Class Notes

VWU Alumni News and Accomplishments


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Seth Antozzi '17 is a graduate research assistant at Colorado State University (CSU) and is completing his second year of a Mechanical Engineering Master of Science degree. He has authored papers on his laser research, and his future research interests include providing diagnostics to the CSU hypersonic wind tunnel. Seth has presented his findings at conferences in San Diego, Detroit, Orlando, and Washington, D.C.

Sarah Antozzi '17 has been promoted from front desk manager to Assistant Guest Registration Director at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. With a capacity of more than 4,600 guests, the 8680-acre property is the largest YMCA camp and retreat center in the world. It’s been voted nationally as the best family vacation resort by USA Today and the New York Times.

Caroline Domo '21 and Adam Brooks '21 married on April 29, 2023. Caroline was president of Alpha Sigma Alpha and Adam played baseball at VWU. Both Caroline and Adam are graduates of our Recreation Therapy Program.

Passion Collins Credle '12 married fellow alumnus, Rev. Wayne Credle on August 18, 2018. In 2020, she co- founded CREDLE, LLC, a leadership development and consulting firm. Passion is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree at Regent University. Passion and Wayne will be celebrating a double graduation in May 2023.

Kameron Clarke ’21 has been appointed as Legislative Assistant for the State of Virginia. 

Jessica Goldyn '21 is playing professional softball abroad. Read more here

Christopher Lindemeyer '22 is Associate Recruiter for Lion Search Group in Reston, VA.

Emily Ann Meyer '98/MBA '21 is a Presidential Management Fellowship finalist and in the process of securing her 2-year placement in the US Government. This program was started by Jimmy Carter to attract the best and brightest to the nation's civil service and will include rigorous management training in addition to the civil service placement.

Nailah Khalia Alston-Iszard '21 is currently at The College of William & Mary, working towards her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Nailah also accepted a position as a Teacher’s Assistant at Chesapeake Montessori School..

Juliana Mushala '21 is working as the Residential Life Coordinator at Foxcroft School.

Yamrot Bekele '21 will begin her Medical Doctor and Master of Public Health (MD/MPH) degree programs at Eastern Virginia Medical School Fall 2021.

Antoinette Lloyd '21 accepted a teaching position at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Dante Copeland '20 accepted a teaching position as the choral director at James Blair Middle School in Norfolk, Virginia.

Austin Edmonds '20 will begin his Masters in Journalism at DePaul University Fall 2021.

Kyle Woolf '20 graduated from Prince William County Criminal Justice Academy Basic Law Enforcement in December 2020. Officer Woolf is assigned to work patrol in western Prince William County.

Arielle Damasco '20 will begin her Masters in Special Education with an ABA focus at George Mason University Spring 2021.

Hannah Hunt '20 was accepted to the Eastern Virginia Medical School of Health Professions Master of Public Health program.

Andreas Combos '20 is currently enrolled in the nine month leadership development and training program at Trinity Fellows located in Charlottesville, VA.

Katie Saunders '20 accepted a teaching position with Virginia Beach Public Schools.

Nichole Evenson '20 accepted a teaching position with Virginia Beach Public Schools.

Emma Walsh '20 accepted a position teaching math at Baltimore City Magnet Schools. 

Kelci Vandiver '20 accepted a position teaching at Portsmouth Public Schools.

Cory Franklin '20 has been accepted to the Master's program for Music Education at Old Dominion University. He is a graduate assistant for the Monarch Marching Band.

Nyandra McFadden '20 has been accepted to the Master of Public Health in Environmental Health program at Temple University's College of Public Health.

Christine Dawe Brown ‘12 and Andy Brown ‘13 welcomed their first child, Arthur, on February 7, 2024.

Eirn Combs '16 accepted a Position as a Logistics Analyst in Fort Belvoir, VA supporting PEO Soldier's Body Armor Team. Erin holds her Advanced Certification of Life-Cycle Logistics from Defense Acquisition University on Fort Belvoir and is currently taking courses to get her Foundational Certification in Test and Evaluation.

Nick Doyle '16 was named the head men’s basketball coach at Shenandoah University.

Stephanie Singer '17 has worked as the communications specialist at Mercy Medical Angels for 5 years, aligning with the 50th anniversary of the nonprofit.

Teresa Ann Cardamone '18 Joins the Seattle Mariners as an Affiliate Development Intern. Teresa has been assigned to the Seattle Mariners AA Affiliate, the Arkansas Travelers.

Rev. Wayne E. Credle, Jr. '12 married Passion Credle (Collins) '12 in 2018. In 2020, Wayne and Passion launched Credle LLC, a consulting firm that supports leaders within religious & small business sectors through leadership development and graphic design services.

Rev. Wayne E. Credle, Jr. is a Ph.D. student in the School of Business and Leadership at Regent University. Studying Organizational & Ecclesial Leadership, Rev. Credle's article "The Mute Church: A Qualitative Study of Member Silence and Spirituality in Church Decision-Making" has been published in the Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership, volume 11. 

Jaime Esquivel '18 graduated with Master's in Cyber-Security,Cyber Operations, from ECPI University.

Brooke Totzeck '16 became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) shortly after graduating with her Masters of Education from University of Cincinnati.

Heather Tebbenhoff '11 accepted the position of Director of Community Engagement for the AIM at Melanoma Foundation.

Zach Hyman '16 has been with Suffolk Police Department for 5 years now. The police department has awarded him the Medal of Valor, one of seven ever awarded in the agency, and the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce awarded him their Valor Award.

Michael Willson '17 graduated from Georgetown University in May 2021 with a Master's in Communication, Culture & Technology.

Dr. Ksera Dyette '11 had the opportunity to speak on a podcast episode: Depresh Mode. The podcast was created and hosted by the award-winning podcast "The Hilarious World of Depression." The episode is What to Expect When the Virus is Gone but COVID Trauma Goes On.

Rachel Balsley '13 relocated to Pittslyvania County in 2020 to become the Director of Digital Strategy at Chatham Hall, a premier boarding school for grades 9-12 girls.

Chavon Thomas '11 ended 2020 as an Amazon #1 bestselling author for "Undeterred: Success Stories of Female Leaders Who Pursued a Seat at the Table", a book she co-authored with other amazing women in leadership.   

Sarah Barban '12 started a new career at Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce as the Marketing and Membership Director.  

Jordan Bondurant '12 joined WRIC 8News in December 2020 as a Digital Content Producer.

Nina Ruiz '11 married Jesse A. Magaldi, Jr. on November 30, 2019 at The Founders Inn & Spa in Virginia Beach, VA. They welcomed a daughter, Camila Linnea, on August 21, 2020. 

Tabitha (Lowell) FitzGibbon '18 married Ryan FitzGibbon '18 and is working as a financial auditor for the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Professional basketball player DJ Woodmore '14 recently signed on with EPG Baskets Koblenz and will continue his overseas professional career in Germany.

Angel Yermolenko '19 accepted a position teaching at Chesapeake City Public Schools.

Nicole M. Johnson '19/M.Ed. '20 is a middle school history teacher with Virginia Beach City Public Schools.

Nickayl Williams '19/M. Ed. '20 accepted a teaching position with Virginia Beach City Public Schools.

Devon Lacey '18 accepted a position teaching at Portsmouth Public Schools.

Catalina Jones '19/ M. Ed. '20 has accepted a position teaching art at Chesapeake City Public Schools.

John Provine '19/ M. Ed. '20 has accepted a position teaching social studies at Chesapeake City Public Schools.

Arika Marosi '19 has accepted a position teaching at Chesapeake City Public Schools.

Tiffany Boyle '14 has been named to the 2020 list of "Millennials on the Move" by CoVa Biz Magazine.

Madeline Snyder ’18 graduated with her Master of Science degree in criminal justice with a concentration in child protection and juvenile justice from Nova Southeastern University in 2020. In her new position, Madeline is the coordinator for alcohol and substance abuse at Herkimer County Community College.

Kimberly Fahle Peck '10 is the Director of the Writing Center at York College of Pennsylvania. She was recognized as the Winner of 2019 Computers & Composition Hugh Burns Dissertation Award. Kimberly is also Co-editor of Young Scholars in Writing.

Katherine "Katie" Staman '19 was recently promoted to Inside Sales Representative at Pet Food Experts in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. In her new position, Katie is responsible for the Northwest part of the country.

Darren Driscoll ’14 and Nicolletta Cuthbert '14 were married on July 19th, 2019 in Lahaska, PA. Darren earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Virginia Tech and now works as a postdoctoral research scientist at Argonne National Lab in Lemont, IL. Nicolletta earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and now works as a veterinarian at DuPage Animal Hospital in Villa Park, IL.

Kaitlyn Dozier Fox '14 has been accepted into the MBA program at the College of William & Mary.

Brian Cornell '14 thru-hiked the Continental Divide Trail in 2018 and spent the better part of a year writing and editing his novel, Divided: A Walk on the Continental Divide Trail, which is now available.

Natalie Belva '12 and Hilton Ianniciello '09 were married on June 24, 2018 in Golden, Colorado.

Samuel Smart '18 is pursuing a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at Radford University.

Andrew Petrey '15 has been named to the 2019 list of top 30 "Millennials on the Move" by CoVa Biz Magazine.

Rebecca Driscoll '11 will marry Corey Roe on August 29, 2019 in San Diego, CA.

Sydney Covey ’16, who works as a sustainability expert, was featured in Inside Business.

Jesse Tomczak '11 started a new position as the Associate Director of Admissions at American University after serving as the Associate Director of Admissions at Rice University in Texas for two years.

Brooke Totzeck '16 earned her credentials as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst.

Trevor J. Maloney '17 is currently a first year medical student at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and recently commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army.  

Ulia Nelson '18 started a new position as a Technical Writer at Tesla Industries, Inc.

Joseph DelPo '17 is working for Fox Sports as a Crew Member.

Breanna Muir '13 earned her M.A. in Film and Video from American University and is now a Video Technician at the Washington Post.

Britton Hipple '16 graduated from Virginia Tech with a Masters in Biochemistry and is enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction in the Integrative STEM Education program.

Tyler Tweedy '13 was promoted to Director of Operations at HandCraft Services.

Reginald Demps '12 is celebrating his 1 year anniversary with Shaneka Poole Demps.

Caleb Coro '18 is working as an English teacher at Norview High School.

Kellie (Lagoy) Adamson '16 recently became a writer for the Suffolk News-Herald. She also married Andrew Adamson '13 on March 24, 2018.

John Davis '15 has earned his M.F.A. degree from American University. He is preparing to launch his thesis film, a documentary about human trafficking within the state of North Carolina, and what people are doing to fight it.

Michele "Shelby" Bryceland '13 married Daniel Metcalf on June 23, 2018 at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Virginia Beach, VA.

George Annunziata '15 is a Police Officer for the Virginia Beach Police Department.

Lisa Luck '17 is a Paralegal for the City Attorney in Virginia Beach while pursuing a Masters of Law at Regent University School of Law.

Ajee Church '16 teaches chorus at Granby High School. He also serves on the school’s technology committee and as accompanist for Norfolk Public Schools’ Strolling Silver Strings performing group. Read More.

Devin Cowhey '10 is a Development Specialist at Virginia Beach GrowSmart.

Hannah Rice '15 is employed as a Construction Stormwater Inspector at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

Shelby St. Gelais '13 was recently promoted to Business Development Manager at Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group.

tHRive, the young professionals program of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, recently announced that Alisa Crider '10 is the new chairwoman. Read more.

Amari Agee '15 began a new position as Production Executive Assistant at Illumination Entertainment which is one of the entertainment industry's leading producers of event animated films.

Bonnie Braziel '11 is putting her Recreation and Leisure Studies major to great use by working as a conservation police officer for the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries.

Kathleen Kern '10 has established a therapy practice in the Annapolis, Maryland area.

Jaclyn (Quinn) Ballance '12 and her husband, Kevin, established a company this year named The Tattered Mouse. The Tattered Mouse specializes in handcrafted home decor, including unique signs. Jaclyn and Kevin recently created signs that are specifically tailored to VWU.

Tianna Garland '16 has been named to the 2017 list of top 20 "Millennials on the Move" by CoVa Biz Magazine.

Rachel Balsley '13 was recently promoted to assistant director of communications at St. Anne's-Belfield School in Charlottesville, VA.

Nicholas Doyle '16 is now the Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at VWU.

Taylor A. Thornton '12 of Glen Allen received her doctorate in physical therapy on May 20, 2017 from Lynchburg College.

Saleen D. Martin '14 wrote an article in Georgia Health News that tells of the displacement of patients after Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital was shut down.

Andrea Shannon '14 and Jed Lynch '10 were married on October 1, 2016 in Gloucester, Virginia.

Brandon Adair '12 officiated his first NBA game between Cleveland and Atlanta. More

Former VWU student Evan Hamilton Ashby IV proposed to VWU graduate Rachel Heather Rigoglioso '10 on October 11, 2016.

Trent Batson '14 was recently featured in the Cape Gazette of Delaware for his volunteer service at The Factory Sports Complex, where he coaches youth basketball. 

Kelly Evans '01, Published author of "Witnessing Stalin's Justice," with co-author Jeanie Welch, Bloomsbury Press, released Sept 7, 2023.

Kindra Greene '04 is the Executive Director of the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation.

Jessie K. Dawe '08 is a member of the Harvard Law School Class of 2022 and an associate with McGuireWoods. Jessie focuses her practice on government investigations and white collar litigation. She will serve as a law clerk to the Honorable S. Bernard Goodwyn, Chief of Justice of the Virginia Supreme Court, from summer 2023-2025.

Ryan Jones '06 was chosen as the 2023 Artist for Norfolk Harborfest.  Ryan is co-owner of Jones Art Gallery in Town Center, Virginia Beach.

Jaclyn Bailey Ruelle '04 accepted a position as Senior Vice President, Managing Director of Cultural Impact and Brand Communications with Papa Johns.

Chris Taylor ’06 was elected as a Virginia Beach City Council Member in November 2022.

Jennifer Valentine Rouse ’08 was elected to the Virginia Beach City Council in November 2022.

Maerine "Mimi" Mitchell '07 is part of the Class of 2023 CIVIC Leadership Institute, making strides as a leader in the Hampton Roads area. She completed her MFA at Arcadia University in May and is publishing her first book.

Thomas Taylor '00 was appointed Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools on December 1, 2021 - Serving 31,000 students and 4,300 employees.

Julia (Green) Marks '04 is the News Director for CatskillsAir, a television station serving the greater Catskills region of New York State.

Spencer Baird '00 has been officially appointed as Inmar Intelligence's new chief executive officer. Inmar Intelligence is a leading applied data platform company.

Meghan Betz Ashburn ’08 who was the keynote speaker at the 27th Annual Minnesota Autism Conference. She presented “Why Are You Yelling At Me?” on April 27

Jennifer Moore '07 has joined the city of Suffolk as assistant director of media & community relations.

Martine Kei Green-Rogers '02 has been named Dean of The Theatre School at DePaul University.

Keith Stoeckeler '05, Founder and Head of Strategy and Operations for sports marketing collective HEARTLENT Group, has been included in Marquis Who's Who. Marquis Who's Who has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment.

Olivier Mussat '00 is now the Chief Executive Officer of ATOME ENERGY PLC. ATOME is a new alternative energy company dedicated to providing a cleaner and more sustainable future through large-scale green hydrogen and green ammonia production and delivering high-tech solutions and value to communities around the world.

Kelley Healey '08 was featured in the CoVaBiz magazine highlighted in the article 'Millennials on the Move 2021.’  Healey is the Smithfield Market Executive and Vice President at Farmers Bank. 

Crystal Jacobs '01 will graduate with a PhD in Postsecondary and Adult Education June 2021.

Valerie Bernardo '00 recently accepted the position as Director of Finance at the Society of Human Resources Management in Alexandria, VA.

Jennifer Marshall '08, best-known for Stranger Things and hosting CW's Mysteries Decoded, was recently featured on TV Over Mind.

Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler '03 has been selected to the Virginia Minority Business Commission.

Matthew Sherman ’09 is the proprietor of Stump City Brewery, based in Gloversville, NY. His brewery was recently featured in Forbes.  

Kerri (Thornhill) Hardwick ’04 and her voice studio students were recently featured on WTKR singing "Rise Up." Kerri continues to provide voice lessons virtually during the pandemic.  

Ali (Southard) Moorehead '08 and her husband, Darren, celebrated the birth of their first child, Levi James, on February 25, 2020.

Crystal (Fry) Vanuch '05 is running for election as Stafford County Supervisor for the Rock Hill District. Read a recent interview from the Potomac Local.

Natalie Belva '12 and Hilton Ianniciello '09 were married on June 24, 2018 in Golden, Colorado.

Teresa Alutto-Schmidt '02 recently joined the Department of Homeland Security as Investigative Counsel, Special Reviews Group, Office of Inspector General.

Nicole Hoskins Jones '06 has been named to the 2019 list of top 30 "Millennials on the Move" by CoVa Biz Magazine.

Jaclyn Bailey Ruelle '03 was named to Adweek's "Creative 100" list of the most fascinating people in marketing, media and culture. Jaclyn leads the new Cultural Impact Lab at The Martin Agency in Richmond as senior vice president and managing director for cultural impact and brand communications.

Wallace “Wally” Driskell '00 retired on February 1, 2019, after nearly 45 years as Norfolk's longest-serving police officer. Both Wally and his wife of thirty years Candie '94 are graduates of VWU's Adult Studies Program.

Jason Rich '09 was promoted to Assistant Vice President of Data Engineering for PRA Group, Inc. Jason manages Data Engineering, Data Governance and Data Intelligence.

Desiree Ellison '08 has accepted the position of Executive Director for the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team.

Jessica (Burns) Rohmann '07 has been promoted to Assistant Principal at Bayside 6th Grade Campus.

Heidi Cavallo '02 is the new softball coach at Cape Henry Collegiate.

Jason Evans '02 is the Director of Music Ministries/Organist at Outer Banks Presbyterian Church, where he also serves as handbell director and coordinates all music, as well as Easter, Patriotic and Christmas Musicals using a combined choir and orchestra.

Homer Babbitt '00 is now the Chief Development Officer for the Nauticus Foundation.

William "Bill" Miller '09 was recently promoted to Human Resources Generalist at Fairlead Integrated.

Sarah Tytler's '09 paper titled "'TwitFic', Twine, and Student-Centered Learning: Combining Creativity and Coding in the Classroom" was published in Africa International Journal of Management, Education, and Governance. She presented her research at the 2017 Eldoret International Conference on Poverty and Sustainability in Africa at Kisii University in Kenya. Sarah and a fellow researcher have also been invited to present their joint research at academic conferences in Dubai and Turkey.  

Kristen (Cannavino) Delaney '05 has been hired by the Sherwood School District in Oregon as an executive assistant to Superintendent Heather Cordie. More

Nicole Thurston '07 was featured in The Virginian-Pilot. Fluent in Spanish, Nicole practices family law for the firm of Mahoney Nashatka Richmond, PLLC.

George Scott '07 majored in Music while he attended VWU. He has been active in classical music but his passion lies in Christian music. In July 2017 he released an album titled Praise the Way Through. His album can be found at these retailers: iTunes, Amazon Music, Google Play, and Kunaki

Bill Blake '06 was recently named Interim Executive Director of the Albemarle Area United Way in northeastern North Carolina. He also serves as finance committee chair at Perkins United Methodist Church.

Amanda Elliott '01 has been promoted to vice president of TowneBank.

Christina Foster '07 eloped in New Orleans on August 11, 2017 to Carl Hayden.

Jillian Boyd '08 was the head coach of the Dutch National Team in the recent FIL Rathbones Women's Lacrosse Word Cup.

Jessica (Radcliffe) Heck '00 has become the administration manager with Leadership Southern Maryland.

Michelle Parker '00 became the new president of the Virginia Women Attorneys Association on June 17, 2017. Read the article.

