Scholarship donors receive gift of appreciation from student recipients

Scholarship recipients were eager to say "thank you" to their generous donors on October 2 at the annual Clark College Foundation scholarship reception. Held in Gaiser Student Center, the event gave students and donors - nearly 300 in all - the opportunity to meet each other. Addison Jacobs, Clark College Trustee and scholarship donor, said, "I cannot tell you how overwhelmingly heartwarming it is to meet the recipient chosen to honor my brother's memory." When her brother passed away suddenly, Jacobs and her family decided a Clark College scholarship would serve as a fitting legacy to his life.

For the 2009-2010 academic year, more than $500,000 in scholarships is being awarded to approximately 300 students. Melissa Smithdeal, who will graduate as a nurse in two months, told her story to the audience. "I first came to Clark College at age 16 in the Running Start program," said Smithdeal. "Two years later I had both my high school diploma and an associate's degree." Melissa spoke about how finances were tight in her family, especially because her mother is also in school. "I didn't want anything to get in the way of my dream to become a nurse. I knew I needed help, and scholarships helped me achieve it. I will never forget Clark College. Thank you."

Lisa Gibert, president/CEO of the Clark College Foundation spoke about some of the unique stories behind the establishment of scholarships. Some are given to celebrate a life, like Addison Jacobs' family did for her brother, and Jim and Wilma Raines did for their daughter. Others give to say thank you, like donor Penni Richards did to honor an exceptional faculty member, Shirley Sackman. Still others give because they recognize the power of education. Organizations like Women in Action and individuals like Robert and Gay MacLellan are interested in empowering women to make a difference in their lives and communities. "There are so many of these unique donor stories at Clark College," said Gibert. "Students, I hope you will walk away from this experience today recognizing the truly special gift you have received."

Clark College President Bob Knight remarked that the scholarship reception "gets bigger and better every year." He encouraged students to get involved in college and do well in classes. "When this economy turns around - and I promise you that it will - it's critical that you're ready to go. You are our future. You'll make this community a better place." To the donors, he said, "Thank you for the investments and gifts you have bestowed on these promising students. We simply can't express enough appreciation for what you have done."

Scholarship applications for 2010-2011 will be available in the Financial Aid office and online at clark.edu/scholarship in December. A scholarship workshop for incoming and current students will be held January 26 from 7-9 p.m. in Gaiser Student Center.

A list of 2009-2010 scholarship recipients is available at clarkcollegefoundation.org/scholarship.

Clark College says danke schöen at Oktoberfest

Clark College was the featured organization at a recent "No Business After Hours" Oktoberfest hosted by the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce. The event was held on October 8 at the vacant downtown Koplan's Home Furnishings store.

Clark College President Bob Knight came to the event decked out in authentic lederhosen. He even greeted the estimated 500 attendees in German. "Danke schöen for allowing Clark College to be here," said Knight. "We've been your community college for over 75 years and I know there are many alumni here. You are all part of the Penguin Nation."

Several college and foundation staff were on hand to network with members of the business community. Clark College displays and information, as well as the college's Student Ambassadors and mascot Oswald, enhanced the event with their presence.

"This was a great way to showcase Clark College and the foundation," said Keith Koplan, Clark College Foundation board member and former owner of Koplan's Home Furnishings. "I'm glad we had the opportunity to visit with members of the business community and discuss how mutual needs can be addressed through college programming."

Community Friends welcome Clark College international students

Nearly 40 people turned out to welcome Clark College's new international students with a potluck dinner on September 18. The gathering launched the International Programs department's new Community Friends project, which pairs interested international students with area families who want to learn more about students from other countries. Volunteers for Community Friends invite students for family dinners, holiday celebrations, or outings.

The potluck gave students and volunteers the chance to meet one another and discover common interests. The Office of International Programs will help pair community friends with a student whose culture or career path is of interest to them. "Community Friends can be the key to helping make a student's experience in the U.S. a positive one," said Susan Taylor, international student advisor. "We registered 25 new international students this fall. I believe that's a record number for incoming international students in one quarter at Clark."

This fall's incoming group joins the ranks of 43 continuing students from 25 different countries, including Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Russia, Australia, Italy, Peru, China and Taiwan.

The new program is off to a strong start as evidenced by the party for Clark's Chinese students hosted by Community Friend Rose Funk. Eight students from China were guests at her home for a late afternoon get-together on September 26, along with Clark College staff and faculty members. "The weather was spectacular, and the view of the Columbia River from Rose's home was a beautiful backdrop for the gathering," said Taylor. "The students got a kick out of seeing our president arrive on his scooter!"