Chemical Bank is the largest bank headquartered in Michigan and has a three-state footprint. Since 1977, it has supported numerous Delta College projects. It understands the people, resources and potential of the communities in which it serves and helps to make its communities better now and in the future for its neighbors and families. At Chemical Bank, this “neighbor-helping-neighbor” spirit is important. This award recognizes an outstanding graduate studying finance or information technology. Programs considered, but not limited to: Accounting, Finance, Computer Applications, Information Security and Technology, Network Technology, IT Support, Programming, Web Information Technology or students who have demonstrated excellence in accounting coursework. 

This award was established by Dow Corning Corporation of Midland, in memory of Dr. William R. Collings, the company’s first general manager. Dr. Collings began his service with the new company in 1943, and he later served as president from 1954 to 1962. He was also a Charter Member of the Delta College Board of Trustees, and he served on the Board from 1957 to 1976. He passed away in 1980. Established in 1976 – when he retired from the Board of Trustees – this award recognizes an outstanding graduate with high personal goals, superior citizenship and potential for leadership. The graduate must have an excellent academic record, potential for outstanding future achievement and evidence of demonstrated leadership in extracurricular activities that benefit the College and community. Finalists will be contacted for a personal interview with the awards committee.

Competent assistants, executive administrators, bookkeepers and office managers are an essential profession for nearly every business operation. Office professionals keep the office organized and running smoothly, and they work with much of the valuable data that a company needs to flourish. This award recognizes the outstanding graduate who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, good citizenship and service to the community. Students may be studying office administration and technology for business offices or medical offices.

This award is sponsored by The Dow Chemical Company’s Michigan Operations The Dow Chemical Company combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Founded in 1896, it has been supportive of Delta College projects since 1972. Because of its strong interest in both science and education, The Dow Chemical Company created this award, which recognizes an outstanding student majoring in physical sciences. This award includes the following: Chemical Process Technology, Chemical Technology, Environmental Technology Agriculture, Pre- Biotechnology, Chemistry Majors, Conservation, Forestry, Geography, Geology, Natural Resources, and Water Environmental Technology.  

The Fred E. Dulmage Memorial Award was established by The Dow Chemical Company to commemorate Mr. Dulmage's many accomplishments, which helped the company’s product developments. Mr. Dulmage worked at The Dow Chemical Company, having started back in its early years. He and his wife, Florence, raised a family and, although he only graduated from the eighth grade, his natural love of science and engineering led to many achievements, including a number of patents issued in his name. He passed away in 1959. This award recognizes a graduate in mechanical engineering and technology, with an additional goal of encouraging other students to strive for success. The following programs are considered for this Award: Mechanical Engineering Technology, Pre-Engineering, and graduates with demonstrated excellence in CAD, CNC, & DRF courses. 

This award was made possible with a gift from Peter B. Frantz in memory of his wife and in celebration of the artistic process. Mr. Frantz spent his career as an architect, and authored a book in 2000, Jane’s Letters from Ireland: 1884-1886, featuring letters from his maternal grandmother, Jane Stanley, one of America’s premier watercolor artists. Suzanne Smith Frantz, who passed away in 2005, was an accomplished artist who worked in the photography department at Delta College and exhibited her work at Adrian College, Central Michigan University and Alma College. This award recognizes an outstanding graduate studying art. The following programs are considered for this award: Art Majors, Electronic Media and graduates who completed multiple art classes. 

The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is the world’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers, with more than 324,000 members in more than 2,100 lodges. It is the voice of those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities, and it works on behalf of law enforcement officers from all ranks and levels of government. No one knows the dangers and the difficulties faced by today’s police officers better than another officer, and no one knows police officers better than the FOP. This award recognizes an outstanding graduate in criminal justice who plans to enter this field directly or who will continue studies at a transfer institution. The following programs are considered for this award: Corrections, Basic Police Training Certification Track,and Law Enforcement. 

This award was established by a gift by the Frances Goll Mills Memorial Fund. Ms. Goll Mills, who passed away in 1982, graduated from The Ohio State University. She moved to Saginaw in 1932, where she married businessman and civic leader Kendall A. Mills. She became a well-respected artist in the Mid-Michigan area, having her works displayed at the Detroit Institute of Art, the Saginaw Art Museum and the Saginaw Women’s Club. She also supported nursing and medical causes during her lifetime. This award recognizes an outstanding graduate in nursing. The following programs are considered for this award: Licensed Paramedic to RN, LPN to RN, Nursing, and Pre-Nursing (BSN).  

