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Honorary Degrees

Criteria for the Recommendation for the Conferral of an Honorary Degree

The purpose of awarding honorary degrees is to recognize individuals who have contributed significantly to the awarding college or the Virginia Community College System.  Honorary degrees are awarded to individuals in the following categories:

  1. Alumni who have achieved significant success in their personal and public lives;
  2. Individuals from within the college’s service area who have contributed significantly to the progress and development of the college; and
  3. Citizens of the Commonwealth who have contributed significantly to the progress and development of the Virginia Community College System.

In Section 5.1.5, Honorary Degrees (SB) of the VCCS Policy Manual, the State Board authorizes the individual colleges to award honorary associate degrees of humane letters to individuals who have contributed significantly to the awarding college or the VCCS.  Individuals are not eligible for this award if they are currently employed by the college, serving on the local college Foundation Board, serving on the local College Board, or serving on the State Board for Community Colleges at any time between the date of the local College Board approval and the actual receipt of this award.  A separation from such employment or service of at least one month is a prerequisite for eligibility.  Recommendations for such honorary degrees shall be made to the Chancellor and to the State Board and approval granted by the Chancellor and State Board prior to the award being made.

Recipients of Honorary Degrees from Lord Fairfax Community College

2009
John J. “Ski” Sygielski

2007
The Honorable Mark R. Warner

2004
Mrs. Sharon Byrd
Mr. Alan G. Toxopeus

2003
Mr. William A. Hazel

2002
Mr. Alfred Kummli

2001
Dr. Byron Brill
Mr. T. Carter Fussell (posthumously)

2000
Mr. T. Carter Fussell
Mr. Steven W. Rodgers

1999
Mrs. Kathleen B. Nerangis

1998
Mr. Saul J. Robinson

1997
The Honorable John O. Marsh, Jr.
Mr. Gerald F. Smith

1996
The Honorable I. Clinton Miller
Mr. Paul Wolk

1995
Mrs. Mary M. Henkel

1994
Mr. William Bridgeforth, Jr. (posthumously)
Mr. John H. Tyson

1993
Dr. William A. Truban

1992
Mr. C. Courtney Carbaugh
Mrs. Linda R. Dietel
Mrs. Elizabeth G. Helm

1991
Mr. Thomas T. Byrd
Mr. Richard Dick

1990
Delegate Alson H. Smith, Jr.
Mr. Bob G. Sowder