Daniel L. Gonzales and Melissa B. Pergola

ASRT President Daniel L. Gonzales, M.S.R.S., R.T.(R), FASRT, was named the 2023 Doña Ana Community College Health Sciences Distinguished Alumni of the Year.

Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, DACC honors outstanding alums who have made contributions to career and community. Gonzales was one of three other alumni selected who exhibit the qualities of professional and community leadership that are symbolic of the goals and objectives of the college. These include enhancing and promoting excellence in self and others, creating an environment that inspires others to reach their potential, promoting continuous improvement and lifelong learning, enriching the lives of others through community service, and acknowledging and cultivating social and cultural diversity.

Gonzales is the director of diagnostics imaging for Carlsbad Medical Center in Carlsbad, New Mexico, and the current president of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Gonzales graduated from the DACC radiology program in 1985. He also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, and a Master of Science in Radiologic Administration from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. Gonzales has been on the DACC Radiologic Technology Program Advisory Board since 1988. In addition, has also served in multiple roles on the board of the New Mexico Society of Radiologic Technologists and was a previous chairman of the Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Advisory Council for the state of New Mexico.

“We’re incredibly proud of Danny as he continues to support the ASRT, the radiologic technology community and the future of our profession,” said ASRT CEO and Executive Director Melissa B. Pergola, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M), FASRT. “He’s a tireless volunteer who always goes the extra mile to get the job done and motivate others to be the best health care professionals they can be.”

In addition to his volunteer work, Gonzales has served as a mentor for several radiologic technologists. “I have been blessed to know Danny Gonzales for many years. His dedication and lifelong passion for the imaging profession have never wavered. He dedicated his career to make positive changes for patients and technologists across the state of New Mexico as well as at the national level, said Tammy McSperitt, B.S.R.S., R.T.(R)(M)(CT), RDMS, director of radiology at Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis, New Mexico. “Years ago, Danny offered to be my mentor, almost 20 years later he still serves in that role.”

The DACC awards are made based on distinction in the nominee’s field and community service and honors one individual from each division and one from the Workforce Development/Training and Continuing Education program annually.