Payne ’79 Honored as 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

Jerilynn Payne ’79 (Bachelor of Music Therapy) was announced as one of Shenandoah University’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients in the category of Service to the Community.

She joins Barbara McWhinney ’66 & ’94 (Health Professions), selected for the Lifetime Achievement Award; Taylor White ’20 (Arts & Sciences) selected for the Young Career Achievement Award; Violet Amoaberg ’09 & ’11 (Business) selected for the Professional Achievement Award; Marty Martindale ’58 (Dayton) selected for the Service to the University Award; and Tinesha Allen ’21 (Nursing) selected for the Hornet Hero Award.

All 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients will be recognized during the Distinguished Awards Presentation at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25. This event is presented as part of Shenandoah University’s Homecoming from Thursday, Oct. 24, through Sunday, Oct. 27.

Service to the Community: Jerilynn Payne ’79

Payne continued her education by attending the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, studying fire science and technology, emergency medical services (EMS) and a host of other programs. She received a Master of Social Work degree with an aging specialization at the University of Maryland School of Social Work in Baltimore, Maryland.

In her career, Payne has served as a musician, music therapist, field representative for a non-profit organization, educator for secondary and post-secondary education programs, hospital critical care technician, firefighter, EMS supervisor, fire academy instructor and social worker. She is a lifelong volunteer helping individuals in over a dozen organizations.

Payne is also a lifelong learner and is a student of Judaism and Hebrew in the incipient stages of learning as she prepares for her presentation before the Bet Din and immersion in the mikvah. She has multiple licenses to drive everything from motorcycles to tractor trailers.