SPC announces recipients of 2020 Distinguished Alumni Awards

 

LEVELLAND – The South Plains College Board of Regents has approved the selection of two former students to receive its highest alumni award for 2020. Dereesa Reid of Vancouver, Wash., and Terry Hill of Redmond, Wash., will be honored with the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award at the Nov. 5 SPC Scholarship Banquet.  To ensure the health and safety of invited guests, the event will be livestreamed.

“Each recipient has been selected for outstanding career accomplishments and service in their respective professions,” said Dr. Robin Satterwhite, president of South Plains College. “They represent the thousands of successful SPC graduates who are contributing to their professions and to society in a variety of ways. It is an honor to salute these former students as distinguished alumni of South Plains College.”

According to Stephanie Smith, alumni coordinator, the college bestowed the first Distinguished Alumni honor in 1987. Prior to 2016, the award was presented every five years. It is now an annual honor.

For the past five years, a presidential recognition reception was held in May followed by the SPC Employee Recognition Banquet where the honorees received their awards and had the opportunity to address and share their thanks with SPC employees. They also served as platform guests during the Commencement Ceremonies. 

This year, both honorees will appear during the livestream of the annual Scholarship Banquet to accept their awards. Reid also will give the keynote address.

“This event is incredibly special for our alumni and our SPC family,” Smith said. “Having the opportunity to celebrate former students and their accomplishments is always exciting. Although this year may look a little different, we are still thrilled to be able to honor Dereesa and Terry in this special way.”

For 23 years, Reid forged an outstanding career as a health care administrator. She began her academic career in accounting at South Plains College where she attended classes that laid the foundation for higher learning.

After graduating from SPC in 1981, she enrolled at Texas Tech University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting. She then obtained a master’s degree in Business Administration. Reid received a Texas License as a Certified Public Accountant, bringing her academic career to completion. She joined her current employer Shriners Hospital for Children in Portland, Ore., in 2018 as an administrator. Shriners Hospital is a network of 22 non-profit medical facilities across North America. Reid was selected for the award because she contributed to patient growth and financial success throughout her professional career. 

Hill says he practically grew up across the street from South Plains College. As a youngster, he would come to the college to play with his friends and swim at the Natatorium. After graduating from Levelland High School, Hill began his academic career at SPC. Although he wasn’t certain of his field of study, he was confident that it was the best choice for him and enrolled in general study courses.

After completing his associate of science degree at SPC in 1980, Hill went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in microbiology at Texas Tech University. Currently, Hill serves as the CEO of Maroon Group, a leading specialty chemical distributor. At the time of his appointment as CEO, Maroon Group was the third largest distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in the United States.

The honorees were endorsed by the Distinguished Alumni Recommendation Committee which is comprised of SPC faculty and staff members Jan Buxkemper, Jan Decker, Pat Dennis, Dane Dewbre, David Etheredge, Ann Gregory, Janna Holt-Day, Alma Lopez, Ed Marsh, Jon Marc Moore, Daniel Nazworth, Kathryn Perez, Roger Reding, Peggy Skinner, Pete Stracener and Smith, chairperson.

For more information about the Distinguished Alumni program, contact Smith at (806) 716-2103.