All systems are go for Longwood’s newest alumni
“For me, there is a sense of joy when I get to see a child dream big and make huge strides in his education.”
Alexa Russell
Liberal studies
Luke Balmer
Hometown: Charlotte Country
Major: Nursing
When push comes to shove: “Longwood encouraged me when I thought about giving up and pushed me to learnmore and be more than I ever thought I could.”
What’s next: Luke is working as a registered nurse on the medical-surgical floor at Centra Southside Community Hospital in Farmville.What’s cool about that: The chance to give back to the Farmville community. “I am honored that I can stay in the area and provide care for this population.”
A true calling: “I chose nursing because I wanted to help people and I knew one of the best ways I could show compassion and care for people was to become a nurse.”
It’s a knockout: One day, he hopes to return to school to become a nurse anesthetist.
Hannah Burns
Hometown: Richmond
Major: Psychology
Honors: Member, Sigma Alpha Pi, the National Society of Leadership and Success
She’d rather be: Watching those things you do.
Fascinated by human behavior, Hannah conducted research at Longwood on the “bystander effect” and what keeps people from reporting wrongs when they see them.
Her heart goes out to: Troubled kids. Hannah interned at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children (VTCC) in Richmond, an acute, inpatient, critical care unit for pediatric and adolescent patients experiencing a psychiatric emergency.
Best gift she ever gave her parents: News that she had a full-time job right after graduation at VTCC.
What she likes most about her job: “Every day is different, and I have the opportunity to work with people of various ages, sexes, cultures and trauma histories.”
Couldn’t have done it without: Psychology faculty Dr. Jennifer Apperson, Dr. Stephanie Buchert and Dr. Danette Gibbs. “All three were there to give me professional and academic advice, and they always took the time to see how I was doing.”
Alexa Russell
Hometown: Virginia Beach
Major: Liberal studies/elementary education
Honors: Member, Cormier Honors College and Phi Kappa Phi
European study-cation: Alexa studied abroad in both Spain and Greece.
Her favorite sight: A child starting to “get it.” “For me, there is a sense of joy when I get to see a child dream big and make huge strides in his education.”
Her first chance to see it: Student teaching at the Virginia Beach Public Schools
What’s next: Master’s program in reading, literacy and learning
Where: Longwood
What’s cool about that: “I couldn’t wait to be back with Longwood’s tightknit community!”
Couldn’t have done it without: Dr. Gretchen Braun, reading, literacy and learning
“I want to be an intellectual property lawyer after law school to remain in the realm of scientific research.”
Kelsey Trace
Biology
“I thoroughly enjoy helping people and learning about how the body works.”
Elizabeth Trainer
Kinesiology
Kelsey Trace
Hometown: Haymarket
Major: Biology with a concentration in pre-health studies
Honors: Member, Cormier Honors College
Across the pond: Kelsey studied abroad in London
Look for her name in print: In a scientific journal article detailing cancer research she helped conduct with Dr. Amoretti Barber, biology.
What’s next: Law school at the University of Kansas in Lawrence
And after that: “I want to be an intellectual property lawyer after law school to remain in the realm of scientific research. “
Couldn’t have done it without: Dr. Barber; Dr. Ann Bradshaw, Honors College; and Dr. Andrew Yearly, chemistry.
Elizabeth Trainer
Hometown: Ellicott City, Md.
Major: Kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science
Honors: Member, Cormier Honors College and Phi Kappa Phi
Game across the pond: She studied in England with the Sports in London program.
You may know her as: No. 3 on the lacrosse team, where she had 72 consecutive starts
No. 3 is No. 1: Liz was Longwood’s first Big South Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year in any sport.
What’s Next: Doctoral program in physical therapyWhere: University of Maryland-Baltimore
Couldn’t have done it without: Dr. Cathy Roy, exercise science. “In every class, I could see her passion and excitement for exercise science and teaching.”
Emily Russell
Hometown: Midlothian
Major: Social Work
What’s next: Communities in Schools, an organization in Richmond that helps kids stay in school, and Bear Creek Academy, a private therapeutic day school in Cumberland for students with learning and emotional disabilities. Emily completed internships at both places.