In 1969, Meade Gougeon and his brother, Jan, founded Gougeon Brothers’ Boatworks on the Saginaw River. By 1973, the Bay City company was the largest builder of iceboats in the country. In 1983, Gougeon Brothers, Inc., became an employee-owned company and, in 1992, a mission statement was developed, affirming that the company provides safe, high-quality, cost-effective products and comprehensive technical information supported by continual research and development. Meade Gougeon passed away in 2017, while Jan Gougeon passed away in 2012. Employee owners of Gougeon Brothers, Inc., established this award to recognize an outstanding graduate studying applied industrial technology, which is important in building a private business. The following programs are considered for this award: HVAC, Fire Science, Refrigeration, Machine Tools, Welding, Skilled Trades, Construction, Manufacturing.

This award was established in honor of the Robert and Joyce Hetzler Family. Robert and Joyce Hetzler were married in 1967, and they are the parents of three children: Jeremy, Janeen and Justina. Mr. Hetzler retired in 2004 as President and Chief Executive Officer of Monitor Sugar Company, and Mrs. Hetzler taught home economics at schools in Michigan and Virginia for five years before raising the couple’s children. Mr. Hetzler served on the Delta College Foundation Board of Directors, and the couple strongly believes in education and community service, and have served as role models in the community for their professional achievements and their volunteerism. The award recognizes an outstanding Delta College graduate who demonstrates outstanding service and leadership to the college and the community, along with a high level of academic achievement. Personal service and leadership examples include, but are not limited to, volunteer work at schools, churches, charitable organizations, and fund raisers. Finalists will be contacted for a personal interview with the awards committee. 

Edward and Kathryn (Dunn) Langenburg of Bay City are retired educators. Mr. Langenburg worked for 31 years as a counselor and administrator for the Bay City Public Schools, and Mrs. Langenburg worked for 32 years as a mathematics teacher for Bangor Township and Bay City Public Schools. Mr. Langenburg received a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in counseling from Central Michigan University. Mrs. Langenburg attended Bay City Junior College and graduated from Delta College during its first commencement exercises in 1962. She also received a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Central Michigan University, and a master’s degree in teaching from Saginaw Valley State University. She is a former member of the Delta College Foundation Board of Directors and a recipient of the College's Distinguished Alumni Award. She believes in giving back to Delta College for scholarship support she received when she was a college student. The award recognizes an outstanding graduate studying education. The following programs are considered for this award: Child Development, Teacher Assistant, Industrial Technology Education, Art Education, Business Education, Elementary Education, Industrial Arts Education, Music Education, Physical Education, Pre-School Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education.

The Outstanding Graduate in Health Science Programs Award (except Nursing) was created by James R. McIntyre, a lifetime Saginaw resident and Delta College supporter. Mr. McIntyre was employed by and later owned the McIntyre Funeral Chapel for 45 years, retiring in 2005. He passed away in 2012. He served as President of the Saginaw (Downtown) Lions Club and was a member of the West Saginaw Civic Association and Second Vice President of PRIDE in Saginaw. Mr. McIntyre donated to the City of Saginaw to establish the McIntyre Pavilion in Saginaw’s Riverfront Development Plan in memory of his parents, and also to PRIDE in Saginaw in memory of his parents. This award recognizes an outstanding graduate studying health sciences. The following programs are considered for this award: Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Health Fitness, Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiography, Respiratory Care, and Surgical Technology.  

The Morley Family Foundation, which was established in 1948 by Mr. and Mrs. Ralph C. Morley, Sr., funded this award. The Morley Family has been involved in the Saginaw business arena since the 1880s, when it owned the second largest hardware store in the United States. It was also an investor in automobile, banking and retail businesses. The award recognizes academic achievement and good citizenship, demonstrating the business community’s concern and appreciation of superior performance. The Morley Family also hoped to encourage other students to strive for success in the area of business. This award recognizes the outstanding graduate in business and management. The following programs are considered for this award: Construction Management, Cosmetology Management, Marketing Management, Retail Management, Small Business Management, Business Management, and Business Administration. 

This award was established by Mr. Sutto in memory of his wife and honors a top student enrolled in the Life Sciences. Mr. Sutto was a member of the Delta College “Committee of 300”, (considered to be the College’s founders), and he was employed with the County of Saginaw as its first controller in 1964 and served on the Saginaw County Board of Commissioners. He was a farmer, businessman and politician. Irene Sutto was an example to women through a number of leadership roles, including being the first female elected to the Spaulding Township School Board and the Bridgeport-Spaulding School Board. Mrs. Sutto passed away in 2004 and Mr. Sutto passed away in 2010. This award recognizes an outstanding graduate who is pursuing transfer program including: Biology Majors, Pre-Biotechnology, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Dietetics, Pre-Medical Technology, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Mortuary Science, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Optometry, Pre- Osteopathy, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, and related medical fields.  

