Since 1996, the Delta College Foundation has organized the annual Delta College Golf Classic.  The event raises money for men and women’s athletic scholarships and equipment needs. Delta College offers five sports programs: men’s and women’s basketball, men’s soccer, and women’s volleyball and softball.  In the 13 years of its existence, the Delta College Golf Classic has raised nearly $340,000 for these important programs.

Mary Ann (McGregor) Badour, a well-known realtor in the Saginaw area, opened Marshall Realty in 1972 and merged her business with Keller Williams Realty in Saginaw. She was born in Saginaw, and is the mother of one daughter, Leslie Ann Lowell. She believes in education and realizes the difference it can make in a person’s life. And, she is interested in helping area students achieve their dreams and reach their educational goals.

James W. Baker was a longtime attorney who joined his father’s law practice in 1951 with his brother, Oscar, and voluntary left the firm in 1987 to promote better communication between African-Americans and whites. Joy A. Baker taught school in Bay City for more than 20 years before becoming the Bay City Public Schools' first female African-American administrator. She also taught as an adjunct faculty at Delta College. The couple's longtime friends, Jack and Alice Wirt, established this scholarship endowment as a tribute to the Bakers.

In 1941, 550 students graduated from Bay City Central High School. December 7, 1941 – when Japanese planes attacked the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor and launched World War II – changed their course of life. After the war, many went on to college and became educators, businessmen, authors, doctors, dentists and musicians. They are very proud of their accomplishments, and established an endowment to help today’s students who are struggling to achieve their goals and dreams.

Elzie S. and Muriel D. Beaver were very interested in young people and education. Mr. Beaver loved fishing, and later became quite adept as a gem cutter and woodworker. Mrs. Beaver was a fine pianist and a national honor recipient at Saginaw’s Arthur Hill High School. Following graduation, she worked for Basin Oil Company, where she met and later married Mr. Beaver. She also had the welfare of Delta students and their educational future in her plans, making provisions in her will to establish a scholarship endowment honoring her late husband's memory.

Leonard Bergstein and Esther Bergstein moved from Detroit to Midland in 1930 and established the Community Drug Stores. Both were extremely active in the community. Mr. Bergstein was elected as a trustee of Delta College as it was formed, and devoted the remainder of his life to furthering the planning, development and opening of the college. The Bergsteins' son, Stuart, and daughter-in-law, Ruth Ann, established the endowment to honor the lives of their parents.

In 1969, Darrell Berry started teaching in the Technical Division at Delta College. During his 25 year career at Delta, Mr. Berry served as an instructor and rose through the ranks to become Dean of Occupational Education. Throughout his career, he never lost sight of the important contributions that blue collar workers and journeymen make to business and industry. He was an excellent teacher and mentor, and epitomized the "spirit of cooperation" and sought the best for Delta College.

Martin and Emma (Spindler) Block were long-time Saginaw County business owners. One of the first retail businesses in Saginaw Township – Block’s Pharmacy – was started by the Blocks. As supporters of the Lutheran church and Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Mr. and Mrs. Block believed in the power of education. Three of their nieces acquired advanced degrees and became educators, which made a deep impression on the Blocks.

Donald J. Carlyon served as Delta College President from 1964 to 1993. On his 25th anniversary as President, more than 1,000 people gathered to raise dollars to establish this endowment, as part of a “Truly Chocolate” scholarship fundraiser. The Carlyons did more than lead Delta College through a quarter century of success. They dedicated their lives to the institution. The Carlyons came to Michigan from Nebraska, and raised five children while starting Delta College on the road to national prominence as one of America’s leading community colleges.

Dee Mona Chatman graduated from Bay City Central High School in 1991. While attending Delta College, she quickly gained the attention of students and professors. Instructors recognized her uniqueness and sought her as a student mentor for their classes. She was even asked to teach classes under the supervision of instructors. Some professors considered her a colleague. Ms. Chatman passed away in 1997 as a result of injuries in an automobile accident. It is hoped that her memory will be passed on to many deserving students and inspire excellence in scholarship, work ethic, community involvement and family.