Darrell Cuenca '07 (Jason Hechtkopf '98 and Erica Greenway Hechtkopf) opened Deadline Brewing Project off of Shore Drive in Virginia Beach this 2017.

Heather Blicher '01, online learning librarian at Northern Virginia Community College, has been named the 2017 recipient of the Routledge Distance Learning Librarianship Conference Sponsorship Award.

Matthew Wolfe '09 (wife, Taylor) Blessed with the Birth of Luke Isaiah Wolfe. Proud grandparents are Paul '82 and Phyllis '97 Wolfe.

Scott Roberts '08 was recently featured in Coastal Virginia Magazine for his eco-friendly pyrographic artwork. More

John Stine '07 was recognized by Inside Business as a 2016 Top 40 Under 40 Honoree.

Kevin Otey '06 was recently appointed Director of Strategic Initiatives, Hampton Roads Community Action Program.

Alyssa (Kozak) Worrell '06 and her husband welcomed their second son, Matthew Phillip, on May 30, 2016.

Monica Mapp '03 recently moved to Leicestershire, United Kingdom to complete her PhD in Sociology at the University of Leicester, where her research focus is the sociology of fashion. She received her MA in Fashion Business from the University for the Creative Arts in the UK and has been working as a fashion researcher for two designers in London. Monica has worked the last four seasons at London Fashion Week.

Courtney Walston '04 has recently joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group as a Real Estate Sales Executive. Prior to real estate, Walston worked with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and is currently still a special agent for them.

In Memoriam: 
Linda A. Mireles ’04 

Dr. Leigh Harrell-Williams ‘97 began serving as Interim Associate Dean of Grad Programs, Research & Faculty Development and the Interim College Graduate Director for the College of Education at the University of Memphis in January 2024. She has been a faculty member in the Educational Psychology and Research graduate program since 2014 and earned promotion and tenure to associate professor in 2020.

John Helms ‘98 was recently appointed to the position of Dean of Work Learning at Sterling College in Craftsbury Common, Vermont. Sterling is a small eco-focused college and one of only nine federally recognized "work colleges" in the US. Dr. Helms will oversee the administration of Sterling's Work Program, internships, and community outreach for service-learning while serving as part-time faculty in Environmental Science.

Giorgio Valentini '98 has been named the director of marketing for Atlantic Sotheby's International Realty and the Kris Weaver Realty team in Virginia Beach.

Nancy Allen '99 was recently named Director of Public Affairs for the US Army Corps of Engineers - South Pacific Division, headquarters in San Francisco.

Addie (Shankle) Besemer '98 earned her Master's in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in August 2022. She has been employed by Spotsylvania County Public Schools as a School Social Worker since July 2021. She is pursuing licensure as an LCSW and will begin supervision this fall.

Marie Nicolo '96 retired as Associate Director of the Beazley Foundation, Inc., a philanthropy located in Portsmouth, Virginia, on March 1, 2021.

Andy Edwards '98 is an assistant project editor at the University of Virginia Press.

Ken Barber '98 has completed his Certification as Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute (PMI). Ken currently acts as a technical manager for Air Force Cyber Ranges.

Brian Kirwin '91, political consultant with Kirwin Development Strategies in Virginia Beach, VA, achieved his 65th professional campaign victory this June in his 20th year in consulting.

Michael “Mike” Tilton ’92 has been named President of Humana's South Region. He was most recently the General Manager of Commercial Business for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.

Clayton Singleton '94 is one of the 13 artists selected artists invited to take over the Hermitage Museum estate to create work, some in collaboration with volunteers and local organizations, on topics including Black Lives Matter, homelessness, poverty, women’s equality, and mental health. Six murals will be created indoors, some taking up full galleries, while seven will be displayed in the gardens.

Nicole Aldrich '96 has been appointed Director of Chapel Music and the Chapel Choir at Princeton University. She leaves the University of Washington at St. Louis where she was director of the choral program for many years.

Kim (Jones) Williams '92 is currently Acting Admission Director at Cadia Healthcare in Wilmington, DE. She and her husband Ron have two children - Madelyn, 20 and Daniel,16.

Jason Scalese '97 of Burlingame, California began his term as President of the United States Tennis Association, Northern California in January 2020.

Clayton Singleton '94 was named Veer Magazine's 2020 Mural Artist of the Year. His latest mural, entitled "Black Lives More Than Matter," can be found in downtown Norfolk, VA.  

Brian Kirwin '91 reports that he notched his 63rd professional campaign victory, and fifth this year, as a political consultant with the victory for Mayor in Virginia Beach.

Addie (Shankle) Besemer '98 was accepted into Virginia Commonwealth University's Master of Social Work program. She will begin the program in January 2021 and anticipates earning her MSW in May 2022 with a certification in school social work.  

Renee DuPriest-Trivisonno '90 and her husband Edward live in Amelia County, Virginia and share 4 sons between them. Renee is a Services Supervisor for Chesterfield County Mental Health Support Services and has enjoyed a career of supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Ronald Stebbins '92 retired as Co-Owner and CFO of AVMAC LLC and is enjoying many hobbies.