The special sauce: “At Longwood, I had an amazing group of friends. I had a great job on campus with two amazing supervisors. Everything felt right for me, and I think it all happened when I started to fully believe in myself. Thanks to the opportunities Longwood has provided me, I am feeling confident about whatever lies ahead.”
What’s next: Master’s degree program in clinical social work with a concentration in advanced practice and programmingWhere: Columbia UniversityPower to the young people: Emily sees herself one day being a social worker empowering youth in impoverished areas to succeed in school. “I want to be able to help someone find their drive like so many helped me find mine.”Couldn’t have done it without: Andrea Martinez and Wolfgang Acevedo, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life; Susan Sullivan, Student Union; and especially Dr. Beth Massaro, social work. “Whether it was a venting session in her office, advice on school work or a catch-up session on life, Dr. Massaro has truly been such a motivator to help me succeed in this profession.”
United States Marine Corps: “This has been my goal for my entire life.”
Samuel Ottavio
Business administration
Logan Stigill
Hometown: Richmond
Major: Psychology
Tough love: In her senior year, Logan served as chair of the Conduct Board for the student-run disciplinary system.
Her soft side: She spent the last three years as a peer mentor welcoming new students to Longwood.
What’s next: Doctoral program in experimental psychology
Where: Kent State University in Ohio
What’s cool about that: “After completing my degree, I will be closer to accomplishing my goal of becoming a professor.”
Couldn’t have done it without: Dr. Sarai Blincoe, psychology. “Dr. Blincoe’s exciting classes helped form my interest in social psychology. [Last] summer, I worked with her through the PRISM program, which led to a publication in an academic journal.”
Kayla Nichole Stover
Hometown: Roanoke
Major: Communication sciences and disorders with a minor in Spanish and special education
Honors: Member, Cormier Honors College and Phi Kappa Phi
When her minor came in handy: Studying abroad in Spain
No place like home: “I have made connections and grown beyond my dreams. Longwood University has become my home over the last four years.”
The tips were good: “I have met some of the most interesting people through waitressing, people who have opened my eyes to endless possibilities.
What’s next: Master’s program in communication sciences and disorders
Where: Longwood
Hard to swallow: Kayla wants to work on feeding and swallowing disorders in pediatrics.
Couldn’t have done it without: Dr. Elizabeth Power-deform, communication sciences and disorders, “an amazing woman.”
Samuel Ottavio
Hometown: Fairfax
Major: Business administration with a minor in economics and a concentration in finance
Honors: Member, Phi Kappa Phi
How the military does internships: Officer Candidate School. Samuel received the McGaughy Internship Incentive Award and the Outstanding Internship Award.
Hand-to-hand combat: Samuel was a member of the Longwood Rugby Club. Some would say it’s pretty good preparation for the Marines.
Semper Fi: “This has been my goal for my entire life.”
What’s next: 2nd lieutenant, United States Marine Corps, Quantico
“I spent three years as a peer mentor and tried my best to teach freshmen to be true to themselves and to follow their dreams.”
Jennifer Cava
Therapeutic recreation
Lindsay Graybill
Hometown: Roanoke
Major: Graphic design with a minor in rhetoric and professional writing
Honors: Member, Cormier Honors College and Phi Kappa Phi
Word on the Rue: Lindsay studied literature in France and England.
Favorite crayon: Periwinkle
Been there, done that: As part of Design Lab, Longwood’s student-run design agency, Lindsay worked with real clients on real projects.
Internships gave her the chance to design and support marketing for HATCH, a start-up company accelerator, and the city of Norfolk.
What’s next: Lindsay is working as a graphic designer for River City Graphics, Inc., in Virginia Beach.What’s cool about that: “I am incredibly excited because I know I will get the opportunity to be creative and exercise leadership in many of my future projects.”Couldn’t have done it without: Professors Chris Register and Wade Lough, graphic and animation design; and Dr. Heather Lettner-Rust, English. “I know I would not be the half the designer or person that I am today without their mentorship.”
