PERSPECTIVES 2 0 1 5
P R E S I D E N T ’ S
R E P O R T
1
A PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
As I reflect on my 15th year as president of Flathead Valley Community College, I extend my gratitude to a generous community. You have helped us provide exceptional education taught by world-class faculty in this beautiful place we call home. As we prepare each student for a better life, we remember your contributions, service and support, and we thank you for making a difference in 2015. Each of us has a different perspective on FVCC. This year, my report captures unique viewpoints from students, faculty, alumni, business and industry,
2
donors and friends. These perspectives show the depth and breadth of FVCC’s impact on Northwest Montana. As president, my perspective encompasses the larger community. FVCC rises above other community colleges because of our local, state and national support. Donors, volunteers, business and industry partners, educational partners and elected officials believe in FVCC’s mission and help make us an exceptional college.
Over the next year, we will be planning for the 50th Anniversary of FVCC with our focus on students and their goals, their dreams and their successes. I look forward to hearing your perspectives on FVCC and how, together, we can prepare our college for the next 50 years of serving students and our community. Warm regards,
Jane A. Karas, Ph. D. President
3
P E R S P E C T I V E S T U D E N T 4
“As a veteran, attending FVCC has been a great experience. The transition from the military to college was awesome and very easy. I would tell other veterans that are considering college about what they are missing. Give it a shot. The G.I. Bill is a wonderful benefit, and there is a small window to use. I earned my welding degree, and now I am working on a machining degree. Having both provides me more opportunities for senior-level positions, and maybe one day, I’ll even open up my own auto shop.�
Blake Thompson Machining Student
“Even though my parents both have bachelor’s degrees, it was tough for them to support a family of eight children. When my father passed away, we were faced not only with the traumatic impact of his death but also with the harsh reality of our family’s income loss. With the help of scholarships, Pell Grants and a work-study award, along with working four jobs, I am attending college with the goal of graduating debt free. Education is important to me not only because my parents achieved it, but also because I want a career so I can be independent and self-supportive.”
Roseanna Stanfield Business Administration Student Student Government President Transformation Scholarship Recipient
5
P E R S P E C T I V E S T U D E N T 6
“This college is not just my place of education, it’s my second home. The friends I’ve made with classmates and faculty alike have become family. FVCC and its faculty strive extensively for student achievement, and to me, that’s pretty groovy.”
Jhalen Salazar Music and Theatre Arts Student
7
P E R S P E C T I V E S T U D E N T 8
“After a few years doing the ski bum thing, I decided to start college. Now I am doing my own research and loving it! I know I wouldn’t have had this opportunity as a sophomore at a four-year school. Thanks to FVCC and the foundation it gave me, I completed a research assistantship at Rutgers University, I traveled to Edmonton, British Columbia, to present my research, and I just accepted a fullride scholarship to Cornell University to continue my studies in plant biology. And more than enough of my credits transferred.”
Nick Glynos
Biology Student Transformation Scholarship Recipient
“I am an Indonesian student, and it was always my dream to come to the United States to study and get a better education. I wanted to see the snow. I am so glad I chose FVCC. I enjoy the culture here. Students and faculty are so nice to me and have made me feel comfortable. Even if they don’t know me, they say hi and invite me to do fun activities like Thanksgiving dinner. I like the small classes, and my professors are patient and spend extra time with me so I can understand. It is nice that I can work on campus so I can pay for student housing. I like that everyone can study together, and I love the writing lab.�
Yasmin Peng International Student
9
10
S T U D E N T
P E R S P E C T I V E
“By the age of 18, I was on a path of self-destruction and would not deviate from this path for another 14 years. When I changed my course and came to FVCC, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The scholarship I received had much greater value than just monetary. It increased my perception of my own self-worth, and gave me confidence and limitless motivation. It taught me the value of generosity. It became the voice in my head saying, ‘I believe in you.’ My hard work and belief in myself has paid off. This past spring I was selected as one of 60 community college students to present original research at the National Science Foundation Advanced Technology Education Conference in Washington, D.C.”
