TRiO Office specialist Lisa Brumback, the 2025 Distinguished Part-Time Classified Staff Award recipient, is known for nourishing the bodies and souls of Laurel Ridge students.
She’s been with the college for 2½ years, and facilitates advising, troubleshoots student issues, assists with TRiO applications and helps keep the food pantry on the Middletown Campus stocked.
“I like engaging with the students – that’s really rewarding – and making a difference by helping in some way, or troubleshooting,” said Brumback, who is a James Wood High School graduate. “Sometimes they just need someone to talk to that day. So, we can have some back and forth for 10 or 15 minutes, and I think they feel better about whatever it was and getting it off their chest and going on with their day.”
The nomination for Brumback says she “exemplifies a calm and positive demeanor, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for students and employees entering the TRiO office and the food pantry.”
“On many occasions, Lisa can be found helping a distressed student by offering an empathetic ear and kind words of encouragement,” the nomination states. “The TRIO Lounge has been made cozy with Lisa’s plants, her relaxing music,and various other touches that help students feel welcome and comfortable.”
Additionally, it says that Brumback, who earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Clarion University in Pennsylvania, has established partnerships with Sheetz, area churches, Middletown Elementary School and other organizations, to procure diverse donations to the pantry.
“Lisa also embodies Laurel Ridge’s values of learning and high performance,” the nomination says. “She takes the initiative to reach out to various offices to educate herself and make connections, and really seeks to understand the inner workings of each department and how their work can collaborate with TRiO.”
Brumback said she was surprised when she found out she was receiving the award.
“It made me feel valued, that folks saw what we’re trying to do back there with the food pantry and helping the students,” she said.
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.