Julie and Ben Rogers Community Service Awards recipients announced for 2025
Â鶹ӳ»Ó°Òô and its affiliated colleges in the Golden Triangle region are proud to recognize the tremendous contributions of faculty and staff whose impact on Southeast Texas set them apart. The 2025 recipients of the Julie and Ben Rogers Community Service Award model the exact commitment to service that the endowment was created to honor.
Stephan Malick, Ana Pereda, Patty Collins, and Toy Thornton-Wyckoff have all exemplified leadership on their respective campuses, and a commitment to civic leadership and volunteerism for the benefit of the local community. The endowment provides a cash award of $1,000 to each member of the four regional campuses: Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College Orange, Lamar State College Port Arthur, and Â鶹ӳ»Ó°Òô.
From supporting families in need, serving on local nonprofit boards, championing important causes, and promoting education, their dedication to excellence and service showcases the values of the Julie and Ben Rogers Community Service Award.
“I’m so proud to be a part of this program and help continue a tradition of excellence that was started by my parents so many years ago,” Regina Rogers said. “This year’s recipients are such exceptionally accomplished, talented, and dedicated leaders in their field. More importantly, in my opinion, they are very humble and care deeply and understand what it means to help others thrive.”
Â鶹ӳ»Ó°Òô: Stephan Malick
Stephan Malick has served organizations across Southeast Texas for more than 30 years – from the Press Club of Southeast Texas to arts organizations, local nonprofits, to assisting families in need through the Empty Stocking Fund, Some Other Place, and many others. Stephan is adviser and assistant director of student publications and advertising manager for the University Press student newspaper at Â鶹ӳ»Ó°Òô (LU). With a background in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve, he is a veteran who was active during Desert Storm and several other overseas deployments to other countries, showcasing his dedication to serving others. His influence in the journalism and education sphere extends statewide, mentoring and judging for TAJE, UIL, ILPC and TIPA, and supporting student journalists and educators across Texas. At LU, he has worked to increase student opportunities, grow community partnerships, and support major initiatives such as the MIND Project, the Big Event, and special programs for student veterans and public engagement. He has earned numerous awards throughout his career, including a recent Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau Hall of Fame Award in 2024.
Lamar Institute of Technology: Ana Pereda
Ana Pereda is a dedicated leader in the community who currently serves as the executive director of workforce and continuing education at Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT). Her community involvement stretches beyond LIT through volunteer and committee work with area nonprofits and business associations such as United Way of Beaumont and North Jefferson County, Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation, Beaumont Seafarers Center, and others. Since joining the Workforce Department team at LIT, Ana has secured over $1.7 million in federal, state and private grants to increase access to technical training for underserved communities. She has been at the forefront of LIT programs for Adult English Learners, including ESL and bilingual training initiatives. Working alongside a dedicated team, Ana has played a pivotal role in launching the Appliance Repair Technician, Commercial Ice Machine Repair, and Generator Installation and Repairs programs, as well as the Pathways to Industry Summer Camp.
Lamar State College Orange: Patty Collins
Patty Collins was appointed as assistant vice president of operations and institutional services for Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) in May of 2025. With over 20 years of experience in professional leadership, Patty has served LSCO with pride and passion since 2017. To date, she has worked in six different roles, most recently as dean of institutional effectiveness and educational support, where she monitored dual credit for the campus and oversaw research and compliance, student support programs, and academic objectives on campus. She is responsible for many of LSCO’s successes, spearheading efforts such as the college’s monumental 10-year reaffirmation efforts with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges that resulted in zero findings and zero recommendations. Her willingness to take on new roles and tasks at LSCO sets her apart as an undeniable ambassador for the college, and a leader who exemplifies dedication, purpose, and a commitment to excellence and passion to help improve the lives of others.
Lamar State College Port Arthur: Toy Thornton-Wyckoff
Toy Thornton-Wyckoff is instructor and program coordinator for the Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Pharmacy Technician program. With over 24 years of pharmacy experience and more than three years in healthcare education administration, Toy’s experience as a healthcare professional and community leader is evident through her accomplishments and contributions. She has assisted in disaster relief efforts, winter assistance programs, holiday giveaways, and supports hundreds of local students with school supplies annually. Toy founded Cookie’s Cancer Foundation over 13 years ago, in honor of her mother, Stephanie “Cookie” Thornton. The nonprofit serves the Golden Triangle communities (mainly Port Arthur) by hosting community events, donation drives and health screenings. Toy’s philanthropic efforts resulted in a special recognition as “Woman of the Year” by the 7th Annual Alumni Juneteenth Festival in 2025.
The professional excellence that these exceptional individuals exemplify highlights their commitment to their communities and their campuses. Their work reflects the values of service, leadership, passion and kindness that inspires campus and community members and creates positive change in Southeast Texas. To learn more about the Julie and Ben Rogers Community Service Award, visit /forms/academic-affairs/rogers-community-service-awards-nomination-form.html.