Laurel Ridge Community College celebrates Class of 2024

~ Press release provided by Laurel Ridge Community College

MIDDLETOWN, May 9-10 — More than 1,000 people have joined the ranks of Laurel Ridge Community College alumni following commencement ceremonies on May 9 and 10 outdoors on the Middletown Campus. Health professions graduates had their commencement ceremony on May 9, with all other disciplines following on May 10.

There were 1,003 students in the Class of 2024, and thankfully rain held off during the ceremonies both days. Nursing, surgical technology and medical laboratory technology graduates had pinning ceremonies following the health professions commencement, while emergency medical services graduates had a coin ceremony.

“Commencement exercises are held to recognize the successful conclusion of hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of hard work, sacrifice and dedication from students,” President Kim Blosser told graduates. “For college personnel, this is the event that brings us our greatest satisfaction and pride. What we know about students who complete a college credential is that, above all, it takes resilience and perseverance.

“I know that many of you have been fighting through challenges your entire college career, and we are so proud of you for continuing to move forward toward accomplishing your goals. Thank you for the resilience, grace and compassion you have demonstrated. Whatever your journey entailed and wherever it takes you next, you have earned this moment.”

Student Government Association Co-President Brandi Yasem, who is transferring to Shenandoah University and hopes to become a cardiovascular surgeon, gave the commencement speech on May 10.

“Earning your degree is no small feat,” she told her classmates. “You should be proud of yourselves for persevering to the end. You made it.

“Success is not just about money and material possessions. It’s about pursuing your passions, building meaningful relationships and making a positive impact on the world around you. Although our time at Laurel Ridge has come to an end, our journeys are far from over. Learning is a lifelong process. In order to grow, we must continually expand our minds.”

The commencement speaker for the health professions graduates was Jason Dolan, a firefighter-paramedic who made a career change to nursing. He will be continuing his education at West Virginia University and hopes to become a nurse practitioner.

“The most important thing about this field, healthcare as a whole, is the impact we have on people,” Dolan said. “We get to connect with people who need our help. We can leave a lifelong impact on a spouse, a family, or even inspire others to join the field of healthcare.”

One of his professors asked him why he wanted to become a nurse when he already had a career in fire and EMS.

“I’m becoming a nurse for my patients, for the people that I treat,” said Dolan. “I want my impact to last longer on that timeline of care.”

Two graduates were named the Outstanding Graduates for the Class of 2024 on May 10. Margaret Cain was the Outstanding Graduate for the Fauquier Campus, and Sydney Patton for the Middletown Campus.

History and Humanities Professor Nicole Martin described Cain as one of the most gifted writers she’s ever had in class. In addition to being academically gifted, she is a prolific volunteer, and served as a mentor to her fellow students. Her goal is to become a writing coach.

Cybersecurity Professor James Allen described Patton as patient, diligent and versatile, a student who stands out among her peers. With women making up only 25 percent of cybersecurity professionals worldwide, and with a global shortage of 3.5 million workers, the field needs more women like her, he noted. Patton hopes to return to Laurel Ridge as an adjunct cybersecurity professor.

The college also awarded an honorary associate degree in humane letters to Anne Connor Hall on May 10. Hall and her late husband, John, raised their children in Warrenton, and she continues her 49-year real estate career with Long & Foster.

“As a volunteer, Anne has dedicated her life to making Fauquier County a great place to live, to learn, to work and to heal,” said President Blosser. “Many nonprofits, schools, and healthcare organizations have benefitted from Anne’s passion to help others — perhaps none more than Laurel Ridge Community College and the Fauquier Campus.”

The fundraising efforts of Hall, who was named the Fauquier Citizen of the Year in 2010, have led to more than $3 million in support coming to the Fauquier Campus.

“She provided leadership for the most successful fundraising event in the college’s history, which raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for an endowed scholarship for Fauquier County residents,” President Blosser said. “Anne also raised significant funding to support our two new facilities at the Fauquier Campus – our beautiful academic building for science, engineering and health professions, Hazel Hall, and the Skilled Trades Center.”

Of the 1,0003 students in the Class of 2024: