Alumni Achievement Awards
Honor and recognize.
Honoring outstanding alumni.
The Edison State Community College Alumni Achievement Awards were established in 2025 to honor outstanding alumni and supporters who have significantly contributed to the community and the College. These inductees enrich Edison State's history and legacy through their accomplishments, inspiring generations to come.
The Edison State Alumni Achievement Awards are managed by the Office of Alumni Engagement and the Athletics Department and include two distinct areas of recognition:
Distinguished Alumni Award
This award honors individual Edison State alumni inductees.
Athletic Hall of Fame
This award recognizes inductees related to athletics, including alumni student-athletes and individuals in supporting roles.
DISTINGUISHED Alumni Award Criteria
Eligibility Requirements (Nominees must meet at least one of the following criteria):
- The nominee must have demonstrated outstanding service or leadership at Edison State.
- The nominee must have exhibited significant community service.
- The nominee must have achieved noteworthy academic achievement or received scholarships related to Edison State or beyond.
Additional Requirements (Nominees must also meet the following, in addition to at least one eligibility requirement above):
- The nominee is a reputable citizen within the community.
- The nominee must be at least five (5) years removed from their primary period of enrollment as a student at Edison State. Subsequent enrollment in individual or enrichment courses does not affect eligibility. For purposes of this award, ‘primary period of enrollment’ refers to the longest continuous period of enrollment, or the period during which the nominee completed the majority of their coursework, while enrolled as a student at the College.
- The nominee must have completed at least 12 credit hours with Edison State.
- Academic records, including the nominee’s Edison State GPA, will be taken into consideration during review.
Deceased individuals may be nominated to honor their lasting impact; all eligibility criteria still apply.
Athletics HALL OF FAME Award Criteria
Eligibility Requirements (nominees must meet at least one of the following criteria requirements):
- The nominee received regular-season athletic honors while attending Edison State, including:
- Any record
- Championship
- All-Conference / Academic All-Conference honors
- The nominee received postseason athletic honors while attending Edison State, such as:
- Championship
- All-Region/All-District
- All-American or Academic All-American honors
- The nominee successfully coached and/or received honors at an institution after attending Edison State.
- The nominee supports the Edison State Athletics program, having served in a role such as coach, athletic director, and/or volunteer. NOTE: Nominees who hold current coach or Athletic Director positions will not be eligible for consideration.
Additional Requirements (nominees must meet the following criteria, in addition to at least one requirement above):
- The nominee is a reputable citizen in the community.
- Academic records, including the nominee’s Edison State GPA, will be taken into consideration during review.
Specific Requirements for Alumni (if the nominee is an alumnus, the following requirements apply):
- The nominee must be five (5) years removed from their competition time at Edison State.
- The nominee must have completed at least 12 credit hours at Edison State.
Deceased individuals may be nominated to honor their lasting impact; all eligibility criteria still apply.
Nomination Process
- Applications must be received by October 1 to be considered during the regular review cycle. Applications are otherwise accepted on a rolling basis.
- Once submitted, nominations are valid for five years.
- Submissions are only accepted electronically through the nomination form found below.
- It is highly recommended to provide detailed information throughout the application and include all relevant supporting materials to assist the committee in reviewing the nomination. Only information that is provided within the submitted application will be utilized during the review process.
Selection Process
The Edison State Alumni Achievement Awards consists of two selection committees: Distinguished Alumni Award and Athletic Hall of Fame. Each selection committee will review nominations, rank candidates, and make recommendations for induction. Edison State’s Public Safety Director will assist with the vetting process. Academic records, including the nominee’s Edison State GPA, will be taken into consideration during review.
All notifications regarding awarded inductees and submission status will be made by December 1. Awarded inductees will be invited to a celebration honoring their accomplishments.
Awarded inductees will be expected to maintain a relationship with Edison State. This may include:
- Sharing a quote about how Edison State impacted their lives, along with a brief biography.