The Coca-Cola® Company has partnered with Delta College to help deserving students obtain well deserved scholarship dollars in order to attend college. Coca-Cola®’s goals in supporting students align well with its company’s mission:

• To Refresh the World...in body, mind, and spirit.
• To Inspire Moments of Optimism...through our brands and our actions.
• To Create Value and Make a Difference...everywhere we engage.

Lynn Conway came to Delta College in 1961 as its first basketball coach, and served as athletic director from 1965 until his retirement in 1999. Under his leadership, the College became the first college in the country to host a women's national tournament (before women's programs were sanctioned by the National College Athletic Association), and won a national championship in men's basketball in 1989. Family, friends and colleagues established this endowment as a fitting tribute to Conway and his accomplishments.

Ruth Barstow Dixon is the daughter of Edwin Ormond (E.O.) Barstow, who became the top chemist of The Dow Chemical Company during its formation. After graduating from college, she became a professional actress in New York, and retained her interest in theatre later in life by acting and directing in the Midland Theatre Guild. She married William R. (“W.R.”) Dixon, who held positions at Dow and was a member of the company’s Board of Directors, and had two sons. She is honoring her family by establishing this endowment.

Herbert D. (Ted) Doan was a businessman and philanthropist and the last Dow family member to serve as CEO of The Dow Chemical Company — the company founded by his grandfather in 1897. Doan, who was president and CEO from 1962-71, is credited with transforming Dow from an obscure firm that made chemicals for other companies into one of the most widely known U.S. companies and one of the world’s half-dozen largest chemical companies. Mr. Doan believed strongly in entrepreneurship and served as chairman of the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, which was founded in honor of his grandparents. Mr. Doan passed away in 2006, but is survived by his wife, Junia, their daughter, Alexandra Anne Alden Doan; and Doan’s children from a previous marriage, Jeffrey, Christine, Michael, and Ruth Doan France.

Margery Knepp Dodson (Mitchell) is the daughter of Edith A. and Wallace R. Knepp, one of Bay City's most successful merchants and founder of the W.R. Knepp Department Store. Although she has lived in Florida since 1965, she has always considered Bay City her home. Her late husband, B. Joe Dodson, worked in construction. The couple moved to Florida in 1965, and Mr. Dodson passed away in 1992. Mrs. Mitchell's family has always believed in the mission of Delta College and understood the importance of providing scholarship assistance to its students.

As a young woman, Frances Dolinski dreamed of a career in health care. Because of her financial situation and family responsibilities later in life, she was unable to achieve her dream. She compensated for this by tirelessly volunteering in various health-care related ministries throughout her life. Her son, Dr. Richard Dolinski, a former member and Chair of the Delta College Board of Trustees and a current member of the Delta College Foundation Board of Directors, established an endowment as a fitting tribute to the example of her life.

Henry Dolinski began his interest and involvement in auto mechanics at a very young age, and eventually made it his career interest. He primarily worked as an automotive mechanic for his entire career, rising from the apprentice ranks and eventually managing the entire operation. Mr. Dolinski passed away in 2002, and his son, Dr. Richard Dolinski, a former Chair of the Delta College Board of Trustees and member of the Delta College Foundation Board of Directors, is honoring the memory of his father by establishing this endowment.

Dr. Louis W. Doll and Patricia Drury were exceptional educators who changed thousands of lives during their teaching careers at Bay City Junior College and Delta College. Dr. Doll began his teaching career at Bay City Junior College in 1953, moving over to Delta College in 1961 and retiring in 1977. Ms. Drury began at Bay City Junior College in 1959 and retired in 1990. She has also invested in this endowment in memory of her brother, Philip Edward Drury, who died at a young age of 39.

Gene R. Duckworth joined Delta College in 1965 and taught speech and theatre. He was the College’s senior academic division chairperson, having been elected by faculty for 21 years to consecutive three-year terms as chairman of Delta's Humanities Division. He had a special kind of dedication to his professional and Delta that was evident to everyone who worked for him, and passed away in 1990 from injuries suffered during an automobile accident. His impact on the Delta family and community is evident everywhere.

