Laurel Ridge celebrates 20th anniversary of the Luray-Page County Center
A wild thunderstorm may have disrupted the order of events at Laurel Ridge’s 20th anniversary celebration for the Luray-Page County Center (LPCC) on June 11, but it wasn’t enough to put a damper on the spirits of those in attendance. Speeches by President Kim Blosser, current students, alumni and supporters were moved inside Jenkins Hall, as was the buffet line, but a stoppage of the storm and cooler temperatures lured diners back outside to the large tent erected for the occasion.
The original LPCC opened in September 2006, in the former Vanity Fair Wrangler Annex building on North Hawksbill Street in Luray. The new 13,000-square-foot center located near the Walmart on land donated to the Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation opened five years ago. With this new site, Laurel Ridge has been able to expand its class offerings with the presence of on-site trades and science labs.
“This week, we started our first cohort of the certified nurse assistant program,” said President Kim Blosser, who noted that the center has been home to a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program since 2022.
The PTA course had been operated as an accredited satellite site for Germanna Community College’s program, but starting this fall, Laurel Ridge will be an accredited independent operator of the program.
In the 20 years since its inception, the LPCC has served 2,875 students. President Blosser was one of several speakers to pay tribute to longtime LPCC Manager Judy Suddith.
“Almost since the very beginning, Judy Suddith has been a constant presence here,” said Dr. Blosser. “She has been an adviser, and has now taught hundreds of students. She serves as a mentor to many students.”
In more recent years, Suddith has added teaching English classes to her duties.
“I told her my plan, and she was just as determined for me to succeed as I was,” student Sophia Wolf, who wants to become an art teacher, said of Suddith. “She has given me the support and drive to succeed in my education. I leave this campus knowing that she isn’t just my adviser and my teacher – she’s my very best friend.”
Jessica Knight, who is the vice president of administration and executive operations at Pioneer Bank, graduated from Laurel Ridge in 2007. She said she was the very first work-study student at the LPCC.
“Before this beautiful building existed, Laurel Ridge was already helping me and so many others pave our path to success,” said Knight, who chose the college for its affordability and proximity.
Former Page County Public Schools Superintendent Donna Whitley-Smith, the vice chair of the Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation Board, was the evening’s final speaker.
“I have been a witness of how this college has impacted lives and opened doors,” she said. “The presence of this college says something important about our community – we’re willing to commit to a better future for those who follow us.”
Just shy of 3,000 Page County residents have been served by the LPCC since it first opened in 2006. The vast majority – 2,573 – have taken college credits. The remainder have taken Workforce Solutions classes – 226 – and Adult Education classes – 76. Our credit students have earned an average of 14 credit hours each. The 923 LPCC students who have graduated from the college have earned a combined 1,564 degrees and certificates.
The college’s most recent issue of The Laureate provides a more in-depth focus on the LPCC and can be accessed here.
Laurel Ridge Community College
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Sally Voth Public Relations Coordinator
- June 17, 2026
- (540) 351-1514
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