NRCC History Book

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Dedication

I t is an honor to dedicate the second edition of the history of New River Community College to the late Bonnie V. Wynn, the author of the first edition and a beloved member of the college family. Bonnie received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Radford University and a certificate of advanced graduate studies from Virginia Tech. She began her full-time teaching career at the college as an instructor of English in the fall of 1970, advancing to assistant professor in 1975 and associate professor in 1982. For almost 33 years, Bonnie taught developmental reading and writing courses, English composition, technical writing, writing for business, and other English classes until her retirement in January 2003. She returned to the college as a contracted employee in the Advancement Office from February 2003 to November 2005 and from May 2009 to July 2009 to write grant proposals and other publications. Bonnie was a true professional who shared her in-depth knowledge of reading and writing with her students and colleagues. She was an effective communicator, a lifelong learner, and an expert in her discipline. As a master teacher, she taught hundreds of students basic reading and writing skills, which not only prepared them to succeed in English composition but also in all their college courses. Bonnie’s soft, gentle voice and her calm, polite mannerisms put students, faculty, and staff at ease. When working with others, Bonnie always demonstrated the highest level of integrity and contributed more than was expected. She praised her peers instead of taking credit for

her own outstanding work, showed empathy for others, and kept a beautiful smile on her face and a caring attitude in her heart. When Bonnie passed away on June 26, 2024, at the age of 77, several faculty, staff, and former students attended her memorial service and/or posted condolences on social media. One former student’s post shown below summarized the positive influence and true essence of Bonnie: “You were the first professor to have faith in my ability to be successful in college. I met you in 2000 during my first English class, and you mentored me from that moment on. You were the best. I loved being your student, colleague, and friend. What an inspiration! You encouraged this once scared, non-traditional student and shy young lady by letting me know I had talent and that I could change the course of my life. And I did. Thank you, and God bless your family and loved ones. You will be missed - greatly missed.” Kimberly Johnston NRCC Graduate Employment at NRCC: Full-time 2005-2014 Adjunct Faculty at NRCC: 2012-present Bonnie profoundly affected the lives of countless students, faculty, and staff. Her kind and gentle personality inspired and encouraged everyone she met. Because of Bonnie’s enduring impact on so many individuals, her legacy will certainly live on.

Dedication