GCCC Alumni Spotlight: John DeRario – A Journey of Gratitude and Achievement
[Garden City, KS] November 12, 2024 -- The remarkable journey of esteemed alumnus John DeRario was celebrated at Garden City Community College (GCCC) on October 26, 2024, as he returned to express heartfelt gratitude to the community that shaped him. When his son asked about his bucket list on his 80th birthday, John eagerly shared that returning to GCCC to say thank you was at the top. He fulfilled that wish during Alumni Weekend, sharing his inspiring story with current GCCC student-athletes and the community.
John’s educational journey began in New Rochelle, New York, where he graduated from Blessed Sacrament High School in 1962. Originally planning to join his family’s garbage collection business, John’s athletic talent caught the attention of Homer Salter, the head football coach at what was then known as Garden City Junior College (GCJC) in Garden City, KS. John attended GCJC from 1962 to 1964, taking classes in a charming pink stucco building—affectionately dubbed “Little Pink University” (LPU)—at the site that is now Buffalo Jones Elementary School.
Far from home and dressed in his signature pin-striped suit, John quickly made a memorable impression in Garden City. He excelled in football, track, and basketball, and fondly recalls the warm welcome he received from the local community. “Even to this day, I still talk about how warmly the people of Kansas, and Garden City in particular, welcomed me. Sixty-two years later, I’m still grateful for how they took me under their wing,” John reflected.
His time at GCJC was pivotal, laying the foundation for a fulfilling career as a teacher and coach. “The small class sizes and personal attention at Garden City were invaluable,” he shared. “The professors and coaches were genuinely invested in our success, which made all the difference for me.”
After graduating from Garden City Junior College, John continued his education at Emporia State University and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista College. He returned to Emporia State for a master’s degree in health education and physical education and pursued additional graduate studies at Western Illinois University, culminating in a master’s in personnel and counseling.
Throughout his career, John made significant contributions to education in various
roles. He began teaching at Correctionville High School in Iowa, serving as a therapeutic
activity specialist, assistant head football coach, basketball coach, and head track
coach. From 1968 to 1976, he taught social studies and physical education at Davenport
Community Schools in Iowa, where he developed innovative substance abuse prevention
programs while coaching football and basketball. 
In the late 1970s, John transitioned to Florida, where he served as the administrative associate of behavioral programs at the Montanari Residential Treatment Center and the director of education at the Sunland Training Center in Miami. His extensive experience also includes teaching Black History at Mount Vernon High School, serving as the director of education at New York Medical College, working as a special education teacher at New Rochelle High School, and as the assistant director of the psychiatric department at Westchester County Medical Center.
Reflecting on his journey, John credits much of his success to Garden City. “If it weren’t for the junior college starting me and developing my background, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he remarked. “The support I received from the community and the personal connection instilled a sense of confidence in me that propelled me forward.”
In addition to his professional achievements, John enjoys a fulfilling personal life as a happily married father of four. He remains passionate about education and mentorship, advocating for the importance of vocational training and technical education in today’s job market. “Education is a powerful tool that can change lives. I want to inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams, just as Garden City inspired me,” he emphasized.
John’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education on individuals and communities. His journey from a hopeful student to a successful educator and leader embodies the spirit of GCCC and the profound difference it makes in the lives of its students. “Every success I’ve achieved is rooted in the foundation I built at Garden City,” he concluded. “I will forever be grateful for my time there.”
As a final note to current and future GCCC students, John offers this wisdom: “Do your best. Your best is not your neighbor’s best, and that’s okay.”
Garden City Community College is proud to have played a role in John’s success. Make a difference for future Busters by starting your own Endowed Scholarship through the GCCC President's Scholarship Initiative!
From HERE, you can go ANYWHERE.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.
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