Home / Alumni Hall of Fame 2026
ALUMNI HALL OF FAME & DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS

Luster in Legacy

February 28, 2026 · 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM · Educational Event Center
A MILESTONE YEAR

50 years of Impact

The Victor Valley College Foundation is celebrating fifty years of service to students and the High Desert community. This milestone honors every partner, donor, educator, and alumni who helped build opportunities that last. For five decades the Foundation has supported access to education, strengthened essential programs, and opened doors for learners from every background. We invite you to join us in celebrating this occasion by recognizing the community that made this possible and by uplifting the people who continue to shape a stronger future for our region.

HONOREES

Honorees

The people being recognised at this year’s celebration.
Alumni Hall of Fame

Marie Langley

We’re honored to introduce Marie Langley as the newest inductee into the Victor Valley College Alumni Hall of Fame. Her career reflects just how far you can go in our community. From her beginnings as a Victor Valley College student to her leadership as Chief Executive Officer of Desert Valley Medical Group, Marie has expanded access to healthcare, supported medical education, and strengthened community well-being across the High Desert through thoughtful, pragmatic leadership.

A proud High Desert native, Marie’s work is deeply rooted in the region she calls home. She remains actively engaged in advancing healthcare advocacy and education, including supporting residency programs, mentoring future leaders, and collaborating with regional partners to address the unique challenges facing rural communities. Her commitment to service reflects a clear belief that strong local leadership and accessible care are essential to the long-term health and vitality of the High Desert.
Young Alumni Hall of Fame

Shannon Dunkle

We’re honored to recognize Shannon Dunkle as the newest inductee into the Young Alumni Hall of Fame. A kind-hearted and deeply engaged leader, Shannon is known across the High Desert for her ability to bring people together in service of something bigger than themselves. Whether serving on boards, committees, or community organizations, she approaches every role with energy, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to strengthening the region she calls home. In 2020, her dedication to community service was formally recognized with a special resolution from Assemblyman Jay Obernolte, honoring her impact across the High Desert.

Shannon’s passion for service is rooted in both her professional and personal journey. A former California Cadet Corps member who grew up in the High Desert, she has consistently focused her efforts on supporting local veterans, public safety, and community organizations. Her work has included highlighting and supporting organizations such as Disabled American Veterans and the High Desert Phoenix Foundation. She was involved in organizing Congressman Obernolte’s Everyday Heroes event, a recognition project that honored the vital work of public safety and emergency services professionals. In her current role at the Town of Apple Valley, Shannon visits the Apple Valley Animal Shelter each week to film and feature animals available for adoption, helping connect pets with loving homes, an effort that has become one of the most meaningful and rewarding parts of her work.
Distinguished Service in Education Award

Harry “Lee” Bennett Jr.

Harry “Lee” Bennett Jr. is being honored for a career built on service, integrity, and meaningful leadership. He began teaching part-time at Victor Valley College after leaving the fire service. He later rose to fulltime professor, department chair, Academic Senate President, and a trusted campus leader.

He guided the Automotive Technology program through the highly rigorous ASE accreditation process, developing systems that strengthened safety, instruction, and the overall student experience. His work made the program more welcoming for nontraditional students and students of color and improved the way the department operates. Lee consistently teaches above a full load and supports his colleagues with patience and generosity.
He also contributed to major campus initiatives through his work in the Academic Senate and the Strategic Enrollment Management committee, helping shape the college’s updated SEM plan. Victor Valley College and the High Desert are better and more equitable because of his steady commitment and selfless dedication.
Distinguished Service to Community

Stacy DeVoll

We’re honored to introduce Stacy DeVoll as a recipient of the Distinguished Service to Community Award. A third-generation business leader and President of DeVoll Rubber Manufacturing Group, Stacy’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to the High Desert. Through her work in manufacturing and civic leadership, she has championed local industry, workforce development, and community-focused growth that benefits both businesses and residents across the region.
Stacy currently serves as Chair of the Board for the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce and is an active leader with Kiwanis, where she continues to support youth development, charitable initiatives, and community well-being. She also serves on the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board and the High Desert Community Foundation, helping shape policies and programs that expand opportunity and economic mobility. Stacy’s steady leadership, resilience, and dedication to service make her a powerful force for positive impact throughout the High Desert.
ENTERTAINMENT

Natalie Blue

Guests can expect to enjoy an unforgettable performance from Natalie Blue, a country music artist born and raised in the High Desert. She discovered her voice at a young age and has spent more than twenty years shaping a sound filled with heart, storytelling, and genuine emotion. Her music carries the spirit of resilience and hope, creating an atmosphere that feels warm and familiar from the first note.

Live entertainment on stage at the Alumni Hall of Fame gala
SILENT AUCTION

Silent Auction Item Sneak Peak

Explore a curated selection of exclusive experiences and items. It is the perfect chance to place a bid, challenge a friend, and support student success at the same time. Every winning bid directly fuels programs that help our students thrive.
Kendra Scott jewelry: gold earrings, teardrop pendant necklaces, rings and bracelets set with green, opal and pale pink stones
The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, its red facade wrapped in curving ribbons of stainless steel against a sunset sky
A Bradford Renaissance Portraits commission: a framed portrait of two ballet dancers hanging above an ornate carved mantel
The Japanese Garden at The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens, with its arched moon bridge, wisteria and historic Japanese House
THE EVENING

An evening of celebration

An award recipient honoured on stage at the Alumni Hall of Fame gala
Guests seated at the Alumni Hall of Fame and Distinguished Service Awards
Attendees at the Alumni Hall of Fame and Distinguished Service Awards
Guests at the Alumni Hall of Fame and Distinguished Service Awards
The Educational Event Center set for the Alumni Hall of Fame gala
Guests celebrating at the Alumni Hall of Fame and Distinguished Service Awards
OUR SPONSORS

Our Sponsors

Support from our community partners makes this event possible. Their generosity strengthens programs that open doors for students and move our campus forward. We are proud to recognize the organizations who invest in education and believe in our students’ success.
Desert Valley Hospital and Desert Valley Medical Group
Silverwood
Southwest Gas
Mitsubishi Cement Corporation
Global Business and Commercial Services
Armstrong Fairway Insurance Agency
Coldwell Banker Home Source
California School Employees Association
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
City of Hesperia
Citizens Business Bank
Walmart
Cemex
Cooley Construction
ICR
SaddleRock
Kay Jays
Armac ISU Insurance
Bradco
Payden and Rygel
Choice
Peter Allan
Brandon A. Wood, Attorney At Law
Love Your Best Life Doula Services
Victor Valley College Career Technical Education
Victor Valley College Associated Student Body
JOIN US

Be part of the celebration

Reserve your seat, or partner with us as a sponsor of the Alumni Hall of Fame and Distinguished Service Awards.
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