Victor Del Pino '98 has been appointed a Montgomery County (Maryland) District Court judge. Read more.

Kristin Kail Stowe '98 was named 2018 Teacher of the Year at Eastern Montgomery Elementary School in Elliston, VA.

Sebrina Brown '95 recently retired from the United States Postal Service in Washington D.C. after 35 1/2 years of service.

Jeff Whitmarsh ’97 was promoted to the rank of Captain with the Delaware State Police in May. He will take over command of DSP Troop 2 in Newark, Delaware as he continues with his 21 years of service.

Holly Loyer ’96 was featured in “DailyAdvance.com.”  Holly founded the Albemarle Teen Challenge and serves as the local Teen Challenge’s Chief Executive Officer.

Scott Holava '93 started a new position as the Assistant Men's Lacrosse Coach at Virginia Wesleyan University. Scott is also a programmer/analyst with the City of Virginia Beach.

Mari Mann '94 was Associate Producer and Story Consultant for, "Eyes of the Roshi". The movie was released for North American distribution on January 15th, 2019.

Lynn A. Aydlett '93 was awarded the "Bright Ideas Grant" for $1,103 and the "Cylinda Hazen Scholarship" for $1,000 to teach students about tolerance and diversity and to be accepting of all people with disabilities or differences. The money will be used to buy books, dolls, and other materials for Lynn's school.  Lynn teaches 1st grade at Valmead Elementary in Lenoir, NC.

Giorgio Valentini '98 is the Marketing Director at Napolitano Homes in Virginia Beach. He also owns the strategic consulting firm, GGD Marketing Consultants, which assists small business owners develop successful digital marketing strategies.

Greg Freedland '97 was promoted to Assistant Vice President for University Communications & Marketing at Millersville University of Pennsylvania. A member of Millersville's staff for six years, Greg most recently was Director of Development Communications & Stewardship.

Ken Barber '98 graduated from Regent University's MBA program and has accepted a position with ICF International as a Program Analyst supporting the United States Air Force Cybersecurity program.

James Reese '99 has been named the Chief Risk and Strategy Officer of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (OCIE).

Susan Metsker '93 has been promoted to Assistant Principal at Bandon Middle School.

On January 1, 2018, Christine (Langsam) Williams '97 was named Chair of the Board for Comfort Zone Camp. Comfort Zone Camp is a charitable organization which provides grief services to children (and their families) who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver.

Julie (Seeber) Anderson '96 recently began a new position as Executive Vice President at TowneBank. More

Upon retirement after 38 years in the legal field, Marie Nicolo '96 was hired in 2014 as Associate Director of the Beazley Foundation, Inc., a philanthropy located in Portsmouth, VA.

Amy (Goebelbecker) Clipston '95 is the award-winning bestselling author of the Amish Heirloom series and the Kauffman Amish Bakery series. Her most recent book, A Place at Our Table, was published in November 2017.

Jillian (Humerick) Little '94 has been appointed vice president of U.S. federal government sales at Thinklogical, a Belden Brand.

Andy Edwards '98 is a managing editor at Liturgical Press, the Benedictine publishing house at Saint John’s Abbey, and is an adjunct assistant professor of theology at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. On November 16, 2017 he will be on campus presenting case studies on the Reformation.

Greg Canada '95 has just completed his second year as the Assistant Dean of Admissions at Indiana University Maurer School of Law in Bloomington, Illinois. Prior to joining Indiana University, he served as the assistant dean of admissions at UC Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco, California.

Stephanie O'Hara '91 is the new vice principal of Greenwood Elementary School in Princess Anne, Maryland. She previously served as the school's counselor for nine years. Read the article.

Dawn (Grant) Cox '97 has been listed as a top team member for VSA Resorts. Dawn has worked as the mortgage and portfolio manager at VSA Resorts for two years. Read the article.

Kristie L. Middleton '98 conducted a presentation and book signing at Prince Books in Norfolk, VA on May 25, 2017 where she discussed her book, "Meatless: Transform the Way You Eat and Live-One Meal at a Time." Kristie explained the premise of her book in the following article posted by The Virginian-Pilot.

Ryan Jones '99 was recently featured in the Virginian-Pilot with his family, Susan and Louis Jones, for their Town Center gallery in Virginia Beach, Jones Art Gallery.

A piece by Chona Santander O'Galvin '99 was recently featured in The Princess Anne Independent News, a publication owned by alumnus John-Henry Doucette '01.

Matthew Smith '98 was promoted to Chief of Staff for Leander Independent School District.

James "Andy" Edwards '98 has been awarded the 2016 Colin Gunton Memorial Essay Prize for his article, "Conscience and the Eschatological Self: The Retrieval of Teleology in Karl Barth's Moral Theology of Divine Command," which will appear in a forthcoming issue of the International Journal of Systematic Theology.

Chef Anthony Frank '95 was recently featured in the Daily Press for his success as Executive Chef at Williamsburg Lodge. More

Adair Tyler '95 recently joined Chesapeake Investment Planning LLC in Stevensville, Maryland as a financial advisor. Tyler has spent more than 12 years offering advice for some of the largest firms in the industry and is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®). 

