On Nov. 20-23, Alice Hammel (C ’87, ’99) received the Virginia Music Educators Association​ Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding work in the Commonwealth, nationally and internationally.

On Nov. 21, Chris Yohn (C ’87) released his book, “Liberty’s Land,” which recounts the true story of the American Revolution on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River and their contributions to American independence. (Pictured right)

From Nov. 28-30, Elizabeth Albert (C ’00) and Jeremy Blaustein (C ’06) performed in the Columbus Association of Performing Arts “A Christmas Carol” at Ohio Theatre in Columbus, Ohio. 

Alexander Serio (C ’09) was appointed interim executive director of the nonprofit organization Juneau Jazz & Classics in Juneau, Alaska. 

Kristi Schoenfelder (HP ’11) started a Parkinson’s disease support group at Sheltering Arms in Richmond, Virginia, where she has worked for over 11 years in inpatient and outpatient physical therapy settings. 

Mackenzie Enterline (AS ’18, HP ’19) was awarded the Virginia Athletic Trainers’ Association Secondary Athletic Trainer of the Year. 

On Nov. 13, Michael C. Kennedy (C ’18) was sworn in as an attorney to the California State Bar after successfully passing the California State Bar Exam. Upon his licensure to practice law in the State of California, Michael was promoted from the position of Law Clerk to that of Associate Attorney at the law firm of Hanna, Brophy, MacLean, McAleer & Jensen, LLP.

On May 10, McKenzie Mathis (AS ’20, HP ’23) married Mason Caldwell (B ’22, ’23) at 6 Pastures Farm in Winchester, Virginia. In the wedding party were Zackary Mathis (B ’22, E ’24), Matthew Allen (B ’21) and Dallas Khalil (AS ’24). (Pictured right)

Brody Grant (C ’21) performed in a staged reading of the new play The Innumerable Ponies of Malachy Moore with the LAByrinth Theater Company at The Public Theater in New York City, New York.

Mark Russ (C ’23) performed in the ensemble during the North American tour of “Monty Python’s Spamalot.”

Matt Kontur (C ’24) was cast in the invitation-only industry reading of the stage musical adaptation of the cult film “Can’t Hardly Wait” in Los Angeles, California.

On Dec. 6, Brynn Olden (C ’25) performed in a duo harp concert at the Light Up York festival, York, Pennsylvania. 

Alumni Passing

Melissa Smoot (AS ’12, HP ’14) of Hanover, Pennsylvania, passed away on Nov. 24, 2025. (Pictured right)

DJ Patrick MacIntosh (ANG) of Hagerstown, Maryland, passed away on Dec. 6, 2025.

Faculty/Staff Passing

Mary Beth Board of Winchester, Virginia, passed away on Nov. 23, 2025. She was an administrative assistant for the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy from 1997 to 2006 when she retired.

William “Bill” Endorf of Winchester, Virginia, passed away on Nov. 25, 2025. He served Shenandoah University as Registrar for many years and remained connected to the university following his retirement.

M. Yaqub Mirza of Herndon, Virginia, passed away on Dec. 3, 2015. He was a member of Shenandoah University’s Board of Trustees since 2015. Dr. Mirza guided the launch of new academic programs, strengthened the university’s vision and financial stewardship, and championed global learning through the Mirza‑Barzinji Fund, the Mirza Family Endowed Chair, and the Center for Islam in the Contemporary World.

Key
AS – Arts & Sciences
B – BusinessC – Conservatory
N – Nursing 
P – Pharmacy 
E – Education
HP – Health Professions  
ANG – Alumnus Non Grad