The University of Lynchburg Alumni Association honored several individuals at their Alumni Awards and Westover Society Dinner, held on Saturday, April 20 during the inaugural Founders Week celebration. These are the award winners:

The T. Gibson Hobbs Memorial Award
The T. Gibson Hobbs Memorial Award, named after one of Lynchburg’s first graduates, is the highest honor given to a Lynchburg alum for exemplary service to church, community, and the University.

Alexander Costa ’87, of Yonkers, New York, rediscovered his Catholic faith through regular mass and involvement in the Knights of Columbus. He advanced quickly within the Knights, contributing to numerous food drives, charity raffles, and disaster relief efforts. He also organized Lynchburg alumni events in New Jersey and New York City and nurtured lifelong friendships and community spirit rooted in his Lynchburg experience.

The Distinguished Alumni Award
Four alumni were presented the Distinguished Alumni Award, which honors alumni who have made outstanding contributions in professional and academic life, and in service to Lynchburg.

JoAnn Lord Koff ’73 is a prolific poet and photographer based in Manassas, Virginia. Her work spans English education, from early teaching roles in New Jersey and Iowa to a vibrant artistic career. She also authored books of poetry, including“Outside My Window” and “The Door Opens, the Door Closes.” Her art and poetry have been showcased internationally, including upcoming exhibitions in France and publications in various literary reviews.

Michael Cerreto ’79 is a therapist and community advocate. He founded the Novare Institute in 1989 to address social justice issues in North America and enhance national security collaboration post-9/11. In 2004, he established A Talented Mind Clinic, for cognitive rehabilitation and sports psychology services in Virginia. His work spans large-scale community building, individual therapy, supporting learning disabilities, brain injuries, athletes, and performing artists.

Sharon Williams Wills ’83 is a dedicated music educator who teaches chorus and drama at Louisa County Middle School in Virginia. She previously directed choirs and music programs in numerous other schools, fostering musical growth among elementary and high school students. Recognized as an Outstanding Music Educator and Teacher of the Year, she also is a choir director and accompanist at Mineral United Methodist Church.

Rhonda Fuller Turner ’94, originally from Staunton, Virginia, is a veteran educator and therapist with over 29 years of experience in the addiction and mental health fields. Currently an adjunct professor at Liberty University and outpatient clinical coordinator at Horizon Behavioral Health,  Fuller Turner uses her extensive experience to develop educational and therapeutic initiatives. She is also an accomplished author, having written on overcoming depression, and actively contributes to community building through various leadership roles.

The M. Carey Brewer Alumni Award
The M. Carey Brewer Alumni Award, honoring Dr. Carey Brewer ’49, the seventh president of Lynchburg College, is given to a young alum who has made an outstanding contribution to civic or religious life, or service to their alma mater.

Carter Elliott IV ’19 is the press secretary for Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. Elliott previously managed communications for Moore’s 2022 gubernatorial campaign. He also has held political communication roles, in the campaigns of former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, and U.S. Senate candidate Alex Lasry.

The John G. Eccles Leadership Award
The John G. Eccles Award is presented to an undergraduate student who demonstrates exceptional leadership skills through active participation in student activities and dedication to Lynchburg and the Alumni Association.

Kelsey Spickler ’24 will graduate this May with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and minors in sustainability studies and human services. She has been recognized for her leadership and service in the Bonner Leader Program and as a humanitarian intern at World Help. In 2023, Spickler received the Richard Clarke Sommerville Scholar Award, the University’s highest academic honor. Spickler works passionately with diverse groups, managing projects and community engagements focusing on social justice and environmental issues.

The Honorary Alumni Award
Five individuals were named Honorary Alumni. The award honors non-alumni for exceptional interest in, dedication to, or service to Lynchburg.

Dr. Daniel G. Lang is a political science professor at Lynchburg. He has served as the director of the Quality Enhancement Plan and dean of the former School of Communication and the Arts and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Lynchburg. An expert in political transitions and international relations, Lang has authored significant works, including “Presidential Transitions and Foreign Affairs,” and is a prolific contributor to scholarly discussions on global diplomacy and ethics.

Debra Wyland has served the University for 14 years and more recently as the executive assistant to the University’s president and board of trustees. She manages high-level administrative functions, including overseeing the president’s schedule, coordinating board meetings, and maintaining confidential records. She also received the Lois Daniel & Dawn Cloyd Support Staff Award in 2020-21.

Elaine Hadden Drysdale is a longtime supporter of the University. The Drysdale Student Center was named in her and her late husband’s honor, along with two professorships in the College of Business. Drysdale is a retired associate dean for management and finance at the University of Virginia School of Law.

Dr. Elza C. Tiner is a professor of Latin and English at Lynchburg, specializing in medieval studies. Her scholarly work includes directing the former Lynchburg College’s writing center and editing volumes on early English drama. Tiner has published extensively on medieval rhetoric and drama and has held prestigious roles at Lynchburg, including the John Mills Turner Distinguished Chair in the Humanities. She also has received multiple awards for excellence in teaching and scholarship that underscore her commitment to education.

Dr. Patricia Aronson is a professor of athletic training at Lynchburg. During her many years at Lynchburg, she has served as the head athletic trainer, clinical education coordinator, and faculty athletic representative. Aronson has been a certified athletic trainer for 40 years and a physical therapist assistant for 25 years. She provides Safe Space Ally Training for the LGBTQ+ community and creates workshops for the University of Lynchburg and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee. She has been named to the NATA, Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainers’ Association, and Virginia Athletic Trainers’ Association halls of fame.

Kenneth R. Garren Award
The Dr. Kenneth R. Garren Award is given annually to a graduate student who actively participates in class, mentors other students, attends conferences and promotes the graduate program to prospective students in their field.

Lindsey Bateman ’23 MPAM, ’24 DMSc is an OB-GYN PA fellow at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, California, excelling in clinical and educational environments. She actively contributes to community health initiatives, consistently advocating for women’s health care improvements and serving on various diversity committees. Her leadership extends beyond professional settings as she has been recognized with numerous academic and community service awards.