Since 2017, alumni of the Bluefield University School of Education & Social Sciences who make a difference in schools and the lives of students have been awarded the Dr. Donna Watson Goodness and Light Alumni Award. Former BU professor Dr. Donna Watson always called on her students to “Go spread goodness and light!” and each fall, the university recognizes graduates who excel in that call.
Recipients of the Goodness and Light Alumni Award are nominated by the community and honored with a reception during Homecoming & Family Weekend. The awardees for 2025 are Kathryn Long ’08 and Beth Swinney ’18.
Long was nominated for sharing “her peppy and contagiously fun attitude along with a giant heap of kindness to any adult or student she encounters. She started as a classroom teacher, then reading specialist, then instructional coach, and continued to grad school for educational leadership. She made such an impression on everyone she encountered that it was a no-brainer when Crested Butte’s principal recognized a gem and offered Kathryn the assistant principal position a few years ago. She is loved and respected by students and faculty alike, spreading her positive attitude and love of education wherever she goes!”
Swinney was nominated for being “a remarkable teacher who acts as a beacon of goodness and light within the educational landscape, extending their impact far beyond the standard curriculum. In the classroom, she dedicates extra time and patience to underprivileged students, recognizing that these learners often require additional resources and personalized attention to thrive. This commitment ensures that every student, regardless of their background, feels seen, valued, and capable of success. Furthermore, Mrs. Swinney’s reach extends to those who cannot physically attend school by taking on homebound instruction for students who are sick or cannot attend normal school hours due to unforeseen circumstances and guarantees that these unexpected occurrences taking place does not halt a child’s academic progress or sense of connection. Through tireless effort and genuine compassion, Mrs. Swinney do not just teach business classes—she nurtures resilience, fosters equity, and illuminates the path for every student in her care.”