ALUMNI AWARDS 2019
Alumni Awards Breakfast: Celebrating the Best of the Best Success can be measured in various ways, but the quality of a Daytona State College education can be measured by how our graduates move forward in making better lives for themselves, their families and their communities. One of the many highlights of the Homecoming Celebration is the Alumni Awards Breakfast.
Each year, the Alumni & Friends Association recognizes the professional accomplishments and community achievements of notable alumni. On the morning of October 11 in DSC’s beautiful Daytona Beach Campus Conference Center, four alumni were honored as shining reflections of the College’s mission and values.
“Recognizing our outstanding graduates is a great source of pride for me, and I know we can all be proud of this special community at Daytona State College,” said Dr. Tom LoBasso, President. “So, whether you are an employee, attended our College decades ago, or are a recent graduate, I hope you take pride in being forever a Daytona State Falcon.”
Margaret Crumley Award for Distinguished Achievement in Science MARY MCGEHEE from UCF in 1989. “My best professors were all from Daytona State because they truly cared about you,” she said.
Mary McGehee’s amazing journey all began at Daytona State, initially receiving a Certificate of Cosmetology in 1980, then returning to earn an AA degree in 1983. She then graduated from Stetson University with a BS in Physics, and ultimately earned a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
As an industrial engineer, she worked for Publix Supermarkets in Lakeland, before switching paths to work for the Department of Environmental Protection. She soon returned to Daytona State for a third time to enroll in core engineering courses such as calculus, physics, and her favorite - chemistry. “When it’s time to reinvent yourself, take some classes. You’ll never know where you’re going to end up.” Mary eventually earned another bachelor’s degree from UCF in 2002, this time in Civil Engineering, and she currently serves as
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project manager for the Florida Department of Transportation. In her time with the FDOT, she has overseen several key projects, including environmental impact studies pertaining to the NASA Causeway Bridge. She is now leading the FDOT project studying the social, environmental and natural impacts of closing the 3.6-mile gap in the Saint Johns River-to-Sea Trail here in Volusia County. Mary and her husband Mark are also the proud parents of two Daytona State College alumni who completed their AA degrees through dual enrollment before earning bachelor’s degrees from Stetson University. Photos by Aldrin Capulong
