began planning a fully industrial-controlled system, something far beyond the scope of a typical class project.

They had the skills, the drive and the design. What they didn’t have — nor did Berry — was the industrial-sized budget. Boyd brought the idea tohis supervisor at Steel Dynamics, Chase Parker, who immediately saw its potential, and secured financial backing from SDI to cover all expenses associated with the project, including software licenses, sensors, lighting, water treatment tools and industrial components.

Boyd and Moran spent countless hours building, coding, wiring and refining the system. “I could’ve taken the easy A and just coasted,” said Boyd. “But I wanted something more challenging that would push me. It became a passion project that we spent hours and hours on.” The finished system now lives in the College’s STEM Building for future students exploring automation and agricultural tech.

For Steel Dynamics, this kind of initiative is exactly why they invest in the program. “If we can’t find the skilled employees we need, we’ll help create them,” said Parker. “This partnership gives us access to high-quality candidates who already understand our systems, and the College helps enhance their knowledge and training which makes it worth the investment.”

As part of the partnership, the College works closely with SDI on enrollment and scheduling so students can meet both academic and on-the-job requirements. Supervisors receive progress updates, and students are guaranteed full-time employment upon graduation. So far, every sponsored student has accepted that offer and remained with the company beyond the two-year commitment.

Both Boyd and Moran graduated from 51���� in May 2025, and are full-time maintenance electricians at Steel Dynamics.

“We can see the investments they keep making in us, and that’s why we stay,” said Boyd. “I often wonder how much more I could still grow if I stay here, and who knows what else I’m going to gain by continuing to work here.”

(This story was published in the Winter 2026 edition of Impact magazine, a publication of the 51���� Educational Foundation.)

VCCS honors Steel Dynamics with statewide award

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) awarded Steel Dynamics with the Outstanding Business Partner award, which recognizes a business partnership that has gone above and beyond to support students and the community they reside in. The award was given Nov. 14 at the Hire Ed Awards ceremony during the Hire Education Conference at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. Jerry Adams, General Manager at Steel Dynamics, accepted the award.

The following remarks shared at the awards ceremony highlight recognition of the company’s commitment to 51���� students:

“Steel Dynamics, Inc. exemplifies the power of business-education collaboration in advancing Virginia’s workforce goals. Since 2022, SDI has transformed its relationship with 51����’s Mechatronics Program from a traditional training client into a strategic partner that expands access to industry credentials and sustainable careers.

“SDI’s commitment begins with direct financial investment — sponsoring employee tuition and maintaining full salary during class attendance, eliminating financial barriers that often prevent working adults from continuing their education. Over four cohorts, this model has supported ongoing credentialing success while strengthening the region’s skilled manufacturing pipeline.

“Beyond funding, SDI invests in learning through hands-on resources and expertise. The company financed advanced student projects, including an automated hydroponics system that enhances applied learning with real-world technology. SDI professionals engage directly with students through presentations and mentorship, ensuring coursework aligns with current industry practices and expectations.

“This partnership represents a model for employer engagement — one that blends financial support, innovation, and active participation to create meaningful educational outcomes. Steel Dynamics, Inc. has demonstrated sustained commitment to talent development and stands as an exemplary business partner helping to build Virginia’s future workforce.”

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