Jennifer Cava
Hometown: Williamsburg
Major: Therapeutic recreation
Honors: Member, Sigma Alpha Pi, the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success
Channeling Obi-Wan Kenobi: “I spent three years as a peer mentor and tried my best to teach freshmen to be true to themselves and to follow their dreams.”
Like a good neighbor…: “Life is not always grand, and, during those times in the past four years, Longwood has always been a constant full of love, acceptance and laughter. Longwood will forever be in my heart.”The thrill is back: Jennifer is a certified therapeutic recreational specialist at the Therapeutic Recreation Center in Norfolk, where she served an internship. In her new job she is creating and leading programs for people with disabilities, including community outings and skills, aquatics, dance and exercise programs. “I get to use my education and heart for people with disabilities every day, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.”
Couldn’t have done without: Dr. Susan Lynch, therapeutic recreation, who “helped me through all four years at Longwood. She has taught me so much about my field and how to help others.”
Christian Taylor
Hometown: King George
Major: Theatre with a concentration in technical thea
Stage call: While a student, Christian worked at the Georgia Shakespeare Festival, the Santa Fe Opera and the HeritageTheatre Festival.
His inner demon: Was revealed when he created the scenery for the Longwood production of Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Summer stock: He is working this summer at Stagedoor Manor Theatre Camp as a scenic designer.
What’s next: MFA program in scenic design at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas
What’s cool about that: It’s Vegas. Enough said.
Couldn’t have done it without: Scott Chapman, theatre. “He continually has pushed me and helped me hone my skills.”
“I met so many wonderful people during my internship at YMCA Emporia-Greensville, and I learned a lot of real-world information that will help me in my professional career.”
Floyd Alexander Moore III
Kinesiology
Floyd Alexander Moore III
Hometown: Brunswick County
Major: Kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science
Honors: Member, Sigma Alpha Pi, the National Society of Leadership and Success
Memories are made of chocolate chip cookies: He’ll never forget the countless times he spent eating, laughing and joking around with friends in the dining hall at Longwood.
What’s next: Working as a personal trainer at the YMCA
Why the Y: “I met so many wonderful people during my internship at YMCA Emporia-Greensville, and I learned a lot of real-world information that will help me in my professional career.”
Savannah Barnett
Hometown: Chesapeake
Major: Chemistry and biology with a concentration in biomedical health
Honors: Member, Cormier Honors College
World travel: Study abroad in London and research in Italy funded by the National Science Foundation
Not so secret passion: Marine sponges.
Working on a senior honors research thesis, Savannah developed a method for harvesting compounds from marine sponges that could prove to be a breakthrough in cancer research.
What’s next: Ph.D. in experimental and molecular medicineWhere: Dartmouth CollegeWhat’s cool about that: Received full tuition and a stipend to fund her studiesCouldn’t have done it without: Dr. Amorette Barber, biology. “Dr. Barber had a major impact on my work and future in the sciences. She encouraged me to learn the most I possibly could and helped me get into Dartmouth College, her alma mater, by writing a recommendation for me.”
Katy Lewis
Hometown: Amelia
Major: English with a concentration in secondary education and minors in children’s literature and history
Honors: Member, Cormier Honors College and Phi Kappa Phi
Parlez-vous Piccadilly Circus? Katy studied abroad in both England and France.
Summer twofer: A trip to England with a side of professional networking. “I will be presenting a paper at the International Research Society of Children’s Literature Conference in August in Worcester, England.”
Teacher training: “When I was a kid, the first thing I did when I came home from school was play school. I want to help other people love learning the same way I do.”
What’s next: Master’s degree in EnglishWhere: Illinois State UniversityWhat’s cool about that: Katy received an assistantship that will cover her tuition, and one day she hopes to teach teachers at the college level.Couldn’t have done it without: English faculty Dr. Jennifer Miskec, Dr. Chris McGee and Dr. Gena Southall. “They were instrumental in my success, guiding me through picking out and applying to graduate schools and attending conferences.”
Holly B. Janney
Hometown: Elkton, Md.
Major: Nursing
A lesson she’ll never forget: Mission trips to India to work at an orphanage. “I thought I was going to go there and change India, but those children taught me about life.”
