Herring and Roach added to Del Tech Distinguished Alumni

Natalie L. Herring of New Castle and John B. Roach of Georgetown were selected as recipients of the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award for Delaware Technical Community College's Owens Campus. The award is presented each year to alumni in recognition of excellence and outstanding achievements in their professional careers.

Their names will also be added to the college's Walk of Success, which recognizes Owens Campus graduates who have made significant contributions to their communities through their academic and career achievements, community service, and personal accomplishments. Bronze plaques bearing each graduate's name, date of graduation, and date of induction are placed in the walkway between the Stephen J. Betze Library and the William A. Carter Partnership Center.

Natalie L. Herring graduated in 2002 with a degree in veterinary technology. She is currently the ophthalmology nursing supervisor at the Veterinary Specialty Center of Delaware in New Castle.
Herring began working at the VSCD immediately after graduation and began working in a specialty nursing position with board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Jeffrey Bowersox within her first year of employment.

Since then she has organized and served as president (since 2011) of the Veterinary Ophthalmic Technician Society, and created the Academy of Veterinary Ophthalmic Technicians, which provides networking, continuing education, and support for veterinary technicians working in ophthalmology. AVOT recently received credentialing for ophthalmology as a veterinary specialty by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.

In addition, Herring has been a guest speaker for several local and national veterinary ophthalmology workshops and seminars, served as instructor of canine agility for the Wilmington Kennel Club, and has authored several articles and created educational videos. In the community, she has helped provide free or reduced-cost eye exams for the animals of residents in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and across Delmarva; volunteered as surgical technician at Delaware SPCA's spay and neuter program; volunteered at the Brandywine Zoo with Bowersox; and assisted in coordinating the Fearless Friends event hosted by VSCD.

John B. Roach graduated in 1978 with a degree in civil engineering. He is the owner and founder of John B. Roach Engineering LLC in Georgetown. He also returned to Delaware Tech's Owens Campus, starting as an instructor in 1990 before retiring as department chair in 2015.

Following graduation, Roach obtained his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Penn State University in 1980, and obtained his professional license in 2002. He earned his master's degree in education from Wilmington University in 2005.

Roach's former colleagues credit him for being well liked and respected amongst his peers in the engineering community. He is always willing to help, support, and motivate students and coworkers. As an instructor, he always offered an open door for his students to get additional help and support.
In the community, Roach was a town councilman for the Town of Georgetown, Ward 1 from 1990-94 and 2000-02, an assistant Boy Scout Leader from 1993-2001, Pop Warner football coach from 1994-97, and a Georgetown Little League coach from 1994-99. He also served in the offices of trustee, finance director, and technical support for Wesley United Methodist Church over the past 12 years. Roach has also spent over 20 years volunteering for the Delaware Special Olympics.

Roach currently works full time for his own civil engineering and surveying firm, where he specializes in surveying, minor subdivisions, and site development.