FVCC Annual Report 2014

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Flathead Valley Community College

President’s Report A

a message from the president

Dear Friends, As 2014 comes to a close, I extend my gratitude to our donors and sponsors who generously give, so students can achieve their dreams. My sincere thanks goes to the members of our advisory committees, who provide direction for a more relevant education, and to our business and industry partners who share with us resources and facilities to strengthen our students’ learning experiences. I also am thankful for our K-12 district partners who collaborate with FVCC to ensure a seamless, successful transition for all students from high school to college.

In this season of thanks, I also want to express my appreciation to the Montana University System for our strong partnership which brings collaborative baccalaureate and advanced degree opportunities to Northwest Montana. And I especially want to recognize our congressional delegation and local legislators for their continued support for funding through grants and appropriations which provide us with the ability to meet our mission.

This past year, I was honored to represent our nation’s 1,132 community colleges as chair of the American Association of Community Colleges. This experience opened many new doors for FVCC and our students, and it has re-emphasized that we truly live in a special place, with special people. It has reinforced my gratitude for the extraordinary support our college receives and our partners who collectively assist FVCC in providing limitless opportunities for our students, our community and our economy.

On behalf of the board, faculty and staff of FVCC, I thank you all for your invaluable support and for collaborating with us to ensure a prosperous future for Northwest Montana.

If it wasn’t for you—our partners, our supporters, our advocates, our friends—we could not change the lives of our students and help enhance the place in which we live. When we work together, anything is possible.

We wish you a promising new year full of amazing possibilities.

With gratitude,

Jane A. Karas, Ph.D. President

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The Gift of Transformation The Flathead Valley Community College Foundation established a new $10,000 Transformation Scholarship to transform the life of a student with great financial need. The scholarship covers one student’s tuition and fees and assists with living expenses for an entire academic year, fostering educational and career goal achievement.

The scholarship is renewable for a second year.

“As a single parent of two young children, the desire to seek training and change careers was put on the back burner. But that all changed one day as I was making myself a cup of tea at work. A quote by long-time Supreme Court Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall caught my eye and would change my life. ‘None of us got where we are solely by pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. We got here because somebody—a parent, a teacher, an Ivy League crony, or a few nuns—bent down and helped us pick up our boots.’ His words convinced me that help is out there to aid us in realizing our dreams. With this scholarship gift, I can work part-time, allowing me to focus on my studies, and more importantly, spend time with my kids. The shift has gone from ‘single’ to ‘mother.’ When people ask me, ‘What difference does a scholarship make?’ I can say with first-hand conviction, ‘All the difference in the world!’”

Sam Roslie First Recipient, FVCC Foundation Transformation Scholarship

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Land of New Opportunity

research

In December 2013, an anonymous donor from Bigfork gifted Flathead Valley Community College a 27-acre land donation. The property is being used for educational purposes, including instruction, research and activities consistent with FVCC’s mission. The property, which borders Montana State Trust Land and is close to the Jewel Basin Hiking Area, has diverse vegetation, topography and geology as well as historical and cultural significance, providing endless educational opportunities.

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“This beautiful Montana setting provides exceptional opportunities for our natural resources, physical and biological sciences and art students. It also offers an exciting new venue for students of all ages in FVCC’s continuing education classes and programs. We thank the donor for this unique and generous gift and all the possibilities it will offer members of our community.”

FVCC President Jane A. Karas, Ph.D.

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friend

Mary Gibson was presented the 2014 Montana Mentor Award by President Jane Karas this summer. It was given to Gibson in recognition of her lifetime of exemplary service as an advocate for youth, education and building better communities in Northwest Montana.

Gibson’s interests and influence reach far and wide. From advocating for education as chair of a K-12 school board or as president of the PTA, she has always looked for ways to make sure students receive an outstanding education in this community.

Her firecracker style propelled her to mentor and advocate on a number of issues while serving on the Montana Woman’s Lobby Board of Directors, Teen Pregnancy Task Force and Governor’s Child Care Advisory Council. She was actively involved in the DREAM program, spending countless hours mentoring school-age children with disabilities while teaching the children how to ski and raising funds to keep the program alive. She has held local and national positions on boards for the American Association of University Women and serves on the Glacier Symphony and Chorale Board. In addition, she has served on the FVCC Foundation Associate Board for 20 years, and to this day, she continues to advise staff, mentor new members and give her all to make FVCC a better place for students.

“Together with her husband, Hi, Mary represents what is best in Montana. She is a caring individual whose leadership, advocacy and mentorship for others sets a standard for us all to follow.”

Jane A. Karas, Ph.D. FVCC President

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Mentor Mary

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A Global Investment FVCC received a $46 million computer software gift from Siemens PLM Software, creating new possibilities in education and training engineers and leading to excellent job opportunities for Montanans. Utilized by the college’s advanced manufacturing programs, the software is enabling students to take products from conception through the manufacturing process, providing students with proficiency in technology used by many of the world’s leading manufacturing, architectural and construction companies. According to Kalispell Chamber of Commerce President Joe Unterreiner, right, the improved ability of Flathead Valley Community College to support advanced manufacturing jobs is a great asset for our regional economy.

“This software will help FVCC train the next generation of scientists, engineers and business leaders in Montana. Siemens has nearly 300 manufacturing locations worldwide, and leveraging their know-how and experience for Montana workers will help us maximize high-tech manufacturing jobs in our state.”

Max Baucus United States Ambassador to China Former U.S. Senator for Montana

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Gifts that Give Back Flathead Valley Community College benefited from two generous equipment gifts this year, expanding opportunities for FVCC students, local small businesses and lifelong learners.

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“These gifts have provided FVCC the opportunity to raise the bar in terms of higher-end technical training. With this new equipment, we are able to continue to move Northwest Montana forward, allowing our communities to stay at the forefront of a booming manufacturing industry.”

Dan Leatzow, Ph.D. Advanced Manufacturing Specialist

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Missoula-based American Eagle Instruments, Inc. gifted the college a computer numerical control (CNC) Swiss-style lathe system and startup tooling to provide the college’s advanced manufacturing students new opportunities for hands-on learning experiences. The machine enables students to learn how to operate cuttingedge high-speed machinery that produces small parts in mass quantities. American Eagle sees its donation as a way to not only prepare students for good-paying manufacturing jobs but also address a workforce shortage that is projected in the next five years.

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The college leased its first 3D printer this year, thanks to a $35,000 gift from the Flathead County Economic Development Authority and Montana West Economic Development. The state-of-the-art printer is being utilized throughout various college programming, from occupational trades and Kid’s College to Grandparent’s College and the Art Department. The printer also has been put to good use by outside businesses, making positive contributions to Northwest Montana’s economy.

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Supporting Our Unsung Heroes When we think of heroes, we often think of first responders. But what about the heroes who make sure the first responders arrive quickly to the scene and ensure all emergency vehicles are working properly? Like first responders, these heroes’ jobs can mean the difference between life and death.

To address the City of Kalispell’s need for certified emergency vehicle technicians (EVTs), Flathead Valley Community College launched a new program, enabling these unsung heroes in Northwest Montana the opportunity to test for national certification at home versus having to travel halfway across the state to obtain this critical credential.

