Southern Vermont College (SVC) has announced that Melinda Maris, PhD, will join the staff as Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) on Feb 1. Maris, an award-winning teacher and scientist, will also serve as Associate Provost for Student Success and Associate Professor of Biology. As head of the CTL, she will manage the College’s TRIO Student Support program.

Langrock Sperry & Wool, LLP is pleased to announce that Michele B Patton has been named a partner. Michele represents individuals and businesses in a wide range of legal issues, and is based in the Middlebury office. Her litigation practice includes workers’ compensation claims, personal injury cases, trust and estate litigation, and general civil litigation matters.

Dinse, Knapp & McAndrew, PC is pleased to announce that Andy MacIlwaine has been elected as a Director and Shareholder of the firm. Andy joined the firm in 2008 and is a member of the firm’s litigation group. His practice is devoted to representing clients in all aspects of civil litigation in state and federal court. He regularly defends clients in matters involving first- and third-party insurance claims, commercial disputes, and real-estate and construction litigation.

Mercy Connections is pleased to share that Lisa Ventriss, President and CEO of Vermont Business Roundtable, will be this year’s recipient of the Catherine McAuley award. The award will be bestowed at Mercy Connections Annual May Luncheon on May 4, 2017. Each year the Board of Directors selects a person who exemplifies mercy values and the example of Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy. This year, the board will honor Lisa Ventriss with the Catherine McAuley award.