Edward Uh Mendez has been selected as the College’s nominee for the Dallas Herring Achievement Award and the recipient of the Tony Kleese and Christine Kelly-Kleese Resilience Award, which was recently increased to $2,000.
The Dallas Herring Achievement Award was established by the North Carolina Community College System in 2010 to honor the late Dallas Herring, one of the state’s earliest advocates for community colleges. All 58 community colleges choose a candidate. The state award is bestowed annually upon a current or former student who best embodies Herring’s philosophy of “taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go.”
With an expected graduation in spring 2026, Uh Mendez is finishing his associate in arts degree and, upon completion, will transfer to a four-year university with the plan to major in Criminal Justice.
“My interest in Criminal Justice started watching shows like ‘Criminal Minds’ and ‘CSI.’ It’s become my passion as I Iearn more about the field,” Uh Mendez said. “North Carolina Central is my first choice of school to attend after Durham Tech, but N.C. State is also an option.”
Uh Mendez followed his sister, Shirley, the College’s 2025 winner of the same award Uh Mendez is nominated for in 2026, to Durham Tech. He wanted to “do something in the medical field” and landed on dentistry. This time Shirley followed him and decided on the same profession.
“We would study together and make plans for our future. Even thinking we would one day go into practice together,” Uh Mendez said. “Shirley’s course stayed the same — mine changed. I had a stronger interest in and commitment to Criminal Justice.”
Uh Mendez sees himself working in a lab as a forensic analyst.
Upon learning of his Dallas Herring nomination, Uh Mendez said thoughts of why he was selected ran through his head.
“Then once it sunk in, I remembered how important it is to me to always be helpful to others,” Uh Mendez said. “A person asks for directions and I will literally walk them to their destination if possible. Being kind is important to me.”
Uh Mendez has plenty of opportunities to help in his work-study position with the Career and College Promise Department.
“From his very first day, it was evident that his opportunity with CCP would be both meaningful and transformative – for Edward and for our department,” said Uh Mendez’s supervisor, Oluwunmi “Olu” Ariyo, director of college recruitment and high school partnerships for Durham Tech. “He has demonstrated exceptional leadership, initiative and dedication. He plays an active role in supporting students and families, often serving as a translator during community events to help parents better understand dual enrollment opportunities. Our department serves over 1,300 students per semester across three school districts, and Edward plays a key role in guiding and supporting the next generation of students. His professionalism, empathy and commitment to equity have made a lasting impact on our college community.”
Uh Mendez’s instructors have made a lasting impact on him.
“All my instructors have been welcoming and very willing to help,” Uh Mendez said. “That helpfulness was much needed and appreciated during my BIO-111 class. It was my hardest class. Just the back-to-back due dates, the work and the exams — it was stressful — but the atmosphere in the class was so positive. This was because of the instructor, Ms. [Becky] Hirsch.”
Another person at the College who has been instrumental in his success is Ariyo.
“She has helped me in so many situations,” Uh Mendez said. “She has shown me how to work hard and focus. She is great and has a good sense of humor.”
Uh Mendez says he is his toughest instructor.
“I am tough on myself. I always push myself to the max. I want to help the most. I want to learn everything. I just constantly push.”