Laurel Ridge Community College presented its 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award Friday to Renée Culbertson, who graduated cum laude with an associate of applied science degree in management in 2000.
During her remarks after receiving the award, Culbertson noted she attended Laurel Ridge at the Fauquier Campus when the only space available for classes was the Barn. She took night classes while working full-time during the day.
Culbertson received the award during the Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation’s annual appreciation luncheon, which is a chance for the foundation to thank donors, to showcase several students, and to give donors a chance to meet with scholarship recipients. The foundation has awarded nearly $200,000 in scholarships in the 2017-2018 year.
A current member of the Executive Board of the Virginia Municipal Clerks Association – and its president in 2015-2106 – Culbertson has served as the deputy clerk of the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors for nearly 17 years.
Culbertson had previously worked as a successful administrative professional in the corporate, military and private sectors. Her volunteer endeavors include the Jaycees, Executive Women International, and Fauquier Community Child Care. She was in the first Leadership Fauquier class in 2016.
Those considered for the Distinguished Alumni Award must have attained outstanding achievement in their career, have provided outstanding service to the community, be a positive role model for Laurel Ridge students, and demonstrate the college’s ideals of learning, integrity and positive spirit. Culbertson, who noted she is a lifelong learner and continues to take Workforce Solutions classes, said she was honored to be held in such high esteem by college officials.
“Renée has certainly demonstrated that she is the perfect fit for such a high honor,” Foundation Executive Director Liv Heggoy says. “As one of her friends describes her, Renée is a quiet force for good behind the scenes in Fauquier County.”
Also during Friday’s luncheon, Winchester-Frederick County entrepreneurs and philanthropists Kathy and Nick Nerangis were honored for their generosity to Lord Fairfax.
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.