Kim Lantrip
Biotechnology Student Transformation Scholarship Recipient
11
E V I C T E P S R E P Y U L T F A C 12
100% PASS RATE “We take pride in our surgical technology, practical nursing, registered nursing, physical therapist assistant, paramedicine and medical assistant programs for producing graduates who achieve a 100 percent pass rate on the national certification examinations, the last step needed to enter careers in the health care workforce. Their success is a wonderful reflection on both our health care faculty and our strong partnerships with local health care providers.�
Brad Eldredge, Ph.D. Vice President of Academic Affairs
Pictured (Clockwise): Medical Assistant Program Director Chris Degenhardt, Nursing Program Director Myrna Ridenour, Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director Janice Heil, Paramedicine Program Director Kris Long and Surgical Technology Program Director Rob Blackston
13
Ami Mezahav, Ph.D. Sociology Assistant Professor
E V I F A C
U
L T
Y
P
E
R
S
P
E
C T
“People come to FVCC with a range of expectations, capabilities and backgrounds. What faculty at FVCC are teaching and demonstrating is not what to think but how to think. In my case, I focus on how to apply the sociological perspective to a host of issues and how to use the insights of social science as tools in the quest for greater knowledge. Beyond that, we are helping our students recognize and mobilize their own potential, and in doing so, we are serving not just our students and FVCC but also the wider community.�
14 Photo Credit: Artie Regan/Mountain Life Photography
15
16
F A C
U
L T Y
P
E
R
S
P
E
C T
I
V
E
“FVCC has a long-standing tradition as a studentcentered college: engaging students in critical thinking, nurturing a curiosity to learn, while honoring the uniqueness of the individual. I am honored to have taught here for so many years.�
Brian Bechtold English/Theatre Arts Professor
17
P E R S P E C T I V E G L O B A L 18
“Since the very beginning, FVCC has been such a welcoming place for me as a student and teacher. Those who work here, besides great professionals, are amazing people. The campus, though not really big, is suitable to accommodate all of its students. The buildings are comfortable and well equipped. At the same time, I feel an atmosphere that is relaxing, and I feel compelled to study. Another thing I enjoy about FVCC is the interaction it promotes with the community, through various activities, events and projects. I feel happy to be in such a nice place.”
Anderson Viana de Carvalho Júnior Fulbright Teaching Assistant Brasilia, Brazil
“Kalispell is a quiet, neat and beautiful town. I have tried to picture its beauty many times, but nothing I imagined could compare to the beauty I found when I came here. The tranquility impresses me the most. Compared to China, this is a peaceful land. According to Chinese ‘feng shui’ (风水), if there is a mountain in the background and there is a clean and clear lake in front of it, this place must be the fortunate and lucky land. Montana is known as the ‘treasure state.’ Undoubtedly, Kalispell can be named ‘the town of good fortune’ because of its location, ecology system and the paradise of wild animals. As for me, I am grateful I teach at FVCC and that I am able to live in a paradise town.”
Qingfeng Zi (字庆锋)
Fulbright Scholar from Yunnan Vocational College of Mechanical and Electrical Technology, China
19
E V I C T E P S R E P I N M L U A
“I was a non-traditional student when I attended FVCC, working full-time and raising three children. I graduated with an associate’s degree and was very fortunate to be able to complete a good deal of the coursework for my bachelor’s degree while at FVCC. When I went on to the University of Montana, I was a bit intimidated and unsure about competing with those younger, traditional-age students. I quickly learned that my fears were unfounded. There is no doubt the education I received at FVCC prepared me for my bachelor’s and MBA degrees and provided me with the foundation I needed to succeed, and for that, I am extremely grateful. I cannot think of a better place for students to begin their postsecondary education. I am proud to say, ‘I graduated from FVCC.’”
Faith Hodges
2015 Distinguished Alumni Award Honoree Retired FVCC Dean Emeritus 20
21
E V I C T E P S
Jay Larsen
Co-Founder, Principal and Chief Engineer of Whitefish-based company Hydrospheric Solutions, Inc., hired to assist in the search for the wreckage of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370
Tyler Rasmussen
M
N
I
P L U
“I must confess to being bewildered and overwhelmed by degree and career options when I came to FVCC. But thanks to several great instructors, who took a personal interest in me and proved willing to invest their time helping me navigate my options, I discovered the field of web technologies. Over the course of my education, these instructors took the time to teach me, both inside and outside the classroom. I am especially grateful to Dawn Rauscher and Lisa Slagle, who were instrumental in getting me an internship which turned into a fulltime position at The ZaneRay Group—a topnotch web development and e-commerce company in the Flathead Valley.”
A
E
R
“Flathead Valley Community College was a critical stepping stone on my path through education and, ultimately, an engineering profession. The quality of education coupled with the reasonable costs allowed me to complete necessary courses and lay the foundation for my bachelor’s degree in engineering at Montana State University. FVCC is a great resource for people who want to grow their intellectual and professional lives.”
Interface Developer, The ZaneRay Group, and Owner/Freelancer, TR Creative 22
Photo Credit: David Rasmussen
Photo Credit: Ben Gebo Photography
“Some people assume that you can’t have high quality and competitive science and math courses at a community college. Quite the contrary, FVCC provided me a solid physics background that put me ahead in my program at the university and ultimately allowed me to get a Ph.D. in astrophysics from Harvard. The smaller class sizes and excellent faculty at FVCC meant that my preparation as a budding scientist was top notch as well as affordable.”
