Edward DesPlas, the Executive VP of San Juan College, has dedicated a large portion of his life to improving opportunities for others—and now, those efforts have earned him national recognition.
At the 2024 Annual Conference of Community College Business Officers (CCBO) in Savannah, Georgia, DesPlas received the prestigious Bob Hassmiller Award for Humanitarian Service.
A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Since its inception in 2013, CCBO has celebrated the impact of community college business officers across North America. As the premier association for business officers, CCBO provides professional development and honors individuals who demonstrate exemplary leadership.
The Bob Hassmiller Award for Humanitarian Service is one of CCBO’s highest honors, recognizing individuals who embody humanitarian values by promoting human welfare through acts of service and kindness. DesPlas’s commitment to student success and his leadership at San Juan College were key factors in his selection for this distinguished award.
Advancing Student Success and Community Impact
“Mr. DesPlas has served as the Executive Vice President of San Juan College since 2016,” said SJC President Dr. Toni Hopper Pendergrass. “He is fully committed to the betterment of our region and to providing opportunities for our community members. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing initiatives that benefit both students and the broader community.”
One notable achievement highlighted by Dr. Pendergrass was DesPlas’s leadership in bringing student housing to the San Juan College main campus. His tireless efforts resulted in the completion of a 150-bed student housing facility, creating new opportunities for students to thrive.
A Career of Service and a Calling to Help Others
For DesPlas, receiving the Humanitarian Award is both an honor and a reflection of his career’s deeper purpose. “I am honored and humbled to be given this prestigious award,” said DesPlas. “I have worked in community colleges for 47 years. I don’t know exactly when that work changed from a job to a career, but it did. And here at San Juan College, it has gone from a career to a calling.”
The award serves as a reminder of the transformative power of community colleges. “This recognition underscores what can be achieved for our students and our community when we all work together,” DesPlas said.
What the Award Represents
The Bob Hassmiller Award for Humanitarian Service recognizes individuals who embody the core principles of humanitarianism:
- Assisting others without discrimination
- Respecting fellow human beings
- Promoting mutual understanding, cooperation, and friendship
Through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to service, Edward DesPlas has demonstrated these values and set a standard for others to follow.
A Bright Future for San Juan College
San Juan College continues to thrive under the guidance of dedicated leaders like Edward DesPlas. His recognition on a national stage reflects not only his personal achievements but also the college’s broader mission to transform lives through education and opportunity.
