Stephens City mother-of-four Joann Leight becomes the first person accepted to Laurel Ridge.
In March 1970, she and incoming student from the remaining seven service areas – C. Brent Cavedo, of Luray; Veda Gail Headley, of Berryville; Judy K. Neff, of Strasburg; Bonnie E. Pennington, of Warrenton; Bruce E. Roemmelt, of Front Royal; and Phillip E. Ward, of Winchester – attend a luncheon and tour of the site.
Continental blue and buff are chosen as the college’s colors.
During the college’s formal dedication Sept. 16, 1970, at the St. Thomas Chapel in Middletown, Chairman of the Board Wilkie W. Hunt, says, “I predict a great future for this school, and I am glad to have had a part in it.”
During a dedication of the new facility on Oct. 17, 1970, Gov. Mills E. Godwin says the college was serving students who never thought they’d have the chance to attend college. “To many of them, it must seem like a miracle, and indeed in a very real sense, we are gathered here today to bear witness to a miracle.”