Local EVT mechanics can attest to the importance of having convenient access to this certification. Not only does it encourage them to pursue certification by allowing them to stay home so they can continue to work, it provides all certified EVTs the opportunity to become skilled in nationwide industry EVT standards.

According to Mechanic Austin Bachurski, left, even the most experienced mechanics are shocked when they learn that many of the techniques they have been applying all along are incorrect. And for Karl Jagst, right, there is no room for error.

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Karl Jagst Supervisor, City of Kalispell Public Works Department’s Central Garage

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“The EVT certification protects not only the individual maintenance and repair technicians but also the city and shop where the technicians work from any liability and potential lawsuits.

When lives are on the line, these vehicles have to work.”

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Garner was recognized for his active service in the community and as an FVCC Foundation Board member. In addition to playing an instrumental role in bringing organized community law enforcement into Kalispell, he has been actively involved with the D.A.R.E. program and in promoting aggressive drug interdiction, education and prevention to the local community. In 2004, Garner was appointed interim Kalispell city manager. Following his retirement from the police force, he traveled to Afghanistan to work as a police advisor for the Afghan National Police Force. He currently serves as director of security at Kalispell Regional Healthcare and was elected as Representative of Montana House District 7.

Outside his career, he is a former president of Kalispell Rotary and served on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters and Flathead C.A.R.E. and continues to be an active member of the Evergreen Lions Club. A recipient of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Great Chief Award, Kalispell Rotary Community Service Award and Lions Club International’s highest award, the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, Garner was selected for the inaugural class of Leadership Montana and was the first FVCC alumnus to receive the FVCC President’s Montana Mentor Award.

“This individual’s career of nearly 30 years has touched lives in our community in positive and lasting ways, and it continues strong today. His leadership and service to youth and the community are significant. We are proud of our hometown boy!”

Suzy Williams FVCC Alumni and Ambassadors Co-chair

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Former Kalispell Police Chief Frank Garner received FVCC’s fifth Distinguished Alumni Award. Garner graduated from FVCC in 1995 and has been a point of pride for the college ever since.

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Our Hometown Boy

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A Healthy Student Body In partnership with Kalispell Regional Healthcare, Flathead Valley Community College opened its first on-campus Student Health Clinic in fall 2013 to provide affordable basic health care services to FVCC students. In its first year, the clinic serviced over 400 visits from students, 98 percent of whom do not have insurance, and made over 160 different diagnoses.

The Student Health Clinic was established after the college received a $4 million gift from the Broussard Family for a new nursing and health science center to honor the legacy of former nurse and philanthropist Becky Broussard. The family challenged the community to raise the remaining $1 million to complete the construction costs, and the goal was surpassed by 36 percent. To keep the clinic costs low for students, a generous donor gave a gift to help subsidize student health clinic fees. “My visit to the Student Health Clinic was a great college experience for me. The staff was very friendly and welcoming.

While working two jobs and attending school full time, it is a big convenience to be able to seek medical attention right on campus.

I would definitely go back again!�

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Kendra Jeschke FVCC Student

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Global Connections FVCC students ventured to Belo, Horizonte, Brazil, to participate in U.S.-Brazil Connect, a fellowship program that strengthens education and economic opportunities by connecting communities, engaging leaders and creating transformative learning experiences between the United States and Brazil.

Taylor Keltner, Elaina Hansen, Brigitte Henkelmann, Lee Shamp and Monica Peterson were among the students from four U.S. community colleges selected to participate in the summer 2013 program. These fellows spent four weeks working to improve Brazilian technical students’ English skills while developing the foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation and opportunities between U.S. community colleges and SENAI/SESI schools in Brazil. In continuation of the partnership, FVCC welcomed six of the Brazil high school students taught by the FVCC U.S.-Brazil Connect students for a nine-day visit to Northwest Montana.

According to FVCC President Jane Karas, it’s important to understand the rest of the world in a global economy and that what we do has a global impact.

“U.S.-Brazil Connect is a great way for a small, rural college to reach out to the world and be a part of a global system. Students come back completely empowered and changed. For some of them, it was their first time to travel abroad. They not only gain new friends but return with new perspectives about themselves.”

Gerda Reeb, Ph.D. FVCC Director of International Student Services

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A True Student Advocate This year’s Eagle Award was presented to Colleen Unterreiner, executive director of institutional advancement at FVCC, for her leadership as director of the Flathead Valley Community College Foundation. Unterreiner was honored for taking the Foundation to the next level, exceeding capital campaign goals, improving scholarship fundraising efforts, building relationships and providing more opportunities for student success.

Unterreiner joined the college 15 years ago and has served in various capacities. Unterreiner’s inveterate problem-solving skills, big picture vision and perspective on all issues have been instrumental in providing all students access to education.

“Colleen is a true student advocate. She has continually set her focus on providing education to all students through developing more scholarship opportunities and growing programs and facilities. Her unsurpassed leadership in the area of institutional advancement has truly made a difference in the success of the FVCC Foundation and in the lives of our students and citizens of our community.”

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Jane A. Karas, Ph.D. FVCC President

A Lasting Impression This past year, 353 FVCC students participated in the college’s Service Learning and Compact Service Corps AmeriCorps programs, providing nearly 44,000 hours of community service throughout Northwest Montana. FVCC’s leadership in community service was nationally recognized as the college was named to the 2014 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. The honor recognizes higher education institutions that support exemplary community service programs and raise the visibility of effective practices in campus community partnerships.

One project involved 12 FVCC students tutoring Russell Elementary School kindergarten through fifth grade students who scored below grade level in math and reading.

Among those volunteers was Trevor Brown, who set out on a quest to become a hero to someone less fortunate than himself. During his service, Brown experienced many challenges, but in the end, he triumphed and made a lasting impression on one young boy who recently lost his mother. Brown helped the boy with his reading and math homework and mentored him through other difficulties. Brown went the extra mile and began spending more quality time with him outside the classroom, having lunch together and playing games at recess.

The experience opened Brown’s eyes to the growing need for tutors and child companions and programs that support this need, inspiring him to continue this newfound passion of mentoring local youth.

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Wendy Jeschke FVCC Service Learning/AmeriCorps Coordinator

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“The heart of the Service Learning Program at FVCC is to provide students with opportunities to reinforce classroom learning and gain hands-on skills while meeting the needs of our community. These experiences often leave the students with a lasting impression of service and the value it has on our community. Through meaningful service activities and reflection, we are helping create a stronger, more aware and engaged community.”

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A dedicated father of six, Pitts began his first responder career as a volunteer firefighter and has worked his way up to captain at Evergreen Fire Rescue. For the past decade, he has served on the Northwest Montana Incident Management Team, supervising field operations during large-scale incidents. Additionally, he instructs paramedic classes at FVCC and teaches numerous continuing education courses for Flathead County on an annual basis.

Pitts was a key leader in helping grow Evergreen Fire and Rescue from a volunteer firefighting department to an emergency medical and rescue services department to meet the needs of the growing population and to reduce emergency response wait time. The addition has benefited the community significantly as the ambulance service went from receiving less than 400 calls its first year of operation to 2,200 calls this past year.

