James Dreyer Receives SCC Distinguished Alumni Award

Published: 04/29/2010

In his current position, Dreyer produces promotional, educational and entertainment shows for the city, and recently received a 2009 Silver Telly Award for his “Beyond the Set: Shadowland” project. A Silver Telly is the highest of the Telly Awards, which honor local, regional and cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions and work created for the Web.
 
Dreyer also recently produced his first feature-length documentary, “Tracy and Jess: Living With Early Onset Alzheimer’s,” which portrays an uplifting look at the disease. Together with the Alzheimer’s Association, he has been using the film to raise awareness and encourage research for a cure. A public screening of the documentary was held at SCC on March 26. The topic hits close to home for Dreyer, as his mother, Jess Dreyer, was diagnosed in her 40s.
 
“I really enjoy using my skills to raise awareness of important causes,” said Dreyer. “I love what I do and I have a strong passion for video production.”
 
Dreyer attended SCC from 1997-98. He transferred to the University of Missouri-St. Louis where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communication with emphasis in video production in 2003. Upon graduation, he returned to SCC as a full-time employee in the Instructional Media Department from 2004-07, where he aided faculty and staff with audio/visual projects.
 
Dreyer currently volunteers his video talents with the Toys for Tots program sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps and the UMSL Life Review Project of the University of Missouri-St. Louis Gerontology Graduate Program. He also is the advisor for the Youth Media Group, a joint venture between the City of St. Charles and the Foundry Art Centre, where high school students work on video projects relating to the events and history of St. Charles.

“SCC really helped me to get started in the right direction and to discover my passions,” said Dreyer. “I’m really looking forward to wearing a cap and gown and being a part of the ceremony. I’ve always regretted not walking in my own commencement, and this will be a chance for my own family to see me on the stage.”
 
Dreyer will receive the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award from Michael Lissner, president of the SCC Foundation Board. The Foundation initiated the award in 2006 and solicits nominations from the community.

The vision of the St. Charles Community College Foundation is to transform lives and strengthen communities. The independent, 501(c)3, not-for-profit corporation was formed to support student scholarships and educational purposes of the college. For more information, visit the Foundation website at www.stchas.edu/foundation.

St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.