The Virginia Western Educational Foundation and the Virginia Western Alumni Association are calling for nominations for the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award.

The annual recipient or recipients will receive the award at a special Scholarship Awards Ceremony March 22, and a plaque will be placed on the Virginia Western Distinguished Alumni Wall outside Whitman Theater.

For many, the road to lifetime achievement started at Virginia Western Community College.  The Virginia Western 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 Virginia Western graduates and their range of influence on our region.

The 2016 Distinguished Alumni honorees were Michael Crawley, Chief of Police for the City of Salem, and Dr. Mary B. Loritsch, Ed.D, R.T. (R). The first recipient in 2006 was John B. Williamson III of Buchanan, a 1975 alumnus and current member of the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors.

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 Virginia Western graduates.

To be eligible for nomination, the candidate must:

• Be a graduate of or have completed a minimum of two semesters at Virginia Western Community College.
• 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.

Anyone may nominate a Virginia Western Community College 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.

Nominations must be received by February 27.

For more information, contact Amanda Mansfield, Donor Relations Coordinator, Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation, at amansfield@virginiawestern.edu or (540) 857-6962.