In his quest to save lives, Pitts takes his job a step further to ensure patients have a voice. Whether a patient is suffering from a life-threatening emergency, watching flames engulf his or her home or is unconscious from a car collision, Pitts unwaveringly ensures all of his patients receive their full benefit of care. He has turned his passion into a calling by teaching this important practice to all of his students and peers. “Beyond having the necessary skills and knowledge, the most important job of first responders is patient advocacy. In my trainings, I teach first responders to make it the core of all they do. I tell them to put themselves in the shoes of their patients and then ask how they would want to be treated. It is ultimately our job to make sure our patients can trust us to look out for their best interests during their most vulnerable moments.�

Ryan Pitts FVCC Practical Nursing and Paramedicine Graduate 2014 Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellows Award Recipient

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leadership

FVCC Practical Nursing student Ryan Pitts was one of 196 community-engaged student leaders honored nationwide with the 2014 Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellows Award for his service to others and leadership in finding solutions for challenges facing our nation’s communities.

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A Passion for Patients

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Bringing Ideas to Life The founding of FVCC’s Entrepreneurship Center has brought new resources and opportunities to Northwest Montana’s budding and existing entrepreneurs by: •

Hosting a live simulcast of the 2013 Montana Economic Development Summit organized by U.S. Senator Max Baucus and a community discussion regarding the opportunities and challenges facing girls and women who aspire to leadership roles;

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Introducing Montana’s first Ice House Entrepreneurship Program to help students identify and pursue viable business opportunities while developing critical-thinking and problemsolving skills; two cohorts of students participated in the program, resulting in the startup of three new businesses;

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Partnering with Flathead High School’s International Baccalaureate Programme to host the Best of TED Festival at FVCC; the free community event featured three nights of exceptional TED Talks accompanied by commentary and discussions with panels of local community leaders;

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Helping organize TEDxWhitefish in January and hosted a live stream of the event at FVCC; TEDxWhitefish, the Flathead’s first live TED event, featured speakers from across Montana who shared their original insights to help point the Flathead Valley down a path toward responsible economic development, resource conservation and inclusive citizens;

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Teaming up with ImagineIF Libraries to present Montana’s first Maker Faire; the Kalispell Mini Maker Faire featured informative presentations and more than 30 innovative exhibits, many of which included hands-on activities for the 600 participants; and

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Sending four advanced manufacturing students to compete in The University of Montana’s 25th annual John Ruffatto Business Plan Competition. (L-R) Kaleb Griepp, Nate Peterson, Carol Vincent and Tyler Godbold presented the development and commercialization of their startup advanced industrial additive-manufacturing (3D) printing system company, Bold 3DTM, LLC; the students were the first in FVCC history to participate in the competition.

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Math Matters To address the ongoing challenge of a majority of FVCC students placing at the developmental math level, the college partnered with local math teachers to better understand K-12 math curriculum. The goal was to reduce the number of students placing into developmental math, which has been identified as a significant barrier to college completion.

In addition, FVCC launched a new Foundational Math Program in an effort to improve student success, increase student retention, make completion of courses more efficient and provide support to alleviate “math phobia” among students. In an effort to create a community for students that provides the support and encouragement they need to succeed, FVCC established a Foundational Math Center. The facility houses over 60 computer workstations equipped with developmental math software, helping students move at their own pace while receiving continued support from math faculty.

K-12

Laura VanDeKop FVCC Math Associate Professor

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“The Foundational Math Program has created a great sense of community for teachers and students, and we’ve standardized the content so all foundational students have the same experience. Not only have we noticed a decrease in test anxiety among students, we’re already seeing an increase in our student success rates.”

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A Win for Welders FVCC became Montana’s second American Welding Society (AWS) Accredited Test Facility (ATF), bringing new opportunities for welders in Northwest Montana to achieve national certification and potential higher wages and for local employers to have access to nationally-certified welders. As the 93rd accredited facility of this kind in the nation, FVCC provides welding students who successfully complete the certification course and national certification test the opportunity to be listed in the AWS National Registry of Welders.

“We are excited to offer our students the ability to graduate from an Accredited Test Facility and provide them opportunities to improve their employability. In this competitive job market, the welders with AWS certification are going to get the jobs over similarly-skilled welders without it.”

Pete Wade FVCC Director of Career and Technical Education

opportunities

Local employers are benefiting from this new credential, as the college’s facility serves as a resource for local employers to train and test qualified welders. ATFs help companies save money, improve productivity and reduce liability by entrusting their welder certification to the experts.

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The only requirement for the scholarship is that the students come from Montana, a place Jim loves, and that they seek an education to better the lives for themselves and their families. Majors, grade point averages and dreams do not matter.

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James “Jim” Daley and his late wife, Doris Monk Daley, made the gift of education possible for students today and tomorrow when they established a $1 million endowed scholarship fund at FVCC this past year. The gift will provide opportunities for Montanans to attend college who otherwise would not be able to do so without scholarship support.

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A Million for Montanans

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A Montana native, Jim moved to the Flathead Valley in 1924 where he and Doris would make their home. He worked in the construction business as a carpenter, building houses and working on public projects, like the Hungry Horse Dam, and commercial buildings, such as Columbia Falls Aluminum Company. Upon his retirement, he and Doris settled in the community of Lakeside. The couple were always passionate about helping “Montana kids” seek better lives, believing education was the key. Together, they established a generous scholarship fund for high school graduates in Flathead County to help them attend college.

Doris passed away November 30, 2000, one month after she and Jim celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. In 2007, Jim began supporting student scholarships at FVCC. Jim is a World War II veteran and served in the U.S. Navy.

This spring, he traveled to Washington, D.C., with 76 other Montana World War II veterans on the final World War II Big Sky Honor Flight.

“We are grateful to Jim and Doris for this legacy gift to help those in our great state afford an outstanding college education.

Their gift of education will be felt by students well into the future.”

Jane A. Karas, Ph.D. FVCC President

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Learning Revolutionized To help with the continuation of preparing students for energy and manufacturing jobs, FVCC received a $3,466,107 Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant award to fund improvements focusing on the integration of online delivery into traditional face-to-face occupational trades programs.

FVCC was among 13 partnering two-year Montana colleges that received a combined total federal grant award of $25 million, which supports the online collaboration between all participating Montana colleges.

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Among the numerous grant success stories is the capability for the college’s new light board, originally funded by a previous TAACCCT grant for the Consortium for Healthcare Education Online project, to now serve as an open education resource, which offers access to online learning tools without copyright boundaries. This benefits students in Northwest Montana and across the globe who are pursuing studies in manufacturing, electronics, machining and industrial maintenance.

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“The light board is a paradigm shifting tool that overcomes the feeling of isolation that online students may feel while taking a course. As a manufacturing instructor, the light board enables me to present contentrich lecture material to distance learners in a mode that closely resembles traditional face-to-face instruction. An added bonus is that once lectures are created, all students can benefit by having the opportunity to review the material at a later time.�

Dan Leatzow, Ph.D. Advanced Manufacturing Specialist

A New Home for Veterans To assist FVCC student veterans and service members and their families on campus, FVCC established a Veterans’ Center in fall 2013. The facility provides a place on campus to access resources and assistance, including counseling and academic advising, and to study, take breaks and bond with fellow veterans.

