On Jan. 1, Elizabeth “Liz” Anderson (AS ’95, HP ’98) co-authored and published Fit4Work in the Garden. The book connects nature-based learning with the effective Fit4Work model to enhance the health, well-being, and vocational readiness of young adults with developmental disabilities. 

On Feb. 9, Patrick D. McCoy (C ’05) served as a speaker on WETA PBS Arts to spotlight Stanley J. Thurston, founder of Heritage Signature Chorale, showcasing African American choral traditions, President Lincoln’s Cottage, and the DC Improv Comedy Club in Washington, DC. (pictured right)

On Feb. 1, Elisabeth “Beth” Stimpert (C ’13) was awarded a Grammy Award with her ensemble Alarm Will Sound and conductor Alan Pierson for their performance of Donnacha Dennehy’s “Land of Winter” in the category of Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance during the 68th annual Grammy Awards.

On Feb. 5,  Ryan Mossman (B ’16) was announced as the pitching coach for the Hudson Valley Renegades, the New York Yankees’ High-A affiliate, as part of the organization’s 2026 player development staff.

On Dec. 11, 2025, Mackenzie Enterline (AS ’18, HP ’19) was awarded the Virginia Athletic Trainers’ Association Secondary Athletic Trainer of the Year award at the Shenandoah County School Board meeting. (pictured right)

On May 10, 2025, the book entitled “The Ashenda Girl: A Celebration of Girls, Freedom, and Joy” written by Mearg “Magi” Tareke (P ’19) officially launched in English and in a Tigrinya translation at the Ethiopian Community Development Council in Washington, D.C.

On Dec. 1, 2025, Madison Fregosi (C ’19), Cassidy Myers (C ’22), Christine West (C ’22), Emily Steinhardt (C ’22), Sammy Fossum (C ’23), Skylar Matos (C ’24), Alexa Boyles (C ’24), Ella McCauley (C ’24), Tyson Francis (C ’24), Gaby Diaz (C ’24), Ari Reynoso (C ’24), Lily Anderson (C ’25), and Ellen Frary (C ’25) all joined auxiliary adjunct associate professor of dance, Tiffanie Carson, M.F.A., while she served as a guest teacher at Steps on Broadway in New York City, New York. 

Lily Farrar (C ’21, ’23) and Ian Sabatine (C ’24) are continuing their professional dance careers as company members with Odyssey Dance Theatre in Salt Lake City, Utah, under the direction of Derryl Yeager. Farrar is celebrating her fourth season with the company, while Sabatine is in his second.

On Feb. 13, Matt Kontur (C ’24) starred as Romeo and Max Suwarno (C ’24) appeared as Cutie O in the world premiere of the new zombie-rock musical “Romero and Juliet,” co-created by Scott Logsdon (C ’84). 

On Feb. 11, Kevin Rose (C ’24), adjunct assistant professor of voice, will perform his show “More Love” at the historic Blues Alley Club in Washington, D.C.

On Jan. 31, Sophia Gunter (C ’25) performed as Lauren in “Kinky Boots” at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia. 

Taylor Bullis (E ’25) was awarded 2025–2026 First-Year Teacher of the Year at Admiral Byrd Middle School, where she teaches math and serves as the cheerleading coach.

Alumni Passings

Rolland Du-Val “Ron” Funkhouser (D ’58) of Brooksville, Florida, passed away on Jan. 6, 2026. (pictures right)

Beth Ann Brann (N ’86) of Winchester, Virginia, passed away on Jan. 10, 2026.

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