Sarah Rugheimer
2014 Harvard Horizons Scholar University of St. Andrews Research Fellow, United Kingdom 23
P E R S P E C T I V E C O M M U N I T Y 24
“Ralene dedicated endless hours of her time to raise money, engage others in the college, develop policy and set a positive direction to make FVCC a better place for students, employees and the community at large. Most would have stopped their activities on the Foundation board, but Ralene continued to take on more leadership roles. FVCC owes a debt of gratitude to this gracious individual whose leadership by example touched countless lives. By recognizing Ralene’s contributions to FVCC, we honor her lifetime of service to our college and the larger community.” Jane A. Karas, Ph.D. FVCC President
Ralene Sliter
1946-2015 FVCC Trustee FVCC Foundation Board of Directors 2015 Eagle Award Honoree Award accepted by Ralene’s husband, Tom Sliter (below)
“I am so proud to be associated with FVCC, particularly when it comes to students. Through my direct involvement with the Foundation, the Student Ambassador program, The Culinary Institute of Montana at FVCC and the nursing programs, I see firsthand the transformation that education gives our students. As a community member, I recognize the great work that faculty and staff do to make FVCC an outstanding college. I am grateful to be honored as one of the 2015 Eagle Awardees with my friend and FVCC advocate, Ralene Sliter.�
Suzy Williams
FVCC Foundation Board of Directors FVCC Alumni & Ambassadors Co-Chair 2015 Eagle Award Honoree 25
C O M M U N I T Y
P E R S P E C T I V E
“Our nation’s burgeoning craft brewing industry is being driven by a number of factors, particularly the changing palates of Americans who want more aroma and flavor. This new generation of craft beers often requires significantly more hops to achieve the flavors that have come into greater demand. As Montana’s first commercial hop producer located only minutes from the FVCC campus, we are pleased to collaborate with the college’s new brewing science & operations program to provide students inside exposure to the production of dozens of varieties of this critical ingredient.”
Tom Britz
Glacier Hops Ranch LLC Founder and CEO
“The Center for Manufacturing Advancement (CMA) is proud to serve as the hub where local manufacturers come together to collaborate and access information and to grow resources and strengthen Montana’s booming manufacturing industry. We focus on meeting the needs of local manufacturers and bringing awareness to members of our community, area K-12 schools and parents about the innovative things being manufactured and the broad range of good-paying jobs in Northwest Montana. This fall, we welcomed over 250 guests, mostly high school students, from across the state to our CMA opening celebration and our first HAAS Demo Days. The turnout emphasized that the demand and interest for manufacturing jobs are alive and strong.”
Chris Parson 26
CMA Director
Robert A. Nystuen
Montana Board of Regents President, Glacier Bank
P E R S P E C T I V E H I G H E R
E D U C AT I O N
“As a community banker for 40 years, my banking office has always been on main street. Over the years, I have seen firsthand how personal and business economic prosperity are directly linked to higher education. If we try to measure the impact FVCC has in Northwest Montana, it goes beyond just students in the classroom. FVCC has always been a foundational partner in our communities’ successes. Now, as a member of the Montana Board of Regents, I have observed how the colleges and universities across Montana are well connected with their students and their communities, making for a winning combination and a brighter future.�
27
S T H G I L H G I H 28
FVCC was one of three U.S. community colleges that took home a 2015 Community College Bellwether Award, one of the highest honors an institution can receive. FVCC won the award for its project, “Using Financial Aid Data and Fundraising Strategies to Improve Access, Persistence and Completion through Scholarships.” The project examined the relationship of scholarships financed with Foundation event proceeds to persistence and completion. As a result, the Foundation improved marketing of the scholarship program, increased revenues for scholarships and transformed its scholarship program to better impact student success. FVCC welcomed U.S. Senator Jon Tester to dedicate the college’s Veterans’ Center. During the ceremony, FVCC student veterans Eric Hill and Theresa Williamson shared their personal stories and the positive impact the Veteran’s Center has had on their lives and educational successes. The Veterans’ Center was funded by a $30,000 grant from the Montana Office of Commissioner of Higher Education.
FVCC launched a new Summer Experience program, offering local incoming high school juniors and seniors students a unique new way to earn free college credits while providing an authentic college experience. The five-week program includes a three-credit college course, lunch, career exploration, a service project and intramural sports activities. Retired Art Professor John Rawlings was honored with Professor Emeritus for dedicating 26 years of service to his students, his fellow art faculty and the Northwest Montana art community. Under his leadership, the FVCC Art Department developed one of the nation’s few all-inclusive professional goldsmithing programs and a comprehensive ceramics program that specializes in unusual firing techniques. Rawlings also spearheaded FVCC Semester in Venice, the college’s only semester-abroad program. FVCC machining students can now earn National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials. Used by metalworking companies as standards for recruitment, hiring, job placement and promotion, these credentials will better prepare students for their next steps – entering the workforce with new careers or advancing in their jobs.