Eldon Enger and Fred Ross were longtime biology professors, who were well known for their commitment to student learning, mentoring of colleagues, scholarly achievement and dedication to the mission of community colleges. Professor Enger retired in 2000 after 36 years with Delta, and Professor Ross retired in 2001 after 33 years. Both received the prestigious Bergstein Award for Teaching Excellence. Professor Enger received the award in 1977, with Professor Ross following in 1986. Friends and colleagues established this endowment in their honor.

Although longtime Midland residents James E. and Leanne Lutz Erickson moved to Minnesota after they retired, they didn't forget the Tri-Cities or Delta College. Mr. Erickson worked for The Dow Chemical for 30 years in sales and marketing, while Mrs. Erickson owned Material Mart, a fabric store in Midland, and also worked as site director for the Midland County Council on Aging and as an interpretive guide at the Chippewa Nature Center in Midland. The Ericksons established this endowment as a commitment to the potential of future generations.

Dr. John and Joanne Fuller believe in supporting various community organizations, and one of the institutions that has most benefited from that support over the years has been Delta College. Dr. Fuller served as Delta’s Registrar from 1970 through 1988, and is also a former member of the College’s Board of Trustees. Mrs. Fuller taught elementary education and served as a reading tutor. She also served as a church choir director and co-organist for 18 years. The Fullers established this endowment to have an impact on future students’ lives.

David R. Gamez, R.N., M.A., is President and CEO of Health Delivery, Inc., an organization responsible for providing primary care services to medically underserved populations in Saginaw and Bay counties. Mr. Gamez is a graduate of Delta College, and worked as a clinical instructor at the former Saginaw General Hospital before joining Health Delivery, Inc. He is former Chair of the Delta College Board of Trustees, a former member of the Delta College Foundation Board of Directors, and the recipient of the Delta College Distinguished Alumni Award.

The Gerace Construction Company’s relationship with Delta College dates back to the early 1960s when the company landed its first job – an $84,000 contract to expand the technical education wing on the east side of campus. Since its inception, the Midland-based company has enjoyed a steady growth pattern and, in 1997, began working on its largest project yet – Delta’s $26 million Science & Learning Technology Project. This modernization plan involved about 40 percent of Delta's campus.

Robert M. Gohlke was born in Midland in 1960. He graduated from Midland High School in 1978, and studied at Delta College before working for the Geo Corporation, spending a year in Venezuela as an industrial radiographer. In 1983, he became ill and died of a brain tumor. His short 23 years of life, however, were full of accomplishments. Family members established the endowment to help students who are not financially prepared to begin a college education and who demonstrate the desire and capabilities to achieve their goals.

A Master Plumber who ran his own business for almost 50 years until his death in 1987 at age 82, Russell B. Green was well respected by the community and those who knew him. Grace Green was a "silent partner" in her husband's business, making it profitable with her management and organizational skills. She served as secretary, accountant, office manager and partner, while raising the couple's two daughters and being involved in a number of volunteer activities. She passed away in 2004.

Priscilla Bogi Guritza was the youngest child of Hungarian immigrants, who came to the United States to make a better life for themselves and their children. She was the first person in her family to receive a high school diploma. She volunteered as a reading tutor, and had a life-long love of children, a desire to teach and live a life practicing racial understanding and the acceptance of diverse cultures. She passed away in 1981. Family members established the endowment in her memory to promote her love of learning.

Beki Gray Hadley taught biology at Delta College from 1986 until her death in 1988 from injuries in an automobile accident. During her short tenure, she made a significant impact on her colleagues and her students. She directed a youth choir and raised a Labrador puppy for the Lion's Leader Dogs for the Blind program. Upon her death, family members donated her vital organs to the University of Michigan Organ Donor Program. Her heart and lungs were consequently used in the first multiple transplant performed in Michigan.

