June 15, 2026
The college was recognized for its community contributions during the 100th annual Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce banquet and awards ceremony May 28.
The Nonprofit Excellence Award is presented to a nonprofit chamber member that goes above and beyond in communicating its mission and tirelessly works towards goals that not only align with a common purpose, but also have a positive impact on the larger community, while also actively fostering relations with other nonprofits to promote collaboration and a collective effort to address community needs and being committed to a lasting positive community impact. The chamber was looking to recognize an organization’s outstanding leadership and the significant benefits it brings through service, mentoring and community outreach efforts.
“We are so honored to receive the Excellence Award from the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce, one of our long-term partners equally dedicated to serving all of the citizens of Luray and Page County,” said Laurel Ridge President Kim Blosser. “We just celebrated the 20th anniversary of having a physical presence in the Luray-Page area, and that wouldn’t have been possible without all of the local support we have received. We are excited to continue to serve the residents and businesses in this area for many years to come.”
The nomination for Laurel Ridge noted that more than 1,500 degrees and certificates have been awarded to students who have attended the Luray-Page County Center (LPCC) since it opened 20 years ago. The center has served around 2,600 credit students, 230 Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions students and 80 Adult Education students.
“Page County Public Schools has a strong tradition of encouraging its high school students to take dual-enrollment courses offered through Laurel Ridge and of supporting their teachers in earning the necessary credentials to teach those classes that deliver both high school and college credits,” the nomination states. “Not only do these DE classes save Page County residents tuition dollars when they transfer to four-year colleges and universities, they also help them save time, develop the skills to take on the rigor of college-level courses and become more impressive job applicants.
During the 2024-25 academic year, there were 146 dual-enrolled students from the county, up from 141 the previous year.
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.