FVCC’s 2015 Honors Symposium offered members of the community opportunities to hear from regional and national experts who addressed various topics supporting this year’s theme, “The Next America: How Millennials are Changing Everything.” The free lecture series, supported by Humanities Montana, American Association of University Women Kalispell branch, FVCC Alumni & Ambassadors Association and the Theodore Chase Endowment Fund, examined the next America and how the nation is facing challenges that seem to threaten some of its most cherished foundations. FVCC hosted Northwest Montana’s first Startup Weekend Glacier Country. The 54-hour event, developed for entrepreneurial individuals interested in launching new businesses, opened with a keynote address by venture capitalist and philanthropist Michael Goguen. More than 50 local participants received startup-coaching and mentoring from local, highly-successful entrepreneurs and business owners.
FVCC was named as one of the recipients of the Gianforte Family Foundation’s scholarships valued up to $500,000 for Montana two-year colleges. Greg Gianforte visited the FVCC campus, where he met with college officials and local manufacturers, toured the college’s Occupational Trades building and met the FVCC student scholarship recipients. Physics Associate Professor Jim Boger participated in a NASA Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research grant with members of the Montana State University Electrical Engineering Department faculty. As a result, FVCC students constructed two different imaging polarimeters to share with various schools across the state as an outreach effort. In addition, the grant funded the purchase of optical equipment for FVCC, allowing the college to establish its first-ever Optics Lab.
FVCC was named to the Corporation for National and Community Service 2015 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. The honor acknowledges institutions of higher education that support exemplary community service programs and raise the visibility of effective practices in campus community partnerships.
Biology student Zoe Glasser Breeding is one of 75 students nationwide selected to participate in the 2015-2016 U.S. Congress German Bundestag Youth Exchange, a fully-funded fellowship that supports a year of study in Germany. Upon her return, she will attend Wellesley College to continue her undergraduate studies.
The Running Start program, which provides eligible high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to get an affordable start on their college education by earning college credits while still in high school, reached record enrollment. FVCC enrolled 382 Running Start students in college classes in spring 2015, a 24 percent increase from the previous spring. Over 30 percent of Running Start students continue their college education at FVCC.
The Alumni & Ambassadors annual spring luncheon featured a STEM panel, including Chemistry Assistant Professor David Long, Ph.D., Biology Associate Professor Ruth Wrightsman, Ph.D., forensics and biotechnology alumna Lydia Sykora, biology student Nick Glynos and computer science and web technology student Peter Lanier.
The college hosted Safety Fest Montana, organized by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Comprised of professional development and safety certification workshops, the event welcomed more than 530 participants.
Alumni & Ambassadors Co-chair Suzy Williams presented the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award to retired Dean Emeritus Faith Hodges. FVCC launched Teacher Camp, offering K-12 educators a new and affordable opportunity to earn up to four college credits. Teachers learned new instructional strategies designed with input from local educators.
FVCC hosted a Red, White & Blue Run to honor September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance and to pay tribute to local first responders. Participants were doused with non-toxic red and blue-colored cornstarch powder throughout the course. Sponsored by the Service Learning and Intramurals programs, the event raised $700 to benefit Montana Wounded Warriors. The Culinary Institute of Montana at FVCC launched a new capstone student-run restaurant course, giving students the opportunity to plan, open and operate their own restaurants. Under the instruction of FVCC Executive Chef Howard Karp, the restaurants were open to the public and operated in the program’s instructional kitchen. The art, music and theatre departments collaborated to host Celebrate the Arts! at FVCC. The community was invited to enjoy a student and faculty art sale, a student art exhibit, concerts by music faculty and an FVCC theatre production.
Under the leadership of Plant Biology Assistant Professor Mirabai McCarthy, Ph.D., FVCC offered its first field botany study abroad program in Costa Rica. Seventeen students ranging in ages from 18 to 68 spent nearly two weeks exploring the Cloud Forest region of Monteverde and the Rain Forest region of the Osa Peninsula while residing in biological stations.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) faculty launched a weekly STEM Colloquium, providing opportunities for faculty, staff, students and professionals to showcase their research to the broader community. 29
S H
I
G
H
L
I
G
H
T
Sophomore Scott Brooke was among 201 two-year college students from across the nation honored as a 2015 Campus Compact’s Newman Civic Fellow. Brooke was recognized for his leadership as president of The FVCC Veterans’ Association and for his advocacy for veterans on the college campus and in the greater community.
