ST. GEORGE — In recognition of their significant contributions to Trailblazer Nation, Dr. Donna Dillingham-Evans and Melzie and Raymond Ganowsky were inducted into Utah Tech University’s Hall of Fame during a special ceremony Thursday evening.
“Induction into the Hall of Fame is a prestigious honor that recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves and supported Utah Tech University,” Brad Last, vice president of advancement and development at Utah Tech, said in a news release. “This award recognizes supporters of the institution and celebrates their contributions.”
Established in 1998, the university’s Hall of Fame honors members of the university community who have provided a significant gift to education through service or financial contribution and achieved distinction in a field of study, profession or through community involvement, the news release said.
Recipients of this honor have proven themselves over time and have had an impact locally, statewide, nationally or internationally.
Dillingham-Evans became a first-generation college student at Austin Peay State University. After graduating, she worked in OBGYN research at Vanderbilt University, continued research in Germany and became a cardiology researcher and a licensed clinical toxicologist at the University of California San Diego. Dillingham-Evans later became the student support services math skills coordinator at then-Dixie College, forming many public and private student-oriented partnerships.
While at the institution, Dillingham-Evans earned the tenured rank of full professor and served as the founding chair of the Mathematics Department, interim vice president of academics and the university’s first female executive vice president of academics.
The Ganowskys established RAM Aviation, Space & Defense in 1975 and has products on almost every major platform in the sky and space. Additionally, the company provides service to military and commercial markets. The couple later purchased controlling interest in Intergalactic, enhancing the quality of the company and stationing it in St. George.
The Ganowskys continue to run their business while maintaining their commitment to education and the development of up-and-coming engineers, skilled craftsmen and business professionals interested in STEM education and careers.
“The Hall of Fame is our way of celebrating Trailblazers who have shown grit and determination, achieved success, provided service and made an impact on Utah Tech University,” Richard “Biff” Williams, the university’s president, said in a news release. “We are grateful for the legacy of Dr. Donna Dillingham-Evans and Melzie and Ray Ganowsky and are honored to have these three new inductees in the Hall of Fame.”