As a Chemistry Senior Lecturer, Daryl Walmer is in the business of transformation. Not just the chemicals he’s blending in the classroom at Montgomery County Community College, but also among the lives of the students he’s worked hard to transform and help put them on the road to success.

This year, the College recognized Walmer for his contributions by naming him one of two recipients of the 2022 Part-Time Faculty Teaching Excellence Awards, sponsored by the College’s eCampus Bookstore.

Teaching excellence awards recognize part-time faculty whose teaching is intellectually stimulating, accessible for all students, and demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of students both inside and outside of the classroom. Walmer shares the award with Math Senior Lecturer John Pilla.

Receiving this award is validation for the time and effort Walmer said he puts into ensuring his students have the best chance to succeed.

“Although sometimes I don’t get feedback from students, I wonder if the work I’m putting in is helpful,” he said. “This award reinforces the fact that just because they don’t always say so, the work I do does actually have an impact.”

Before joining the Montco Family, Walmer taught chemistry in the Owen J. Roberts School District for 36 years. He also worked part time for McNeil Consumer Products for 15 years and then switched to part time teaching in the evenings at MCCC in 2006.

“It was an enjoyable experience,” he said on the initial transition from high school to college. He taught Advanced Placement chemistry at Owen J. Roberts High School, which is essentially the same as teaching Chemistry 151 and 152 at MCCC. “It continues to be enjoyable experience.”

The real difference was the students, who ranged in age and level of education.

“At least a third of an evening class is between 28 and 40 years old. That was different. Many have one degree already and are coming back to change careers,” he said. “Then some students are the traditional 18, 19, 20-year-olds. It’s an interesting blend of ages, backgrounds, goals and mindsets.”

Many students, he said, are taking classes to pursue a doctorate in Physical Therapy or become a Physician’s Assistant. When it comes to his students, Walmer is in awe of the number of responsibilities many are juggling at once.

“A number of students are balancing two to three kids and a family, in addition to their jobs,” he said. “Yet they still seem to find a way to get it done.”

The biggest change for Walmer over the last 16 years has been the use of technology. When he started at the College, he used a chalkboard. That evolved to a whiteboard projector and eventually to a slide deck presentation. He quipped that he now regularly downloads images from Google and inserts them into his lessons, which considering his poor artistic abilities, he says, is an upgrade for his students.

“A good visual makes it easier to explain to students, and easier for students to understand the topic,” he said.

His students have certainly appreciated all that Walmer has done to transform their lives for the better. During this year’s Commencement ceremonies, Dr. Gloria Oikelome, Vice President of Academic Affairs, read some responses from students who nominated Walmer for the award.

“One of Walmer’s nominees shared that he “cares about students, is not too harsh, and takes what he teaches seriously,” said Dr. Oikelome.

“Another student wrote, ‘Walmer spends countless hours helping his students in and out of class. He is committed to making sure we not just pass the course but truly understand and own the material. He gives each of us what we need to succeed and more,’” she said. “‘I have not had any instructor who is so committed to their students.’”

Hearing those words touched Walmer, who said they made him want to rededicate his efforts.

“I’m very happy,” he said. “It just motivates you to keep working harder.”