Orly Lewis, C’99, was named Chief Executive Officer of the Carole and Marcus Weinstein Jewish Community Center (JCC) effective April 1, 2020. Lewis earned a bachelor’s degree in HR Management through the school. She serves as the tenth CEO in the JCC’s history and the first woman named to this leadership position.

Jimmy Comer, GC’17, co-owner of RBI Services in Hanover County, discusses the impact of responses to the COVID-19 outbreak on local small business owners in a CBS6 News story, Small Business Owners Face Barriers in Applying for Government Loans. Comer earned a Master of Liberal Arts degree in 2017 through SPCS. 

Kelly Maiden, C’18, was named Beginning Teacher of the Year at Beaverdam Elementary School in Hanover County Public Schools. Maiden earned elementary teacher licensure in 2018 while completing a BA in liberal arts and a concentration in elementary education.

Jerry Thornton, 2018 graduate of the Richmond-area Beer Brewer Professional Certificate and owner of Bryant’s Small Batch Cider, has been recognized by Governor Ralph Northam for plans to open a new hard cider production facility and tasting room in the City of Richmond’s historic Shockoe Bottom neighborhood. The cidery will revitalize a historic commercial building and plans to plant several apple trees on site.

SPCS graduates are included among Spiders active on pro sports teams in the University of Richmond Magazine. Jonathan de Marte, ’15 and GC’17, who earned his bachelor’s degree at Richmond and his Master of HR Management in SPCS, plays baseball for the York Revolution in the professional Atlantic League. Tyler Plantier, GC’19, who earned a Master of HR Management in SPCS, plays baseball for the Boise Hawks, minor league affiliate of the Colorado Rockies.

Kendyl Crawley Crawford, GC’18, is profiled in a brief titled In Pursuit of Justice for All in the Winter 2020 edition of University of Richmond Magazine. Crawley Crawford earned a Master of Nonprofit Studies degree and serves as director of Virginia Interfaith Power & Light, a faith-based group dedicated to organizing statewide efforts surrounding climate change and environmental justice.

The late John Miers, C’13, an SPCS Weekend College graduate inspired by his learning experience to become a research librarian, has been honored by New Mexico State University with a new scholarship in his name. The John & Teresa Miers Current Use Scholarship honors Miers’ dedication to continual learning, supporting students who have returned to university studies after a gap in their education.

LeKiesha White, GC’19, shared her experience using project-based learning to teach biology to English learners (EL) in a book published by ASCD. The book, Team Up, Speak Up, Fire Up! brings together research, best practices, and voices from educators to help teachers support ELs and their families. White earned an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies in 2019 and teaches in Chesterfield County.

Jason Martin, C’13, currently serving as secretary of the SPCS Alumni Association Board of Directors, successfully completed a Master of Science degree in Cyber Security at Liberty University in December 2019. Martin earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in 2013 at SPCS.

Dustin Engels, GC’14, recently released his first book, Around the Worlds in 80 Days: One Fan’s Journey to Conquer Disney’s Magic Kingdoms. Engels earned a Master of Liberal Arts degree in 2014 with a focus on American popular culture. The book documents his travels from April-June 2018 to visit every Disney park in the world.