Distinguished Alumni - 2000
David Sparks | Carol TIghe
Distinguished Alumni Recipients
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999
David Sparks
David Sparks graduated in 1968 with a diploma as a journeyman millwright. In addition to taking additional courses at his alma mater, he has earned technical certificates from the University of Delaware, the University of Miami and Drexel University.
Thirteen years ago, Mr. Sparks followed in his father’s footsteps and was elected to the Salem County Board of Chosen Freeholders. As a freeholder and as the board’s director since 1998, he has never lost touch with his roots and the tremendous benefits of technical educational programs. As a result he has been a friend of Salem Community College and other educational institutions in Salem County.
Before his election to the freeholder board, the Carneys Point resident served as a committeeman in his hometown for three years.
Mr. Sparks is a safety, occupational health & environmental manager at DuPont Chambers Works, where he holds 35 years of service. During his tenure, he has worked as a journeyman millwright and maintenance & construction manager.
Mr. Sparks serves on the boards of the American Heart Association’s Salem County chapter and Appel Farm Arts & Music Center. In addition, he devotes time to the environmental management advisory committee for PSE&G’s Estuary Enhancement Program and to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Salem County. He is chairman of the South Jersey Power Cooperative that serves government and business agencies in Salem and three other counties. He also chairs the administrative committee of Trinity United Methodist Church in Pennsville.
Mr. Sparks says he is particularly proud of receiving recognition from the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard for his work in perfecting a total encapsulating chemical-proof garment. The garment is used worldwide by all emergency response teams in both the public and private sectors.
He and his wife, Carol, have three sons — Steven, Robert and John — as well as two grandchildren.
Carol B. Tighe
Carol B. Tighe graduated from Salem Community College with an associate of arts degree in liberal arts in 1978, at which time she was named an Outstanding Student in Liberal Arts. She later received a bachelor of arts degree in communications from Glassboro State College, now Rowan University.
Mrs. Tighe serves as executive director of the Salem County chapter of the American Red Cross, where she has worked since 1993. During her tenure, she has increased the chapter’s income, number of clients served and number of volunteers. Last year, she spent two weeks in North Carolina, serving as a government liaison during Hurricane Floyd.
Before joining the Red Cross, Mrs. Tighe was employed by the Girl Scouts, serving as program and field director at the Camden County Council and as public relations director at the Holly Shores Council.
The Pedricktown resident, who managed a vegetable farm with her husband for 20 years, has chaired the Salem County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee and served as a member of the New Jersey Farm Bureau State Board of Directors. Mrs. Tighe has also served on the Oldmans Township Board of Education and was president of the Oldmans Township PTA.
She and her husband, Ralph, have four children — Jean, Daniel, Janice and Dana — as well as eight grandchildren.