May 5, 2017
Laurel Ridge’s 46th commencement exercises begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at Skyline High School in Front Royal. There are an anticipated 1,046 members in the Class of 2017.
Included among those graduates are 199 students who have yet to receive their high school diplomas. They have taken advantage of the dual-enrollment program offered through a partnership between Laurel Ridge and high schools in the college’s service region.
Students who either earn an associate degree or earn a certificate in education – meaning they have completed a year’s worth of college credits – are known as Governor’s Scholars. Most students then plan to transfer these credits to a four-year college or university.
The 2016-2017 academic year Ross Fellow for Scholarship and Service Mark Layden, a Sherando High School graduate, will be the graduation speaker. Prior to the commencement ceremony, the Laurel Ridge College Board will present Medallions of Recognition to four individuals who have greatly contributed to the college’s mission.
Additionally, the Outstanding Graduate from the Fauquier Campus and the Outstanding Graduate from the Middletown Campus will be announced during the commencement ceremony.
Founded in 1970, Laurel Ridge Community College is a multi-campus public institution of higher education. With three locations — Middletown, Warrenton, and Luray-Page County — the College serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont regions. The localities are the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren and the city of Winchester. Laurel Ridge offers more than 75 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Laurel Ridge also serves the business community by offering workforce preparation programs for employees and employers. Laurel Ridge serves more than 9,000 unduplicated credit students and more than 11,000 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually.
Laurel Ridge Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Laurel Ridge Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Laurel Ridge Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. Laurel Ridge shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. Laurel Ridge also prohibits sexual misconduct including sexual violence or harassment. Inquiries may be directed to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, [email protected], 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645, 540-868-7226.
Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.