2026 Alumni Awards

J. Andrew "Andy" Edwards '98 is Project Editor at the University of Virginia Press, where he acquires scholarly books in the fields of religion and religious studies, including the Religious Freedom and Public Dialogue series published in partnership with Batten University's Robert Nusbaum Center.

A 1998 graduate of Virginia Wesleyan College with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Religious Studies, magna cum laude, Andy went on to earn a Master of Divinity and Master of Theology at Union Presbyterian Seminary, a Master of Philosophy at the University of St. Andrews, and a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from the University of St. Michael's College in Toronto.

Prior to joining the University of Virginia Press in 2022, Andy served as Managing Editor at Liturgical Press and taught theology and religious studies at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University and the University of Lynchburg. His scholarship has explored Christian ethics, systematic theology, and the history of religious thought, and he has served as Digital Content Producer for the Society of Christian Ethics. Throughout his career, Andy has remained a thoughtful and engaged alumnus, offering steadfast advocacy and enduring confidence in the University's future.

Tassos J. Paphites '79 is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BurgerBusters Inc., one of the nation's largest Taco Bell franchise organizations. Since co-founding the company in 1986, he has provided visionary leadership in restaurant development, operations, marketing, and finance while helping shape the franchise industry through service on Taco Bell's National Franchise Management Advisory Council.

A 1979 graduate of Virginia Wesleyan College, Tassos has remained one of the University's most devoted alumni and supporters for more than four decades. As a Trustee from 2010 to 2026 and now Trustee Emeritus, he has provided exceptional leadership and philanthropy in support of academic excellence, student life, and intercollegiate athletics. His generosity has helped transform the campus through projects including Paphites Pavilion at Birdsong Field, enhancements to TowneBank Arena, and numerous athletic facility improvements that continue to enrich the student experience.

As a student, Tassos distinguished himself as a three-sport athlete in tennis, soccer, and basketball before becoming the first Virginia Wesleyan graduate to play professional athletics, serving as point guard for PAOK Basketball Club in Greece. He was inducted into the University's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011. The Paphites family's connection to the University spans generations, with two of his children, Ryan '13 and Andrea '16, also earning degrees from Virginia Wesleyan.

Julie Hawthorne Kissell '82 has devoted her life to education, service, and strengthening the communities she calls home. A graduate of Virginia Wesleyan College with a degree in Secondary Education, Julie spent her career teaching English with Virginia Beach City Public Schools before transitioning to roles as a technical writer, editor, and Standards of Learning tutor.

A dedicated volunteer and community leader, Julie has generously shared her time and talents with PTAs, school organizations, youth sports, and numerous ministries at Community United Methodist Church. Her decades of service include leadership as President and Treasurer of the United Women in Faith, 50 years as a member of the church's adult choir, and 32 years directing the Cherub Choir. She currently serves as President of the Coastal Virginia District United Women in Faith, President of the Board of the Wesley Community Service Center, Inc., and Treasurer of Bellissima, Inc.

A lifelong Marlin, Julie has remained deeply engaged with the University as a member of the Alumni Council and Roundball Insider, and as a loyal supporter of Marlins athletics. She is a familiar face at Homecoming and Spring Alumni Weekend, where she volunteers and encourages fellow alumni to stay connected to their alma mater.

Stephanie Gorham, MBA '23 is Chief Development Officer at United Way of South Hampton Roads, where she leads philanthropic partnerships that connect donors with meaningful opportunities to strengthen communities across the region. A natural connector and strategic leader, Stephanie is known for building relationships, aligning resources with community needs, and inspiring collaborative solutions to complex challenges.

With more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience in Texas and Virginia, Stephanie has dedicated her career to advancing philanthropy and community impact. She has served on 15 nonprofit boards since 2009 and remains deeply committed to volunteerism, civic engagement, and strengthening the nonprofit sector. Her career has earned her recognition as a Top 20 Under 40 in North Texas, an Inside Business Women in Business honoree, and a member of the publication's Power List: People to Watch.

Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Midwestern State University and her Master of Business Administration from Virginia Wesleyan University in 2023. A proud resident of Chesapeake, she is also the mother of four and the wife of a U.S. Navy Commander.