Journeys

Spring 2026

Rebooting the campus tech evnironment

Delta celebrated the completion of its computer science and information technology wing, which underwent its first major renovation since the college opened in 1961.

In this issue

Letter from the Delta College Foundation Executive Director

Welcome to our spring issue of Journeys, which celebrates so many interesting people and aspects of Delta College. As we celebrate our 65th anniversary, we take a look back at some of the key milestones in the college’s history. For those who attended Delta, or visited us over the years, you will surely remember our covered bridge. Built to celebrate America’s bicentennial, it is 50 years old and was recently refurbished and rededicated. If you find you have time this summer, stop out to campus to enjoy one of our many walking trails and take a picture on the covered bridge.

But time doesn’t stand still. We rebuilt and dedicated our Computer Science and Information Technology Wing on campus, to offer our students the latest learning environment and equipment. We also recently hosted guests at the dedication of the Rapp Family studios in our Public Media department on campus. It’s a great financial story from longtime supporters of the stations.

We held two commencement ceremonies this year, due to the increased demand from those who completed their degrees.
It gave us plenty of room to welcome their family and friends to the celebrations!

During this unusual year, we saw one president resign for other opportunities and we have hired a new face who will join us shortly. Stay tuned… we will share more information by this fall.

Finally, we launched a new scholarship in the name of Peggy Sue Barber, a beloved health and wellness professor who recently lost her battle with cancer. In her name, we will be able to award scholarship dollars to students for years and decades to come, to help defray their costs of attending Delta College.

Enjoy this most beautiful time of the year here in Michigan. And for those who live out of the region or out of state, we hope you will be back soon to visit us.

Pam Clark
Executive Director
Delta College Foundation

65 years of innovation... and counting

By establishing innovation as a core value, and living by it every day, Delta College created a culture in which change is embraced rather than feared. In celebration of Delta's 65th anniversary, the college is also celebrating the many noteworthy initiatives and recognitions over the years.

Read more about Delta's 65th anniversary
You belong here

Dr. Michael H. Gavin joined Delta College as its fifth president in 2021, bringing more than 20 years of experience at the community college level and national recognition for his leadership in academic excellence and equity practices. He departed the college in December 2025 to serve as the inaugural president of the Alliance for Higher Education, where he works to support institutions across the nation, including Delta College.

Read more about Dr. Gavin's legacy at Delta
From promos to purpose: the life and leadership of Amos O'Neal

Amos O’Neal’s life is a testament to the weight of those words—how what we say, and how we live, can shape not only our own path but the lives of others. Raised on the east side of Saginaw alongside four brothers and two sisters, O’Neal grew up in a home where kindness and generosity were not just taught but practiced daily. Though resources were limited, love and compassion were abundant.

Read more about Amos O'Neal
Public Media updates

On May 7, Delta College Public Media staff greeted guests on campus for a reception to celebrate another year of service to the community. During the gathering, Delta College unveiled and dedicated its Rapp Family Studios. Supported by Andy and Donna Rapp, the stations now have access to a fund they established to provide long-term financial support for Delta College Public Media.

Read more about Public Media
Adapt, don't react: reframing AI in the classroom

Delta College English professors, Ray Lacina and Trisha O’Connor used an award they received to explore the ways in which teaching college writing is changing with students’ access to generative AI tools.

Learn more about their work
Full power ahead: Tom LaCroix's journey

For Delta College alumnus Tom LaCroix, success was not a straight line. It came together through curiosity, responsibility and a willingness to try something new.

Read more about Tom's journey
Take a step into history with Delta’s covered bridge

Retirees, faculty and staff celebrated the reopening of Delta College’s iconic covered bridge on May 8.

Read more about the bridge
Words of wisdom

Rebecca Yager and Jawain Swint each spoke of challenges they overcame while addressing their peers at Delta’s 65th commencement ceremonies.

Read more about Rebecca and Jawain
Delta College Planetarium updates

On Friday, July 24, the Delta College Planetarium will host a free, family-friendly event honoring the anniversary of the first manned lunar landing.

Read more about the Planetarium
Peace, love & muscle

If you are fortunate enough to meet a genuinely kind, fun and loving person—a person who you can make you laugh for no reason, lift your spirits when you’re feeling down and inspire you to chase your most ambitious dreams—hold on to them tight, because they’re one in a million. Peggy Sue (Borch) Barber was one of those rare individuals. She lived life loud and with intention.

Read Peggy's story
Delta College recognizes the success of its high-achieving students

Delta's annual graduate student awards acknowledge outstanding new graduates who represent the future of the Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond. Awards are given to students for their academic achievement and dedication to their field of study.

See this year's recipients