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Alamance Community College Honors Mrs. Colleen Woods Ross Martin with Distinguished Alumni Award

By ACC Newsroom | 05/08/2026

Representative Ross receives the Distinguished Alumni Award, in honor of his late mother.

L-R: Dr. Ken Ingle, ACC President, Representative Stephen Ross, and Jackie Cole, Past ACC Foundation Chair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 8, 2026

Alamance Community College Honors Mrs. Colleen Woods Ross Martin with Distinguished Alumni Award

GRAHAM, N.C. — Alamance Community College recognized the late Mrs. Colleen Woods Ross Martin as the recipient of the college’s Distinguished Alumni Award during the 2026 Celebration of Excellence held Thursday evening.

Mrs. Martin, a graduate of the Technical Institute of Alamance, now Alamance Community College, completed the Practical Nursing program in 1965 before dedicating more than 30 years of service as a registered nurse at Alamance Regional Medical Center. Throughout her career, she was known for her compassion and commitment to caring for others.

Her son, Representative Stephen Ross, accepted the award on her behalf during the ceremony.

Dr. Ken Ingle presents the posthumous Distinguished Alumni Award in honor of the late Colleen Woods Ross Martin

“Tonight was especially meaningful because we had the opportunity to recognize not only Mrs. Martin’s incredible legacy of service, but also to share that moment with her son, Representative Stephen Ross, who has long been a supporter of this college and our community,” said Dr. Ken Ingle, President of Alamance Community College. “It was an honor to celebrate the lasting impact she continues to have through both her family and the countless lives she touched.”

ACC Board of Trustees Chair Julie Scott Emmons also reflected on Mrs. Martin’s legacy and the significance of the recognition.

“Mrs. Martin’s story is a powerful example of the impact one person can have through a life dedicated to serving others,” said Emmons. “Her commitment to her profession, her community, and her family represents the very best of Alamance Community College and the values we hope to instill in every student.”

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes ACC graduates whose personal and professional accomplishments exemplify leadership, service, and meaningful contributions to their profession and community.

Mrs. Martin’s legacy serves as a lasting reminder of the enduring impact of ACC graduates and the important role they continue to play throughout Alamance County and beyond.

 

About Alamance Community College

Founded in 1958, Alamance Community College (ACC) serves more than 10,000 students annually through curriculum, continuing education, and workforce development programs. Located in Graham, NC, ACC is a cornerstone of education and economic development for Alamance County and the surrounding region. With a focus on innovation, accessibility, and student success, the College prepares graduates to be workforce-ready and empowers learners of all ages to achieve their educational and career goals.