May 16, 2026
Hundreds of students walked across the outdoor stage Thursday and Friday as Laurel Ridge Community College held its 55th commencement exercises. Those receiving health professsions-related associate degrees and certificates had their ceremony on Thursday, while all other fields celebrated on Friday. There are 1,252 students in the Class of 2026, which also includes students who finished their programs last summer and fall.
“Our wish for you today is that you will take the knowledge and skills you’ve learned to go and find a career you love, and as the world around us changes and new technologies emerge, that you will always be a lifelong learner,” President Kim Blosser told the graduates. “We are so happy to have you as part of our Laurel Ridge alumni family, and we can’t wait to see what great work you do in your future.”
Dayana Portillo, a Registered Nursing graduate, addressed students at the health professions ceremony. Their graduation day was about more than just earning a diploma, she said.
“It’s a testament of resilience, of compassion and the commitment to serving others,” said Portillo. “We’ve spent countless hours studying, practicing skills and learning how to care for people during the most vulnerable moments of their lives.”
She said she and her classmates supported each other throughout their journey.
“Our goal was to help each other out,” said Portillo. “We wanted everyone to cross the finish line together. This experience reminds us that nursing is not something we do alone. Healthcare is built on teamwork, trust and collaboration.”
Education graduate Monica Thompson gave the commencement address on Friday. As someone who dreaded public speaking, she never thought “in a million years” she’d be standing in front of such a large crowd.
“Growth will take you places you never thought you would go,” said Thompson. “It didn’t take long to realize I was at a place where I could grow with the amazing staff at Laurel Ridge. Sometimes the biggest battle wasn’t my classes, it was myself, fighting doubt, fighting insecurities and fighting fear. Fear is the enemy of success because if fear can paralyze you, it can stop you from ever discovering what’s inside you.”
She singled out Communication instructor Alyson Thompson for praise. During her public speaking class, her instructor would sit at the back of the room when she gave a speech.
“That simple smile, that little look, they kind of said everything – you can do this, I believe in you, and keep going,” said Thompson. “She made something intimidating feel possible, and sometimes all someone needs is for one person to believe in them.”
Outstanding Graduate awards were also announced during commencement. Maria Eugenia Valle is this year’s Fauquier Campus Outstanding Graduate. She earned her degree in Administration of Justice, and is transferring to Shenandoah University to major in Criminal Justice with plans to work in victim services.
In a letter nominating her, Valle is described as “an absolutely outstanding scholar, talented writer and nimble critical thinker” with a “deep commitment to human rights and victim advocacy that motivates her studies and work outside the classroom.”
“But Maria isn’t simply a good student,” the nomination states. “She has clear vision for how she can use her education to make this world a better place, by tackling some of the challenging issues in our society. While many students are content with classroom theory, she has independently sought out rigorous professional training that is often reserved for career practitioners.”
In addition to earning training certificates from the Fairfax County Domestic Violence Network, the Fairfax County Sexual Assault Team and the Fairfax County Human Trafficking Prevention Office, Valle has also participated in the Fauquier Anti-Sex Trafficking Alliance.
Mary Herter Nelson is the Middletown Campus Outstanding Graduate. An Education graduate, she plans to work as an instructional assistant to help her narrow down which area of education to continue in, and hopes to become a religious sister. Nelson overcame painful shyness to shine at Laurel Ridge. After getting involved in student life activities, she became a Student Ambassador, started the Dance Club and participated in numerous clubs, and accompanied other students and administrators to the General Assembly for Community College Advocacy Day.
The nomination for Nelson noted her “remarkable impact at Laurel Ridge through her initiative, leadership and consistent engagement.
“From her early involvement in Mystery Bus trips and campus activities, to her growth as a Student Ambassador, Mary has been known for her approachability, teamwork, and leadership,” the nomination states. “She has been described as intellectually curious, thoughtful, and a strong critical thinker.”
2026 graduates 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
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.