Once a Hornet,
Always a Hornet.
Connecting alumni of Lyndon Teachers College, Lyndon State College, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont State University Lyndon — from 1911 to today and beyond.
Aerial of the Lyndon campus, c. 1990s • Vail Museum, David & Beth Kanell Collection
The Lyndon
Alumni Council
Whether you earned your degree on campus or online, and whether you graduated when it was Lyndon Teachers College, Lyndon State College, Northern Vermont University, or Vermont State University Lyndon — this is your home. Our online and distance students are every bit a part of the Hornet family, today and always. The campus has had many names, but the Hornet spirit never changes.
115 Years of Lyndon Education
Many names. One community. You're part of a legacy that spans more than a century.
Events & Traditions
Cherished traditions, reimagined for today's Hornet community.
Annual Tradition
Lyndon Fall Homecoming for Alumni & Families
Homecoming returns to Lyndon this fall — and the Alumni Council is hosting. September 25–27 is the traditional Homecoming weekend on the Lyndon campus. No matter when you attended, your campus is still there and ready for your return.
Part of Homecoming
Lyndon Athletics Golf Classic
The Alumni Golf Tournament kicks off Homecoming weekend at St. Johnsbury Country Club — $125 per golfer, with 11am registration and a noon shotgun start. Bring a foursome or join as a single; proceeds support the Lyndon Alumni Council.
Athletic Hall of Fame
Honoring Lyndon's finest athletes since 1983. New inductees celebrated each fall at the Alumni Weekend banquet.
2024 Inductees: Mikayla Hodge '18 • Brandon Hunter '19 • Daniel Sleeman '94 • Robert Trucott '13
Alumni Awards
Each year the Lyndon Alumni Council celebrates Hornets who've made their mark — on campus, online, and out in the world. Nominations are welcome from alumni and friends of Lyndon, wherever and however you studied.
Outstanding Graduating Senior
For a graduating VTSU Lyndon senior who is a recognized student leader, is involved in their community, and holds a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Nominations should speak to the nominee's leadership and their engagement in the Lyndon or their home community. Self-nominations are not accepted; the recipient is announced at commencement.
Nomination: 100–150 words, specific to the criteria.
Distinguished Alumni Award
Honors an alumnus or alumna who has excelled in their profession and contributed to their state and community. Interest, service, and contributions to the Lyndon campus receive special consideration. Announced in February, with the opportunity to speak at Graduation.
Nomination: 100–150 words, specific to the criteria.
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Recognizes an alum who completed their degree within the last ten years and has excelled professionally in their field of study. Interest, service, and contributions to the Lyndon campus receive special consideration.
Nomination: 100–150 words, specific to the criteria.
Faculty Recognition Award
Established in 1998 by the Lyndon Alumni Council to honor a current or former faculty member who has significantly impacted and contributed to the lives of alumni.
Nomination: 75–100 words, specific to the criteria.
Loyalty Award
A distinguished recognition for Lyndon alumni and volunteers, acknowledging their remarkable loyalty and dedicated service to Lyndon.
Nomination: 75–100 words, specific to the criteria.
Award of Special Merit
For Lyndon alumni currently or formerly employed by the university, in acknowledgment of their profound interest, dedicated service, and exceptional commitment to the institution.
Nomination: 75–100 words, specific to the criteria.
Alumni Spotlight
Class of '78
Mark Valade
A 1978 Lyndon graduate, Mark leads Carhartt — the iconic American workwear brand founded in 1889 by his great-grandfather, Hamilton Carhartt. He became company president in 1998 and today serves as Executive Chairman, guiding one of the country's most recognized family-held brands. A proud Hornet who has credited his Lyndon education as instrumental to his path.
Read More →
Class of '79
Joe Benning
Joe came to Lyndon from New Jersey and graduated in 1979 with a B.A. in Social Science, serving as president of the student government along the way. A trial attorney for more than 40 years, he represented Caledonia County in the Vermont State Senate from 2011 to 2023 — twice as Senate Minority Leader — and was the 2022 Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor. In 2025 Gov. Phil Scott appointed him an Assistant Judge. A proud Hornet rooted in the Northeast Kingdom.
