Newsmakers

Obituary

Jerry Parker, former president of Delaware County Community College in Pennsylvania, died November 20 of cancer at age 71. Parker served at the college for 40 years, including 14 years as president, before retiring in 2017.

Parker started at the college in 1977 as assistant to the vice president for administration. Over the years, he also served as executive assistant to the president for planning, research and external relations; dean of management systems, planning and enrollment management; and vice president for community and corporate education.

Prior to his retirement, Parker received many awards for his extensive involvement in and commitment to Delaware and Chester counties. In October 2017, the college renamed the Advanced Technology Center at the Marple Campus after him, in recognition of his essential role in bringing the state-of-the-art facility to fruition. In March 2017, the Chester County Economic Development Council inducted Parker into the Chester County Business Hall of Fame for his exemplary leadership and vision in forging lasting relationships between the college and business and industry in Chester County.

In 2016, the Association of Community College Trustees named Parker CEO of the Year for its Northeast Region. That same year, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce presented him with its “President’s Award.” Parker also served and was a former board chair of the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges and was on numerous local education and business boards.

“Jerry was a compassionate, community-minded, visionary who devoted most of his life to educating and training students,” said College President L. Joy Gates Black. “Delaware and Chester Counties benefited significantly from his knowledge and passion for higher education. He will be sorely missed by his peers, colleagues and friends.”

Kudos

Greg Hamann, president of Linn-Benton Community College (LBCC) in Oregon, has been named the Howard Cherry Outstanding Community College Administrator by the Oregon Community Colleges Association (OCCA).

Hamann, who has been president of LBCC since 2010, was nominated for his dedication to serving community colleges for more than 20 years, and his commitment to student success — including his leadership in guided pathways at LBCC — which provides significant support to help students identify the most efficient and effective path through college to completion of their degree or certificate.

“Greg is a passionate advocate for Linn-Benton Community College,” said Cam Preus, OCCA executive director. “He brings the same ardent support for all community college students to the legislature and other statewide policy makers.”

Joyce Williams, associate vice chancellor for workforce and economic development with the Dallas County Community College District, is one of only 15 Dallas-area women honored by Walker’s Legacy for her successful career through its “Power 15” Award. Presented in partnership with the Minority Business Development Agency and AARP, the award recognizes notable community and business leaders who have built successful careers in a wide array of industries, including social entrepreneurship, business, technology, education, media, real estate and other fields.

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