The Veterans’ Center was also founded to accommodate the large influx of veterans coming back from war. Northwest Montana has the highest concentration of veterans in the state, and with the Post 911 G.I. Bill in effect, it is anticipated that the number of veterans enrolling in college is expected to increase substantially over the next years.

Funded by a $30,000 grant from the Montana Office of Commissioner of Higher Education, the Veterans’ Center is equipped with a lounge, study tables, computer workstations, a kitchenette and privacy room. The center houses the college’s veterans’ affairs specialist to provide support and welcomes a representative from the Kalispell Vet Center several times a month to meet with students who need assistance.

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In conjunction with the center’s opening, FVCC hosted two free workshops for college employees, community members and local nonprofit agencies focused on the challenges veterans face when they return from war and how to better serve them.

The workshops were among several professional development programs offered throughout the year to educate the FVCC campus community on how to better meet the needs of student veterans.

Rob Daniels is one of many students impacted by the Veterans’ Center. He was homeless when he started at FVCC, and this spring, he graduated with high honors and a degree in substance abuse counseling.

“I had a difficult adjustment period coming out of the service, and honestly, I didn’t think it was even possible for me to go to college. With the help of FVCC instructors and staff, I was able to ease into my classes.

The best part has been the camaraderie I have found through the FVCC Veterans’ Center. It’s like a family—I feel like ‘part of’ again, rather than ‘apart from.’ Doors are opening for my future that never would have if I hadn’t had the support of the college which pushed me to keep going. I’m excited about my future again.”

Rob Daniels U.S. Coast Guard Veteran

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Enhancing Student Success

“I think we assume our students are technology savvy when they come to college.

We’re surrounded by it. But we’re finding that our students do not know how to leverage technology in a professional setting. Part of our job is to equip students with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to succeed when they enter the workplace.”

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Conrad Rauscher FVCC English Assistant Professor

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But Rauscher didn’t stop there. His mission to enhance student success continued when he founded the Google ChromebookTM Rental program, thanks to funding support from an FVCC Foundation Technology Grant. The program allows students who do not own laptops or tablets with keypads to rent Chromebooks from the college for $40 a semester. This enables students to provide their own technology in the classroom where they are taught the fundamentals of technology instead of having to take additional classes to learn the technology or struggle with trying to learn it on their own. Students also can sit seminar-style in the classroom, so they can build community.

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With the costs of textbooks serving as a barrier for many students, FVCC English Assistant Professor Conrad Rauscher saw an opportunity for change.

He collaborated with his English Department peers, and together, they came up with a plan that would change the face of College Writing 101, FVCC’s highest enrollment course which engages roughly 700 students per year. The plan was to create an application, or “app,” that provides students access to a free open source textbook from any online or mobile device and replaces the need to purchase the $100 textbook. The program also allows students to purchase a hard copy of the open source textbook for roughly $14, resulting in a significant cost savings for the students. Rauscher received an FVCC Foundation Enhancement Grant to fund the project, and College Writing 101: There’s an App for That was born.

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Planting the Technology Seed To motivate Northwest Montana youth to develop interest in the fundamentals of technology, FVCC Kid’s College introduced two new classes this summer. Students in grades 3-6 created their own model boats utilizing 3D printing technology in the course, “What Floats Your Boat?” In the other course, “Magical World of Computer Coding,” children in grades 3-8 discovered how fun computer programming can be by learning how to write simple code. The coding class was developed with the goal of becoming a feeder course for Code Montana, an online program that teaches Montana high school students how to write code.

“This is an important initiative for our college and area high schools as there are more high-paying programming jobs in Montana than computer science graduates. By working together, we can help fill this need while preparing high school students in Northwest Montana for high-paying jobs in a rapidly-growing industry.”

Susie Burch FVCC Executive Director, Economic Development and Continuing Education

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highlights

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Senior Institute Celebrates 20 Years

FVCC held its 20th annual Senior Institute this spring.

The program enrolled more than 230 senior citizens and involved a series of 13 classes ranging from birds of Northwest Montana, the Civil War and beginning yoga to ceramics, computers and gardening.

Seussville University

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FVCC welcomed Montana State Superintendent Denise Juneau for a Graduation Matters Montana press conference. Supporters from the area business and education communities joined Juneau as she announced a $10,000 grant award from the Montana Office of Public Instruction to support the Graduation Matters Kalispell program. Earlier in the year, FVCC participated in the second annual I-Pledge to Graduate event held at Flathead County Fairgrounds. More than 700 local eighth graders participated in the event where they all pledged to graduate from high school.

In celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday, FVCC hosted Seussville University to promote literacy to more than 200 second grade students from five area schools. Activities included art, music, math and reading classes and a theatre production, each of which centered on a specific Dr. Seuss book. Thirty FVCC students participated in the event through the college’s Service Learning program.

College for a Day

FVCC hosted its sixth annual College for a Day. Approximately 600 juniors from local high schools spent the day at FVCC taking college classes, meeting college professors and exploring the diverse career options available in the workforce.

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President’s K-12 Luncheon

FVCC President Jane Karas hosted a K-12 luncheon for local school administrators. Principals and superintendents of junior high/middle schools and high schools from across Flathead County gathered on the FVCC campus to hear a college update from President Karas and engage in an open discussion on how the college can better serve area K-12 schools.

Senior Seminar

In fall 2013, the FVCC Continuing Education Center launched a new three-week Senior Seminar for area senior citizens. Participants chose from one of four affordable classes that ranged from “Economic Principles” and “Montana Native American Writers” to “The Power of Place: Exploring Relationships between People and Places” and “Posture, Strength and Bone Health.”

Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference Winners

Four FVCC students traveled to Indianapolis in May for the Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference to compete against colleges from across the nation in the Workplace Skills Assessment Program. Kyle Lathrop, Ashley Olson, Daniel Sutley and Tyler Dailey’s team presentation took third place overall in the small business management competition. Olson placed third for her individual presentation in the ethics competition.

Supporting Our Local Workforce

FVCC held several events during the year to support the local workforce.

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In response to a need from several area long-term care and other health facilities to fill positions, FVCC hosted a nursing and health science career fair, offering those considering careers in health care an opportunity to explore employment opportunities and network with area health care agencies about current openings.

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The college hosted its first Career Classes Week to help prepare students for successful entry into the workforce. The initiative involved student/employer roundtable discussions and a series of free workshops from completing online applications and writing resumes to preparing for interviews.

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FVCC partnered with the Flathead Job Service to host the 2014 Flathead Valley Job Fair.

Eighty-two employers participated in the free event, which was attended by 625 job-seekers from across the community, including 125 veterans. Prior to the job fair, FVCC and the Flathead Job Service hosted a series of free Job Fair Prep Events for FVCC students.

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Student Research

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First Physical Therapist Assistant Graduating Class FVCC graduated its first class of physical therapist assistant students during a special pinning ceremony August 3, 2013. Twelve graduates were recognized for completing the two-year Associate of Applied Science degree program.

Big Night The FVCC Art Department raised a record $22,000 at its fourth annual Big Night fundraiser, an event to fund student scholarships for its 2015 Semester in Venice program. The gala featured an Italian-inspired dinner created by students of The Culinary Institute of Montana at FVCC, a live auction, an art exhibit and testimonials by Venice students.