Walter and Hilde Heyman, both of Jewish origin, were born and raised in Germany. Married in 1935, the young couple fled Nazi Germany for the United States, arriving in New York. They traveled to Detroit, and Mr. Heyman eventually worked at Heavenrich department store in Saginaw. He retired from the business in 1974. Mrs. Heyman worked for Jacobson’s and Winkelman’s department stores in Saginaw before retiring. Mr. Heyman died in 1993, and Mrs. Heyman established the endowment in his memory.

Dr. Don Holzhei, who passed away in 2007, taught in the Technical, Trades and Manufacturing Division at Delta College from 1969 until his retirement in 2004, serving as Chair of the Division for 14 years and as Delta’s Senate President in 1984, and earning the Bergstein Award for Excellence and the Don Laughner Award for Creative Change. Dr. Holzhei left a priceless legacy, both personally and professionally. His family, friends and colleagues have established this scholarship endowment in his memory.

James R. and Anita H. Jenkins were raised knowing the importance of education and have attempted to make a difference by helping others achieve the goal of attending college. Mr. Jenkins served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for Dow Corning Corporation, while Mrs. Jenkins was a tax attorney for The Dow Chemical Company and a member of the Delta College Foundation Board of Directors. The Jenkins established the endowment in their family name, convinced that Delta College is an outstanding institution that provides opportunities for a diverse population to carry out its aspirations.

Phyllis E. Jones, a graduate of Delta College, passed away in 1997 from multiple sclerosis-related complications, and had an intense desire to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children through her work in the Head Start program, her church and her neighborhood. The members of the Board of Directors of Saginaw County Child Development Centers, Inc., which operated the Head Start program for more than 25 years in Saginaw County, established the endowment in Ms. Jones’ name.

Dr. Betty B. Jones retired from Delta College in 2001 as Vice President of Instruction and Learning Services, following 24 years of service as a teacher and administrator. S. Preston Jones retired in 1998 from The Dow Chemical Company after a 43-year career in patents, of which 13 years were spent as a Patent Examiner for the U.S. Patent Office in Washington, D.C. Dr. and Mr. Jones established the endowment in recognition of their joint support to global education in student learning; and to honor Dr. Jones’ legacy in global international education.

When Wesley and Margaret Kaufmann retired, they wanted to help area youth with an interest in receiving an education. The Saginaw couple dropped out of high school, and received their high school diplomas years later by passing their General Education Developmental (GED) tests. Mr. Kaufmann passed away in 1995. Having taken classes at Delta College, and having had a son who attended classes at Delta, Mrs. Kaufmann established this endowment in memory of her husband and in honor of her daughter, Marilyn, who is developmentally disabled.

Robert F. Keicher taught mathematics at Delta College and chaired the Math and Computer Science Division. He found the true meaning of his life when he began working in 1991 on a partnership between Delta and the Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology in Nakuru, Kenya. He and another Delta professor, Jack Crowell, devoted countless hours to overseeing shipments of thousands of used computers, books and other materials to Kenyan schools. Because of these efforts, generations of Kenyans have a better education and a chance at a better life. He retired from Delta in 2002 and lost his battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease in 2003.

Former Chair of the Business Division at Delta College, Dale Keyser was an effective communicator who had tremendous concern for others and an unrelenting commitment to excellence. He was an outstanding educator who devoted his life to helping others succeed He came to Delta College in 1964 and passed away in 2000. To honor the memory of her husband, Alma Keyser has established this endowment. She married Joseph Schaefer in 2002 and enjoys volunteering and traveling.

Walter J. Kilar emigrated from Poland to the United States in 1913. Mrs. Kilar’s parents also emigrated from Poland. Mr. Kilar worked as a designer in the auto industry. During the Depression, the Kilars owned a small confectionery store. He returned to machine designing and retired in 1970. Throughout their lives, the Kilars instilled within their children an interest in education. Mr. Kilar died in 1984 and, in his retirement, rediscovered, with pride, his Polish heritage. Mrs. Kilar traveled widely, including a trip back to Poland in 1979. She died in 1989.

