The 2023 Alumni Hall of Fame Awards

The Lakeland Community College Alumni and Friends Networkrecently announced the 2023 Lakeland Alumni Hall of Fame inductees. This year’s class includes four Lakeland alumni: Kathryn G. Davies, MSHS, MLS (ASCP) ’79; Becky Grasser, PE, DEng ’12; Judy Holmes-Borsh ’70; and Robert G. Kenyon Jr. ’78. Inductees will be recognized during a ceremony at Mooreland Mansion later this month.

Kathryn (Kathy) Davies earned her associate degree in medical laboratory technology from Lakeland in 1979. She was a professor of medical laboratory technology and phlebotomy at Lakeland from 1983 until she retired as program director in 2023. Kathy received the college’s Excellence in Teaching award in 2011 and in May 2023 was named Faculty Marshal for Lakeland’s 56^th Annual Commencement Ceremony. She is proud to have graduated over 400 medical laboratory technicians who are currently saving lives in area hospitals.

Becky Grasser earned her associate degree from Lakeland in 2012, graduating summa cum laude and as a member of Lakeland’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She has been a professor of information technology and computer science at Lakeland since 2000 and is a professional engineer registered to practice in the State of Ohio. Becky is a distinguished academic who holds degrees and certificates in a range of disciplines. Becky is also an accomplished photographer, exhibiting her works in solo, group, and juried exhibitions regionally and internationally.

Judy Holmes-Borsh is a proud alumna of Lakeland’s inaugural nursing class, earning an associate degree in 1970. Before receiving her RN certification from Lakeland, she graduated in 1967 from the LPN program at the University of Kansas. Judy was the research manager for the Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and participated in approximately 320 clinical trials in the areas of cardiac surgery, rheumatology and gastroenterology. Judy has volunteered in the community with the Unionville Tavern Preservation Society, the Walk to Cure Arthritis and the American Heart Association.

Robert (Bob) Kenyon Jr. earned his associate degree from Lakeland in 1978. He is a retired senior research chemist with Ricerca Biosciences, LLC. Bob volunteers for the Ashtabula County Medical Center, UH TriPoint Medical Center, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), in which IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation to qualified individuals in need. Bob credits his years with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) for instilling in him the lessons of leadership and service that he has carried throughout his life. Bob earned the rank of Eagle Scout at age 13 and in his adult life was honored to receive the BSA’s distinguished Silver Beaver Award in 1989.

Established in 2006, the Lakeland Alumni Hall of Fame demonstrates how Lakeland Community College has enriched thousands of lives for more than 55 years. The hall of fame honors alumni who personify Lakeland's ideals and tradition of excellence, bring distinction to their alma mater through their outstanding achievements, have made an impact on the quality of life of their communities and who serve as an inspiration to current Lakeland students.

“Being able to acknowledge a group of distinguished alumni every year is a great honor,” shares Mike Thomas, alumni representative for The Lakeland Foundation Board of Directors. “There are countless examples of our alumni making a positive impact. The Alumni Hall of Fame is a wonderful way to recognize them, keep them engaged with Lakeland and impact future generations of Lakeland students.”

Previously inducted members of the Lakeland Hall of Fame established the Alumni Hall of Fame Scholarship. To date, more than $23,000 has been raised for the scholarship to help Lakeland students achieve their academic goals.

By: Kerry Ann Jonke, Asst Director Market & Communi