After high school, where he served as president of his senior class, Michael Demma attended Gannon University in pursuit of a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. A first-generation college student, Mr. Demma paid for his education through part-time jobs, a tennis scholarship and his involvement in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). Amid this busy schedule, Mr. Demma made time to participate in Greek life as a Delta Sigma Phi, and claims fraternity socials as some of his greatest memories from his college years.
After serving in the military for three years, Mr. Demma was honorably discharged and began his professional career, joining the Eastman Kodak Company. He would work with the company in a variety of capacities for the following 26 years, eventually serving as the Director of Personnel and Benefits.
In 1992, Mr. Demma accepted early retirement from Kodak. Shortly after, he and a partner, Ron Davis, started their own consulting firm, Demma and Davis Consulting. In order to keep up with nearly 120 clients, he needed to complete extensive domestic and international travel, which became exhausting. After nine years, Mr. Demma decided to retire for good and focus his efforts on one of his biggest passions- community service.
Mr. Demma’s volunteering is extensive and ranges from youth sports coaching to service on non-profit executive boards. Much of his service is focused on helping children and providing education, and his involvement includes but is not limited to organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, Poudre School District Foundation, Team Fort Collins, Hospice of Larimer County and Crossroads Safehouse. Mr. Demma has also committed time to board development and in 2008 alone, he assisted over 60 non-profits in improving their boards and general organization. Currently, Mr. Demma serves as a regional coordinator on the Gannon University National Alumni Board.
For his commitment to helping the community, he has been recognized numerous times. Mr. Demma is a recipient of Colorado State University’s Distinguished Service Award, Colorado State University’s Athletic Department Larry LaSasso Spirit Award, and Fort Collins Elk Lodge #804’s Elk of the Year Award.
Currently, Mr. Demma resides in Fort Collins, Colorado with his wife of 48 years, Joan. Mr. and Mrs. Demma have three children, Michael, Michelle and Kristine, and four grandchildren, Trenton, Bryson, Nicole and Michael.
When asked to give a piece of advice to current students, Mr. Demma shared: “Enjoy the relationships you establish while in school. In my case, 20 to 25 fraternity brothers have been meeting every five years for the last 50 years.” In addition to meeting his Delta Sig brothers regularly, Mr. Demma also stays close to his alma mater as a National Alumni Board director.
(Published August 2016)