Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds increases critical thinking. Delta celebrates diversity in education in order to improve academic and interpersonal skills, and to better preparing students for the workforce. By holding events and celebrations, we are prioritizing diversity and inclusion to help make everyone feel welcome on campus.

Heritage Months Activities

Heritage months help Delta College to celebrate, acknowledge and educate others on various ethnic and marginalized groups. These groups have long  histories and contributions to American History, and the celebrations help us understand some of our own cultures and identities, as well as others.  Key months include:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January)
• Black History Month (February)
• Women’s History Month (March)
• LGBTQ Awareness Month (April)
• Asian Island Pacific Heritage Month (May)
• Hispanic Heritage Month (September –  October)
• Native American History Month (November)

The organized activities have included:  speakers on campus, films, displays and academic project work.  Each activity hopes to give students the chance to have an open dialogue and receive information about others.

Diversity Awards

Spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. Award

The award is presented by Delta’s Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) and the Saginaw chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, of which Dr. King was a member. Each year, BFSA members select an employee whose service to the institution and community exemplifies the spirit of Dr. King’s work and values.

Past recipients

2020 – Carlos McMath
2019 – John Neal
2018 – Veronica Bond
2017 – Monica Hernandez-Alaniz
2016 – Rosemary Reeves
2015 – Dr. Linda Holoman
2014 – Dr. Charissa Urbano
2013 – Carl Ruth
2012 – Beverly Westbrook
2011 – Mary Beth Looby
2010 – Dr. Jean Goodnow
2009 – William E. Ketchum, Jr.
2008 – Teresa Stitt
2007 – Katrina Nichols
2006 – Joan Sabourin
2005 – Jack Crowell
2004 – Neville Britto
2003 – John Pugh
2002 – Willie Thompson
2001 – Dr. Betty Jones

Spirit of Willie E. Thompson Multicultural Community Service Award

This award is given to a community member and is presented in memory of Willie E. Thompson, former vice president of student and educational services at Delta College. Thompson was responsible for the establishment of Delta's multicultural office.

Past recipients

2019 – Markeen A. Baker, Saginaw Public School District
2018 – Dr. Jack W. Nash, Saginaw dentist
2017 – Reggie Williams, Buena Vista police chief
2016 – Dennis Morrison
2015 – Carl Ruth, Saginaw County Commissioner (retired Delta College)
2014 – Dr. Marie Tolliver, retired educator
2013 – Rehana Khan–Brown, Miracle Ear
2012 – Rehana Khan–Brown, Miracle Ear
2011 – Evelyn McGovern, Women of Colors co–founder
2010 – Charles E. Braddock, Saginaw law enforcement
2009 – Robert Stafford, Chemical Bank
2008 – David Gamez, Great Lakes Bay Health Centers
2007 – Leola Wilson, State of Michigan retired and NAACP
2006 – Katrina Nichols

President's Champions for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award

Organized in 2006, these awards are given to students, employees and community members and honor our pioneers for equity, diversity and inclusion.

Past recipients

2019 – Dr. Wendy Burns, Dr. Masood Mowlavi
2018 – Loyce Brown
2017 – Denise Hill, Lula Woodard
2016 – Michelle Raube
2015 – Stuart Barbier
2014 – Kimberly Klein, Cynthia Reyes
2013 – Stuart Barbier
2012 – Stuart Barbier
2011 – Paul Bowen
2010 – Ramon “Ray” Gutierrez
2009 – Elizabeth Ullrich

Pioneer for Women Award

The award is given to recipient who demonstrates significant contributions toward women's equality in his/her an academic field of study, chosen profession or community.  There must be demonstrated public service or community service; leadership; contributions to the profession or academic field of study; or creation and implementation unique initiatives.

Past recipients

2019 – Diane Lobsiger–Braden
2018 – Zekiye Salman, community
2017 – Amal Kheil, Kimberly Klein, Maggie Moffett
2015 – Ellen Lane Wolfe, Sister Marietta Fritz
2014 – Edith “Dee Dee” Wacksman, Bruce Faccio
2013 – Ellen Lane Wolfe, Sister Marietta Fritz
2012 – Ellen Lane Wolfe, Sister Marietta Fritz
2011 – Joni Harshman, Barbara Lkimszewski