MONTGOMERY — Nine outstanding alumni were honored by Bridgemont Community and Technical College during Alumni and Friends Week.

Rocky Hackworth was selected as Bridgemont Alumnus of the Year by the college at large, while Amy Taylor Lewis, Eric Bess, Lisa Skidmore, Mary Gibson, Jon Casto, Dave Perdue, John Pennington and Scott Duffer were honored as departmental Alumni of the Year for their exemplary professional successes and/or service to Bridgemont academic programs. Additionally, Terry Easter, of Walker Machinery, was recognized as the 2012 “Friend of the College” for his support of the new program in diesel technology.

Below is thumbnail sketch of each of the honorees:

-- Rocky Hackworth — Having received an A.S. and B.S. in mining engineering technology in 1980 and 1981 respectively, Stephen “Rocky” Hackworth, general manager for Pritchard Mining Company, was selected as the College Alumni of the Year. Hackworth’s professional success, his service as a charter member of the Bridgemont Foundation, his community service as a coach and director for youth sports, and his tireless efforts to obtain internships and scholarships for blasting, diesel and engineering technology students were highlighted during the ceremony.

-- Amy Taylor Lewis — Amy Taylor Lewis, executive director of the State and Local Government Purchasing Card program, was selected by the Business and Health Management Department. Amy graduated with her A.S. degree in office administration in 1994. She has been employed in the state auditor’s office for 17 years.

-- Eric Bess — Civil engineering technology honored Eric Bess, coordinator of geographic information systems at Chesapeake Energy. Bess serves on several college advisory committees and as an adjunct professor for Bridgemont. He graduated with his A.S. degree in civil engineering technology in May 1995 and a B.S. in engineering technology in May 1996.

-- Lisa Skidmore — Selected by the Collaborative Studies Department, Lisa Skidmore, a 2007 graduate of the A.A.S. Board of Governors program and a 2008 B.A. graduate of the Board of Regents program, began her college studies at the age of 40 while working full-time. She works as an employment associate for the Charleston Area Medical Center and serves on an advisory committee at Bridgemont.

-- Mary Gibson — The Department of Dental Hygiene honored Mary Gibson, who works as office manager and hygienist at Gibson Family Dentistry. Gibson enrolled in the dental hygiene program as an adult student and has served as a role model for her children as well as Bridgemont students as an adjunct clinical instructor and a member of the advisory committee. She graduated with an A.S. degree in dental hygiene in May 1990.

-- Jon Casto — Jon Casto was selected by the Digital Design and Print Communication Department. Casto is the director of global logistics engineering for Elizabeth Arden. He received his A.S. degree in printing technology in May 1991, his B.S. in printing management in May 1993, and his M.B.A from Wake Forest in 2003.

-- Dave Perdue — Selected by the Drafting and Design Engineering Technology Department, Dave Perdue, production control senior engineer at NGK Spark Plugs, Inc., has been a long-term advisory committee member and is responsible for multiple donations to the college. He graduated with his A.S. degree in 1993 and earned a B.S. in industrial technology in 1995.

-- John Pennington — John Pennington, director of clinical engineering at Charleston Area Medical Center, earned his A.S. and B.S. degrees in electrical engineering technology and completed his MBA as well. Pennington has served as an active advisory committee member and is involved in multiple civic and professional organizations. He was a high school dropout who, after working in the mines, decided to attend college and change his career focus.

-- Scott Duffer — Scott Duffer, process containment engineer and CPPS piping technical resource leader for DOW Chemical, West Virginia operations, was recognized for his professional accomplishments and college service by the Mechanical Engineering Technology Department. Duffer’s degrees include an A.S. in mechanical engineering technology and a B.S. in engineering technology.



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Bridgemont Community and Technical College offers two-year associate degrees, one-year certificates and skill-set certifications in high-demand technical areas where graduates earn excellent wages. Bridgemont is part of the West Virginia Community and Technical College System and accredited through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

To see a complete list of programs of study and the spring course offerings, visit the college website at www.bridgemont.edu, click on the future students tab at the top of the page, and look for Degrees and Courses.