Alumni Professional Achievement Award
Alumni Professional Achievement Award
The Alumni Professional Achievement Award annually recognizes DCCC alumni who are accomplished in their profession, having demonstrated a significant level of distinction within their chosen field. Nominations, including self-nominations are accepted on an ongoing basis. Click below to download a nomination form. For additional information email crobinso@dccc.edu.
JAMES BENOIT, '95
2006 ALUMNI PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT
Professional Achievement Award recipient James Benoit did not attend his own graduation in 1995, but brought his congratulations to the Class of 2006 at Commencement on May 18. Owner of Benoit Czarnecki Design/Contruction LLC, an award winning company named one of the top 500 Qualified Remodelers of the Year by Qualified Remodelers magazine in 2003 and Contractor of the Year from 2001 to 2004, Jim credits DCCC for his discipline and confidence it takes to run a growing company with a stellar reputation. His advise to the graduates was this: "Add your name to the list of successful graduates. Take what you learned at DCCC and use it well. You never know where it might lead you - the big screen, outer space, the Federal Government - or the podium at some future DCCC Commencement!"
Download the Alumni Professional Achievement Award nomination form
LINDA VONA-DAVIS, Ph.D. '74
2005 ALUMNI PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Linda Vona-Davis, Ph.D. , (photo left justified) was uncertain about her career path when she enrolled in DCCC 30 years ago. After receiving theAlumni Professional Achievement Award from DCCC President Dr. Jerome S. Parker, her words of wisdom to the Class of 2005 were this: "This commencement is truly the beginning of a lifelong journey in learning and changing the world, as you know it. Here's what you can do to make the journey more meaningful: breakdown barriers, set high expectations, spend your life learning, share your enthusiasm, and give back to the community." Linda holds a M.S. in Animal Science and Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition from West Virginia University, where she has taught since 1994.
Keith Huss '81 Receives 2004 Alumni Professional Achievement Award Recipient
Keith Huss, Ph.D. received congratulations from (left-right) Kathleen Breslin, vice president, institutional advancement; Cynthia Hartman Robinson, director of alumni relations; and President Dr. Jerome Parker. A high school drop-out who came to DCCC to obtain his GED, Keith enrolled at the College as a natural science major and earned his associate in science degree. Keith credits his chemistry professor for his interest and success in his field, "Throughout nine years of higher education in chemistry, I never met any professor more dedicated, stimulating and fun to be with than Dave Gates. He made chemistry so enjoyable, I pursued a Ph.D. in organic chemistry because of the great start I got in Dave's class. Thank you very much, Dave, and thanks, DCCC, for giving me a second chance at my education."
Moira G. Kelly '75 Alumni Professional Achievement Award 2003
Moria G. Kelly '75 received the Alumni Professional Achievement Award from DCCC president Dr. Jerry Parker at Commencement. Vice president and managing director for Wachovia Wealth Management in West Chester, Moria shared this with the Class of 2003, "I enjoy reflecting on my years at DCCC. The diversity of the student population was stimulating. As a recent immigrant, I experienced exciting times - returning Vietnam veterans, young mothers, law enforcement officers, a husband and wife both earning nursing degrees - all in my classes. The breadth of experience contributed greatly to my ability to foster an atmosphere of teamwork today in my work today.
Artist John Mulvaney Receives Inaugural Alumni Professional Achievement Award
The first award to honor alumni who have demonstrated a significant level of achievement within their chosen field was awarded to artist John Mulvaney, winner of the prestigious John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship. One of 183 individuals America to receive the award out of 2,728 applicants in North America, the fellowship provided John with a $40,000 grant to further the development of his work as an artist who already had demonstrated exceptional creative ability. In addition to a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Temple University's Tyler School of Art where he was honored for "outstanding painting student", John holds a Master of Fine Arts from Boston University, which he attended on a Dean's Scholarship.