The 91Ó°ÊÓÆÆ½â°æ Educational Foundation and the 91Ó°ÊÓÆÆ½â°æ Alumni Association are calling for nominations for the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award. The annual recipient or recipients will receive the award at a special Scholarship Awards Ceremony in the spring, and a plaque will be placed on the 91Ó°ÊÓÆÆ½â°æ Distinguished Alumni Wall outside Whitman Theatre.

For many, the road to lifetime achievement started at 91Ó°ÊÓÆÆ½â°æ. The 91Ó°ÊÓÆÆ½â°æ Alumni Association established the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2006 to recognize those alumni who have achieved outstanding success and made a lasting impact on their community. The prestigious award is intended to showcase the diversity of 91Ó°ÊÓÆÆ½â°æ graduates and their range of influence on our region.
2025 – Dr. Michael Brennan
2024 – Yolonda L. Weaver, D.D.S. ’94
2023 – Dr. Brenda L. Hale ’89 and Joe Gaither ’77
2022 – Elvir Berbic ’06 and Jason Peters
2021 – Mary Catherine (Kate) Lawrence ’06
2020 – Tony Pearman ’10
2019 – Deborah L. Petrine ’74
2018 – Elizabeth Testerman ’06
2017 – Dr. Carol Swain ’78
2016 – Mary B. Loritsch Ed.D., R.T. (R) ’74 and Michael A. Crawley
2015 – Deborah A. Yancey ’97 and ’98
2014 – Chief Craig S. Harris ’00 & J. David Wine ’73
2013 – Cheryl Cunningham ’86
2012 – Anne Hogan ’76
2011 – Carolyn Webster ’81
2010 – Russell H. Ellis ’80
2009 – Shirl D. Lamanca ’75 and Dennis R. Cronk ’72
2008 – Donna L. Mitchell ’81
2007 – Dr. Kent A. Murphy and Charlotte C. Tyson ’84
2006 – John B. Williamson, III ’75
Anne Hogan (’76) serves as chairwoman of the Alumni Association. The Association fosters a mutually beneficial relationship and interaction between the College, its alumni, and the community, connecting with the College community to recognize and foster the diverse talents and successes of 91Ó°ÊÓÆÆ½â°æ graduates.
Distinguished Alumni Eligibility requirements:
To be eligible for nomination, the candidate must:
- Be a graduate of or have completed a minimum of two semesters at 91Ó°ÊÓÆÆ½â°æ.
- Have attained extraordinary distinction and success in his or her profession or life.
- Be a person of such integrity and stature that the College will take pride in his or her recognition.
- Have attained regional, statewide or national prominence and significant involvement in civic, cultural or charitable affairs.
How to nominate:
Anyone may nominate a 91Ó°ÊÓÆÆ½â°æ alumna/us or former student for this award by completing a nomination form. This form can be submitted online or downloaded from the College’s website at virginiawestern.edu/alumni. Two letters of reference are also required.
Deadline:
Nominations must be received by Feb. 27, 2026.
For more information, contact Syreeta Combs, Philanthropy Relations Officer, 91Ó°ÊÓÆÆ½â°æ Educational Foundation, at scombs@virginiawestern.edu or (540) 857-6833.