Robert Scott '92 recently accepted the position of Vice President of Sales for Carrier Enterprise Mid-Atlantic Region.

Christine Harris '92 was featured in the February 2017 issue of Distinction Magazine for her sculptures exploring threatened and endangered species and the connection between people and nature.

In Memoriam:
Marion Elizabeth Holdsworth Harrigan '91
George Christopher "Chris" Chalkley '91
Mildred (Lockamy) Reed '86
Dallas W. Monteith ’99
Susan K. Campbell '96
Donna J. Crawford ’94

Tom Doyle ‘80 has accepted the position of Partner at Tampa based Kenmare Group Intelligence and Investigations. Tom has also been named Ambassador for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, SpecialOps.org.

Heather Weidner '89 Heather's third book in the Jules Keene Glamping Mystery series, CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND CAT FIGHTS, launched this October. This series is published by Level Best Books.

Charles “Chip” Walton ‘86 joined the faculty as a sociology professor at University of Lynchburg in 2003. Over the course of his career Dr. Walton has served in various administrative roles to include: Department Chair of Sociology, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Founding Dean of the Lynchburg College of Arts & Sciences. He currently serves as the Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Norman Billups '81 retired from the Tallahassee Police Department after 26 years and is now working for the Leon County Sheriff's Office.

Larry Compton '86 is working as a Student Success Counselor for the College of Fine Arts at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas.

Darlene Whitley Rawls '82, retired March 31, 2023 as a Clinical Director for Western Tidewater Community Services Board after 41 years of service to the Western Tidewater Community.

Randall Moore '85, Ph.D., retired from Metropolitan Community College (Kansas City, MO) in May 2021 after serving as history professor for twenty years and division dean for eight years. Dr. Moore received the Missouri Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2015. He currently resides in Denver, CO with his wife, two dogs, and a cat.

Kevin Nickelberry '86 is formerly the head coach for Hampton University from 2006-09 and Howard University from 2010-19. After a three-year stint at LSU where he served primarily as an assistant coach and was the director of recruiting for the Tigers, Nickelberry has been named the  Assistant Coach / Recruiting Coordinator at Georgetown University.

Brian Fuller '84 has been named Assistant County Administrator/Director of Community Services for York County, Virginia.

Sidney "Sid" Dobrin ’89 recently published AI and Writing, the first college textbook designed to integrate Generative AI in writing intensive classrooms.

Kaddy Hamilton '85 won a Gold Award for work in the recently renovated Boyd Dining Center. Her company, WC Carpenter Floor Coverings, will be honored during the 2021 Starnet Commercial Flooring Design Awards in October in San Diego. WC Carpenter has been a great partner of the University for many years. Additionally, Kaddy currently serves on the VWU President's Council along with other influential business leaders in our area.

Dr. Clair Berube '83 started a new position as full time tenure track faculty at Virginia Wesleyan University in August 2020 after 12 years at Hampton University. 

Mark Bores '83, retired from his home contracting business in January 2018 and moved to Southeast Asia where he is currently residing in Vung Tau, Vietnam. He spends his time teaching English and building up his motorbike rental business in the resort area of Vung Tau. Marlin strong halfway around the world.

Amy Markman '89 is the proud owner of Soup Love, a kitchen cooking up fresh soups and broths for the local area of Virginia Beach.

Carole (Snyder) Heller '88 started her own tutoring company after working over 20 years teaching ESL and language arts. She currently works one on one with K-12 students in reading and writing skills and SAT/ACT prep. This academic year marks her 30th year teaching Judaic studies and Midweek Hebrew at her synagogue. This fall, Carole and her husband will celebrate their 21st wedding anniversary with their sons - a VWU sophomore and a high school senior.

Janet McDonald '80 retired after teaching in Virginia Beach City Public Schools for 34 years.She is still active in Alpha Delta Kappa, a women's teachers' sorority, and is in the Daughters of the American Revolution. She and her spouse, Johnny, have been married for 42 years, have two children and one grandson.

Carol Louis "CL" Lawrence '83 was honored as Patriarch of the Year by the Norfolk/Virginia Beach Graduate Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in December 2019. He is retired from the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Federal Civil Service. He also retired from Paul D. Camp Community College as an associate professor but maintains a connection to the college as an online adjunct professor of IT.

Bob Scott '89 joined the National Health Council in Washington, DC, in June 2020 as Associate Director, Membership & Operations. In this role, Bob will provide direct support for the NHC’s member organizations and will work with the operations team to make certain that NHC staff have the tools necessary to function productively in an ever-changing work environment.

Sandra Kee Green '85 retired from Virginia Beach City Public Schools after 33 years of service. She was employed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the School Social Work Services Department where she was an integral part of the Preschool Assessment Center (PAC) evaluation team for special education services.

Patricia Jacobs ’82 retired from the Department of Defense in 2018 after 41 years of service.  She enjoys volunteering with her church, traveling and spending more time with her grandchildren.

The Fairfax County Park Authority, where Kirk W. Kincannon '80 is the Executive Director, was recently named a Gold Medal Winner at the 2019 National Recreation and Park Association Conference in Baltimore, MD.