30
The Continuing Education Center presented Fund Development: Fundraising for the Nonprofit Professional, an eight-part series on building fundraising skills. Designed for Flathead County nonprofits, the workshops provided the opportunity for participants to learn from a variety of fund development professionals from across the state. Engineering student William Pardis was selected to travel to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to participate in the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars project. Pardis and his team took first place in the rover design competition. Pardis was among 240 community college students from across the nation chosen to participate in the project.
President Jane A. Karas joined President Obama, the First Lady, Vice President Joe Biden, Montana Commissioner of Higher Education Clay Christian, Montana State University President Waded Cruzado and University of Montana President Royce Engstrom and other college presidents and higher education leaders, to commemorate the White House College Opportunity Day of Action in Washington, D.C. At the event, FVCC committed to increasing the number of graduates transferring into four-year STEM programs by 15 percent in the next two years. FVCC’s International Student Services Program Coordinator Gerda Reeb, Ph.D., was one of 10 American delegates selected to participate in the 2015 Fulbright International Education Administrator Program in Japan. While there, she learned about the country’s higher education system and its efforts to attract more international faculty, researchers and students. FVCC was the only community college represented on the mission.
Biology and natural resources departments hosted the college’s first BioBlitz. Faculty and students partnered with community members to identify as many plants, birds, amphibians, insects, fish, mammals, fungi and other species as possible in a given time period in an effort to survey the biological diversity of the 216-acre college campus. FVCC launched a Student Leadership Development Program comprised of a leadership retreat and skillbuilding workshops designed for students. At the end of the year, participants were honored at a Student Leadership Awards Brunch. Alumnus Jesse Mahugh, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County, served as keynote speaker. FVCC graduated its 47th class, recognizing 404 graduates for completing 457 degrees and certificates. FVCC alumnus and Google[x] Systems Engineer Andrew Crawford served as commencement speaker.
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 January 1, 2015 to December 18, 2015.
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 Dr. George Antunes 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 Community Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund James and Doris Monk Daley Endowed Scholarship Fund Diamond Marketing, Inc./Diamond Auto Glass Diogenes Award Endowment Fund 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 Alumni 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 Honoring Excellence in Teaching Peter Wade Endowed 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 Junkermier, Clark, Campanella, and Stevens David S. Klehm Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund Mary E. Knotts Endowed Scholarship Fund Konsberg Endowed Scholarship Fund Lil and Jim Laidlaw
Marcia and Tom Laux C. K. Logue Endowed Scholarship Fund Karen Longhart Memorial Mathematics Education 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 Marian and Ivan O’Neil Endowed Scholarship Fund Patyk Family Endowed Scholarship Fund Robert Peccia & Associates Endowed Scholarship Fund for Civil Engineering and Land Surveying Students 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 Everit and Nikki Sliter Ralene Sliter Student Success 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 TRIO Employee Endowed Scholarship Fund Dick Uhde Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund Scott Vallely Soldiers Memorial Fund Veterans’ Association Endowed Scholarship 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 31