Her field of dreams: “Even though I didn’t play after my freshman year, softball and playing under Coach [Kathy] Riley instilled discipline, time management, respect, hard work and mental toughness in me.”
Her very first patient: As a 12-year-old, Holly helped care for her grandfather as he recovered from a heart attack. “I knew then that I could do that for the rest of my life—take care of others and serve them with love and compassion.”
What’s next: Working as an RN in the Emergency Room at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, Forest campus, in Richmond
Couldn’t have done it without: Nursing faculty member Cynthia Crews, “who was constantly striving to ensure we are the best nurses we can possibly be.”
Abby Pendleton
Hometown: Sandston
Major: Sociology with a minor in leadership studies and a concentration in family studies
The brain in Spain: Abby studied abroad in Valencia.
When Greek makes sense: An internship for the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Longwood opened Abby’s eyes to the possibilities of working in higher education.
What’s next: She’ll be putting her skills to work as residential consultant for Sigma Sigma Sigma at Oakland University in Rochester, Mich.
What’s cool about that: “I will be responsible for educating the new colony members on the history of Tri Sigma and what it means not only to be a sister of Tri Sigma but also to be a member of the Greek community.”
Couldn’t have done it without: Wolfgang Acevedo and Andrea Martinez, Office of Fraternity and Sorority life. “They both helped me figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life.”
Taylor Cave
Hometown: Virginia Beach
Major: Kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science
She got a kick out of: Playing Division I soccer. Despite a knee injury her junior season, No. 29 started 70 matches.
Gold stars: Taylor received the Longwood Student-Athlete Award and All-Academic Team honors, and was named to the Big South Presidential Honor Roll.
More than a game: “Soccer gave me the opportunity to develop friendships and relationships that I will never forget. I will always hold my Longwood soccer family close to my heart. ”
What’s next: Doctoral program in physical therapy
Where: Old Dominion University
Couldn’t have done it without: Dr. Cathy Roy, exercise science, and the women’s soccer coaching staff
“After doing an internship as the homeless coordinator with the Harford County Department of Social Services, I knew I had found the one thing I loved to do.”
Jenna Weyant
Social Work
Associate auditor for McGladrey: “…I’m excited to learn more about my field and to get to know other accountants.”
Jessica Woodard
Business administration
Paul Hegedus
Hometown: Ashburn
Major: Physics with a minor in mathematics
Cricket, anyone?: Paul spent time in London studying the sports system of the United Kingdom.
What’s next: Ph.D. program in astrophysicsWhere: University of Miami
He’s done the math: He’ll receive a teaching assistantship with a full tuition scholarship.
Couldn’t have done without: Dr. Michelle Parry, physics. “I did research with Dr. Parry for two semesters, and I have no doubt that having that on my resume played a big role in getting accepted to graduate school.”
Jenna Weyant
Hometown: Baldwin, Md.
Major: Social Work
Honors: Member, Cormier Honors College
Life-changing experience: “After doing an internship as the homeless coordinator with the Harford County Department of Social Services, I knew I had found the one thing I loved to do.”
Secret alter ego: Elwood. Yes, she was one of the students who brought Longwood’s mascot to life in 2014-15.
What’s next: Master’s degree program in social work
Where: Virginia Commonwealth University
What’s cool about that: “I got into the Advance Placement Program, which only about 25 people get into. This means I will complete my master’s in one year.”
The Longwood difference: “It molded me into the social worker I am today and pushed me to work hard and set goals for myself that are challenging yet obtainable.”
Couldn’t have done it without: Dr. Beth Massaro, social work. “She has helped me a lot in understanding what it truly means to be a social worker.”
Jessica Woodard
Hometown: Richmond
Major: Business administration with concentrations in accounting and finance
Honors: Member, Phi Kappa Phi
Getting civilized: Jessica participated in Longwood’s summer study abroad program in Greece and Spain, where students take classes like Western Civilization to satisfy general education requirements.
Big lessons/small business: “My internship at a small office products company helped me see how a business ran from beginning to end.”
