Laurel Ridge Community College Educational Foundation, Inc. recognized retired U.S. Postal Worker Henry Julius on Tuesday, December 6th as the 2011 recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award. The event took place at 1 p.m. in the Thompson Conference Center of the Corron Community Development Center on the Middletown Campus.
Julius was nominated for the honor by Laurel Ridge Professor Andrea Ludwick, who stated, “None of us remember the headliners of yesterday. The people who make a difference in your life are the ones who care, and Henry is one of the most caring people I have ever known.”
According to Laurel Ridge President, Cheryl Thompson-Stacy, “Julius was chosen from the candidates who were nominated because of his exceptional contributions to his country, his community, and to Laurel Ridge Community College.”
Upon receiving the award, Julius told those in attendance, “College helpd me grow to be the person that I am. So many people helped me, that it’s not my celebration, it’s all our celebration.”
Julius was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and upon completion of his service began his studies at Laurel Ridge. He was an employee of the U.S. Postal Service for 39 years, well known and liked by customers at the Winchester, VA Main Post Office. Since his retirement, Julius divides his time between community service and a part-time job with Costco.
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.