May 15, 2020
Laurel Ridge technology students now can aspire to join an honor society devoted to their field. Computer Science Professor Melissa Stange has brought Epsilon Pi Tau to Laurel Ridge. It is open to students taking both credit and non-credit classes.
Twenty-seven members were inducted into Delta Phi chapter of Epsilon Pi Tau earlier this spring. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the ceremony was held remotely. The inductees included 17 students, eight faculty and two professors emeriti. In the future, membership will be open to alumni and professionals.
“I brought this society to Laurel Ridge to acknowledge the amazing and talented technology students both on the academic and workforce side of Laurel Ridge,” said Professor Stange. “The Shenandoah Valley has some very talented technologists and technology companies who aren’t always recognized for their value to society.
This honor society is one way of recognizing their hard work.
“Additionally, the international society structure allows Laurel Ridge to provide a networking opportunity for our technology stakeholders. Students get the opportunity to network with potential employers and professionals working in the field. Professionals are given an opportunity to mentor students who soon will be entering the job force, and employers get to network with their future employees.”
In addition to networking opportunities, the honor society will offer scholarships to students and faculty, provide opportunities for publication, and hold community service activities.
To join Epsilon Pi Tau, students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA, and must maintain a GPA of 3.2 through graduation, be enrolled in a program that promotes the use of technology and have completed at least 30 semester hours. Faculty members must have taught in a technology program for two years or more, or be retired from teaching a technology program.
The Laurel Ridge chapter is co-led by Information Technology Professor José Nieves. A National Center for Women & Information Technology grant covered the cost of the inaugural ceremony.
The chapter’s website is https://laurelridge.edu/current-students/student-life/clubs-organizations/middletown-clubs-and-organizations/epsilon-pi-tau-ept-is-the-leading-international-honor-society-for-technology/.
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.