Pamela Orcutt

Pamela Sue Stacy Orcutt passed away at her home December 25, 2007 at age 62. She is survived by her husband David Orcutt of Blacksburg, VA, daughter Andrea Martin and son-in-law, Chris Martin of Fincastle, VA, mother Judy Stacy, sister Jill Stacy of Tulsa, OK. She is predeceased by her father, Thomas I. Stacy of Tulsa, OK. Pam was born November 12, 1945 in Tulsa, OK. She is a 1963 graduate of Neosho High School in Neosho, MO and attended The University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK, where she earned a degree in Microbiology from the Department of Botany and Microbiology in 1967. She married her husband David in 1967 and they made their home in San Antonio, TX for the next 3 years where she was employed as a Research Associate at the Southwest Foundation for Research and Education in the Virology Division for one year and then took a position with the USAF World Epidemiological Laboratory in charge of tissue culture in the Virology Branch. After moving to Blacksburg, VA in 1973 Pam worked at Virginia Tech in the Departments of Biochemistry, Dairy Science, Veterinary Science and the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (VMRCVM). In the latter position Pam served as manager of the Multidisciplinary Laboratory (MDL), which was responsible for setting up and assisting in all instructional labs for the veterinary pre-clerkship curriculum. She held this position from 1980-1999 when she retired.

Pam served on several College and University committees and boards including; (College) Curriculum Board, College Product Evaluation and Policy Committee, Search Committee for Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, (University) Classified Staff Affairs Committee, Women's Network Executive Board, President's Award for Excellence Committee, Dean of Students Women's Mentoring Network, Employee Relations Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on Staff Affairs and Vice-President of University Staff Senate.

Pam was recognized by her peers as being instrumental in helping develop a University wide staff governance system and establishing a University Staff Senate. As Supervisor for the MDL for the VMRCVM she was recognized by one faculty member as "an organizational genius who juggled schedules and room assignments so beautifully that none of us instructors ever got in each other's way, and interceded with the ‘Powers That Be’ for new equipment and instructional space." In 1989 Pam received the 5th annual ‘Responsiveness Award’ given by Management Systems Laboratories at Virginia Tech for "work symbolizing commitment and enthusiastic dedication to responsiveness."

Pam was also active in her professional society, The Association for Educational and Lab Support in the Health Sciences, where she was a member from 1981 to the present. She held positions in the society as Vice-President, President and Board member for 5 years.

Pam enjoyed fishing, hiking, bird watching, Virginia Tech basketball, gardening, and particularly enjoyed working with her daughter Andrea in United States Pony Club activities and helped establish Fox Tails Pony Club in the Blacksburg area. She was also active in the Southwest Virginia Dressage Association where she volunteered at horse shows and events for 10 years. She also was a founding member of the Blue Ridge Combined Training Association.

On behalf of Pam and her family, a heart felt thank you to all the medical professionals at Blue Ridge Cancer Care, Montgomery Regional Hospital, Pulaski Cancer Care Center, Carilion Hospice and Carilion Home Health Care for helping Pam and her family through this difficult time. Your professionalism, compassion and care were extraordinary.

In lieu of flowers please make donation to the Cancer Prevention Coalition at: http://www.preventcancer.com/Donate.htm . Pam was a strong advocate for cancer prevention.

Pam has requested to be interred in a private ceremony, without visitation, in Tulsa, OK, her place of birth. Condolences can be sent to: phykos@earthlink.net . Pam's brave and beautiful spirit now soars with the hawks over the Blue Ridge and she will be forever missed and loved by her family and friends.