GOLDEN CIRCLE $2,500 AND ABOVE AGL Foundation The Aleut Foundation American Association of University Women American Homestead Mortgage Linden and Carl Berry Bibler Foundation, Inc. Bigfork Ladies Service Club, formerly Bigfork Lady Lions Kim and Mick Blodnick Leslie Breaux The Broussard Family The Broussard Family Charitable Foundation Charlotte and Keith Brown Central Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical – Debbi and Dave Waldenberg Church on the Move The CIRI Foundation Citizen Potawatomi Nation Marie and Brian Clark Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes The Dailey Inter Lake Jim Daley D. A. Davidson & Co. Davidson Companies Dearborn Ranch Scholarship Fund Jane and George Dennison Drummond Public Schools Lynn and Bennett Dykstra Evergreen School District No. 50 First Interstate BancSystem Foundation First Interstate Bank Flathead Conservation District Flathead Electric Cooperative, Inc. Floyd Foundation Fun Beverage, Inc. John Gardner and Jill Zignego George’s Distributing JoAnn and Chuck Gerheim Mary and Harry Gibson Glacier Bancorp, Inc. Glacier Bank Cheryl and Richard Gordon Andrea and Bill Goudge Peach and Gary Graeff Gene Haas Foundation Teresa and Charlie Grenier Donna and Phil Harris Hawkins Scholarship Foundation The Health Center Herrin Scholarship Fund E. A. Hinderman Memorial Scholarship, Inc. Howard Scholarship Fund Immanuel Lutheran Home The Jarecki Foundation Laura and Chuck Jensen Ann Johnson Reesie Johnson Melody and Stuart Johnson Jordahl & Sliter Junkermier, Clark, Campanella & Stevens Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Kalispell Chamber Foundation Kalispell Lions Club Kalispell Regional Healthcare Kalispell Regional Healthcare Foundation 32 Kalispell Regional Hospital
Kalispell School District #5 Jane Karas and John Goroski Mary and Lee Kaufman Nancy and Walter Kuhn/K-M Management, Inc. Carol and Kurt Larson Peter Larson Deanne and Jim Lehner Cindy and Jeff Lewis C. K. Logue Trust Shannon and Tom Lund Ellen and John MacMillan Leslie Mercord and Reed Blackburn Patricia and Gerald Molen Montana Chamber Foundation Montana Equestrian Events Montana Space Grant Consortium National Rifle Association Foundation, Inc. North Valley Hospital North Valley Hospital Auxiliary North Valley Hospital Foundation Ivan O’Neil Marian Ornelles Jennet and Edith Orr Scholarship Fund Marylou and Tony Patterson Bettina and Steve Patyk Robert Peccia and Associates Naomi Perry The Phoenix Charitable Foundation/Deborah and Rex Amini Plum Creek Plum Creek Foundation Quad Five Scholarship Fund Chris Ridder and Susan Moffitt Alice Ritzman Grace Ritzman Scholarship Fund Julie Robertson and Michael Bliven Rotary Club of Whitefish Char Rygg Donna Scholl Lisa and Jarrod Shew Margie and Larry Simpson Nikki and Everit Sliter Irene and Tom Snyder Sons of Norway Soroptimist International of Whitefish Owen E. Sowerwine Foundation, Inc. Lisa and Al Stinson The Stinson Family Foundation Patty and Scott Strellnauer Olga Stromset Scholarship Fund Student Assistance Foundation John L. and Ann Taylor Scholarship Fund Ladeine and Ray Thompson Sherry and Peter Tracy Colleen and Joe Unterreiner Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation Dan Weinberg Whitefish Community Foundation Whitefish Credit Union Suzy Williams The Windmill Foundation, Inc. Pat and R. Dennis Winkel Diane and Paul Wright Rick Zanto Four Anonymous Donors
SILVER CIRCLE $1,000 to $2,499 V. Neils Agather American Eagle Instruments, Inc. American Indian Education Fund Nan and Turner Askew Assemblies of God Margaret and Will Baird Barnard Construction Company Bethlehem Lutheran Church Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts Foundation Laura and Jim Blasingame Bozeman Schools Foundation Bristol Bay Native Association Susie and Jay Brown Susie and Art Burch Burger King Scholarship Fund Kaye Callard and Bruce Woodmansee Jamie and Giuseppe Caltabiano - NXGEN Career Opportunities in Education Cayuse Prairie/Mountain Brook School John Chaney Karen and Nicholas Chickering Stephanie Christensen Christian Missionary Fellowship Janet and Butch Clark The Cobb Foundation Connie and George Colonius Complete Restoration, LLC John Cowan Susan and Dave Cox CTA Architects Engineers Rick Dennison Thelma DiCiocco Deena Dietrich Ila B. Dousman Fund, Inc. Eidsvold Lutheran Church Mary and Bill Eisenlohr Glacier Insurance Strategies – Melissa and Daren Engellant Susan Ennis Sherill and Jon Fetveit Ann and Dan Fey First Presbyterian Church The Flathead