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FVCC students Tyler Rasmussen, Briahna Bennett, Rachel Just, Michael Selhost, Josh Healy and Christian Stratton traveled to Denver to present their research at the 2014 Western Regional Honors Conference. Travel was made possible by the Honors Program Endowment fund.

Global First Place Finish FVCC 3D Jewelry Design Student Stacey Whitmire won first place in the International Gemvision Design Contest student category, marking the second consecutive year an FVCC student has captured the title. The competition attracts jewelers from all over the globe who use the Matrix design software by Gemvision to create unique pieces of jewelry.

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Geocache Adventure

FVCC’s natural resources conservation and management program hosted the college’s first Geocache Adventure. Seventy participants, ranging from novice to experts, ventured on one of two courses designed and tested by FVCC students, developing participants’ navigational skills while providing fun for the whole family and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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Main Street Montana Project

FVCC welcomed Montana Governor Steve Bullock for his sixth and final Main Street Montana Project economic roundtable discussion. Northwest Montana business, labor, education and economic development leaders gathered to identify strengths and challenges Montana businesses face and to brainstorm solutions. .

Thailand’s Moradokmai Theatre Community

FVCC was one of two stops in Montana for Thailand’s Moradokmai Theatre Community’s 2013 U.S. tour. Founded by FVCC alumnus Chang Janaprakal Chandruang, the theatre ensemble presented its version of “Ramakien” to the FVCC Theatre stage, providing Flathead Valley residents a rare opportunity to enjoy a performance by the tuition-free, volunteer-taught residential school where teens and young adults learn traditional performing arts, including Thai music, dance and theatre, as well as contemporary innovations.

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Visiting World-renowned Executive Chef

The Culinary Institute of Montana at FVCC welcomed world-renowned Morimoto Napa Executive Chef Nai Kang Kuan for a visit this spring.

Chef Kuan prepared a special dinner for FVCC Foundation and conducted demonstrations for the culinary arts students. Chef Kang worked under Japanese Chef Masaharu Morimoto, a regular on the hit television programs “Iron Chef” and “Iron Chef America.”

Montana Organic Annual Conference

Association

FVCC welcomed the Montana Organic Association for its 11th annual conference.

FVCC Agriculture Program Director Heather Estrada, Ph.D., and Campus Farm Manager Julian Cunningham were featured speakers, along with scientists and organic growers from across the state. The conference was attended by approximately 145 Montana agricultural stakeholders and featured organic and local foods prepared by The Culinary Institute of Montana at FVCC.

Commencement

FVCC graduated its 46th class during the college’s 2014 commencement. The college recognized 422 graduates for completing 431 degrees and certificates during the 2013-2014 academic year.

Daily Inter Lake Publisher and FVCC Distinguished Alumnus Rick Weaver served as commencement speaker.

Emergency Preparedness

In honor of the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance and National Preparedness Month, FVCC Paramedicine and Emergency Management Program Director Kris Long led a free community discussion on emergency preparedness. This year, Long was recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Board of Directors for achieving 20 consecutive years as a nationally registered EMT. By maintaining her registered status and completing regular continuing education courses, Long is among the few elite EMTs with the most training in pre-hospital emergency medical care in the nation.

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Fishing for Genes

FVCC 2013 biotechnology graduate Lydia Sykora and biotechnology student Justin Vetch were among 50 students and alumni nationwide selected to receive FVCC Foundation travel grants funding their way to Washington, D.C., to present their research on the isolation of a gene from westslope cutthroat trout. Their research project, “Fishing for Genes,” marked the first time the gene had been isolated from the Northwest Montana fish species which has received national attention. Sykora and Vetch presented their findings at the annual Advanced Technology Education National Principle Investigators Conference, co-sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the American Association of Community Colleges.

Expanding Horizons for Women in STEM Careers

In partnership with the Soroptimist International clubs of Bigfork, Kalispell, Polson and Whitefish, FVCC hosted Expanding Your Horizons, an annual event that encourages young women to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. The college welcomed 300 7th and 8th grade girls from across Northwest Montana to campus where they were connected with STEM role models and participated in hands-on activities.

From Farm to Table

In response to the growing farm-to-table movement in Northwest Montana, FVCC expanded its agriculture program with the addition of the college’s new Campus Farm site and the construction of its first greenhouse, providing agriculture students more hands-on learning opportunities. These new additions supported a new farm shares program for FVCC faculty, staff and students. This spring, the program partnered with Citizens for a Better Flathead to sponsor a community Seed Swap and Speed Date a Farmer event on campus.

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FVCC Welcomes U.S. Congressional Delegates

FVCC welcomed U.S. Senator Jon Tester for a Veterans Affairs public forum. More than 100 veterans and their families gathered to share their health care stories with the senator. Earlier in the year, U.S. Representative Steve Daines attended the FVCC Veterans’ Center open house where he toured the facility and visited with FVCC student veterans and service members and their families.

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Journey to Wellness

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Gregg Davis, Ph.D., associate professor of economics, is currently analyzing data for The Summit/Kalispell Regional Healthcare’s “Journey to Wellness Program.” Davis recently entered into a partnership between the Center for Business and Economic Research, FVCC and Data Smart Solutions in Helena to work collaboratively on mining health claims data from various employer groups to identify potential cost-saving strategies.

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Multicultural Education

FVCC hosted an American Indian Heritage Day celebration featuring Salish tribal elder Alec Quequesah and several Salish performers and a traditional Native American Round Dance; a Salish and Kootenai film series presented by the HeartLines Project; a West African drum and dance workshop by Bob Sherrick and Leslie Yancey; “We Are All Americans,” honoring Civil War hero Ely S. Parker, by composer and FVCC Theatre and Music Adjunct Professor Craig Thomas Naylor; and “Freedom Train,” presented by St. Charles Women’s Choir of Whitefish, under the direction of Business Professor Karla West, in honor of Black History Month.

Workshops for Teachers

High school teachers, FVCC faculty and staff and local industry leaders gathered to discuss how better to prepare students for success within the manufacturing and health science industries. The focus centered on industry needs and how to integrate specific skills in both high school and college curriculum. FVCC worked with participating high schools to fill gaps and remove duplication in the curriculum as well as align curriculum to provide students a smooth transition from high school to college to the workforce.

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President’s Club

We gratefully acknowledge the following friends, businesses and organizations for their trust and investment in Flathead Valley Community College. The President’s Club includes donors who contributed $500 or more from July 1, 2013 to November 1, 2014.

Legacy Circle

The Legacy Circle is composed of friends who have remembered Flathead Valley Community College through establishment of an FVCC endowment fund, bequest or other planned gift, establishing a lasting legacy.

