Laurel Ridge Community College said goodbye in December to maintenance lead Steve Ayers. Ayers was also the college’s first HVAC graduate, earning his career studies certificate in 2014.
Laurel Ridge Community College lab and research specialist Barbara Derflinger is retiring after a long career in science education. Her career began at Laurel Ridge in the 1980s when she enrolled as a student.
In addition to her academic advising role, Caroline Walls serves as a career services specialist, helping to match Laurel Ridge Community College students with the right career paths. She also helps coach them along their job search journey.
2024 Laurel Ridge Community College Distinguished Full-Time Faculty Award recipient Professor Lori Killough grew up wanting to be a teacher. Now, she is instrumental in the development of a teacher training lab school.
Laurel Ridge Community College Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Award recipient, nursing instructor, Beverley Ridings, knew when she was just 4 or 5 that nursing was her calling.
Laurel Ridge Community College Board Vice Chair Benjamin Freakley had an illustrious career with the U.S. Army. The lieutenant general led all NATO troops in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Laurel Ridge Community College Board Member Ed Daley’s long public service career includes four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and more than 20 years as the Winchester city manager.
Laurel Ridge Community College Board Chair Mike Wenger is a graduate of the U.S. Airforce Academy, Oxford University and UCLA. A former fighter pilot, he is active in his community of Rappahannock County.
Laurel Ridge Community College Anatomy & Physiology Professor Jeff Hollar was a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy. Many of his students go on to work in the medical field, and Professor Hollar also provides healing to the college community through his free yoga classes.