Beacon Flathead Chapter of CPAs Flathead County Democratic Women Flathead County Deputy Sheriffs Association Flathead Education Foundation Flathead Farm Mutual Insurance Company FVCC Veterans’ Association Foresters Competitive Scholarship Fund Alice and David Fortenberry Tracy and Bruce Freeman Friendship House Assisted Living The Front Brewing Company Glasgow High School Educational Trust Good Samaritan Society Nancy Gordley Grainger Scholarship Fund Deborah Greear Robin and Craig Harrison Havre Public Schools Education Foundation Carol and Robert Hermes Susan and Dallas Herron Cheryl and Claude Hoffmeyer Wanda and James Hollensteiner Hot Springs High School Heather and Derek Houseworth Tara Hoveland Melissa Hulvat
J2 Office Products Jennifer and Mark Johnson Randal Johnson The Jug Tree Dr. Gary Jystad Kalispell Farmers Market Dorinda Kendall Kiwanis Foundation of Montana David Koel Debbie and Terry Kramer David Laney and Diane Barlow Holly Jean Larson Beth Lendrum Darla and Tim Lindsey Jane and Bob Lopp/Prudential Insurance Jeannie and Steve Luckey Joyce and Gilbert Lynch Lois and Bill McClaren McDonald’s Carol and Tom McElwain Meadow Lake Rhona and Jerry Meislik Missoula First United Methodist Foundation Missoula Job Service Employers Council Randy and James Mohn Montana 4-H Foundation Montana FFA Foundation Montana Police Protective Foundation, Inc. Diane Morton and Blake Stout Patsi and Doug Morton Nadeau/Senft Scholarship Fund National Flood Services, Inc. Negative Population Growth, Inc. Barbara and Doug Nelson Nite Owl and Back Room Restaurant Ella Mae Norris Northwest Montana Retired Educators Association Kim and Bob Nystuen Laurie and William O’Leary Bob O’Neil and Bobbie Truckner Sue and Keith Ori Claudine and Tom Origitano PEO Chapter C Friends of FVCC Sandy and Keith Perry Ann and Tom Perry Karen Perser Polson Dollars for Scholars Powell County High School Education Foundation, Inc. Cherie and Nir Regev Gunda and Warren Roach Rocky Mountain Bank Patricia and Simmons B. Savage, III Dick Schaus Lisa and Tim Schnee John Schroeder Debbie and Andrew Sliter Jennifer and Justin Sliter Soroptimist Club of Bigfork Angie and Jason Spring Stanley Scholarship Fund Walter and Mary Alice Stastny Foundation Kelly and Kim Stimpson Shirley and Ed Sullivan Carol and Mark Sullivan Torrent Technology Triangle Communications Valley Ford Neil Van Sickle Larry Viano Vietnam Veterans of America West Valley Volunteer Fire Department Whitefish Mountain Resort Bonnie and John Whitehouse
Robert Willey, Jr. Women of Rollins Club Darrell Worm Linda and Ryan Yearous Two Anonymous Donors
BRONZE CIRCLE $500 TO $999 John Agather Airworks Altra Foundation Bev and Allan Aronson Carol and Richard Atkinson Coleen and Rich Baars Gail Bauman Josephine Bennington Margene and Alex Berry Carol Bibler and Jim Watson Bigfork Boosters Club Suzanne Booker Bothe & Lauridsen April and Travis Brazill Stephanie and Justin Breck – Breck Law Offices Vicki and Tom Bundy Cabinet #68 Odd Fellows Laura and Robert Calderon B. J. and Milt Carlson Susannah and Dan Casey Marilyn Champoux Columbia Falls Library Association Columbia Falls School District #6 Dolly and Thomas Corbett Renn and Chuck Corrigan Judy and Bill Cox Barbara and Clifford Cummings Michael DiMuro Patricia and Frank DiStefano Don “K” Chevrolet-Subaru Doyon Foundation Drummond Kiwanis Club Marian and John Emerson Carole and Bart Erickson Evergreen Lions Club Five Stars Rentals and Property Mgmt. Flathead County Sheriff’s Posse FVCC Student Government Jennifer and John Flink Paulette and Mark Fopp Beeman Fopp Scholarship Fund Susan and Mark Fredenberg Laura and James Garbacz Teresa and Frank Garner Jason Gerbozy Andrea and Craig Goff Leslie and Douglas Griffith Barbara Gutschenritter Barb and Brent Hall Brenda and Eric Hanson Jessica and Brandon Hanson Sue and Tom Harding Sue Haverfield Joni and Jim Hellen Vickie and Lorin Hicks Charlotte and Wilson Higgs Lynne Hilleboe Faith and Dale Hodges Sherry Hodges Marcy and Mark Holston Manda and David Hudak Suzanne and Harry Hyatt Idaho Forest Group Diane and Jon Johnson
SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS The Foundation awarded 807 scholarships totaling $730,000 in 2015. They also distributed $48,000 in travel and learning enhancement grants to FVCC academic departments.