Established in 1886, the "King's Daughters Society", as it was called then, was the first interdenominational religious organization for social reform. Today, the International Order of the King's Daughters and Sons is an international and interdenominational organization of Christian men and women dedicated to service in Christ's name. Its 39 branches in the United States and Canada support ministries for the aging, the handicapped, and the underprivileged with homes, hospitals, youth camps, and day care centers.

During his 80 years, Oscar Kloha lived a simple but meaningful life...one that exemplified a great care and concern for the people who worked with him in his business and others who came in touch with him. The long-time resident of Caro owned “Kay’s”, a women’s apparel business, and there was also a store in Bay City. Mr. Kloha was a very conservative and frugal man, and established this endowment in hopes of helping a student in financial need and encouraging students in their career goals.

Robert I. Knepp is the son of Edith A. and Wallace R. Knepp, founders of the W.R. Knepp Department Stores. In his over 40-year career in retail, Mr. Knepp managed stores in Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland. Mrs. Knepp attended Bay City Junior College (Delta's forerunner). Mr. Knepp passed away in 2000. Mrs. Knepp passed away in 2009. The couple were the parents of four children.

In honor of their mother's 100th birthday, the children of this prominent Bay City family established an endowment in their parents’ names. Mr. Knepp, one of Bay City's most successful merchants, was founder of the W.R. Knepp Department Store. He died in 1980 and held a variety of jobs during his lifetime before establishing Bay City's W.R. Knepp & Company in 1920. Mr. Knepp also operated retail stores in Midland, Owosso, Saginaw, and Lansing. Mrs. Knepp passed away in 1990.

Colleagues and friends hailed Wallace Ray (“W.R.”) Knepp, Jr. as an asset to the community and benefactor of Delta College. The son of Edith and Wallace R. Knepp, who founded the W.R. Knepp Department Store, Mr. Knepp was the retired president of the family-owned business. When the store closed its doors in 1993, the Knepp family donated the 57,000 square foot building to Delta College. In 1994, Mr. Knepp passed away, leaving a legacy of community involvement. With a generous bequest from his estate, this endowment was established.

As a child, Daniel P. Kubiak had difficulty with reading. One of his teachers worked with him after school each day, and taught him how to read fluently. His widow, Shirley Kubiak, established the endowment in his memory, to help Delta students achieve their dreams. Mr. Kubiak attended Bay City Junior College (Delta’s forerunner), and taught social studies at Swan Valley Junior High School, adult education (history) at Swan Valley High School, and night classes at Delta College. Mr. Kubiak passed away in 1999.

Gary Laatsch died suddenly at age 31 in the middle of a promising art career. He was coming of age as an artist and sculptor, establishing his own unique vision, his sense of self, when a brief illness took his life. He graduated from Delta College in 1974 and went on to earn a bachelor of fine arts degree from the prestigious Cranbrook Academy of Art. By 1981, he had completed a master degree in fine arts sculpture from the Art Institute of Chicago. He is best remembered as a gentle and talented young man whose legacy was an ambition to inspire

Ilene M. (Master) Lane passed away in 2007. She joined the convent at age 16 and was released from her vows, by papal authority, six years later. Mrs. Lane became a Practical Nurse and, in 1942, joined the U.S. Army and served in the 157th Hospital Unit. She continued her career in nursing after an honorable discharge, practicing her profession as an OB/GYN nurse in rural Indiana until her retirement. Her son, Dr. Thomas H. Lane, former Chair and member of the Delta College Board of Trustees, and other families established this endowment in her memory.

Dr. Thomas H. Lane has worked for Dow Corning Corporation since 1974, and is former Chair and a current member of the Delta College Board of Trustees. He is currently Dow Corning’s Director of Science and Technology Outreach. Ms. Landry-Lane is employed as a Sector Executive in Deep Computing for IBM. The Lanes believe in giving students who need an opportunity to be successful the chance to accomplish their goals. They believe strongly in education, and are the parents of three children.

