Davis Tech Honors Community Partners
During its annual Life-Changer Luncheon held yesterday at Davis Technical College (Davis Tech), the Davis Technical College Foundation recognized individuals and organizations whose support has made a meaningful difference in their students’ lives.
The five honorees are as follows:
• Jessica Gehrig and Teresa Smith from Davis County Health Department, Community Partner Award
• Alyssa Mitchell from Utah Department of Health and Human Resources, Community Partner Award
• Clyde Companies, Industry Partner Award • Sky View Academy Education Partner Award • Tami Tran President’s Award
In the 2025-26 school year, Davis Tech awarded 510 scholarships totaling $463,199 from funds raised by the Foundation and its charitable donors.
“These honorees exemplify the power of community support,” said Foundation Director Lindsey Rees. “Their generosity opens doors for students and helps them pursue meaningful careers. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to education and student success.”
Torri Fonger, a nursing student and event speaker, shared a personal story about a difficult healthcare situation she faced at age 15. The experience taught her that while people may forget the details, they never forget how they were made to feel, inspiring her to become a nurse.
“Nursing school has made me excited about where I’m going. I’m grateful to have a future that I’m working toward, and I’m grateful to have goals that excite me.”
Torri also expressed gratitude for the support she received at Davis Tech, sharing that financial aid helped her stay as debt-free as possible. The assistance with tuition allowed her to reduce her work hours and focus more fully on her studies.
Torri’s plan after graduation is to pursue her RN and BSN at Weber State University. Her ultimate goal is to become a flight nurse.
Dr. Kelly Simerick, Davis Tech Vice President of Instruction and Student Success, honored Clyde Companies with the Industry Partner Award, highlighting the impact of the company’s partnership with Davis Tech, “Strong workforce development happens when education and industry work together, and Clyde Companies is a good example of that partnership in action. They understand that investing in people is just as important as investing in projects. We see that support with their investment in Davis Tech.”
Ryan Dalling, Geneva Rock President, accepted the award on behalf of Clyde Companies and reminded us that their mission is to “build a better community,” and they cannot do that without the skilled professionals at Davis Tech. “We love the partnership we share to be able to invest in people.”
Principal Chris Sullivan of Sky View Academy, a high school that partners with Davis Tech at the Utah Department of Corrections, states, “One of the things that I appreciate most about our relationship with Davis Tech is that it helps our students see what can come next—the career training, the technical education, the employment opportunities, and the future they may not have imagined for themselves become real possibilities.”
Davis Tech President Darin Brush thanked all the honorees for their dedication to the College and students. He then offered special recognition for Tami Tran, chair of the Davis Tech Board of Trustees, Kaysville mayor, and the recipient of the President’s Award.
“Tami has shown an unwavering commitment to student success, all during the most significant period of this institution’s growth,” states Brush. “Tami has led with perspective consistently focused on strengthening Davis Tech by creating greater opportunities for the students we serve and a stronger alignment with our labor market.”
“It’s been an honor to learn about Davis Tech and the incredible things they do to change lives in our community,” says Tran. With nearly 8,000 students, it’s been a rewarding experience to learn about the students, to learn about the impact the school has, and how they’re doing so much to add to the workforce in Davis County and the state of Utah.”
To donate to Davis Tech students, go to foundation.davistech.edu