Alumnus Dominic DeYonker brings Marine Corps experience to Campus Safety

Dominic Deyonker headshot

Serving in the United States Marine Corps is a family tradition for HFC Campus Safety Associate Dominic DeYonker.

"I remember when I was 12 and saw my dad's dress blues. I thought they looked pretty cool," recalled DeYonker, of Dearborn. "I was inspired by my dad to join the Marines. My grandfather, my great uncle, and one of my brothers also served in the military."

Bet on himself, and went to college

The youngest of three sons, DeYonker was born in Warren and raised in Imlay City. He joined the USMC upon graduation from Imlay City High School.

During his time in the military, DeYonker served as a security guard at the American embassies in San Salvador, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. He was also stationed in Japan as an administrative assistant for Base Headquarters. After five years in the Marines, he was honorably discharged. His final rank was corporal.

After he left the USMC, DeYonker worked at the Ann Arbor T-Shirt Company for three years and at the Detroit Refinery for five years. He also worked as a sanitation supervisor at Hanline Frozen Foods in Romulus for three years.

"I finally decided I was done working random jobs, so I bet on myself and went back to school," he said. "I was looking around at colleges. I lived in Southgate at time. I thought HFC would be a good place to start to see if I was still college material. It had been a long time since high school. I was pretty nervous to go back to school after so long. I remember driving here on the first day of classes in a cold sweat. I thought, 'It can’t be worse than bootcamp.' It was much easier."

Astronomy student, research assistant, inspired by instructor to study physics

HFC made for a smooth transition for DeYonker’s return to academics.

"The College helped ease me back into school," he said. "The smaller classrooms allowed more one-on-one time with teachers, so I could ask questions. It was easy to talk to them. I found them very approachable."

One of them was HFC physics and astronomy instructor Jesse Mason.

"I've always been interested in space and the stars. I really enjoyed Professor Mason’s physics class. He's very involved in his teaching and really cares about his subject. He made me want to study physics," said DeYonker.

Mason recruited DeYonker into the Dead Stars Society, his student research group. This was a high point of DeYonker's experience at the College, one he looks back on fondly.

"This was a huge opportunity for me!" he recalled. "It opened up many doors. Being in the Dead Stars Society gave me the opportunity to do graduate-level research in astronomy. The research we were doing was getting more in-depth and difficult. It also helped me fill in some of the gaps I was missing in my education."

Mason is proud of his former student.

"Dominic is one of the most versatile students I've ever met," said Mason. "As my astronomy student, he produced outstanding photographs of stars and planets, showcasing them in an impressive 3-D online exhibit. As my physics student, he constructed an amazing star-shaped electric guitar from scratch. As my research assistant, he learned to navigate sophisticated astronomy software and led our research team for several months on an incredibly ambitious project that has yielded multiple scientific discoveries. I'm thrilled that Dominic will continue to contribute to our College in his new role."

Wants everyone to have a great experience at HFC

In 2026, DeYonker earned his associate degree in science from HFC, which he attended on the G.I. Bill. He has been accepted into Wayne State University and plans to transfer in 2027 to finish his bachelor’s degree in physics.

"I looked at HFC’s website and saw the Campus Safety opening. With my background in security, I felt I was qualified for this position," he said. "I had a great experience on the HFC campus when I was a student. It’s a great community, a great staff, and I want to make sure everyone else has as good an experience as I did."

DeYonker works the afternoon shift at the College. His duties include:

  • Securing and locking the buildings on the main campus at night.
  • Patrolling the buildings on the main campus.
  • Making himself be seen on campus so students know there’s a Campus Safety presence and can ask him for help if they need it.
  • Assisting students on a number of issues.
  • Changing tires or giving jumpstarts.
  • Logging in lost property.
  • Directing students and employees to safe areas on campus in the event of inclement weather.
  • Producing HFC ID cards.
  • Writing accident reports.

"HFC has a great campus," said DeYonker. "I enjoy walking around campus and seeing some of my former instructors."

That includes HFC Academic Advisor Elyse Hogan.

"Dominic is a dedicated and successful student, and he is also a kind and thoughtful person. Whether we are in an advising appointment or just passing each other in the hall, he always takes the time to ask how I am doing and share a smile. His hard work, dedication, and thoughtfulness make him a valuable part of the HFC team," said Hogan.

HFC Emergency Manager Michael Ball called DeYonker a valuable addition to the Campus Safety team.

"It is rare that we have the opportunity to welcome a new team member from the HFC student body who brings such extensive and diverse security experience," said Ball, who is a Marine Corps veteran too. "Dominic previously served as a U.S. Marine assigned to the U.S. Department of State, providing security at American embassies overseas. He also brings valuable local experience, having worked as a security officer at the Detroit Refinery. His military background, professional security experience, and connection to HFC make him a tremendous asset to Campus Safety."