Cochise College has released the names of its second Hall of Fame class and will honor three inductees during a ceremony May 7 on the Sierra Vista Campus. The event is open to the public, and tickets are now available.
The Hall of Fame honors former students, faculty/staff and community leaders who have made a major contribution to the mission and goals of Cochise College, or who have contributed in a significant way to the lives of others after being a part of the Cochise College community. Launched as the college celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, the Hall of Fame program reunited long-time college supporters and celebrated an array of contributions by people representing different facets of the college community.
“Last year’s anniversary and Hall of Fame experience compelled the college to honor its ‘legends’ and re-engage with them,” said Dr. J.D. Rottweiler, Cochise College president. “Induction classes may be limited moving forward, but the college has no shortage of individuals to celebrate. This year, we honor three individuals whose contributions have ultimately left a tremendous impact on students.”
Inductees were nominated last fall through letters of recommendation that explained the ways in which each individual holds a deep connection to Cochise College or has made a substantial contribution to the college through personal time, effort and interest.
The 2016 inductees are Mark Battaglia, Dr. Mary Lee Shelden, and the late Raymond Eugene Levra.
Mark Battaglia
Battaglia, a semi-retired attorney from Benson, has served many years on the board of the Cochise College Foundation. He has worked with many donors on contributions valued in the millions of dollars, been actively involved in the foundation’s investment growth, and was part of a group that played a significant role in the opening of the college’s Benson Center.
Mary Lee Shelden
Shelden, a “tough, gutsy” retired member of the English faculty, is currently a resident of Phoenix. She joined the college in 1968 and served as an advocate for students and faculty rights for 35 years. The current rodeo, tutoring, Student Government Association, and Phi Theta Kappa honor society programs owe part of their ongoing presence on campus to Shelden’s involvement.
Ray Levra
Ray Levra joined the college in 1965 as one of the first art faculty and served as the “guiding spirit” of the Art Department. His 22-year career inspired a Hall of Fame nomination from a former student, and he remained a fixture on the Douglas Campus after his retirement in 1987. Levra passed away earlier this decade.
Tickets to the Hall of Fame induction cost $30. More information is available at www.cochise.edu/hall-of-fame or by calling (520) 417-4735.