Luster in Legacy
Luster in Legacy
ALUMNI HALL OF FAME & DISTINGUSHED SERVICE AWARDS
ALUMNI HALL OF FAME & DISTINGUSHED SERVICE AWARDS
FEB. 28, 2025
Presented byÂ
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
50 years of Impact
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.
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.
The Celebration Begins In
Honorees
Honorees
Distinguished Service in Education Award
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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.
We know you’re curious. Everyone is. But the winner is still a secret. They don’t even know they’re about to be celebrated. Want to be the first to find out?
Follow along on our social channels and catch the moment when the surprise lands.
We know you’re curious. Everyone is. But the winner is still a secret. They don’t even know they’re about to be celebrated. Want to be the first to find out?
Follow along on our social channels and catch the moment when the surprise lands.
We know you’re curious. Everyone is. But the winner is still a secret. They don’t even know they’re about to be celebrated. Want to be the first to find out?
Follow along on our social channels and catch the moment when the surprise lands.
We know you’re curious. Everyone is. But the winner is still a secret. They don’t even know they’re about to be celebrated. Want to be the first to find out?
Follow along on our social channels and catch the moment when the surprise lands.
Distinguished Service in Education Award
Â
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.
We know you’re curious. Everyone is. But the winner is still a secret. They don’t even know they’re about to be celebrated. Want to be the first to find out?
Follow along on our social channels and catch the moment when the surprise lands.
We know you’re curious. Everyone is. But the winner is still a secret. They don’t even know they’re about to be celebrated. Want to be the first to find out?
Follow along on our social channels and catch the moment when the surprise lands.
We know you’re curious. Everyone is. But the winner is still a secret. They don’t even know they’re about to be celebrated. Want to be the first to find out?
Follow along on our social channels and catch the moment when the surprise lands.
We know you’re curious. Everyone is. But the winner is still a secret. They don’t even know they’re about to be celebrated. Want to be the first to find out?
Follow along on our social channels and catch the moment when the surprise lands.
Entertainment
Entertainment
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.
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.
Sponsors
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.
Silent Auction
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.