What’s next: Working as an associate auditor for McGladrey, a leading provider of assurance, tax and consulting services. Based in Richmond, Jessica is one of 8,000 professionals and associates working for the company in 80 cities.
What’s cool about that: “I didn’t do an internship in an accounting firm, so I’m excited to learn more about my field and to get to know other accountants.”
Couldn’t have done it without: Dr. Frank Bacon, finance, and Dr. Robert Cochran, accounting. “I had many professors who helped push me to graduate and who [advised me] where to go to network for a job.”
“Not only am I the biggest Longwood nerd out there, but, because of the potential and creativity of this position, I know I’ll be able to succeed.”
Paige Rollins
Communication studies
Leah Cronley
Hometown: Smithfield
Major: Kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science
Honors: Member, Cormier Honors College, Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Alpha Pi, the National Society of Leadership and Success
Going the extra mile: Longwood students have the option to “enhance” courses, and Leah presented honors poster sessions in biomechanics, biology, advanced exercise physiology and English.
What’s next: Doctor of Physical Therapy program
Where: Duke University
Why she’s ready: “I had the privilege of setting up and running lab tests during our exercise science labs. I think the practical experience will be extremely beneficial.”
Couldn’t have done it without: Dr. Cathy Roy, Dr. Jo Morrison, Dr. Blain Harrison and Dr. Nate Saunders, exercise science; and Dr. Alix Fink, biology and Cormier Honors College
Caroline Roy
Hometown: Lynchburg
Major: Psychology with a concentration in industrial and organizational psychology
Honors: Member, Cormier Honors College
Out of the fog: Caroline participated in a faculty-led program in England with Dr. Brian Bates and Dr. Jim Jordan, both anthropology.
What’s next: Master’s program in industrial/organizational and industrial/human resources psychology
Where: University of New Haven in Connecticut
Couldn’t have done it without: Dr. David Carkenord, psychology
Paige Rollins
Hometown: Centreville
Major: Communication studies with a minor in graphic design and a concentration in organizational communication and public relations
Honors: Member, Cormier Honors College
What’s up: While a student rep helping to plan Longwood’s 175th anniversary celebration, Paige came up with the idea of taking a photograph of students forming a giant 175 on Wheeler Mall. The only problem was that the photo had to be taken from the basket of a cherry picker. “The photographer was not too happy about the height—but I got the greatest view of campus that day!”
What’s down: Paige studied abroad in Australia in summer 2013.
What she can’t tell you: The mysterious things she did as part of the Princeps Secret Society
What’s next: Alumni specialist in the Longwood Office of Alumni Relations
What’s cool about that: “Not only am I the biggest Longwood nerd out there, but, because of the potential and creativity of this position, I know I’ll be able to succeed.”
Down the road: Paige would like a career in event planning and graphic design because she’s “passionate about creating awesome events for everyday people.”
Couldn’t have done it without: Susan Sullivan, University Center; Wolfgang Acevedo, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life; Dr. Tim Pierson, Student Affairs
Alison Rae Tyler
Hometown: Dinwiddie County
Major: Liberal studies/elementary education
TGIF: Alison scheduled her classes for Monday through Thursday so she could work as a substitute teacher on Fridays.
Midway all the way: Allison had a great time doing her student teaching at Midway Elementary in Dinwiddie.
What’s next: Teaching third grade at Dinwiddie Elementary School
Best day ever: “The same day that I was offered my job as a teacher, my fiancé and I signed for our very first house! My whole life has changed in so many ways. Without Longwood I would not have been given all of these wonderful opportunities.”
Couldn’t have done it without: Tonya Sprawling, formerly with the Center for Academic Success. “I am so thankful to have had such a great advisor who helped me with anything I needed.”
Joshua Reimers
Hometown: Yorktown
Major: Kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science
Put me in, coach:Through his internships, Joshua has already worked with high-school, college and NFL athletes as a sports performance coach.
What’s next: Joshua is attending the Riverside School of Health Careers in Newport News.
Couldn’t have done it without: Dr. Cathy Roy and Dr. Jo Morrison, both exercise science. “The amount of knowledge between the two of them is incredible, and being able to stop by their offices to pick their brains is one of the many things I will miss most about Longwood.”
