May 7, 2020
Commencement speaking has become a bit of a family tradition for Shannon Weisbrodt, who is graduating with her associate of applied science in registered nursing today. Her daughter, Morgan Ryan, gave the commencement address in 2018, and is herself a 2020 graduate of Mary Washington University.
Mrs. Weisbrodt, who is married to Bill and has four more children in addition to Morgan, will also earn her associate of science degree from Laurel Ridge later this summer. Even while in nursing school, Mrs. Weisbrodt found additional ways to keep busy. She and her daughter Fallon obtained their phlebotomy technician certifications through Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions together in between her two years of nursing school.
After earning that certification, Mrs. Weisbrodt began an externship at the Orange County Free Clinic, and upon completion begged to return as a volunteer. A member of Phi Theta Kappa, she was the recipient of both the William A. Hazel Family Endowed Scholarship and the Monford D. and Lucy L. Custer Endowed Nursing Scholarship.
This fall, Mrs. Weisbrodt plans to begin pursuing her bachelor of science degree in nursing – she has been accepted into three programs. Her love of learning and of nursing, has led her to the goal of becoming a nurse practitioner specializing in mental health working in an under-served community.
She is a native of Fauquier County.
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.