KAYSVILLE—Davis Technical College Foundation honored individuals and organizations last week who have been changing students’ lives at its annual Life-Changer Luncheon. The Foundation also received a life-changing gift of $6.4 million at the event, the largest in its history.  

“It’s an amazing gift,” said Foundation Director Lindsey Rees. “It’s an incredible endowment that can be used for scholarships, etc. It’s an ongoing gift for our students.”

In 2002, Roy and Elizabeth Simmons donated their ownership interest in the Skyline Apartments to the Foundation, she said. It provided a yearly donation to the Foundation for scholarships and other programs. The Barlow Corporation who has managed the apartments facilitated the sale of the complex and presented a check to the Foundation for $6.4 million.

The Life-Changer Luncheon is in its seventh year, said Rees. “The college and Foundation honors those who work to help the students. We also recognize our industry partners who help us in education to quickly change to meet those industry needs. We also honored community advocates for Davis and Morgan and pillars in the community for all they do for Davis Tech.”

In addition to the life-changers, student Desiree Hawkins shared her experience as one whose life was changed by Davis Tech. 

“I was a stay-at-home mom for 23 years,” said Hawkins. “My three boys grew up and they didn’t need me anymore. I was lost. I didn’t know where the old me was.”

Hawkins said her oldest son had gone to Davis Tech in auto mechanics. “I’d always wanted to be an esthetician but the program was really competitive. I got in. When I started I was the oldest one in the class. The room was full of 20-year-old girls but you can be any age and go back to school.”

Davis Tech gave her confidence, said Hawkins. “They helped me find me. I started my own business and they helped me follow that dream.”

Hawkins opened up Reinvented Cosmetic Ink & Spa. “The name is because I reinvented myself. Davis Tech has an entrepreneurial service and they helped me turn it into an LLC. I got a business mentor who helped me work on a grant.”

Davis Tech also helped Hawkins apply for financial aid. “I got a scholarship and Pell Grant,” she said. “I’m starting my master esthetician program. I got an even bigger scholarship for that.”

Becoming a master esthetician allows her to do more hands-on treatments. “I’ll be getting into machines more like microdermabrasion. It will take me about nine months if I go full time.”

 Hawkins said everyone there is friendly and helpful. “The instructors let you know that it’s OK to ask questions and not feel dumb.”

Now her middle son is going to Davis Tech. “He’s in the diesel mechanic program,” she said. “So I get to have lunch with him. My youngest son is 13 and wants to go into robotics at Davis Tech. My whole family is at Davis Tech. My husband is very supportive. I love Davis Tech.”