Dr. Bob Oprandy, EdD, a long-standing board member of Delta Sculling Center (DSC), brings a lifetime of service, leadership, and a deep commitment to community development. Bob’s journey to DSC began with a foundation in community service, shaped by his upbringing in a large, working-class family where responsibility and dedication were essential values. His formative years, spent helping his father with the family’s house-to-house milk delivery business and later helping to run the family’s pizzeria, instilled a strong work ethic and a desire to give back to others.

Bob’s passion for education and service was further fueled by his time in the Peace Corps, where he spent five years teaching in both Ghana and Thailand. His experience in these diverse environments not only shaped his worldview but also laid the groundwork for his lifelong dedication to fostering community through education and service. He returned to the U.S. to pursue higher education, earning three graduate degrees, including a doctorate from Columbia University’s Teachers College, and later became an influential teacher trainer in the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Bob’s academic career spanned five continents, where he trained teachers in 15 different countries, contributing significantly to global education initiatives.

When Bob and his wife, Dr. Pat Tirone, PT, DPT, Ed.D moved to Stockton, California, they co-founded Delta Sculling Center with a mission to create an inclusive space where people of all ages and abilities could experience the joy and healing power of rowing. Bob’s academic background, coupled with his lifelong commitment to community service, made him a natural fit for coaching sculling and for serving on the DSC board, where his leadership and vision continue to shape the organization.

For Bob, DSC is more than a place for physical activity—it’s a space that fosters personal transformation, belonging, and healing. He believes strongly in the power of community and connection, and his work at DSC is rooted in the belief that everyone, regardless of their background or ability, can experience the benefits of rowing. “You all can do this,” Bob often tells new members, emphasizing that DSC is a welcoming and supportive environment where participants can discover their inner strength and athleticism, often for the first time.

Bob’s role on the DSC board has been instrumental in expanding the organization’s reach, particularly through initiatives like the OarBusters and Freedom Rows programs, which provide adaptive rowing opportunities for individuals with disabilities and veterans. He is especially proud of how DSC has become a beacon of inclusivity and community engagement in Stockton, helping participants not only improve their physical health but also find a sense of belonging. Bob credits the calm, healing nature of the water for the transformative experiences of many DSC members, particularly veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress and others who suffer from adverse childhood experiences ACE’s.

Beyond his board work, Bob is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, having previously served as the chair of the Faculty Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at the University of the Pacific. His commitment to these values is reflected in his approach to leadership at DSC, where he strives to create a welcoming environment for all, from middle school rowers to retirees and veterans.

Bob’s personal philosophy centers on the power of listening and creating secure spaces for growth—values that he developed during his time as a TESOL educator and researcher that he carries into his work at DSC. “Listening is key,” Bob says. “It’s often the hardest skill, but it’s the most important for making people feel secure and understood.” This belief in the importance of listening and empathy guides Bob’s interactions with DSC members, volunteers, and fellow board members.

Looking ahead, Bob is excited about the future of DSC and its potential to further impact the Stockton community through new initiatives like the development of the Delta Aquatic Center of Stockton. He sees this as an opportunity to expand access to water sports, including kayaking and paddleboarding, and to continue creating a space where people from all walks of life can come together in a supportive, inclusive and health-enhancing environment.

Bob encourages anyone interested in getting involved with Delta Sculling Center to take the leap, whether as a rower, volunteer, or board member. “There’s something special about DSC,” Bob says. “It’s not just about rowing—it’s about community, healing, and discovering what you’re capable of. Whether you’re 18 or 80, there’s a place for you here.”

Through his tireless dedication and leadership, Bob Oprandy continues to make a lasting impact on Delta Sculling Center and the Stockton community, inspiring others to embrace the power of connection and the transformative nature of rowing.