American Association of University Women Ruth Ackroyd Mentor Endowed Scholarship Fund Kathy and Greg Barkus Ervin and Marie Bauer Endowed Scholarship Fund The Beyer Family Foundation Founding President, Dr. Larry J. Blake, Sr., Endowed Scholarship Fund Kim and Mick Blodnick William M. Boehme, M.D. James Bonnet, M.D. John Bowdish Jerome and Rebecca Broussard Family Endowed Scholarship Fund The Mary Grace Houlberg Certainty Scholarship Endowment Fund Theodore Chase Honors Symposium Endowment Fund James and Doris Monk Daley Endowed Scholarship Fund Diamond Marketing, Inc./Diamond Auto Glass Selma Dodge Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund Ila B. Dousman Endowed Scholarship Fund Rose and James Ennis Endowed Scholarship Fund Mary Fetter Endowed Scholarship Fund Flathead County Tavern Association Endowed Scholarship Fund Flathead Electric Cooperative, Inc. Endowed Scholarship Fund Flathead Valley Community College Theatre Endowment Fund Marion Foley Doris C. Forkin Endowed Scholarship Fund Glacier Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund Jim Gordley Endowed Scholarship Fund Lawrence A. Goroski Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund Eugene E. and Barbara P. Graf Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund Helen, Henry and Joyce Greve Endowed Scholarship Fund Ora and Stanley Halvorson Endowed Scholarship Fund Ella Hanley and Jacobson Family Endowed Scholarship Fund Thelma Hetland Mark Hodgson and Dorothy Jaquette Hodgson Memorial Scholarship Fund The Institute for Socioeconomic Studies Scholarship in Memory of Leonard M. Greene Marjory and Alvin Jacobson Memorial Art Scholarship Charlotte Kempf Johnson Endowed Scholarship Fund Rita Johnson Endowment Fund for Nursing Students Viola Jore Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund

2014 Scholarship Luncheon

The Foundation held its 21st annual Scholarship Award Luncheon to honor scholarship donors and student scholarship recipients. In total, 317 FVCC students received $501,790 in FVCC Foundation and community-supported scholarships for the 201415 academic year. Student speakers Skyler Bexten, Baylee Brinton, Wendy Stanislao and Scott Brooke shared their gratitude and personal stories about the impact scholarships have made on their lives.

“I depend on my community. You help me achieve more than what I could have achieved on my own.

You help others achieve more than they thought possible.”

Skyler Bexten, Kalispell 2014 Scholarship Recipient 28

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Junkermier, Clark, Campanella, and Stevens Konsberg Endowed Scholarship Fund Lil and Jim Laidlaw Marcia and Tom Laux Karen Longhart Memorial Mathematics Education Endowed Scholarship Fund C. K. Logue Endowed Scholarship Fund Ellen and John MacMillan Endowed Scholarship Fund Mattson Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund Walt and Mary Louise Mauritson Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund Bill and Lois McClaren Endowed Scholarship Fund Perry and Luella Melton and Stephen F. Hagel Memorial Scholarship Fund Kathryn and Chuck Mercord Mercord Family Endowed Scholarship Fund Mercord Family Scholars Program Endowment Fund Meredith Construction Co. Endowment for Building and Construction Trades Curtis and Evelyn Mitchell Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund Doug and Patsi Morton Endowment Fund Paul Boe Mosby Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund Patyk Family Endowed Scholarship Fund Thomas C. Perry Endowed Scholarship Fund Dustin Petersen Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund Red Lion Hotels Endowed Scholarship Fund Rhoades Family Endowed Scholarship Fund Mel Ruder – Ruder Educational Fund Running Start Endowed Scholarship Fund Christopher Savage Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund Sliters Ace Lumber and Building Supply Endowed Scholarship Fund Owen E. Sowerwine, Alton Pearce, and Milton Mercord Memorial Scholarship Fund Dr. Charles E. and Lottie (Hartsoch) Stewart Endowed Scholarship Fund Robbie Sullivan Endowed Scholarship Fund Sullivan Family Endowed Scholarship Fund Cal Tassinari/Flathead Land Trust Endowed Scholarship Fund Mary Treloar Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund TRIO Employee Endowed Scholarship Fund Dick Uhde Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund Scott Vallely Soldiers Memorial Fund Paul D. Wachholz Holly Jean Larson and Bernard Walz Music Endowed Scholarship Fund Fay and Thain White Endowment Fund Whitefish Mountain Resort Endowed Scholarship Fund Suzy and Paul Williams Paul T. Williams Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund Windmill Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund

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Festival of Flavors 2014

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The seventh season of Festival of Flavors raised record net proceeds of $170,000 to support scholarships and programs. Events included the spring Casablanca Dinner, a Napa Valley Summer Affair and a nine-day fall festival. The Foundation collaborated with business and individual sponsors, local chefs and restaurants, beverage companies, wineries and breweries, college departments and donors to make a difference for FVCC students.

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Employee Giving Fund Working Together

The FVCC employees raised a record $8,000 in 2014 to provide an emergency fund for students going through a difficult time and to provide scholarships for students in need.

Giving Fund Committee member and Sociology Assistant Professor Ami Mezahav encourages faculty and staff to help us reach the 2015 goal of $10,000.

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American Association of University Women American Homestead Mortgage Applied Materials Foundation Kari and Bert Arnlund Nan and Turner Askew Kelly Baisch and Alex Saylor Barnard Construction Co., Inc. Lana and Joe Batts Beartooth Electric Cooperative, Inc. Beaverhead County High School Sandy and David Berman Bethlehem Lutheran Church Bibler Foundation, Inc. Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts Foundation Bigfork Ladies Service Club Leslie Breaux Bristol Bay Native Association Ernest Brooner The Broussard Charitable Foundation The Broussard Family Charlotte and Keith Brown Susie and Jay Brown Victoria and Thomas Bundy Susie and Art Burch Byrd Memorial Scholarship Fund CTA Architects Engineers – Cathy and Dave Mitchell Kaye Callard and Bruce Woodmansee Jamie and Giuseppe Caltabiano/NXGEN Canby Rotary Foundation Patti and Randy Carlson Cenex Harvest States Foundation Kathy and Ron Chandonais John Chaney Karen and Nicholas Chickering Stephanie Christensen Chugach Heritage Foundation Church on the Move Marie and Brian Clark Nancy and Steve Clawson The Cobb Foundation Anne and John Collins Connie and George Colonius Columbia Falls School District #6 Complete Restoration, LLC Cook Inlet Tribal Council John Cooley Scholarship Fund Copper Mountain Foundation Judy and Bill Cox Jim Daley George Darrow Davidson Companies/ D. A. Davidson & Co. Dearborn Ranch Scholarship Fund Delta Kappa Gamma/Emily Leighty Scholarship Fund Jane and George Dennison Rick Dennison DePaul Catholic High School Thelma DiCiocco Deena Dietrich Michael diMuro Patricia and Frank diStefano Don “K” Chevrolet-Subaru Sherron and Pat Donovan Ila B. Dousman Fund, Inc. Michelle and Jim Drager

