Top donors enjoy annual soiree
Savoring Excellence program highlights the best of Clark College
On a picture-perfect spring evening, Circle of Excellence members and guests toasted the accomplishments of Clark College and its students at Savoring Excellence. The yearly celebration, which honors donors for their high investment in student success and exceptional academic programs, was presented by the Clark College Foundation on May 20.
The 130 guests began the evening in Archer Gallery for an exclusive viewing of more than 100 works of student art. From there, they were ushered to Gaiser Student Center, which was transformed into sophisticated elegance with tall archways (from The Sound of Music set design), brilliant floral arrangements, special lighting and shimmering draperies. The event's invitations and décor were inspired by a ceramic poppy flower created by student artist Aubry Long.
A modern adaptation of the college's third commencement dinner, the night's exquisite meal was impeccably served by Vibrant Table Catering. Clark's Culinary Arts students and staff prepared the dessert - a spectacular rendition of strawberry shortcake topped with a sweep of strawberry crackle. A plate of student-crafted chocolates provided a feast for both eye and palate.
Mistress of Ceremonies Barbara Kerr wove the audience through a program that included a retrospective of the college's first 75 years and a video about early childhood education. Student talent featured dinner music by saxophonist Brandon Battey (Field scholarship recipient) and pianist Alex Isackson. Student vocalist Amanda Howard performed "Power of the Dream," and Gale Boskofsky (Pat Fencl scholarship recipient) told the poignant story of her journey to educational success.
Clark College President Bob Knight reviewed the college's accomplishments over the year. In spite of the current economic storm, he encouraged the audience to "stay the course" of educational excellence and student success with philanthropic generosity.
The Presidential Award for Excellence was presented to The Columbian by Lisa Gibert, foundation president/CEO, in commemoration of the newspaper's 75 years of strong support of Clark College. Scott Campbell, publisher, made an acceptance statement by video. Rhona Sen Hoss, college trustee and community relations manager for The Columbian, accepted the award on behalf of Scott and Jody Campbell and The Columbian staff.
The evening closed with comments from Addison Jacobs, college trustee, and Bruce Davidson, foundation board chair. Appreciation was given to Sue Edwards, the volunteer chair of Savoring Excellence, who guided the event to new heights of elegance for three consecutive years. First Independent, represented by Bill and Jeanne Firstenburg, was acknowledged for their generous sponsorship of Savoring Excellence.
The event, filmed by Clark/Vancouver Television, may be viewed on CVTV's Web site.
(Clark College Foundation is seeking an experienced events chair for Savoring Excellence. For more information, contact Kay Cooke, Clark College Foundation, if you would like to contribute your talent and energy toward this exciting and elegant event. Call (360) 992-2705 or email kcooke@clark.edu.)
International friendship expressed through music
World-renowned choir from Philippines performs at Clark College
In a celebration of international friendship and the arts, the University of Santo Tomas Singers, a world-class university choir from the Philippines, performed at Clark College on Thursday, May 28, in Foster Auditorium.
The choir performed under the direction of Professor Fidel G. Calalang, Jr., and were joined by the Clark College Women's Choral Ensemble under the direction of Professor April Duvic. The University of Santo Tomas Singers consists of a unique blend of singers who are students - and a limited number of alumni - representing the different colleges and faculties of the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas.
The University of Santo Tomas Singers choir members have represented their school and their country as cultural ambassadors since the choir's formation in 1992. They have embarked on 15 world tours and garnered more than 45 top awards in international competitions.
They have performed for Pope John Paul II, King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain, Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya of Thailand, opera great Luciano Pavarotti, and four presidents of the Philippines (Diosdado Macapagal, Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo).
The University of Santo Tomas is the oldest existing university in Asia and, in terms of student population, the largest Catholic university in the world located on one campus.
The event was co-sponsored by the Clark College Foundation and the college's Chinese Club with assistance from the Clark College Office of International Programs and Multicultural Student Affairs.
Alumni and students celebrate the past, honor the present, and embrace the future over dinner
Orv Iverson receives 2009 Outstanding Alumni Award at sixth annual event
More than 70 students and 50 alumni enjoyed the opportunity to connect during the sixth annual Alumni-Student Dinner, held Tuesday, June 2, at Clark College. In addition to the dinner, the evening's events included the presentation of the 2009 Outstanding Alumni Award and the awarding of two full-tuition alumni association scholarships.
Students attending the dinner are nominated by Clark faculty, staff, or an Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC) program director or club advisor. Students are seated with alumni in their chosen field of study so that both alumni and students have the opportunity to discuss academic plans, professional goals, and experiences.
Special thanks to Riverview Community Bank who once again sponsored the dinner, allowing students to attend at no cost. Jim Baldovin, executive vice president of retail banking at Riverview Community Bank, commented on the magnificent role Clark College plays in this community. "It's the breadth of Clark's educational mission. Not just young folks directly out of high school, but those a little further along in life...Clark College is here to meet all of those needs."
In direct response to troubling economic times, the Clark College Alumni Association chose to award two full-tuition scholarships for the 2009-2010 academic year. These scholarships are made possible through contributions by members of the Clark College Alumni Association toward the Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment fund.
This year's recipients, Staci Bradshaw and Linda Wagar, are both shining examples of Clark College students. Staci is a Running Start student studying mathematics and hopes to earn an associate of arts degree from Clark College, then transfer to a four-year university in Washington state. Linda plans to graduate from Clark this June with her associate of arts degree and begin the addiction counseling program at Clark. Linda is a returning student who has spent the last 30 years assisting youth to meet their individual, educational and emotional challenges.
The event also featured the presentation of the 2009 Outstanding Alumni Award to Orv Iverson, Clark College Class of 1963. Orv's eldest son, Chuck, who is also an alumnus of Clark College, accepted the award on behalf of his father, relaying Orv's sincere gratitude for the honor. Orv created a legend for himself, his students, and his successors during his 32-year career as a debate coach and communication instructor at Clark.
The Alumni-Student Dinner is a joint effort of the Clark College Alumni Association, Clark College, and the Associated Students of Clark College. Additional thanks go to Alumni Association board members Tim Leavitt, Maya Muller, Andrew Ness, and George Welsh; Admissions program coordinator Vanessa Watkins; the Clark College Student Ambassadors; and members of ASCC for their work on this event.
