The Gogebic Community College Foundation will host the annual “Celebration of Achievements” Banquet on Thursday, October 16, 2025 in the David G. Lindquist Student and Conference Center.
Each year, the GCC Foundation Board of Directors chooses several individuals and/or organizations to honor who have exemplified their commitment to the College. This year’s honorees include Distinguished Alumnus and Faculty Member Jim Dahlin, Distinguished Alumnus and Friends of the College Walt & Dona Edwards, Distinguished Alumnus Ryan Heinonen, and Outstanding College Trustee John Lupino.
A reception will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the student lounge of the Lindquist Center with a catered dinner to be served at 6:30 p.m. The awards program will follow. The public is invited to attend!
Tickets for the Banquet can be purchased from any Foundation Board member or by calling the GCC Foundation Office at (906) 307-1202. Tickets are $40.00 each.
2025 Honorees
Jim Dahlin was born in Marquette, Michigan, to Jean (Hansen) and Gene Dahlin. He attended Whitman Elementary School in Marquette through fourth grade, after which his father accepted a position with the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District in 1971. A few years later, Gene joined Gogebic Community College, where he served as Dean of Instruction until his retirement in 1984.
Jim graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer in 1979 and went on to earn an associate of arts degree in business administration from Gogebic Community College. While at GCC, he played basketball under coach Gene Farrell. In 1981, the team won its district championship against then-Suomi College and placed third in the Region 13 Championship tournament in the Twin Cities, beating a 25-win Waukesha (WI) team before falling to undefeated Golden Valley Lutheran College.
Jim transferred to NMU, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and later a teaching certificate. He then earned his master’s degree in education at UW-Eau Claire. He taught business education and coached football and basketball for four years in the Wabeno Area school district.
In 1992, he joined the business division faculty at GCC. His tenure was marked by a comprehensive revision of the business curriculum, including the development of new courses in business ethics, management, and entrepreneurship. He also led the transition to a hybrid instructional model, blending on-campus learning with online coursework to better serve students. In 2004, Jim established the Gene Dahlin Memorial Scholarship to honor his father and support members of the GCC basketball team. He also served on the GCC Foundation Board from 2012 until his retirement in 2021.
Walter and Dona EdwardsWalt Edwards was born in 1942 in Ironwood, Michigan, and grew up in a small home his father built. Walt’s parents worked hard to provide for their children, running a small fishing business at Black River Harbor, maintaining the local park, and operating a concession stand. From an early age, Walt pitched in, mowing lawns, pumping gas, and helping wherever he was needed.
After graduating from Luther L. Wright High School in 1960, Walt planned to join the Navy and study electronics, but a back injury ended that dream. Determined to build a future, he worked odd jobs, attended Gogebic Community College, and later earned his degree in accounting and computer studies from Northern Michigan University. His career took him from selling cars to becoming the President of Appleton Memorial Hospital, a position he held for the final eight years of his career before retiring in 1999. Along the way, he also served as President of Appleton Rotary West and of the Hospital Financial Management Association, and remained active in consulting, community boards, and his church.
Walt met Dona while working at Appleton Memorial Hospital. While at the hospital, Dona’s career included Volunteer Manager, Manager of Patient Relations, Patient Advocate, Marketing Manager and Physician Recruiter. They were married in 1985 and shared 35 years together before he passed in 2020.
They established a scholarship at GCC to give young people the same chance they had – to prove that with determination, hard work, and a willingness to learn, it’s possible to build a rewarding career and a meaningful life, no matter where you start. Dona continues to support the scholarship they started together, and has endowed a scholarship to honor Walt’s memory in perpetuity.
Ryan Heinonen was raised in Atlantic Mine, Michigan, and a graduate of Jeffers High School. Ryan has combined his deep local roots with an extensive academic and professional background to provide quality focused leadership in rural healthcare delivery and is currently the CEO at U.P. Health System– Portage.
