Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Ellmer College of Health Sciences at began the year gathered together in celebration of the people who shape its classrooms, clinics, and labs. Bonnie Van Lunen, PhD, Dean of the Ellmer College of Health Sciences, opened with a smile and a simple truth: “It’s just a great place to be!”
That sense of pride extended to the college’s newest colleagues. Exercise Science welcomed DeAnne Brooks and Eva Maddox; Speech-Language Pathology added R.J. Risueño; and Rehabilitation Sciences introduced Matthew Carpenter, Ericka Counts, Mary Dalmida, Lucas Johnson, and Sam Scarneo-Miller. The dean’s office welcomed Lauren Larese, Pedro Santiago and Alex Vine, and Advising celebrated John Oyewale joining the team.
Faculty who received promotion and tenure were also celebrated: Brenda Bradshaw, Ann Bruhn, Amber Hunt, Jessica Suedbeck, and Kelly Vega-Valenzuela.
Then came the moment everyone looks forward to each year: the awards. Dr. Van Lunen thanked those who sent in nominations, before joking: “I think we’ve got a winner for the most nomination letters… Emily Hawkins.”
Two awards were given for Outstanding Alumni this year. Danielle Matkins, DPT, has poured her expertise into pediatric therapy at the Faschini Wallach Center for Restorative Therapies at , expanding services for families while mentoring students and building programs like Sibshops. Laurie Neely, DPT, has become a nationally respected leader in clinical education, strengthening her field while staying connected to her alma mater.
The Outstanding Doctoral Mentor Award went to Denise McKinney, PhD, whose guidance has helped doctoral students publish, earn awards, and step confidently into their own research careers.
Sara Maynard received the Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award. Since taking leadership of Nuclear Medicine Technology, she has raised student success rates to new heights, inspiring majors to take pride in a challenging profession.
The Outstanding Preceptor Award was presented to Peter DiSalvo, DPT, a clinician at the Richmond VA Medical Center known for making difficult concepts click. His students describe him as the kind of instructor who opens doors to experiences—and ways of thinking—they wouldn’t have found anywhere else.
Beth Ackerman, DPT, honored as Outstanding Adjunct Faculty, stood out for her energy in the classroom and her ability to pull students into case-based learning that sticks with them long after the lecture ends.
The Faculty Professional Service Award went to Kyle Davis, recognized for tireless work in Exercise Science advising and internships, and for community partnerships that give students hands-on experience while addressing real health needs in Hampton Roads.
The Outstanding Staff Award went to Lauren Arlaud, whose decades of behind-the-scenes expertise in Dental Hygiene keep students and faculty moving forward—whether through a quick repair, a calm solution under pressure, or a moment of levity that makes the day lighter.
The Rising Star Staff Award recognized Lauren Larese, celebrated for the professionalism and cheer she has brought to the Dean’s Office in a short time, proving that efficiency and fun can absolutely coexist.
Rising Star Adjunct went to Hannah Todd, DPT, whose teaching and mentorship weave together technical skill with compassion. Her work at the Housing Resource Center gives students a model for what it means to care deeply and inclusively.
The Rising Star Faculty Teaching Award recognized Rachel Genrich, whose supervision in the Speech & Hearing Clinic combines rigor with creativity, from individualized feedback to the LEGO-based summer camp she launched to help children build communication skills.
The Rising Star Researcher Award honored Natalie Yarish, PhD, whose NIH-funded work on social connectedness and physical activity is already reshaping how health sciences address cardiovascular risk, especially for veterans.
The final honor, the Gene W. Hirschfeld Faculty Excellence Award, rotates between colleges, and this year it returned to Health Sciences. Patricia Laverdure, OTD, was chosen for her record of teaching, scholarship, and service. Colleagues praised her for “fostering meaningful and impactful student-faculty interactions” and for accomplishments that extend across research and leadership. Dr. Van Lunen noted, “I don’t think we could have picked anyone except Patty for this award. Congratulations!”
In her closing reflection, Dr. Van Lunen pointed to what she sees on ordinary days: “I see Patrick and Robert meeting with the doctoral students in open space—pretty cool. When I walk by a class at 5:30 and I see Betsy Kennedy teaching a class, and she’s just laughing and the students are having fun—that’s the reason. We remind ourselves that we’re here for the students. We have a lot of bright students. We have struggling students, too, so keep your eyes open and let’s see what we can do for them and keep their pathway moving in the right direction.”
The gathering set the tone for the year ahead: a moment to appreciate hard work, share a laugh, and step forward together.