As a 27-year-employee of Dow Corning Corporation, Thomas Laur had a number of patents issued to him. The most important one was flame retardant silicone rubber, which Boeing Aircraft used to establish its specification. Mr. Laur passed away in 1998, and Mrs. Laur established this endowment as a tribute to her husband, his accomplishments and his wonderful sense of humor. The Laurs are both graduates of Bay City Junior College (Delta’s forerunner), and Mrs. Laur worked as an elementary school teacher for 27 years in Crump, Sanford and Midland.

Leo L. and Evelyn (Rivenson) Levy had a wonderful sense of humor and many friends. They valued family and education, and encouraged their children, including Larry, a Professor in the English Division of Delta College, to read, attend college and believe they could do anything they put their minds to. Larry Levy and his wife, Cheryl, with support from family and local friends, established this endowment. Evelyn Levy helped begin this memorial scholarship after her husband passed away in 1987. Mrs. Levy died in 1997.

Edward A. "Ted" is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and former partner of Rehmann Robson & Company. He is the founder of Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf (with 20 locations/courses), and also a director of Wolverine Bank FSB and Laur Silicone, Inc. He has also been the developer/owner of motels, Dairy Queen® and Burger King® franchises, and pizza businesses. Kathleen M. "Kay" Lunt is a Registered Nurse, who worked for St. Mary's Medical Center in Saginaw and Big Rapids Community Hospital in Big Rapids, MI.

In 1999, after 24 years of service, Thomas Mahar retired from Monitor Sugar Company in Bay City, where he had served as Executive Vice President for 15 years. He wrote the history of the company, and has been involved with a number of organizations, including the Bay City Morning Rotary, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and the Bay County Historical Society. Brenda takes time from her homemaking activities for community volunteerism that includes the Friends of Zauel Library and weekly service at Covenant Hospital in Saginaw.

Miss Rhea Miller, a former educator, moved to Saginaw from Eaton Rapids in 1926 to teach vocal music and piano in the Saginaw Public Schools. Her distinguished career in education saw her serve 13 years as a music supervisor in Saginaw's school system and 26 years as director of music education. She earned a statewide reputation as an authority in music education, and was interested in helping Delta College students. Miss Miller passed away in 1997, just two days after her 100th birthday.

Gloria Miller established this endowment as a way to honor her husband, Richard (Dick) Miller, who taught at Delta College for 20 years. She would also like to give back to the community where she and Dick received their educations.

This endowment was created and named in honor of Monitor Sugar Company, located in Bay City. Monitor Sugar Company was the largest beet sugar processing facility east of the Mississippi River, and was the exclusive processor of Big Chief Sugar products for the retail, industrial and food service markets. Monitor Sugar celebrated 100 years as a dependable supplier of quality sugar products in 2001. Michigan Sugar Company purchased the company in October 2004.

Dr. W. Brock Neely worked at The Dow Chemical Company in various capacities from 1957 until his retirement as a Research Scientist in 1986. Upon his retirement, Dr. Neely, who passed away in 2005, formed EnviroSoft, a company devoted to writing computer software packages and providing consulting services to the chemical industry in environmental affairs. He served as a member of the Delta College Board of Trustees for 18 years and Chair for the last two years. His widow, Mary, is a member of the Delta College Foundation Board of Directors.

William H. "Buddy" Oates met an untimely death in 1989, after a 17-year tradition of kindness and generosity to the First Ward Community Center and Delta College students. His brother, Louis S. Oates, former Assistant to the Vice President of Student Services at Delta, personally donated his faculty teaching salary to develop this endowment in memory of his brother.

From the time she was a young girl, Jessie J. Oswald of Midland knew she wanted to grow up and be a secretary. She was employed as an Executive Secretary at The Dow Chemical Company. She also became a Certified Professional Secretary (CPS®), taught CPS® review courses at Delta College for 25 years, and was named "Secretary of the Year" by two different Michigan chapters of the International Association of Administrative Professionals® (IAAP). She was also an IAAP finalist on the state level for "Secretary of the Year".

