Alumni Spotlights
75th Anniversary
On October 11, 2014, during the college's 75th anniversary celebration, we asked alumni to share their stories. This spotlight shares the stories from alums Larry Stephenson, Earl Tilly, Roger Barnhart, Marian Stillman, Alicia Grandbois, and Ron and Jeanne Lodge. Click on the picture to watch the video.
Steven Bechard
Steven Bechard came to WVC in the winter of 1971 when he was able to get released early from the military by attending higher education. Bechard studied the forestry program and says that WVC helped him, "learn to learn." Check out this video (click the photo) on alumnus and donor Steven Bechard to learn more about how WVC helped him in his career.
Rhiana Foster
Wenatchee Valley College alumna Rhiana Foster has returned to the college to teach Jazz History, a new music course offered spring quarter. Foster earned her transfer degree and associate of fine arts degree from WVC. She decided by the time she enrolled at WVC that her goal would be "music or nothing." The music program, which includes courses in theory, ear training, and harmonics, helped prepare her for advanced theory and harmonics. After leaving WVC, she was accepted into Berklee College of Music in Boston. At Berklee, Foster studied jazz almost exclusively. She earned one bachelor's degree in music business/management and entrepreneurship, and one in vocal performance.
Dianne Cornell
Alumna Dianne Cornell studied at WVC from 1965-1966. During this time she played basketball and took part in the humanities program, where she learned the importance of community. Cornell went on to become the executive director for United Way in Wenatchee and continues to push the importance of philanthropy. Cornell is married to Perrin Cornell, who is also an alumnus of WVC. She is pictured here with her husband and her daughter, Sara Higgins.
Luckensmeyer, Lodge and Seman
This month's alumni spotlight is a sweetheart special in honor of Valentine's Day! Check out the video to hear the stories of three couples that met at Wenatchee Valley College! This video includes spotlights on alumni Matt and Stacy Luckensmeyer, Ron and Jeanne Lodge, and Mark and Heather Seman.
Major Lance Brender
WVC Alumnus Lance Brender graduated from WVC as a Running Start student in 2001. He then transferred to Pacific Lutheran University, where he joined the R.O.T.C program. Brender is now a military adviser for the U.S. Army. He spends the majority of his time living in Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia. In this alumni spotlight, Brender discusses life in Saudi Arabia, being a father, and his time at Wenatchee Valley College. The WVC Alumni Association would like to thank Brender and all other alumni and donors who have served our country.
Jerry Kenoyer
Jerry Kenoyer, of Cashmere, recently received the 2014 Wenatchee Valley College Distinguished Alumni of the Year award. Kenoyer is a life-long resident of Cashmere and highly respected member of the fruit industry. Click the picture to watch the video of Jerry and his wife Lucy to learn more!
Wells House Girls
Judy Johnson, Lucy Kenoyer and Shirley Lindell attended Wenatchee Valley College in the early 1950s. During this time, Wells House was an all-girls dormitory and housed registration, Helen Van Tassell's office, and a cafeteria. Watch the October Spotlight video to learn more about what life was like in the 50s at the Wells House and the steps these three women have taken to preserve the home.
Luke Marney
Luke Marney is a graduate of the Medical Lab Technician program at WVC. Learn about how the program helped him become an Investigator Scientist at the University of Cambridge in London. Click on the picture to watch!
Coach Sandy Cooprider
Sandy Cooprider has been a huge part of the success at Wenatchee Valley College. He has been a student. coach, and professor at the college.
In June 2022, the Sandy Cooprider Sports Fields Complex on the WVC Campus was dedicated.
Dick Ward
Dick Ward is from the class of 1948. Prior to attending WVC, Dick was in the Navy and is a World War II Veteran. He was the owner of Wenatchee Paint and Glass.
Shiloh Burgess
WVC Alumna Class of 2001, Shiloh Burgess was the student body president and went on to work in the 12th District of the State Legislature with Senator Linda Parlette. Shiloh was executive director of the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce until 2022. She now works at the Chelan County PUD.
Melissa Sigler
WVC Alumna Class of 1986 Melissa Ortega was a member of Wenatchee Valley College's softball team that was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 2006 along with Coach John Kalahar.
Melissa is the owner of Castle & Bay.
Listen to Melissa's story
Ted Zacher
WVC Alumnus of the class of 1942, Local orchardist Ted Zacher generously donated more than $432,700 to the WVC Foundation. This helped underwrite the Audio Tech Center in the Music and Arts Building.
Alisa Strutzel
Alumna Class of 1989, Alisa Strutzel is the owner of Tastebuds Coffee and Wine. She attended WVC for a more individualized college experience. After earning her AA, she went to a 4 year university to complete her degree.