Ryan earned a Certificate in Practical Nursing and an Associate Degree in Nursing from Gogebic Community College (GCC). He continued his education at Grand Canyon University, completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership, and a Master of Business Administration. Furthering his expertise in long-term care, he obtained a Certificate in Long-Term Care Administration from Ferris State University. He is licensed in Michigan as both a Registered Nurse and a Nursing Home Administrator.
In 2010, Ryan joined UP Health System – Portage as a staff registered nurse, where he gained experience across multiple clinical departments. His interest in leadership, led to roles as Nursing Supervisor, Department Director in 2016, Chief Nursing Officer in 2019, and ultimately Chief Executive Officer in 2021.
As CEO, Ryan has remained steadfast in his commitment to keeping care close to home for the residents of the Upper Peninsula. Under his leadership, UP Health System – Portage has strengthened its service offerings, expanded market share, and worked diligently to preserve and enhance critical healthcare services for the community. The hospital maintains the region’s only Level III Trauma Center, accredited by the American College of Surgeons, as well as designation as an Accredited Chest Pain Center by the American College of Cardiology and a Stroke Ready Hospital by The Joint Commission. In addition, UP Health System – Portage provides the area’s only dialysis center, labor and delivery unit, fixed MRI unit, PET-CT services and robotics surgery program.
Recognizing the critical role of education in sustaining rural healthcare, Ryan has maintained a long-standing partnership with GCC. He has served on the Allied Health Board for many years, working closely with faculty, administrators, and community partners to strengthen nursing education and clinical training opportunities. His commitment has supported program growth, helped align academic pathways with community healthcare needs, and ensured that future nurses are well-prepared to serve in the Upper Peninsula. Ryan continues to advocate for strong academic–healthcare partnerships as a cornerstone of workforce development.
Beyond his professional role, Ryan is an active leader in community service. He has served on multiple area boards and engaged in numerous volunteer opportunities, always prioritizing initiatives that support health, education, and the overall vitality of the Upper Peninsula. His board service reflects his belief that strong healthcare systems are built in tandem with strong communities, and that leadership extends beyond the walls of the hospital. Ryan’s journey from Gogebic graduate to healthcare leader is guided by a long-term vision of sustainability, innovation, community trust and commitment to delivering exceptional care delivery across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
John Lupino graduated from the Hurley High School in 1968 and attended Gogebic Community College earning an Associate Degree in 1970. While attending GCC, he served on the Student Senate. He received his Bachelor of Science in Social Studies/English and a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
He began his teaching career with the Mercer School System for fourteen years before moving to the Hurley School District teaching for three years. He served as the High School Guidance Counselor for twenty years. One source of pride was organizing the High Quiz Bowl Program in Hurley and coaching their many accomplishments. The 2005-2006 team won the WNMU Channel 13 Championship for High School Bowl in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. He served as Vice-President of the Wisconsin School Counselor Association for Secondary Counselors. He was also a member of the Northern Wisconsin School Crisis Response Team.
John was elected to the Gogebic Community College Board of Trustees in 2002 and has served for twenty-three years. He was Board Chair for ten years. Prior to that he served as Vice-President and currently serves as Secretary. He also serves on the GCC Foundation Board as the Board of Trustee Liaison. He is an original and current member of the Steven and Colleen DalPra Family Scholarship Committee as well as a member of the Ironwood Area Schools Scholarship Foundation Committee. He has a strong belief in providing financial accessibility to postsecondary education for deserving students.
John also serves on the Ironwood Housing Commission. He is a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Parish and has been lector and Eucharistic Minister for Westgate Nursing Home. He is a past member of the Gogebic County Juvenile Diversion Board.
Founded in 1977, the GCC Foundation works in partnership with the College in supporting projects and programs that not only benefit the current students, but the region as a whole. It is also the primary source of private scholarships for GCC students. Contact Kelly Marczak, GCC Foundation Director at 906-307-1202 for more information and to learn how you can support GCC students.
