Delaware Tech to honor distinguished alumni
Sally Broadhurst of Lewes and Rodney M. Layfield of Georgetown will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award for the Jack F. Owens Campus of Delaware Technical Community College Wednesday, Sept. 25. The award is presented each year to graduates in recognition of excellence and outstanding achievements in their professional careers.
Both of their names will be added to the college’s Walk of Success, which recognizes Owens Campus graduates who have made significant contributions to their communities through their academic and career achievements, community service and personal accomplishments. Bronze plaques bearing each graduate’s name, date of graduation and date of induction are placed in the walkway between the Stephen J. Betze Library and the William A. Carter Partnership Center.
Since graduating in 1994 from Delaware Tech’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program and receiving her certification, Broadhurst has made significant professional strides in her career while maintaining service to her community and the college. Currently a pediatrics occupational therapist for the Cape Henlopen School District, she has obtained experience in rehabilitation, worked in research in orthopaedic and neurosurgery services, and served as the lead interviewer for the South Carolina Traumatic Brain Injury Follow-up Registry.
Broadhurst continued her education and achieved a master of science degree in occupational therapy from Misericordia University in Dallas, Pa. Throughout her career she has maintained a consistent relationship with Delaware Tech, providing invaluable service to the OTA program by taking students for part-time and full-time clinical experiences. She has also served as a fieldwork educator and a Delaware Tech advisory board member since 1996.
According to Joanne C. Cassidy, chair of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program, “Whenever the program has needed a friend in the community, Sally has been there. She has mentored many, many graduates over the years and continues to reach out to younger therapists today.”
Capt. Rodney M. Layfield, a 19-year veteran of the Delaware State Police, will also be honored. Throughout his career, Layfield has received multiple awards, such as the Troop 5 Trooper of the Year Award, the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Award and the Exceptional Performance Award three times. In addition, he holds multiple certifications for continuing to train in various areas of law enforcement, including the DEA Basic Drug Investigator’s school and the DEA Drug Unit Commander’s Course. He also graduated from Wilmington University, receiving his bachelor of science degree in human resources management, and from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.
Prior to joining the Delaware State Police, Layfield was a staff sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. He was a Distinguished Honor Graduate of USMC Occupational School, a USMC Company High Marksman/Expert Rifle and Expert Pistol Marksman, and a member of the Special Response Team.
In addition to his professional achievements, Layfield has remained active in his community, serving in leadership roles in the Boy Scouts, a variety of youth athletic programs and his church. He is also vice president of the Indian River School District Board of Education and chairman of the Indian River Building and Grounds Committee.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner in the dining hall of the Student Services Center, followed by the award ceremony at 6:45 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. To make reservations, call the Office of Alumni Affairs at 302-259-6086 by Monday, Sept. 16.