Anita (Matson) Monroe '86 is working as a 6th Grade English Teacher at Lynnhaven Middle School.  She recently completed the EducateVA Career Switcher program.

In 2017, Nelson D. Britt ’84 retired from Prince George High School after teaching Social Studies for 33 years.

Scott Barlow '83 retired as the Chief of Police and is now the Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training Academy.

Brenda Swoope '86 retired in June 2017 after working for 31 years with Norfolk Public Schools as a teacher.

Robert Coats '86 is serving as the Senior Pastor at Open Circle MCC in Belleview, Florida.

Fairfax County Park Authority Executive Director Kirk Kincannon '80 has been tapped as interim Fairfax County Executive by the Board of Supervisors. Read the article.

Karl McDonnell '88 has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Strayer University since 2013. He has had a long and successful career in management, holding leadership roles in companies such as Walt Disney World, Goldman Sachs, InteliStaf Healthcare, and Strayer Education, Inc. More

In Memoriam:
Sammy Puryear '86
Pamela Custis (Stone) '81
Leslie Smith '86
Susan C. Hodges ’81
Mary C. Hodges ’81
Mark W. Moore ’80

Michele Northern McCoy ‘76 retired after 33 years as a Contracting Officer/Small Business Specialist, from the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Her post part-time retirement job is as a Procurement Counselor, Virginia PTAC, Apex Accelerator, headquartered at George Mason University. Michele counsels small businesses who want to work with the Government. Michele also teaches business courses in this area, mostly at The Hive, Va. Beach. She is still located in the area and enjoys cheering on the Marlins!

Gary Bonnewell ’79 and Trustee of the VWU Board was named to the 2023 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list. This marks the fifth time he has been recognized by Forbes.

Robin Davenport ’74 was elected 2023 Ruritan National President Elect. 

Wayne Mills '73 retired after 49 years in Chesapeake public schools as a teacher and administrator.

John H. Murray '74 has been selected as Board Chair for Qlarant, a nationally respected leader in fighting fraud, waste, and abuse—improving program quality and optimizing performance. 

William "Bill" Shelhorse '70 was recently featured in SpinSheet. Bill, along with his son Graham and veteran crew aboard Meridian X1, captured line honors during the 71st Down the Bay Race for the Virginia Cruising Cup.

Richard Kurzeknabe '79 recently retired after eight years at the Navy Federal Credit Union Call Center in Winchester, Virginia, where he served as a Contact Center Supervisor in Advanced Account Services and after serving nearly 34 years in the Criminal Justice field prior to that. He and his wife Cathy will celebrate their 38th wedding anniversary in April, 2021. They have eight children and two grandchildren. Their daughter Mary graduated from VWU in 2017.

Niki Sardot '75 is a candidate for Senate District 46 in Montana.  

Bill Ayres ’78 will be releasing his book of poems, What Passes for Wisdom, in fall 2020. 

Raymond Gates ’76 has retired from NASA Langley Research Center after 40 years. Raymond looks forward to spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Dr. Chris Rennix ’77 was appointed an Assistant Professor at Keene State College in August 2018, where he teaches undergraduate occupational safety and health courses. He retired from the Navy at the rank of Captain in 2005 and was selected to lead the Navy's EPIData Center. He retired from the civil service in 2018 and was awarded the Superior Civilian Service Award in 2019.  

Dr. James P. Embrey '72 recently completed his 41st year as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. During this period, Jim served as an Associate Professor, Director of Research, and Interim Chairperson for the Department of Nurse Anesthesia, College of Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University. Jim provided clinical care at VCU Hospitals and Chippenham Johnston-Willis Medical Center. He also served 22 years in the United States Army. Jim is celebrating 47 years of marriage to Ann. They have 2 children and 3 grandchildren. Jim and Ann reside in Richmond, VA.

Constance Stafford ’75 was awarded a Ruby Leader for exemplary service and contributions to the Social Work profession by The National Association of Social Workers - NYC Chapter. Constance currently serves as Manager of Professional Student Services and also as an Adjunct Professor of Social Work at the College of Staten Island, City University of New York (CUNY).

Gary D. Bonnewell '79 H'16 has been named to Forbes’ 2019 list of America’s Best-in-State Wealth Advisors.

Tim Albert '77 is now serving as principal at First Flight High School in Dare County, NC. He is in his third year as high school principal after serving 2 years at First Flight Middle School. Tim is currently in his eleventh year in Dare County Schools after working for thirty years in the Virginia Beach School system.

Lorrie (Maynor) Saunders '79 is the owner of Popblossom. Popblossom is a pop-up gallery for which Lorrie curates the artwork and finds a suitable location. Read more about her story.

John F. Cissel '75 is the Varsity Golf Coach at both Sidwell Friends School and the Edmund Burke School. Both private schools are located in the District of Columbia.

Dr. L. Warren West '74 has retired from the practice of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery after 37 years and looks forward to spending time with his seven grandchildren in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

In Memoriam:
James D. Bishop, Jr. ’75
Kent Dickson '76
Dr. James Earley ’77
Warren Judge '72
Ronald Nottingham West ’70