Alfonso Villegas of South Burlington, former deputy state's attorney for Washington County, is joining the Burlington law firm Gravel & Shea as an associate in the litigation group.

“I look forward to serving the clients of Gravel & Shea and recognize the depth of experience and relationships the firm maintains in Vermont and beyond,” Villegas said. “It will be a privilege to bring my experience to the litigation group and provide the same high-quality service that clients are accustomed to receiving at the firm.”

Sethuraman Panchanathan, director of the US National Science Foundation, will address University of Vermont's newest graduates at the school's commencement ceremony May 21. Panchanathan will also receive an honorary degree, along with Michele Cohen, a founding members of the UVM Foundation Board, and Dr Mark Levine, Vermont commissioner of health.

Tracy Zschau, vice president for land protection at the Vermont Land Trust, will take on the additional duties of interim president of the organization, its board of trustees announced.

Zschau, a 25-year employee of the trust, will serve as interim president until new leadership has been established. She succeeds Nick Richardson, who served as the organization's president and CEO from 2017 to 2023.