During her almost 15 years of life, Teresa Marie Anne Plackowski Witucki was an inspiration to her family and friends, touching their lives and encouraging them to do their best and treat others as they themselves would want to be treated. A voracious reader of fantasy, literature and history, Teresa passed away in 2001, one week before she was to begin her first year of high school. She loved drama, and had roles in various Midland Center for the Arts plays and musicals, as well as Northeast Middle School productions in Midland. Her parents established this endowment in memory of her life.

As faculty bay secretary for the Science Division, Cecilia Randall – or “Ceil”, as she was known to her friends, was a champion for Delta College student workers. She respected them and trained them well, and felt an obligation to inspire them to be effective and autonomous employees. After graduation, students would often return to visit Ms. Randall, updating her on changes in their lives and new accomplishments. She passed away in 1994 after a lengthy illness.

From 1972 until her untimely death in 1990, Reneé L. Rookard was employed by Delta College. She earned the rank of Associate Professor in the English Division. She brought to Delta verve for learning and sharing that inspired students and colleagues alike. With an unfailing commitment to excellence, a quick wit, and infectious sense of humor, she inspired students to achieve new heights in creativity and critical thinking. Ms. Rookard’s parents and the Delta College Black Faculty and Staff Association established this endowment in her memory.

Harold and Noreen Rupp, longtime and well-known residents of Bay County, consistently and significantly financially supported most projects that helped the Bay County community. Some of these organizations include: Boys & Girls Clubs of Bay County, United Way of Bay County, the Civic Arena, the Ice Rink, Elks Club, Bay County Women’s Center, their church and many more. The couple established an endowment in their name to support athletes at Delta College.

Cliff Saladine was the first member of his family to complete high school and earn a college degree. He retired in 1995 from his position as Senior Broadcast Engineer at Delta College WUCM-TV/WUCX-TV Channel 19. Delta is one of the few community colleges in the nation to own and operate a public broadcast affiliate station. The endowment was established out of the couple’s desire to fill a void for the average working student who might not be able to qualify for most forms of financial aid aimed at indigent students.

Ralph I. Selby, who passed away in 2004, was a prominent attorney in Bay City, and was a member of the Delta College Board of Trustees from 1979 until 1990. Archie M. Selby worked for years as an elementary school teacher. The Selbys’ son, R. Earl, has been a member of the Delta College Board of Trustees since 1992, and currently serves as its Chair. The Selbys shared a committed belief in higher education as a means to enable one to help others to achieve their life’s goals. Mrs. Selby and family and friends established this endowment.

Edith (Dee Dee) Wacksman, a current member of the Delta College Board of Trustees and former Chair, learned the importance of lifelong learning from her father, Dr. Gene F. Shrum, a dentist for more than 40 years. She worked in his dental office from age 13 through college as a dental assistant. After college, she conducted research at Proctor and Gamble Company, taught dental hygiene in a community college, coordinated periodontics research at the University of Michigan Dental School, and worked in several private dental practices. She has established this endowment in his memory.

Van Dewitt Simmons was born in Ohio and moved to Bay City in 1936. He married the former Ruth Knepp, daughter of Wallace R. and Edith Knepp, one of Michigan’s outstanding retail store families. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons owned and operated Simmons Jewelers in Downtown Bay City for many years. Mr. Simmons served on the “Committee of 300”, considered to be founders of Delta College. Two of the couple’s daughters – Maryetta Nelsen and Kaye Barcia – both graduated from Bay City Junior College (Delta’s forerunner).

Paul Sowatsky was born in 1966 and died of injuries from an automobile accident in 1988. He graduated from Valley Lutheran High School in Saginaw and attended Saginaw Valley State University for one year before enrolling in the Automotive Service Excellence Program (ASEP) at Delta College. He enjoyed sports and singing, and was considered a hard worker who set goals and accomplished them. Through his life, he remained close to his religion and attended church regularly. His parents established this endowment in his memory.