- Coordinating a photo session with Edison State to utilize for inductee recognition.
- Serving on an Edison State committee.
- Speaking at and attending events.
- Providing student mentorship to students through job shadowing opportunities, internships, etc.
Athletic Hall of Fame Award Honorees
Gail Dwenger (hartings)
A standout athlete in Chargers basketball, Gail Dwenger (Hartings) played for Edison State from 2007–2009, receiving multiple honors, including First Team All-OCCAC and Academic All-American. She contributed to a 22–5 record in the 2008–2009 season and later pursued her degree at Urbana University. Currently, she serves as an Intervention Specialist, positively impacting students and her community through her work in education.
james "jim" hemmert
For more than 50 years, Jim Hemmert has been the heart of education and athletics at Edison State. He started as an adjunct faculty member in 1973 and taught for 32 years, all while serving as the athletics announcer for over three decades. His distinctive voice earned him the affectionate title "The Voice of the Chargers." Jim has preserved the College’s athletic legacy through a book he authored and the comprehensive archives he maintains for student-athletes. His unwavering dedication to Edison State and his involvement in local civic organizations show what it means to be a true servant-leader.
jessica Odonnell
Jessica O'Donnell is one of Edison State's most accomplished student-athletes, having led the women's volleyball team to national prominence in 2006 and 2007. She played a key role in the College's first-ever appearance in the NJCAA Division III National Tournament and runner-up finish, and helped the team reach the Final Four the following year. As a two-time NJCAA All-Tournament selection and Edison State's first All-American, Jessica dominated in kills and hitting efficiency. Today, she gives back to the sport she loves as both a coach and an official.
Distinguished Alumni Award Honorees
Shelby Chaney
Since graduating from Edison State, Shelby Chaney has dedicated herself to strengthening the local business community. She’s built meaningful connections through thoughtful programming and engagement initiatives that bring people together. Beyond her professional work, Shelby serves on several local boards, supporting causes close to her heart—community service, youth development, and literacy programs.
Katelyn Jackson
Katelyn Jackson is a dedicated licensed social worker who earned her bachelor’s degree from Wright State University. As a Family Advocate at Council on Rural Services’ Head Start center, she works closely with families to help them access resources, set goals, and make sure children get the care they need. Whether through her involvement at The Valley Church in Troy or her personal blog, Katelyn offers compassion, guidance, and encouragement to those around her, empowering others to reach their full potential.
Christopher Dwayne Landrum, II
Christopher Dwayne Landrum, II, is a leader, mentor, and changemaker who’s committed to uplifting his community. A devoted athlete and scholar, he serves as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and holds advanced degrees in Organizational and Educational Leadership. As the founder of The Underground Skate Party and co-founder of Black Lives Matter Dayton, Christopher inspires others through entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and mentorship that truly transform lives.
James C. Oda
James C. Oda, a lifelong Piqua resident and dedicated U.S. Army veteran, has devoted his life to service and community leadership. He owned the Old Canal Book Store and taught history for more than 25 years while sharing his expertise as chairperson and member of the College’s Board of Trustees. His civic involvement includes serving as chair of the Chamber of Commerce, Mainstreet Piqua, and the Piqua Arts Council. As City Historian and author of local history books, he passionately advocates for the heritage and future of Piqua and Miami County.
Gregory A. Simmons
Gregory A. Simmons, a proud member of Edison State's first graduating class, has dedicated his life to education and community leadership. A U.S. Navy veteran with a master's degree, Gregory founded The Upper Room Worship Center and taught Juvenile Justice courses at both Edison State and Sinclair College. He brings over 25 years of government experience to his work, including 14 years as Director of the West Central Juvenile Facility. Today, he serves on the Miami County Board of Commissioners and stays actively involved in numerous civic initiatives.
*Awardee descriptions reflect information available at the time of recognition and may not reflect current circumstances.
Athletic Hall of Fame
Distinguished Alumni
Submit a Nomination