thanks

$1,000 and Above

Dunlap Explorations Lynn and Bennett Dykstra Eagle Foundation Eidsvold Lutheran Church Mary and Bill Eisenlohr Melissa and Daren Engellant – Glacier Insurance Strategies Susan Ennis Carole and Bart Erickson Eureka Lodge No. 93 Evergreen School District No. 50 Express Employment Professionals Sherill and Jon Fetveit Ann and Dan Fey Fidelity Rebekah Lodge #50 First Interstate Bank First Interstate BancSystem Foundation Flathead Building Association Flathead Conservation District Flathead County Republican Women Flathead Education Foundation Flathead Electric Cooperative, Inc. Flathead Farm Mutual Insurance Co. Flathead Valley RSES Jennifer and John Flink Foley Family Charitable Foundation Holly and Len Ford Fort Peck Tribes Alice and David Fortenberry Tracy and Bruce Freeman Rhonda Friedman and James Rafferty Fun Beverage, Inc. FVCC Adjunct Faculty Union FVCC Student Government Teresa and Frank Garner Mary and Harry Gibson Glacier Bank Good Samaritan Society Nancy Gordley Cheryl and Richard Gordon Grainger Deborah Greear Connee and Gary Greig Teresa and Charles Grenier Barbara and Brent Hall Donna and Phil Harris Kendra and Paul Harris Robin and Craig Harrison Hawkins Scholarship Foundation Cathy and Jon Hay Herriges Family Scholarship Fund Herrin Scholarship Fund Yvette and Mike Himsl E. A. Hinderman Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc. Faith and Dale Hodges Cheryl and Claude Hoffmeyer Heather and Derek Houseworth Howard Scholarship Fund Melissa Hulvat Suzanne and Harry Hyatt ID-RA-HA-JE Scholarship Fund Immanuel Lutheran Home Institute for Socioeconomic Studies, Inc. Norman Jacobson Gail and Tom Jenko Laura and Chuck Jensen The Johnson Family – Rita, Marise and Ann Jennifer and Mark Johnson William C. Johnson Kristen Jones and Doug Walker cont’d.

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Golden Circle

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K-M Management, Inc./ Nancy and Walter Kuhn Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Kalispell Christian Center Kalispell Farmers Market Kalispell Lions Club Kalispell Regional Healthcare Jane Karas and John Goroski Mary and Lee Kaufman Angela and Jim Kenyon Maureen and John King Kiwanis Foundation of America Kayleen and Tony Kohler Debbie and Terry Kramer Lakeside QRU Carol and Kurt Larson Hollister Larson Peter Larson Pat LaTourelle Anita and Jack Lavin Donna Lawson Leadership Montana Deanne and Jim Lehner Beth Lendrum Dorsey and Eugenie Lenz Scholarship Fund Cindy and Jeff Lewis Maggie and Al Logan C. K. Logue Trust Fred Longhart Jeannie and Steve Luckey Mary Ann and Curt Lund Shannon and Tom Lund Ellen and John MacMillan Lois and Bill McClaren McDonald’s Carol and Tom McElwain Meadow Lake Resort Kathryn Mercord Leslie Mercord and Reed Blackburn Darrell Merrill Mick’s Ranches, LLC Missoula First United Methodist Foundation Modern Machinery Susan Moffitt and Chris Ridder Patricia and Gerald Molen Montana Chamber Foundation Montana Bankers Education Foundation Montana Equestrian Events Montana Space Grant Consortium Diane Morton and Blake Stout Patsi and Doug Morton Aaron Mower Pam and Mike Mower Nadeau/Senft Scholarship Fund

National FFA Foundation National Flood Services National Rifle Association Foundation Linda and Joel Nelson Helen and Van Kirke Nelson Gary Norby, Jr. Junior Golf Foundation Jan and Jerry Norskog North Valley Hospital North Valley Hospital Auxiliary North Valley Hospital Foundation Northwest Montana Retired Educators Association Kim and Bob Nystuen Wilma and Barry O’Connor Mary Lee and Jim Oliverson Ivan O’Neil Claudine and Tom Origitano Jennet and Edith Orr Scholarship Fund Owens & Hurst Lumber Company Gwyn and Andy Palchak PEO Chapter AI PEO Chapter AB PEO Chapter C Friends of FVCC PEO Chapter D Marylou and Tony Patterson Bettina and Steve Patyk Ann and Tom Perry Naomi Perry Coleen and Ross Pickert Plains Public Schools – School District #1 Plum Creek Plum Creek Foundation Polson Dollars for Scholars Premier Real Estate Professionals Jean Puente Beverly and Joe Raudabaugh Red Lake Bank of Chippewa Indians Victoria and Bob Reich Grace Ritzman Scholarship Fund Gunda and Warren Roach Julie Robbins Rocky Mountain Bank Robert Rodman and John Lyons Rotary Club of Whitefish Mary and Alan Ruby Char Rygg Patricia and Simmons B. Savage, III Donna Scholl Liz and Kevin Scholten Ann Schroeder-Sebesta and Paul Sebesta Margie and Larry Simpson Jennifer and Justin Sliter Nikki and Everit Sliter Ralene and Tom Sliter

Supporting Student Success and Faculty Innovation – Scholarships and Grants With business and individual financial support of FVCC events, the Foundation awarded students $128,000 in scholarships and $35,000 in grants for innovative projects and student travel. Scholarships included a $10,000 Transformation scholarship, $30,000 in full Tuition/Fees Achievement Scholarships and $25,000 in summer scholarships. One of the grants supported the development of an electric car in a collaboration between chemistry and occupational trades students.

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Smith Valley School District #89 Irene and Tom Snyder Sons of Norway Soroptimist Club of Bigfork Soroptimists International of Whitefish Owen E. Sowerwine Foundation, Inc. Angie and Jason Spring Stanley Scholarship Funds, Inc. Velinda and Mark Stevens Stillwater Mining Co. Ellie and Joe Stimpson Lisa and Al Stinson/Stinson Family Foundation Stinson Family Foundation Olga Stromset Scholarship Fund Student Assistance Foundation Carol and Mark Sullivan Shirley and Ed Sullivan Summit Medical Communications The Sustainability Fund John L. and Ann Taylor Scholarship Fund Teakettle Quilt Guild DeAnn and Pat Thomas Ladeine and Ray Thompson Three Rivers Bank Tobacco Valley MEA Sherry and Peter Tracy The Treacy Company Bobbie Truckner and Bob O’Neil Anita and David Tseng Linda and Bruce Tutvedt Colleen and Joe Unterreiner Valley Ford Neil Van Sickle Veterans of Foreign Wars Lola Vulles Paul Wachholz Debbi and Dave Waldenberg/Central Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation Roxy Watkins - VALIC Dan Weinberg – Angora Ridge Foundation Gwen and Ken White Whitefish Credit Union Whitefish Masonic Lodge Whitefish Mountain Resort Whitefish School District #44 Bonnie and John Whitehouse Judy and Dave Williams Suzy Williams The Windmill Foundation Pat and Denny Winkel Darrell Worm Two Anonymous Donors

FVCC President’s Dinner

President Jane Karas and the FVCC Foundation honored alumni, individuals, businesses and organizations for their immense generosity and support at the annual President’s Dinner in May. “As we close another successful academic year at FVCC, we thank our community for your gifts of support. You have made all the difference.”

Jane A. Karas, Ph.D. FVCC President

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FVCC Alumni & Ambassadors

The Alumni & Ambassadors (A&A) March luncheon highlighted FVCC’s art, music and theatre departments. In October, alumni, friends, students, faculty and staff celebrated FVCC at the second annual A&A Social held at The Rack Shack in Somers. A&A has 150 members and is growing under the leadership of the Alumni & Ambassador’s Council.

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Silver Circle $500 to $999

Bibler Home and Garden Strolls

The FVCC Foundation and the Bibler Home and Gardens commemorated its 10th year of spring and summer tours. The Culinary Institute of Montana at FVCC students and college music instructor Wai Mizutani and music students provided food and music for the kick-off events. This collaboration raises $8,000 annually to support the FVCC Scholarship Fund.