Both Eileen and Hugh Starks, Midland residents, have benefited from a technical education – Mrs. Starks as a chemist and Mr. Starks as a mechanical engineer. Mrs. Starks is a former member and Chair of the Delta College Foundation Board of Directors. They have great empathy for young people who aspire to advance their education, but have limited financial resources. This scholarship endowment was established to help a student reach a higher step on the educational ladder, with the hope that he or she will be encouraged to achieve all that is possible for them.

Paul ("P.T.") and Margaret Thompson believed in education and achieved a great deal of professional and personal success during their lives. Mr. Thompson was associated with First National Bank and became Vice President of the institution. He was President of the Bay Trust Company, which merged with Peoples National Bank in 1957. He then became Vice President and Chairman of the Trust Committee of Peoples National Bank and Trust Company until his retirement in 1962. He passed away in 1976. Mrs. Thompson passed away in 1992.

Wesley C. Timm passed away in 2007, was a lifelong resident of Bay City and graduated from Bay City Junior College (the forerunner of Delta College) in 1933. He retired in 1978 as General Manager of Midland Operations for The Dow Chemical Company. He also served as General Manager of and Consultant to the Michigan Ash Company for many years after his retirement. Mr. Timm was a member of the “Committee of 300”, considered to be the founders of Delta College. The endowment was established by a gift from Mr. Timm’s estate and his family and friends.

“Miss Mona” White, a graduate of Delta College, was an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Delta, and passed away in 2004 as a result of a boating accident. She joined the staff of the College as an adjunct professor in the Nursing Division in 1990. Delta students, educators, hospitals and professional organizations will long remember her as a person who devoted 100 percent of herself to the success of whatever project she was involved with. Mr. White, an engineer who retired from the Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors Corporation, established this endowment in his wife’s memory.

Lola Bishop Whitney, who passed away in 1976 at the age of 92, lived a life which was filled with a spirit of adventure and a commitment which inspired students during her 41 years of teaching. As a dedicated teacher, she inspired students to study, to learn, to explore, and to strive for the best within them. She began her career in teaching at the Eastern High School in Bay City where she taught French and history. Later in her career, she was a member of the faculty at Bay City Central High School and Bay City Junior College at the same time. Lola taught French until she retired as the chairman of the French Department in 1948.

Jack Wirt is owner of Wirt Stone Docks and president of Michigan Ash Sales Company. He moved from New York to Bay City in 1941 after marrying Bay City native Alice Karse. The Wirts have been long-time contributors to community life. They have given freely of their time to civic, philanthropic, fraternal and church affairs. The couple established this endowment with strong feelings about the value of education and a sensitivity to students who need help to complete college.

Chartered in 1933, Wolverine Bank promotes and encourages excellence in education with the establishment of this endowment. Wolverine Bank and Delta College share a common vision of excellence proven by a long and rich history of supporting the communities that they serve. For decades, Wolverine Bank has invested in the future of the students in these communities by providing financial support for educational opportunities through scholarships. Locally owned and managed, Wolverine Bank is one of the top lenders in the community.

Anton (“Tony”) Zucker Sr. was co-owner and operator of the Home Garage in Bay City for 40 years, and passed away in 1974. Alma (Malzahn) Zucker worked outside the home during her younger years, but enjoyed her status as a homemaker for her family and was a superb cook. She passed away in 1979. Anton Zucker Jr. worked as a tool grinder at Newcor for 41 years before retiring in 1981. The Zuckers were faith-filled people and continued to be members of Immanuel Lutheran Church until their deaths. Anton Zucker Jr. died in 1990.

Melvin L. and Hilda J. Zuehlke believed in supporting their community and church through the giving of time and money. Mr. Zuehlke, who passed away in 1998, worked for Eaton Manufacturing Company from 1940 to 1972, rising through the ranks to become general manager. Hilda J. Zuehlke, who passed away in 2001, joined her husband as a volunteer in many community clubs and organizations. The couple established a foundation in their name, to continue giving back to the community where the need was the greatest.