alumnae accomplishments

2017 Alumnae Achievement Awards

Carla Alexander '68 accepts her Alumnae Achievement Award from President Bradley W. Bateman.

In September, Randolph College presented Alumnae Achievement Awards to two outstanding graduates, Carla Alexander ’68 and Lucy Williams Hooper ’73. Also during the annual ceremony, Randolph named Skip Kughn an honorary alumnus for his many years of service to the College. Since 1981, Randolph has presented the Alumnae Achievement Award to alumnae who personify the... READ MORE >>

Professional Judgement: Ashley Wright ’89 follows passion for justice as superior court judge

Ashley Wright ’89 was sworn in as a superior court judge for Augusta (Georgia) Judicial Circuit Court in January.

For about 20 years, Ashley Wright ’89 spent most of her time facing the judge’s bench as part of her role as assistant district attorney and then district attorney for Augusta, Georgia. These days, however, she has a different view of the courtroom—now from the bench. Wright was appointed as a superior court judge for... READ MORE >>

‘They Make the World a Better Place’

Leslie Jones '93 poses with Dugan, her 3-year-old rescued Border Collie, at her veterinary practice in Midlothian, Virginia.

Leslie Jones ’93 shares her passion for animals through veterinary medicine When it comes to animals, Leslie Jones ’93 has seen it all. In her role as a veterinarian, she has chased a cow as she jumped over a stone wall while giving birth, spayed and neutered street dogs and cats in Belize for the... READ MORE >>

Graves brings financial experience to Randolph Board of Trustees

Kathy Graves '80

Kathy Graves ’80 has called Lynchburg home since she came to college in 1976. Since that time, she has served the community as a volunteer and as a member of numerous committees and boards. Now she has the unique opportunity to make a difference at her alma mater as one of the newest members on... READ MORE >>

Louisa Branscomb ’71 receives award from International Bluegrass Music Association

Louisa Branscomb '71 holding her 2017 Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association.

Louisa Branscomb ’71 recently earned a 2017 Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). The award is given to musicians who have made substantial contributions that broaden the genre’s accessibility and recognition. The Distinguished Achievement Award is one of the IBMA’s highest honors. It is reserved for those who been forerunners in... READ MORE >>

Leaving a Legacy

Elizabeth

Elizabeth “Punky” Jane Smith ’72 was always looking for one more way she could help her alma mater. A lifelong supporter, Smith was highly engaged with the College, providing both financial support and her time as a volunteer. “She certainly thought very highly of the College,” said Smith’s brother, Joe Smith. “We worked on her... READ MORE >>

Full Circle

Cameo Hoyle '10

Cameo Hoyle ’10 opens her own business across from Randolph College After years of crisscrossing the United States pursuing various opportunities and passions, Cameo Hoyle ’10 has found herself right back where she started—in sight of Randolph College’s Red Brick Wall. Hoyle and her partner, Lyndsey, recently expanded their business, Good Karma Tea Company, and... READ MORE >>

Breaking the Glass Ceiling

Jewelle Wooten Bickford '63

Alumna leads national effort to place more women in leadership positions When Jewelle Wooten Bickford ’63 first entered the workforce, she knew there would be many glass ceilings in her way. After all, it was more common for women to stay at home than pursue a career, much less one in business. Over the next... READ MORE >>

Hooper elected chair of Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board

Lucy Hooper '73

Lucy Hooper ’73, a trustee emerita who served on the Randolph Board of Trustees from 2000-2017, including five years as president, was recently elected chair of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB). Hooper has served on the MSRB Board since 2014, and is currently on the Nominating and Governance Committee. She is executive vice president... READ MORE >>

Alumna hired as Illinois governor’s chief of staff

Kristina Rasmussen (photo from Illinois Policy Institute)

Kristina Rasmussen ’04 was recently named chief of staff for Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner. Rasmussen previously served as president of the Illinois Policy Institute. She joined the policy institute in Springfield in 2009, following three years of work for the National Taxpayers Union in Washington, D.C., where she was director of governmental affairs. After earning... READ MORE >>