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AFSCME MT DOT Ruth and David Ackroyd American Legion Roosevelt Post #108 Lynn and John Andenoro Phyllis Anderson Dr. George Antunes Apollo Sheet Metal Anna and Richard Armstrong Marti and Paul Bacon Jerri and John Balsam Sandra and Russell Barnes Gail Bauman Carol Bibler and Jim Watson Bigfork High School Bigfork Volunteer Fire Department Bitterroot Woman’s Club Mary and Charles Bleck Kathryn and Jim Bloom Kristin and Erik Bodeen Marty and Mark Bond John Bowdish Kris and Ron Brost Canby Booster Club Canby Junior Basketball B. J. and Milt Carlson Marilyn and Rick Champoux Christ Lutheran Church Clark Fork Valley Elks Lodge #2757 Mary Jane and Ken Clarkson Chris Clouse Judy and Dale Cockrell Jeff Collins Columbia Falls Library Association Nancy and Walter Conrad Corvallis United Methodist Church Diocese of Helena Janie and Brad Dixon Matt Doucett Doyon Foundation Jessica Dubois Easthaven Baptist Church Joanne and Hayden Eaves Kristy Ehrmantraut and Rich Haptonstall Kathy and Dennis Emerson Louellen Essex and Ted Shabert The Eyak Foundation Michelle and David Fetveit Flathead Bank Flathead Chapter of the Montana Society of CPAs Flathead County Democratic Women Flathead County Sheriff’s Posse Flathead Valley Jazz Society Paulette and Mark Fopp Beeman Fopp Scholarship Fund Fraternal Order of Eagles – North Valley Aerie No. 4081 Gretchen Gates/Eva Gates Homemade Preserves Mary Ann and Christopher Gill Glacier Symphony and Chorale Karen Glasser Shirley and William Glidden Andrea and Craig Goff Peach and Gary Graeff Great Falls Scholarship Foundation, Inc. Great Harvest Bread Co. Joyce Greve Hamilton Lions Club Brenda and Eric Hanson cont’d.

Kathi and John Hartlieb Sue Haverfield Carol and Bob Hermes Vickie and Lorin Hicks Charlotte and Wilson Higgs Lynne Hilleboe Cary and Dave Hofstad Marcy and Mark Holston Interbel and Tobacco Valley Communications Diane and Jon Johnson Sharon Johnson Jordahl & Sliter Joy and Wink Jordan Sue Justis Kalispell Grand Hotel Karlene and Francis Khor Lil and Jim Laidlaw Denise and John Lang Holly Jean Larson Janet and Dick Leigh Libby Public Schools Lilja Precision Rifle Barrels, Inc. Darla and Tim Lindsey Ming Lovejoy Maricopa Youth Development Corp.

Kevin Marshall Marilee and Loren McClurg Valerie McIntyre Kari McKendry Medical Arts Pharmacy Ami Mezahav Mission Valley Scholarship, Inc. Montana Health Care Association Montana Restaurant Association Education Foundation Debbie Mota Mountain Brook Memorial Scholarship Fund Mountain Valley Foods Theora and George Mumm Theresa and Todd Napier Karen and Matt Nickels Night Owl & Back Room Restaurant

Glenda and Marvin Northcutt Northwestern Energy Laurie and William O’Leary Beverly and Doug Oleson PayneWest Insurance Karen Perser Karen Pfeifer Polson Rotary Club Powell County High School Education Foundation Premier Community Credit Union Laura and Paul Putnam Kelly Redfield and Dan Zlogar Cherie and Nir Regev Revolution Marilyn Reynolds and Bruce Harris Myrna and Bud Ridenour RiSE Scholarship Foundation Julie Robertson and Michael Bliven Heidi and Shane Rogers Rotary Club of Kootenai Valley Carol and John Santa Amanda and Peter Savage Mary Catherine and Derek Savage Vicki Schulz Simms High School Soroptimist Club of Kalispell Gerry Souhrada Michael Stebbins Debbie and Craig Stevenson Stoner Road South, LLC Toot and Tom Sward TBS Custom Painting, Inc. Pamela Totten and Gordon Stillie Troy Public Schools, District #1 Fay and Ed Tucker Two Rivers Consulting Muffin and Paul Vallely Valley Bank Mary Van Buskirk and Roger Barber Vision Net, Inc. Jeff Walla Catherine J. Whisennand Scholarship Fund

Marian and Charles White Gail Whitney David Williams Arlene and Gary Wilson Lee and Todd Wirthlin Puck and Matt Witmer Mary Yokan Youth Serve Montana One Anonymous Donor

In-kind Donations Applied Materials Carl Berry/Star Resort Group LLC Bigphoto.me Nancy and Steve Cawdrey The Cherry Tree The Daily Inter Lake The Flathead Beacon Fun Beverage, Inc. George’s Distributing Cherie Hansen Jordahl & Sliter The Jug Tree Junkermier, Clark, Campanella, and Stevens KLG Engineers William Norris Alice Peca Patti Peters/Business Resource and Training Company John Rawlings Paul Sanza Unified Color Lynn and Larry Wilson Rob Wink Every effort has been made to ensure this report is correct.

Any errors or omissions should be reported to the Foundation Office by calling 406-756-3632.

Thank you.

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Donors at all giving levels are recognized at the President’s Dinner every May.

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John M. Phelps Vice Chair – Whitefish Ralene Sliter Secretary – Kalispell Thomas K. Harding Whitefish Mark Holston Kalispell Tom McElwain Columbia Falls Shannon Lund Kalispell

Jane A. Karas, Ph.D. President Kristen Jones, Ed.D. Vice President of Instruction and Student Services Chuck Jensen, M.B.A., CPA Vice President of Administration and Finance Karen Glasser, M.P.A. Executive Director, Human Resources Colleen Unterreiner, M.P.A. Executive Director, Institutional Advancement Bill Bond, M.S. Executive Director, Management Information Services Susan Burch, B.A. Executive Director, Economic Development and Continuing Education Brad Eldredge, Ph.D. Executive Director, Institutional Research, Assessment and Planning Brenda Hanson, M.A. Dean of Students

the fvcc foundation

administration board of trustees

Robert A. Nystuen Chair – Lakeside

Board of Directors Diane Morton, Chair Leslie Mercord, Past Chair DeAnn Thomas, Vice Chair Justin Sliter, Treasurer Shannon Lund – Board of Trustees Liaison Russ Barnes John Bowdish Stephanie Breck Jessica DuBois Frank Garner Nancy Gordley Mark Johnson Kayleen Kohler Patrice LaTourelle Donna Lawson Jim Lehner Andy Miller Aaron Mower Marylou Patterson Chris Ridder Lisa Schnee Margie Simpson Al Stinson Debbi Waldenberg Stephanie Wallace Suzy Williams Pat Winkel

Associate Members Lin Akey Josh Auerhammer Kathy Barkus Lee Berger Sally Elliman Mary Gibson Megan Gordley Lynne Hilleboe Chris Hyatt Lil Laidlaw Dorothy Laird Carol Larson Cindy Lewis Kathy Mercord Jarrod Shew Ralene Sliter Roger Somerville Ellie Stimpson Darrell Worm

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

Helen Keller

Kalispell and Libby, Montana

www.fvcc.edu