Honorary Degrees

Criteria for the Recommendation for the Conferral of an Honorary Degree

The purpose of awarding honorary degrees is to recognize individuals who have contributed significantly to the awarding college or the Virginia Community College System.  Honorary degrees are awarded to individuals in the following categories:

  1. Alumni who have achieved significant success in their personal and public lives;
  2. Individuals from within the college’s service area who have contributed significantly to the progress and development of the college; and
  3. Citizens of the Commonwealth who have contributed significantly to the progress and development of the Virginia Community College System.

In Section 5.1.5, Honorary Degrees (SB) of the VCCS Policy Manual, the State Board authorizes the individual colleges to award honorary associate degrees of humane letters to individuals who have contributed significantly to the awarding college or the VCCS.  Individuals are not eligible for this award if they are currently employed by the college, serving on the local college Foundation Board, serving on the local College Board, or serving on the State Board for Community Colleges at any time between the date of the local College Board approval and the actual receipt of this award.  A separation from such employment or service of at least one month is a prerequisite for eligibility.  Recommendations for such honorary degrees shall be made to the Chancellor and to the State Board and approval granted by the Chancellor and State Board prior to the award being made.

Recipients of Honorary Degrees from Laurel Ridge Community College

2009

  • John J. “Ski” Sygielski

2007

  • The Honorable Mark R. Warner

2004

  • Mrs. Sharon Byrd
  • Mr. Alan G. Toxopeus

2003

  • Mr. William A. Hazel

2002

  • Mr. Alfred Kummli

2001

  • Dr. Byron Brill
  • Mr. T. Carter Fussell (posthumously)

2000

  • Mr. T. Carter Fussell
  • Mr. Steven W. Rodgers

1999

  • Mrs. Kathleen B. Nerangis

1998

  • Mr. Saul J. Robinson

1997

  • The Honorable John O. Marsh, Jr.
  • Mr. Gerald F. Smith

1996

  • The Honorable I. Clinton Miller
  • Mr. Paul Wolk

1995

  • Mrs. Mary M. Henkel

1994

  • Mr. William Bridgeforth, Jr. (posthumously)
  • Mr. John H. Tyson

1993

  • Dr. William A. Truban

1992

  • Mr. C. Courtney Carbaugh
  • Mrs. Linda R. Dietel
  • Mrs. Elizabeth G. Helm

1991

  • Mr. Thomas T. Byrd
  • Mr. Richard Dick

1990

  • Delegate Alson H. Smith, Jr.
  • Mr. Bob G. Sowder