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Class of '81
André Bernier
A two-time Emmy winner, André was among the first on-camera meteorologists when The Weather Channel launched in 1982. He spent 36 years at Fox 8 Cleveland before retiring in 2024 — plus he's an ordained minister and documentary filmmaker.
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Class of '82
Nick Gregory
A 1982 Lyndon State College meteorology graduate, Nick has anchored the weather at Fox 5 in New York — the nation's #1 TV market — since his first forecast aired in December 1986, nearly four decades on the air. An AMS Seal holder and licensed pilot, he's living proof of the strength of Lyndon's atmospheric sciences tradition.
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Class of '86
Jim Cantore
One of America's most recognized broadcast meteorologists, Jim has covered every major storm on The Weather Channel since graduating from Lyndon's Atmospheric Sciences program. A White River Junction, VT native and proud Hornet.
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Class of '90
Matthew P. Mayo
A multiple-time Western Writers of America Spur Award winner, Matthew has written more than 30 books across Western, crime, humor, and horror — earning Spur Awards for "Tucker's Reckoning" and "Stranded," plus a National Cowboy & Western Heritage (Wrangler) Award and a Willa Award. A Northeast Kingdom native who grew up on a Vermont dairy farm, he earned his B.A. in English at Lyndon State College. A proud Hornet.
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Class of '95
Cindy Fitzgibbon
Cindy made history in 2022 as the first female chief meteorologist in the Boston TV market, leading WCVB's StormTeam 5 after succeeding the legendary Harvey Leonard. With 25-plus years in weather — more than 20 forecasting for Boston — and a regional Emmy, she built her career on the foundation she earned in Lyndon's nationally recognized meteorology program. A proud Hornet, Class of 1995.
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Class of '09
Monique Priestley
A Vermont State Representative for the Orange-2 district since 2023, Monique earned a B.A. in Digital Media and an A.S. in Graphic Design from Lyndon (NVU-Lyndon), commuting in from an off-the-grid cabin in Corinth. A tech-community organizer and founder of The Space On Main, she co-chairs the National Task Force on State AI Policy and was a 2024 Future Caucus Innovation Fellow — a proud Hornet carrying Lyndon's spirit to the Statehouse.
Read More →
Class of '12
Justin Chenette
A 2012 graduate of Lyndon's broadcasting program, Justin made history at 21 as the youngest legislator in Maine and the youngest openly gay state legislator in the country, serving in the Maine House and then the State Senate. An award-winning broadcast journalist before entering public life, he now serves as a York County Commissioner. A proud Hornet, named Lyndon's Outstanding Young Alumni in 2019.
Read More →Donate to the
Lyndon Alumni Association
Your gift goes directly to the Lyndon Alumni Council Fund — the one fund the Council controls — supporting Homecoming, alumni programs, and the traditions that keep the Hornet community connected.
Donate to the Alumni Association
Every gift goes directly to the Lyndon Alumni Council Fund — supporting Homecoming, alumni programs, communications, and the traditions that keep our community connected. Gifts are processed securely and can be claimed on your taxes.
Secure form • Tax-deductible • Consult your tax advisor
Get Involved
There's a place for every Hornet — no matter where you are in the world.
Join the Alumni Council
Growing toward 20 members and actively recruiting. Terms are 2–3 years, renewable, and meetings are held virtually — no Vermont zip code required. We also welcome volunteers for Fall Homecoming and alumni events.
Contact Steve Cormier →Mentor a Current Student
Connect with VTSU Lyndon students through Handshake and the Alumni/Student Committee. Share your path and open doors for the next generation.
Join Handshake →Connect with Fellow Alumni
Find Hornets near you and stay in the loop. Join the conversation on our Facebook group and follow Lyndon alumni across social media.
Connect on Social →Leadership & Committees
Join the Conversation
Follow us and stay connected with the Hornet community wherever you are.
Stay Connected to Lyndon
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