Delta College and the Greve family gathered on October 5, 2022, to dedicate “The Trophy,” a sculpture conceived by artist Marguerita “Rita” Greve.  

On August 25, Delta College hosted a luncheon to celebrate the installation of a collection of West African artifacts on campus. U.S. Diplomat Emerita Dr. Kathleen List, community supporters Jim and Anita Jenkins, photographer and artist S. Preston Jones, family and guests were in attendance. 

Dr. Michael Gavin, Delta College president, marked the installation as a “momentous occasion for our college” and said that it’s a “visual representation” that reflects students’ identity and can expand people’s view of others within that representation.

Donated to Delta by Dr. List, the collection of sculpted wooden African passport masks of Liberia, napkin rings representing West African cultures and West African ceremonial masks will rotate between the main campus, Downtown Midland and Saginaw Centers. The display cases that house the artifacts were underwritten by the Jenkinses in honor of their longtime friendship with S. Preston and Dr. Betty B. Jones. 

Dr. Jones, who served as a professor, academic dean and vice president of Delta’s instruction and learning services before retiring after 25 years in 2001, and her husband, S. Preston, were recognized for their promotion of visual arts, history and education. 

The Jenkinses credited the Joneses for impacting their lives throughout their friendship and spoke highly of the college as “an asset” to the Great Lakes Bay Region. Preston reflected on his wife’s accomplished career and her love of art.

“Betty would’ve loved being here. She loved Delta College and spent much of her time here,” Jones said. “This entire community has been a part of our lives. I’m so pleased to be here and feel honored.”

Initially planned as a surprise for the Joneses’ 88th birthdays, Dr. Jones, who died on March 28 at age 87, was aware and pleased with the collection’s installation. 

Guy added, “I hope that as your students encounter it, they will contemplate the lives they will have.”