Presidential Award Presented to Leaders of Culinary Industry, Veterans Services
Tod and Maxine McClaskey Family Foundation and Jane Hagelstein
The Tod and Maxine McClaskey Family Foundation and Jane Hagelstein received presidential awards for excellence in philanthropy from Clark College Foundation at its annual Savoring Excellence gala on May 18.
During a celebration for Clark College Foundation donors on May 18 at Royal Oaks Country Club in Vancouver, Lisa Gibert, president/CEO of Clark College Foundation, presented the award to members of The Tod and Maxine McClaskey Family Foundation and Jane Hagelstein for their dedication and leadership in support of Clark College.
Earlier in the evening, Clark College President Robert K. Knight revealed the name of the college’s new dining and teaching facility—the Tod and Maxine McClaskey Culinary Institute at Clark College. The facility will undergo a major remodel in the months ahead and will showcase Clark’s revamped Cuisine and Professional Baking and Pastry Arts programs. The new academic curriculum, which aligns with industry trends, focuses on training students for today’s constantly changing food, beverage and baking careers.
“This gift will positively affect every student at Clark College whether they just stop by the Tod and Maxine McClaskey Culinary Institute for a healthy option on the way to class or graduate from the Tod and Maxine McClaskey Culinary Institute ready to go to work in one of the great culinary options in the region,” said Knight.
Gibert spoke about the McClaskey’s passionate vision and values for the hospitality business.
“Tod McClaskey believed in first-class service and an excellent dining experience. Clark’s new curriculum will focus on these qualities. Aligning the McClaskey legacy with Clark’s new institute is a perfect match to honor their memory and educate future Clark students,” said Gibert.
Tod McClaskey was one of the founders of the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay, a popular hotel and restaurant enterprise that began in Vancouver.
Gibert also noted that the members of The Tod and Maxine McClaskey Family Foundation board believe a collaboration the college has with other state educational organizations provides a distinct advantage for the region. Clark has educational partnerships with the Clark County Skills Center and Washington State University Vancouver that consolidate the steps toward achieving a college degree.
Jane Hagelstein – Veterans Services
A second presidential award was given to Jane Hagelstein, a passionate supporter of veteran resources at Clark College.
Hagelstein gives generously of her financial resources and time. She’s a frequent visitor to Clark’s Veteran’s Resource Center where she can regularly be found socializing with students or helping them prepare for a job interview. Moreover, she helped furnish the Veteran’s Resource Center during its set up in 2013-2014.
“I have come to know Jane personally over the years and I have found that her compassion toward others is truly heartwarming,” said Gibert.
Clark College Foundation is accepting donations for the culinary project, which is expected to cost $10.5 million. For more information, contact Joel B. Munson, chief advancement officer at 360.992.2428.