Delaware Tech’s distinguished alumni will be honored Oct. 19

The Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented Wednesday, Oct. 19, to three graduates of Delaware Technical Community College, Jack F. Owens Campus, in recognition of excellence and outstanding achievements in their professional careers.

The 2011 honorees are Connie L. Cooper, Cindy L. Mitchell, and Mary Lee Phillips.

The Alumni Walk of Success 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 the 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.

Connie L. Cooper, of Lewes, received her associate degree in human services from Delaware Tech in 1988. While there, she was student government president and vice president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She continued her education and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Salisbury State University and a master’s degree in elementary guidance from Wilmington University.

After 15 years in elementary education, six in the classroom and nine as a counselor, where she advocated the importance of postsecondary education to her students, Cooper changed career fields to join the family business.

In 2004, she attended the Harrington ERA School of Real Estate, and in 2005 became a licensed real estate agent with Cooper Realty, where she is currently vice president. In 2010 she received the Five Star Status real estate award for satisfaction and performance.

In a letter of support for her nomination, Cooper’s son, Panayi “Pete” Stephanos, said, “I was so inspired by my mother that I am pursuing a career in education as well. With her kind heart and compassion, her students were easily drawn to her.”

Russell H. Knorr, EdD, superintendent of schools for the Seaford district, noted in his letter of recommendation, “Connie was an obvious asset to our school district and interacted extremely well with her students and her professional colleagues. She was a valued and valuable member of our professional staff.”

She remains involved with the Seaford School District as a reading mentor for the HOSTS program for elementary-age students.

Cindy L. Mitchell, of Laurel, received her associate degree in human services from Delaware Tech in 1987 and earned her bachelor’s degree from Wilmington University in 2009.

Currently a certified geriatric care manager for CHEER Inc. in Georgetown, Mitchell has worked for the organization for the past 15 years, where she has held the positions of outreach worker, center director, marketing specialist, caregiver, and resource coordinator. Over the years, she established several programs for CHEER including the Living With Chronic Illness Workshop which benefits hundreds of senior citizens throughout the county, and she implemented the Stress Management Program at all locations.

She also represents the organization at Delaware’s Legislative Hall to advocate for seniors and participates in employment and health fairs in the community.

“Cindy’s lifelong dedication and her desire to help others serve her well,” said Joyce Westen, director of support services for CHEER, who nominated Cindy. “Her commitment, dedication, and knowledge continue to improve the lives of senior citizens throughout Sussex County and make her a great advocate for the local elderly population.”

In addition to her advocacy efforts for the elderly, Mitchell planned, adopted and implemented the ongoing CHEER-A-Pets program, received elder abuse training, and is certified in applied suicide prevention.

Mitchell is an essential member of the Delaware Aging Network as care manager of Lead Aging in Sussex County, a member of the Delaware Aging Network/Mental Health Committee, and a member of Sussex County S.A.L.T. council.

Mary Lee Phillips, of Millsboro, graduated with an associate degree in business administration from Delaware Tech in 1969, having the distinction of being a member of the college’s first class. She received her bachelor’s degree - magna cum laude - from Wilmington University in 1994, while working as a full-time budget analyst. In addition, she became a certified government financial officer, a certified grants writer, and a certified grants manager.

Now retired, Phillips has worked as a business manager in nonprofits or government accounting the entire time. She worked for several state agencies as both a consultant and staff person. She went to work for New Castle County in 1992 and became an expert in government grant accounting, enabling the Department of Community Services to have many exception-free financial audits during her tenure.

She now spends her time, as she did while employed, volunteering for local and international Lions Clubs and holds various volunteer positions within her church. She annually contributes to scholarship funds at many organizations.

“She is not a wealthy individual but is a philanthropist in her own way,” said Jacqueline Pizarro, who, along with her family, nominated Phillips. “She gives of her time as a volunteer and shares what she has so others can have a better life.”

Phillips has been awarded several fellows in the Lions Club International organization, including the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow, and has been awarded Delaware Lions Foundation fellows as well.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner and dessert in the dining hall of the Student Services Center. The induction ceremony for the Walk of Success will begin at 6:45 p.m.

Cost for the event is $25 per person. To make reservations, call the Office of Alumni Affairs at 302-855-1607.