EdCC honors people who help college succeed
Published 5:06 pm Thursday, June 11, 2015
The Edmonds Community College Foundation hosted Fanfare, an annual event to celebrate achievements and distinctive contributions to the college on May 21 on campus.
The college’s highest awards were presented to foundation donors, a distinguished alumni and a college employee.
• The Mission Award aimed at recognizing a business or organization that has dedicated financial volunteer and other support to the college was given to J. Rankin Jewelers of Edmonds.
Owners Meg and John Rankin live in Edmonds and are involved in the community and the college. Meg Rankin has served on the foundation board for seven years and on the auction committee for eight years.
She has also been the chairwoman for the auction four different years. She recently accepted the position of secretary for the foundation board.
• Verdant Health Commission was honored with the Vision Award. Fred Langer, the Verdant Health Commission board commissioner and president, accepted the award.
The commission was a lead contributor to the EdCC Boots to Books and Beyond Veterans Campaign and their funds are providing a mental health counselor in support of our college’s 240 veterans and their families at the college’s new Veteran Resource Center.
Verdant Health Commission also helped establish the college’s Health and Wellness Center.
• The Cornerstone Award honors individuals and organizations that have dedicated significant time, expertise and financial support to ensure the success of the college.
The award was given to Vaughn Sherman for his contributions to the college. Sherman served on the college’s Board of Trustees from 1981 to 1996 and as a chair of the foundation board from 1999 to 2003.
Sherman also has served as the chair of the legislative committee and has been a member of several other committees. Sherman chaired the trustee board, the state trustee association and the national trustee association. Sherman donated the funds to create the Echelbarger-Sherman Faculty awards. Sherman is the author of three books, including a book about how to be an effective Community College trustee.
• Lisa Bauer, owner of Chartreuse Landscape Design and EdCC Horticulture alumni, was recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Her knowledge of plants expanded during her time at EdCC.
Bauer was one of three designers to win the Founders Cup and a gold medal for their display garden at the Northwest Flower and Garden show this year.
• David Breed, high school completion instructor, was presented with the Excellence in Education Award, awarded annually by the college’s Board of Trustees to an outstanding college employee.
Breed, an instructor for more than 15 years at the college, works with underage and at-risk population of students, has authored and co-authored at least three textbooks and an e-book for the pre-college environmental science class, created math videos that help students review major concepts, tutored students and worked to improve the curriculum.
• The college also recognized Chester Curtis for receiving the Transforming Lives Award given by the Trustees Association of Community and Technical Colleges.
