Planting The Seed: The Minnaert Legacy Minnaert believed the college had a responsibility of responding to the overall community need. Higher education was changing and Minnaert did what he does best: Former SPSCC president Dr. Kenneth Minnaert listen to the community and take action. In 1982, Olympia Technical Community College recognized a need to provide resources to students beyond academic support. His vision became South Puget Sound Community is what brought the SPSCC Foundation to life. College – a comprehensive institution focusing on both academic programs and In the late 1960’s, Minnaert had completed professional trades. his master’s degree in Vocational-Technical Education Administration from Colorado State Minnaert had answered one call for the need of academics, but quickly recognized new University (CSU) and was working for the challenges: how were students going to pay Superintendent of Public Instruction in Montana. He had always desired a career that to attend SPSCC? And furthermore, how could would better a community, not just individuals, the college ensure it had enough financial resources to provide its high level of and he knew he was ready to do more. programs and services? Minnaert returned to CSU for a PhD in Vocational-Technical Education Administration. In 1982, he started the South Puget Sound As he finished at the university, Minnaert came Community College Foundation, with the mission to get students the resources they across one position which stood out: Dean need to complete their education. Minnaert of Instruction at Olympia Vocational and Technical Institute (OVTI). Trades were starting began making personal paycheck deductions to establish a scholarship and immediately to become popular and more students were enrolling. Minnaert took a chance and flew out got to work advocating for student need. He to the Pacific Northwest for his very first time – knew the return on investment would take a trip that placed him on the path to becoming some time to develop. Minnaert had one line he always stuck by: “investing in SPSCC is like a future president of SPSCC. planting seeds. You have to watch it grow and In early 1980, after more than five years as feed it, then it flourishes naturally.” Soon, the Dean of Instruction, Minnaert accepted the gifts started coming in. But something surinterim President role where he would prised Minnaert’s team; the value of the gifts oversee all aspects of the college. He was impressive, but what truly surprised them describes this short time as interim president was the number of gifts and support they as, “very challenging but very effective.” One were receiving from the community. of the most influential parts of that year was After over 30 years at SPSCC, Dr. Kenneth when Minnaert and his team officially had Minnaert and his wife Elaine moved to Palm OVTI renamed to Olympia Technical Desert, California to enjoy their much Community College. deserved retirement. Since 1982, the SPSCC Foundation has been working hard to engage community and build resources to support success for all students. But how did this vision begin?
16
South Puget Sound Community College Foundation