“Because of our donors and my professors at FVCC, I will be successful. You have made all things possible. The fact that we have financial assistance available to us is a testament to the character of the people in our community.” Brian Leukuma Engineering & Honors Student
“As a single mother doing my best to support my daughter, trying to balance being a parent with going to school, working full time and still being involved in my community can become overwhelming at times. This is where scholarships became a game changer for me. The fact that somebody out there thinks that I deserve that kind of support fills me with hope and courage.” Sara Gomes Business Student and Mom 33
BRONZE CIRCLE (CONT’D) William C. Johnson Joy and Wink Jordan Alice and Terry Judd Kalvig Law Firm – Rhonda and Ken Kalvig Kayleen and Tony Kohler Kootenai Valley Federal Credit Union Sue and Blair LaGrandeur Lakeside Town Center Callie and Mike Langohr Patrice LaTourelle Donna Lawson Connie and Fred Leistiko Libby Public Schools Lincoln County High School Fred Longhart and Marjory McClaren Longview Vineyards Pamela Norris Maley Marias River Electric Darrel Martin Marla McClaren Steve McClaren Valerie McIntyre Kathy Mercord Mary Alice and Michael Moffitt Montana Academy Montana Woman Foundation Montana Youth Challenge Foundation Motor Carriers of Montana Pam and Mike Mower National Multiple Sclerosis Society Scholarship Fund Linda and Joel Nelson Carol and Peter Nelson Randy Norris Northwestern Energy NorVal Electric Cooperative Mary and Tim Obermiller/Obermiller Law Office Ranae Norris Obieglo Mary Lee and Jim Oliverson Gwyn and Andy Palchak PayneWest Insurance PEO Chapter AB PEO Chapter BM Members PEO Chapter BR of Whitefish Philipsburg Area Educational Foundation Plains Public Schools – School District #1 Sherri and Roger Porch The Portuguese Fraternal Society of America Scholarship Fund
“I want to achieve a new career that allows me to provide more stability for my young family while making a meaningful contribution to my community. It is a common story met by uncommon goodwill and support. A close-knit college and community, working together, make prosperity possible.” Nigel Pickhardt Pre-Nursing Student Paramedic and Dad
Real Life Angels Charles Ream Rebekah Assembly of Montana Kelly Redfield and Dan Zlogar Marilyn Reynolds Myrna and Bud Ridenour Julie Robbins Bob Rodman and John Lyons Paula and Robert Sandman Carol and John Santa Amanda and Peter Savage Pam and Don Schapper Sue and Tony Schiller Joan Schmidt Jane and Tom Schock Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation Liz and Kevin Scholten Vicki Schulz David Secrest Tom Sliter Smith Valley School Deanne and Joseph Sramek Colleen Purdy Stacy Scholarship Fund Karen Norris Stahlberg Stoken Logging Jill and Jeff Swenson Sylvia and Frank Taverrite Teakettle Quilt Guild DeAnn and Pat Thomas Three Rivers Bank Trails End Troy Public Schools, Dist. #1 UPS Scholarship Fund Valley County 4-H Council Vision Net, Inc. Stephanie and Todd Wallace
Jane and Scott Wheeler Gwen and Ken White Laura and Bob White Gail Whitney Women of the Moose Mary Yokan One Anonymous Donor
IN KIND DONATIONS Carl Berry – Star Resort Group LLC The Culinary Institute of Montana The Daily Inter Lake The Flathead Beacon Flathead Valley Community College Theatre George’s Distributing Bill Gillard Glacier Park Boat Company Go Bucket List Travel Gross Electric Cherie Hansen John Hinchey Jordahl & Sliter The Jug Tree Junkermier, Clark, Campanella & Stevens Chef Howard Karp Karen Leigh Kory McGavin Suzanne Mychalenjko Patti Peters Tyler Rasmussen ViZn Energy Rachel Warner Jane Weise Rob Wink
Donors at all giving levels are recognized at the President’s Donor Dinner every May. 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.
TM
Bibler 34
Home Gardens
The
Culinary Institute of Montana
TM
at Flathead Valley Community College
The
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
ADMINISTRATION
Shannon Lund Chair – Kalispell
Jane A. Karas, Ph.D. President
John M. Phelps Vice Chair – Whitefish
Brad Eldredge, Ph.D. Vice President of Academic Affairs (Instruction and Student Services)
Tom McElwain Columbia Falls
Chuck Jensen, M.B.A., CPA Vice President of Administration and Finance
Thomas K. Harding Whitefish
Karen Glasser, M.P. A. Executive Director, Human Resources
Mark Holston Kalispell
Colleen Unterreiner, M.P. A. Executive Director, Institutional Advancement
Callie Langohr Kalispell
Bill Bond, M.S. Executive Director, Management Information Services
Jeremy Presta Kalispell
Susan Burch, B.A. Executive Director, Economic Development and Continuing Education Brenda Hanson, M.A. Dean of Students
THE FVCC FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Justin Sliter, Chair Diane Morton, Past Chair Stephanie Wallace, Vice Chair Jarrod Shew, Treasurer Shannon Lund – Board of Trustees Liaison Russ Barnes Meredith Boulter John Bowdish Stephanie Breck Frank Garner
Nancy Gordley Jessica Hanson Mark Johnson Kayleen Kohler Patrice LaTourelle
Donna Lawson Jim Lehner Andy Miller Marylou Patterson Chris Ridder
Margie Simpson Al Stinson Debbi Waldenberg Suzy Williams Pat Winkel
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Lin Akey Josh Auerhammer Kathy Barkus Lee Berger Diane Conradi
Sally Elliman Mary Gibson Megan Gordley Lynne Hilleboe Chris Hyatt
Lil Laidlaw Dorothy Laird Carol Larson Cindy Lewis Kathy Mercord
Leslie Mercord Aaron Mower Lisa Schnee Roger Somerville Ellie Stimpson Darrell Worm 35
PERSPECTIVE “Perspective is the way we see things when we look at them from a certain distance and it allows us to appreciate their true value”. Rafael E. Pino
Kalispell and Libby, Montana
www.fvcc.edu