Irina Boothe
Hometown: Roanoke
Major: Criminology and criminal justice with a minor in sociology
Honors: Member, Cormier Honors College and Phi Kappa Phi
Favorite outfit: U.S. Army uniform
In her spare time: Protects American freedom. While a student, Irina served in the Virginia Army National Guard for three years.
How she ranks: 2nd lieutenant. Irina was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army at commencement.
Kodak moment: She received her first salute from her grandfather.
What’s next: Basic Officer Leaders Course at Fort Sill, Okla.
What’s cool about that: “I have always wanted to serve.
I look forward to incorporating both the values and lessons I have learned at Longwood and in the ROTC program to be the best officer possible for my soldiers.”
Couldn’t have done it without: Dr. Virginia Beard, criminal justice. “Dr. Beard was instrumental in both my development in the classroom and outside the classroom.”
“I have known I wanted to be a teacher since I was 6 years old.”
Catherine McCormick
Liberal studies
Meagan Elizabeth Johnson
Hometown:Newport News
Major: Kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science
What’s next: Medical assistant at HROSM Orthopedics in Newport News
What’s cool about that: Meagan hopes to help with research on alternate and less invasive hip-replacement surgeries.
Couldn’t have done it without: Dr. Cathy Roy, exercise science, who “is an amazing role model and goes that extra step to help and get to know the students. I honestly don’t know if I would be graduating if it were not for her.”
Catherine McCormick
Hometown: Amelia
Major: Liberal studies with a concentration in elementary education
The ultimate follow-through: “I have known I wanted to be a teacher since I was 6 years old.”
Where she shines: In the classroom. Catherine received the Tamara Bird Jones Outstanding Student Teacher of theYear Award in recognition of her work in Richmond and Henrico and Cumberland counties.
What she’d like to wipe off the face of the Earth: Brain cancer. “I have raised thousands of dollars to aid research into glioblastoma, the deadliest form of brain cancer.” She’s inspired by her brother, Will, who is fighting the disease.
Whose moccasins she’s walked in: “As a student with a learning disability, I know what it feels like to have to work extra hard.”
What’s next: Master’s program in special education at Longwood
Couldn’t have done it without: Dr. Patricia Horne and Dr. Katrina Maynard, education and special education. “They became like second mothers to me.”
Christina Pack
Hometown: Prince George
Major: Business administration with a concentration in accounting
Honors: Member, Phi Kappa Phi
What’s next: Associate at Yount, Hyde and Barbour, an accounting firm in Glen Allen where she interned last year
Decisions, decisions: “I will be able to work on tax and audit jobs for a year to gain experience from both sides and then decide which I would prefer to work with.”
MBA program, real estate concentration, Longwood
Brianne McMillan
Business administration
Brianne McMillan
Home Town: Powhatan
Major: Business administration with a concentration in real estate
Getting down to business: Brianne is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, which recognizes business excellence.
When in Rome: “Studying abroad in Italy gave me confidence and gave me an open mind-set about the world and about different cultures and societies.”
What’s next: After an internship with Real Living Cornerstone in Farmville, Brianne was hired as a marketing assistant.
The best of both worlds: She has a job in her field and is staying at Longwood to work on her MBA in real estate at the same time.
Samantha Phillips
Hometown: Chesapeake
Major: Kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science
A chilling experience: One of her internships was with an indoor ice rink and sports facility.
What’s next: Sports performance specialist for Bon Secours in Motion in Chesapeake, where she also served as an intern
What cool about that: She will be customizing and instructing exercise programs for clients.
Couldn’t have done it without: Dr. Cathy Roy, exercise science. “Dr. Roy was my academic advisor for my four years at Longwood and helped me grow as a student each year.”
Brian Lotts
Hometown: Newport News
Major: Biology with a concentration in health/biomedical
Honors: Member, Cormier Honors College and Phi Kappa Phi
A glimpse of the Caribbean: Brian studied abroad in Costa Rica
What’s next: Doctoral program in physical therapy
Where: Virginia Commonwealth University
Couldn’t have done it without: Dr. Adam Franssen, biology