Laurel Ridge celebrates nearly 900 graduates in the Class of 2023

Laurel Ridge celebrated the Class of 2023 with two commencement ceremonies. A commencement ceremony was held for just graduates of the health professions on May 11, with a ceremony for all other graduates on May 12.

Pinning ceremonies were held immediately following the May 11 ceremony for students graduating from the nursing, surgical technology, and medical laboratory technology programs. Additionally, there was a coin ceremony for emergency medical services graduates.

It’s anticipated that 895 students are part of the Class of 2023, including those who graduated in the summer and fall of 2022.

“It’s absolutely my favorite day of the year,” Laurel Ridge President Kim Blosser said during the ceremony. “This is what it’s all about – recognizing our outstanding graduates and all of the hard work that’s brought them to this point. For college personnel, this event brings us our greatest satisfaction.”

Resilience and perseverance are necessary to make it to commencement, she said.

“We’re so proud of you for continuing to move forward to accomplish your goal,” said Dr. Blosser. “Many of you are the first in your family to graduate from college. Others represent the latest generation of graduates in your family.”

Registered nursing graduate Shannan Mitchell was the class speaker for the health professions ceremony.

“What is your why – what is the defining moment that inspired you to pursue a career in health care?” she asked her classmates. “Ultimately, our motivation to work in health care is driven by the honorable pursuit of helping others. I’m a first-generation college student, one of six children, and I’ve chosen nursing after experiencing the loss of my older sister to Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2009.”

Several years later, Mitchell’s best friend was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma and is now doing well. These experiences led to her “burning need” to become a nurse.

“Remember to return to your why, your motivation,” Mitchell said. “A career in health care requires you to constantly put other people before yourself. A career in health care is a career in empathy. We are healers and fixers, yet we sit with people in their darkness at their most vulnerable without rushing to turn on a light.

“You’re the proof that you can do anything you want to. We have the opportunity to make very large waves. Everyone here is going to change someone’s life because you’re going to make them feel like somebody. How lucky are we?”

Celia Cooley, who earned her associate degree in general studies, was the class speaker for Friday’s commencement ceremony. She spoke of the need for diversity in maintaining ecosystems and society.

“The diversity of species and the relationships between these species strengthen the entire ecosystem and community,” Cooley said. “I’m convinced the students at Laurel Ridge Community College fully embrace this way of thinking. Our community flourishes because of our acceptance of diversity and commitment to encouraging and supporting others.

“It’s my hope we will remain committed to supporting one another in our academic, professional, and personal growth. I’m incredibly proud of the wonderful [work] the graduating Class of 2023 has done at Laurel Ridge.”

Also, during the commencement ceremonies, Outstanding Graduate Awards were presented. The Outstanding Graduate of the Fauquier Campus was Theresa Akyaa, who earned her degree in surgical technology. Human services graduate Pamela Neff was named the Outstanding Graduate for the Middletown Campus.