Alumni Profiles

Kayleigh Baylor: Laurel Ridge was “life changing” for Medical Laboratory Technology graduate

Kayleigh Baylor says earning her degree in medical lab technology (MLT) at Laurel Ridge Community College was “life changing.” Now, she is working full time and training future MLTs.

Callie Reed: Keeping Smiles Clean and Healthy through Dental Hygiene

Harrisonburg, Va. resident Callie Reed chose Laurel Ridge Community College’s dental hygiene program to fulfill her calling of helping people have beautiful, confident smiles.

Azaz Shah: Laurel Ridge crucial step on path to becoming a nurse practitioner

The affordability, amazing faculty and its great reputation are what drew aspiring nurse practitioner Azaz Shah to Laurel Ridge Community College’s registered nursing program.

Jazmine Sebestyen: Fast-track programs helped put her into thriving new healthcare career

Jazmine Sebestyen enjoyed the fast pace of her phlebotomy and certified clinical medical assistant courses at Laurel Ridge Community College Workforce Solutions. She is now thriving in her new career.

Morgan Palme: pursuing her healthcare passion

Morgan Palme decided to follow her dream of becoming a healthcare professional. Thanks to FastForward and G3 funding, she was able to train at Laurel Ridge Community College Workforce Solutions without any money coming out of her own pocket.

Overcoming injury to continue his passion for welding

About a year after earning a welding certification from Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions, Blake DeForest suffered a devastating hand injury. Not deterred, he returned for further certification.

Isaac Richards: 2019 graduate keeps in touch

2019 graduate Isaac Richards transferred to George Mason University to continue studying computer science and now has a job he loves in software engineering.

Laurel Ridge graduate thankful for the time and savings to explore his career path

Laurel Ridge gave Samuel Nakai the time and space to explore his future career. He is transferring to Virginia Tech to study engineering this spring.

Laurel Ridge business graduate returned to study trades, now has a plumbing business

After graduating from Laurel Ridge with his business degree, Aidan Gould returned to study the trades. Now, he puts his business skills to work as part owner of a plumbing company.

Kathy Alsberry Temple: The College's First Graduate

Kathy Alsberry Temple was the very first person to graduate from Laurel Ridge during its inaugural commencement ceremony in 1972

Laurel Ridge Foundation and College Board Member Brad Hodgson says his time here as a student was life-changing

Brad Hodgson struggled in his early days as a student, but with support of administrators and faculty, as well as his fellow students, and accepting himself as he was he has gone on to a successful and happy future.

Chrishan Francis: Gained leadership skills and confidence from Laurel Ridge

2000 Laurel Ridge graduate Chrishan Francis, an information security branch chief for the U.S. Coast Guard, says the college prepared him for success. He now volunteers as a mentor for area youth.