Virginia Wesleyan College

John Lockerby '96 is an assistant village manager in Skokie, Ill. Lockerby earned his master's degree in public administration at Northern Illinois University. A two-year internship required for the degree led to his job as a management analyst in Woodridge, then he went on to serve as assistant city manager of McHenry. Lockerby's primary responsibility now in Skokie, a diverse Chicago suburb where the population of 64,000 speaks 95 languages, is developing its $85-million operating and capital budget.

Rick Grubaugh '86 is senior vice president of D. F. King & Co., Inc., working in the company's Wall Street office in New York City. Grubaugh has managed mergers and acquisitions on Wall Street since graduation, initially owning his own firm. He sold his company in 2002 to D. F. King, which employs 2,800 worldwide. He now advises companies and shareholders of Fortune 500 corporations and hedge funds during proxy fights, helping clients influence the direction of their companies.

Rena Berardi '91 is corporate controller at Wasabi Systems in Norfolk, Va. After graduating, Berardi worked for a large regional HMO in accounting and financial analysis roles. She went on to earn a master's degree and broadened her experience by working in municipal government. In 2003 she joined the executive team at Wasabi Systems, a hot start-up company specializing in open-source technology. She handles accounting, financial reporting and human resources, as well as helping the company raise venture capital.

Kate Rigaut '82 is an attorney and partner with Dann Dorfman Herrell Skillman, PC, in Philadelphia, Penn. Rigaut earned a Ph.D. in microbiology and molecular genetics and then a law degree. As a scientist, Rigaut did research on diseases such as pancreatic cancer and leukemia. Her firm recruited her 11 years ago to handle medical patent work, and since then has obtained biomedical patents for clients nationwide. She made partner in a record six-and-a-half years.