May 10, 2026
Laurel Ridge is celebrating its 55th commencement exercises May 14 and 15, at the Middletown Campus. Once again, the college is holding a separate commencement ceremony for its health professions graduates. That will be on May 14, with general commencement on May 15. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. both days.
Dayana Portillo, who is earning an Associate Degree of Nursing and a Health Science Certificate, will be the commencement speaker at the health professions ceremony, while Monica Thompson, who is receiving her Associate Degree of Education, will be delivering the commencement address on May 15.
There are approximately 1,250 graduates in the Class of 2026, up from about 1,100 in 2025. The number of students who have earned their degree or certificate in spring 2026, fall 2025 and summer 2025 by locality include:
- Clarke County 35
- Fauquier County 183
- Frederick County 296
- Page County 69
- Rappahannock County 21
- Shenandoah County 137
- Warren County 119
- Winchester 171
- Other 221
The Outstanding Graduate Award for the Middletown Campus and for the Fauquier Campus will be given out during the commencement ceremony. Ceremonial pinning and coin ceremonies will follow the health professions commencement ceremony.
The commencement ceremonies will take place under a large tent behind Cornerstone Hall and will go on even if it rains. In the case of severe weather, the start times may be adjusted or canceled. It is recommended that graduates sign up for Laurel Ridge Alert at laurelridge.edu/emergency-alerts/ or by texting laurelalert to 226787 to receive updates via text in the case of severe weather.
For more information, visit the Commencement website.
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.