Alumni Profiles ‣ Laurel Ridge Community College

General Studies

Starting at Laurel Ridge saved Gavin Burnett money on his path to commercial aviation

Attending Laurel Ridge Community College before transferring to a four-year university saved pilot Gavin Burnett a lot of money as he pursues his dream of becoming a commercial pilot.

December 16, 2024

Sparber posing with balloons in graduation cap and gown

General Studies

Taylor Hockman Sparber: 2015 grad's calling sparked by time at Laurel Ridge

Taylor Hockman Sparber turned to Laurel Ridge Community College to find her footing after her first higher education experience wasn’t a good fit for her. She thrived at Laurel Ridge…

August 8, 2024

Criminal Justice

Raul Chicas: 2014 graduate says Laurel Ridge was catalyst for career success

2014 Laurel Ridge graduate Raul Chicas credits the college with providing him the foundation for his professional success.

July 24, 2024

Angel Alvarado with his younger sister, Genesis.

Dual Enrollment

Angel Alvarado: 2023 dual-enrollment graduate headed to the U.S. Air Force Academy

2023 Laurel Ridge Community College graduate Angel Alvarado says he is well prepared to enter the U.S. Air Force Academy this fall thanks to his time at Laurel Ridge.

June 21, 2024

Nursing

2023 nursing graduate Carmen Smith was inspired by nurses caring for her baby brother

2023 Laurel Ridge Community College graduate Carmen Smith followed her mother into the nursing program. Mother and daughter were both inspired by watching nurses care for Smith’s baby brother in…

June 14, 2024

Brad Hodgson and Kimberly Blosser holding alumni award and smiling.

Liberal Arts

Brad Hodgson is the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient

Winchester resident Brad Hodgson overcame numerous obstacles on his path to success and earning his associate degree from Laurel Ridge Community College in 2008. He has been named the 2024…

April 22, 2024

CompTIA IT Certifications

CompTIA classes gave data center IT manager a boost

Drayke Gibson wanted to move out of the construction industry when he decided to take CompTIA classes through Laurel Ridge Community College Workforce Solutions.

April 1, 2024

Liberal Arts

2020 grad Jason Hatch’s military and diplomatic expertise coming in handy in helping to rescue vulnerable Afghans

2020 Laurel Ridge Community College grad Jason Hatch’s latest endeavors include massive efforts to evacuate vulnerable citizens from Afghanistan.

February 21, 2024

General Studies

Joseph Gass: A drive on the highway led U.S. Marine Corps veteran to Laurel Ridge

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Joseph Gass was able to use his G.I. benefits to get his associate degree from Laurel Ridge Community College.

February 12, 2024

General Studies

Kristin Fiorvanti: 2018 graduate living la dolce vita in Rome

2018 Laurel Ridge Community College graduate Kristin Fiorvanti continues to follow her artistic dreams in Italy, where she is about to complete her bachelor’s degree and continues creating art.

January 31, 2024

Dual Enrollment

Joseph Martin: Dual-enrolled classes prepared him for rigor of Virginia Tech

Thanks to taking dual-enrollment classes through Laurel Ridge Community College while still at Warren County High School, Joseph Martin’s five-year engineering program at Virginia Tech will only take him four…

January 26, 2024

General Studies

Greg McCarley: Two-time Laurel Ridge grad living a purpose-driven life

Greg McCarley turned to Laurel Ridge Community College when he first started on the path to his bachelor’s degree and lucrative career. He returned years later for a recreation and…

December 6, 2023