08/27/2026
Something different for this week's TBT
Who was Alex Burton and why is this year’s Laurel Ridge 5K special?
Though four years have passed, Alex’s lasting impact remains with so many of us who knew her. If you were not here during her time at the college, some of us would like to share why Alex and this event are so special to us and encourage you to sign up to run/walk, donate, or volunteer.
“Alex lived the Laurel Ridge mission every day. If you were a new employee, she was going to introduce herself and find out your life story. If a student was lost or struggling, she was going to walk that student to every office necessary to get them answers. If there was a college event, she would go door to door making sure people knew about it and were headed that way. She was a believer in the community college system, and knew from experience, what we do everyday changes people’s lives. She was proud of the things she had overcome and let others know she believed in them and what they could achieve. Alex would love that there is a scholarship in her name and that her legacy would help students achieve the same goals she was able to. She was full of sass and love and a belief that we are making a difference.” – Whitney Miller, Chief Facilities Officer
“Alex tackled whatever was thrown her way, both professionally and personally, with a grace, dignity, and bravery that I find inspiring to this day. There will never be another like her and she is so greatly missed” – Michelle Cummins, Administrative Specialist to the Dean of HSS
“I met Alex on April 25, 2018. It was my first day at the college, and her first day back from maternity leave after having Hunter. We connected immediately. Alex was a remarkable soul, a cherished coworker, and a dear friend. Since we were both born in November, we called one another Scorpio sisters. Alex was the heart of any celebration, a vibrant presence, and the life of every party. Her kindness, humor, and unfiltered honesty endeared her to us all. Beautiful inside and out, she selflessly extended her hand to help anyone, even when at times she was the one that needed it most.” – Dr. Ia Gomez, Dean of STEM
“I first met Alex when we were eight years old and I can assure you she was as rough and tough, sassy, and in charge then as she would remain for the rest of her life. You could love her, you could hate her, but everyone respected her. I still have trouble talking about her. I struggle today with dealing with the reality that she isn’t here. Doing something to honor her memory while also helping our students is going to be cathartic for many of us that struggle with her loss, so I please ask you to join in, if not for her, for the Alex’s in all of our lives.” – John Owens, Interim Coordinator of Student Life and Library Archivist
Funds raised through this year’s 5K will support The Recovery Connection Scholarship in Honor of Alex Burton.
A graduate and employee of Laurel Ridge, Alex Burton (’12) was proud of her sobriety and the life she built in recovery. She passed away in 2022 after a courageous five-year battle with breast cancer. Established in her honor, this special scholarship supports Laurel Ridge students who are in recovery.
Sign up to participate in this year’s 5K or make a donation in Alex’s memory: [https://laurelridge.edu/laurel-ridge-community-college-5k/]
Alex Burton Photo Album: [https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzNSPJ](https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzNSPJ)
Alex Burton Medallion of Recognition Press Release: https://laurelridge.edu/2024/05/09/laurel-ridge-bestows-its-highest-non-academic-honors-at-medallion-of-recognition-ceremony/