This award was established by Wesley C. Timm in memory of his wife, Margaret. A Bay City native, MRs. Timm attended Bay City Public Schools and Bay City Junior College, concentrating on foreign languages and graduating in 1931. She graduated in 1933 from the University of Michigan with a major in Latin, minors in French and German, a K-12 Teaching Certificate and a Phi Beta Kappa key. At Central Michigan and Purdue Universities, she earned two master's degrees in English. She taught Latin in Imlay City and Mt. Morris, Michigan. When her father died in 1935, she moved back to Bay City to help her mother. She taught eighth grade English in Bay City, and she left teaching in 1937 when she married Mr. Timm. She returned to teaching in 1958, and she headed the English Department at Garber High School until her retirement in 1993 at age 80. Mrs. Timm passed away in 2001 and Mr. Timm passed away in 2007. This award recognizes an outstanding graduate studying English. The following programs are considered for this award: Journalism and Emerging Media; and/or graduates who have excelled in multiple English and/or Literature courses. The English Division faculty will select the award recipient. 

This award was established in memory of Wesley C. Timm, a member of the “Committee of 300”, which was considered to be the founders of Delta College. 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. A lifelong resident of Bay City, he passed away in 2007. He believed strongly in higher education and was especially proud that nearly two-thirds of Delta College’s graduates stay in or around the area as local residents and tax paying citizens. Mr. Timm was very concerned about the future of the United States, the State of Michigan, and the Great Lakes Bay Region. He believed that Delta College was very capable of training the next generation of leaders for our community. This award recognizes the outstanding graduate who demonstrates vision and leadership potential in government, education or business in the Great Lakes Region. Students applying for this award must have taken two or more classes within History, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology or Economics. 

This award has been established with a gift from Jim and Janis Van Tiflin. They were both born and raised in Saginaw, graduated from Saints Peter and Paul High School and attended Delta College. They were married in 1968 and are the parents of two children. Mr. Van Tiflin was the longest serving member of the Delta College Foundation Board of Directors and served as President of Citizens Bank, now The Huntington Bank. Mrs. Van Tiflin is a retired medical librarian. The Van Tiflins are grateful for the training they received at Delta College, and they feel supporting a math award for Delta College graduates is appropriate, since Mr. Van Tiflin and the couple’s two children have made their living using numbers. This award recognizes an outstanding graduate studying mathematics. The recipient should have a strong academic record in the mathematics curriculum, with a minimum of 12 credits earned in higher level mathematics (Algebra, Calculus, Geometry, and Statistics).

Lola Bishop Whitney began her teaching career at Eastern High School in Bay City. She became a faculty member at Bay City Central High School and Bay City Junior College (Delta College’s forerunner) at the same time, and she taught French until she retired as the Chair of the French Department in 1948. During her long life – she passed away in 1976 at the age of 92 – she was filled with a spirit of adventure and commitment which inspired students during her 41 years of teaching. As a dedicated teacher, she inspired students to study, learn, explore and strive for the best within them. At the age of 68, she married Harry Livingston Whitney, and the couple lived in Los Angeles, California for a number of years until Mr. Whitney's death. It is hoped that her zest for adventure and learning will be communicated to those who receive awards and recognition from her endowment fund, and that her life will forever be an inspiration for students of all ages. This award recognizes an exceptional student with superior academic achievement and promise in the study of foreign language. The following programs are considered for this award: Foreign Language majors, International Studies, or students who have demonstrated sustained excellence in foreign language courses over several semesters of study. 

Paul Moore, who passed away in 2012, will be remembered as an exceptional educator and a leader among students and colleagues. He was a professor who raised the bar for excellence in the classroom, was passionately engaged in his discipline and global affairs, and was sincerely appreciative of his students. He taught political science at Delta for 35 years, and was deeply committed as Delta College Senate President and later Division Chair to Delta’s concept of shared governance. This award has been established by the College's Social Science Division for students who pursue careers in the social sciences – child development, criminal justice, economics, history, political science, psychology and sociology.

Fred “Skip” Renker is a well known and respected English professor who started teaching at Delta College in September 1967 and retired in December 2004. He is a highly skilled teacher, and his students have placed tremendous value in his role in their lives. He is also a published writer who has won several national, state and local awards, and is most proud of being the recipient of the Bergstein Award, the highest teaching honor at Delta College. The Skip Renker Award for Creative Writing was established by his family to recognize the creative writing of a current Delta student who submits a portfolio of writing completed in a Delta College course.

 Dawn Schmidt was a longtime educator at Delta College who passed away in 2008. She taught in the Math and Computer Science Division for 30 years, and was valued for her dedication to the shared governance process. A recipient of the Bergstein Award for Teaching Excellence, Delta's top teaching award, she served the faculty in many positions, including Chair of the Division, Chair of the Faculty Executive Committee, Chair of the Council of Chairs, and Chair of the Faculty Salary Committee. Her first interest was always students, especially those interested in education. The Dawn Schmidt Mathematics Award is designed to encourage talented students who are interested in pursuing a career in mathematics education at the elementary, secondary or post-secondary level.