The ESCC Distinguished Alumni program recognizes graduates for their successes and exemplary service to professions and/or communities.  Do you know a Distinguished ESCC Alum?  Nominate them now: Distinguished Alumni Nomination Form.

Harold William Bushong

Harold William Bushong received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electronics Technology in 1979.  He is the owner/manager of Arc Welders, Inc. in Mechanicsville, Virginia.  His company has received several awards over the past decade, including a Top 10 Service Center in North America from Hypertheron, a Top 20 Service Center in North America from Thermal Dynamics and a Top Tech Award from Miller Electric and Lincoln Electric.  He has been involved in the field of welding and plasma equipment sales, service, automation, rentals, demos, classroom instruction, trade shows and inspections.  Harold has also built two electric cars and an electric bike from parts. Other companies he is involved with include Atlantic Resources and Communications Company and Wind-E-Farms, LLC.

Harold says his best memory of ESCC is “….the relationship between the instructors and students, which is only available at a smaller college.  The faculty and staff stepped out of their own comfort zones and provided an opportunity for an eager 16-year-old to accomplish his dream.”

His favorite faculty and staff members? Mr. Buck and Mr. Haines.  He says, “In Math, Mr. Buck taught us attention to detail, no shortcuts allowed.  In physics, he taught us to investigate and test and that not everything is as it appears to be.  Mr. Haines taught us to be good or be good at it.”

Carmel Savage Duer

Carmel (Carmie) Savage Duer graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management with a Specialization in Information Systems Technology in 2002.  She has received her Conservation Planner Certification from the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service and is a CNMP Specialist for Land Treatment. She is currently employed as the District Manager for Eastern Shore Soil and Water Conservation District where she has numerous responsibilities including supervision of staff and volunteers, financial reporting, coordination of programs and projects, and developing soil and water conservation plans. In 2008, Carmie was awarded the Chaffin Soil and Water District Employee of the Year Award.  She is actively involved with the Nandua High School After Prom Committee and Painter Garrisons United Methodist Church and a volunteer at the Wachapreague Fireman’s Carnival.

Carmie says, “As a high school student, I was average.  I didn’t realize the opportunities before me….if someone had told me that I would be a member of an honor society in the future, I would have laughed.  Things changed when I enrolled at ESCC because I was there on my terms, not because I had to, but because I wanted a better future for myself and my children.  I knew an education was the only way to achieve that. I remember my first meeting with Bryan Smith, and saying to him ‘I don’t know what I want to do but I know I have to do something’.   I remember the day I was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society very well. I graduated with honors in 2002 and achieved a goal that at times seemed unachievable.  ESCC allowed me the flexibility to be able to work and raise my own kids and receive a rewarding, valuable education.”

Her favorite faculty and staff members? Paul Weitzel (“…..strived to make us all ‘mean, green accounting machines’. He had a way of teaching that tied life experiences to numbers”); Barry Neville (“….made learning interesting. He would just teach in a way that was like telling a story….he is a natural teacher”)

Timothy Robert Holloway

Timothy (Tim) Robert Holloway received a career studies certificate in Drafting in 1989 and an Associate of Arts and Sciences in Science in 1994.  He went on to earn a B.A. in Environmental Science from University of Virginia in 1996.  He is currently the Assistant Director of Maintenance at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, where he assists  in directing the planning and operations of the Maintenance Division and various construction and maintenance programs, including managing projects from commencement to successful completion.  He has been an active member of the Virginia State Association of Resource Conservation and Development Council and received the Conservation Stewardship Award from the Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust.  In the community, he is very involved with Shore Christian Academy, serving as Chairman of the Board and leading a successful capital campaign, and Exmore Baptist Church.

Tim remembers, “ESCC was a nice, friendly atmosphere where the instructors were always highly accessible and willing to help you. I didn’t realize what a luxury that was until I went to a larger, four-year university.  When I was ready to get my life on track, ESCC was there to start me on my path.  The instructors dedication, joy in the subjects they taught and a true caring for the individual student provided me the opportunity get my Associate degree. None of it would have happened if I hadn’t had that all-important first opportunity at ESCC and for that I am forever grateful.”

His favorite faculty and staff member? Robin Rich-Coates.  He says, “It didn’t matter who you were or what you were doing outside her class, everyone was equal when in the classroom.  She challenged me in every class I can remember…..I actually had to develop good study habits to be successful.  She taught us to be well-rounded individuals, getting involved in and giving back to the community around you.  She led by example.  She has truly dedicated her life to improving those around her.”