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Author: accessu

A man wearing a cap and gown standing at a podium with a microphone

ESCC Faculty Honored at Commencement


At Your Eastern Shore Community College, a committee of faculty and staff receives nominations for faculty and staff recognition and awards. At the 2025 Commencement on Wednesday, May 14th, Interim VP of Academic and Workforce Programs, Dr. Ramzi Ockaili announced the results of the voting that took place this spring.

Recognition for Teaching Effectiveness. The first award is given to a faculty member whose performance in the classroom or other instructional environments best exemplifies effectiveness in promoting student achievement. This year’s Teaching Effectiveness Awards was presented to: Felicia Blake, Susan Greer and Tonya Martin.  

A group of people wearing caps and gowns.
Tonya Martin, Felicia Black, Dr. Jim Shaeffer and Susan Greer.

The Faculty Scholarly and Creative Engagement Award is awarded to a faculty member who has achieved a significant academic scholarly accomplishment through research, publishing and/or professional presentations, grant activity, or creative works. The 2025 Faculty Scholarly and Creative Engagement Award was presented to: Alex Foxworthy and Bill McCarter. 

Two graduates standing with Dr. Schaeffer
Dr. Alex Foxworthy, Dr. Jim Shaeffer and Bill McCarter

The Faculty Community Impact Award is awarded to a member of the full-time teaching faculty who has greatly impacted the college’s image through community service and involvement. This year’s award winner is John Floyd. 

A graduate receiving his diploma from Dr. Schaeffer.
Dr. Jim Shaeffer and John Floyd

The Caramine Kellam and Dr. Caramine White Award is for an ESCC faculty or staff member who has shown extraordinary concern for students and has gone above and beyond in their effort to help students succeed in school or life.   This year’s recipient is Christina Duffman.

A graduate receiving her diploma from Dr. Schaeffer
Dr. Jim Shaeffer and Christina Duffman

The final award is the highest ESCC award for which a faculty member may be nominated. This faculty member substantially and demonstrably exceeded performance expectations in one or more of the following areas: Teaching, Scholarly and Creative Engagement, Institutional Responsibility, or Service. The Faculty Reward for Professional Excellence was presented to Dr. Alex Foxworthy.  

Dr. Jim Shaeffer and Dr. Alex Foxworthy
Dr. Jim Shaeffer and Dr. Alex Foxworthy

Dr. Foxworthy has brought real, hands-on science to life for students. From leading the pollen study to organizing community events like the microscope photo contest, he shows just how exciting and relevant science can be. He’s also the founder and advisor of one of the most beloved new student groups—the Woodworking Club.  

Dr. Foxworthy’s impact goes far beyond the classroom. Alex continues to mentor students even after they graduate, connecting them with internships, jobs, and new opportunities. One parent shared how he changed the course of her daughter’s life—from being her professor during the pandemic to still supporting her now, long after graduation.  He also plays a key role in supporting the college itself, serving on and leading multiple hiring and campus committees. 

Congratulations to all of the faculty award winners and to the Class of 2025 of Eastern Shore Community College. The May 14th commencement stream can be viewed online.

Dr. Jim Schaeffer

Dr. Jim Shaeffer Scholarship Fundraiser

Dinner Event to Honor the Retiring President & Launch Scholarship on May 31st

A banner announcing the fund raiser

Sponsorship Levels and Ticket Information *(Please read instructions carefully)

The above PDF can be printed and mailed with a check, or if supporters prefer a convenient and safe online option, our Foundation General Donation Portal can be used with the following instructions:

  • Click Payment Portal
  • If you don’t see your preferred amount listed, please click other and input the amount that matches your sponsorship level.
  • For the “Designation” field, please enter “Shaeffer” and the amount of your sponsorship level entered above.

Secure General Payment Portal for Tickets, Sponsorships and Donations

Thank you for your continued support!

Alumni Block Party is October 11th!

Event to Reunite Former Students, Faculty, Staff and Administrators

Your Eastern Shore Community College is having an Alumni Block Party on Friday, October 11th from 5:00pm – 8:30pm on the college campus in Melfa on Lankford Highway. Live music, food trucks, special tributes, alumni presentations and more will all take place at the entrance of the ESCC Academic Building. Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs as we reunite with former classmates, faculty, staff, and administration. In addition to alumni, the entire community is welcome to come enjoy the festivities, and there is no admission charge. Inclement weather plans will move the event inside the Workforce Development Building and Great Hall.

Peggy Bennett and Bonnie Nordstrom
Nordstrom and Bennett to be honored at the event on October 11th.

Kicking off the Block Party will be a special tribute to retiring nursing faculty members, Peggy Bennett and Bonnie Nordstrom, presented by former colleagues and students. Live music from regional favorites Margot and Company (pictured above) will provide a broad range of fun and festive music for the celebration. Several food trucks will be on hand with a variety of tastes and flavors for purchase. ESCC Phi Theta Kappa will be grilling hot dogs and conducting one of their popular bake sales featuring deserts from some of the Shore’s finest bakers. Corn hole boards will be set up for informal competition, and there will be some children’s activities available so families are welcome and encouraged to attend.

At approximately 7:00pm, guest alumni speakers will update us on their professional journeys and reflect on their time at ESCC. President Jim Shaeffer will update on a vision for future alumni engagement and elaborate on the exciting arrival of an ESCC soccer program in the community. Former students are encouraged to attend and reconnect with the college during an extremely exciting time of growth and expansion.

A group of people standing in a field
Alumni, faculty, staff and administration from all eras of ESCC are encouraged to attend on October 11th!

Just inside the Academic Building, former student Tiffany Boggs will be running the ESCC Alumni Sound Booth where alumni can record video (or just audio) updates on their years after attending ESCC and to reflect on their campus experience, giving shoutouts to former instructors, classmates, or sharing memories. One participant will be drawn at random at the end of the event to receive a free pair of tickets to the popular ESCC Foundation Oyster Roast in January (a $150 value).

Hayleigh Bradbury of the ESCC Career Services Center will also be available to provide resources for career support, resume building, mentoring opportunities and more. Computer terminals will be available for alumni check-ins and alumni pins presented to those who provide their contact information for future events and activities. Tickets will also be handed out for a random drawing for an ESCC “Swag Bag” of goodies.

With a nod to nostalgia and great memories, our hopes are that everyone will join us for a family friendly Friday night event to launch the weekend and celebrate the impact of your Eastern Shore Community College on past, present, and future students. For more information on the event please contact Bill LeCato, Marketing and Development Officer at 757-789-1797 or email wlecato@es.vccs.edu.

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