Clark College Dedicates Raines Softball Field, Honoring a Family Legacy
Vancouver, Wash.: Clark College Athletics and Clark College Foundation welcomed students, alumni, and community members on May 2 to celebrate the official dedication of the newly named Raines Softball Field, honoring the enduring generosity and legacy of the Raines family.
The ceremony paid tribute to longtime Clark supporter Wilma Raines, recognized the lasting impact of her late husband, Jim Raines, and commemorated their daughter, Jami (Raines) Shogren, a former Clark softball player whose passion for the sport continues to inspire student-athletes today.
Jim Raines, who passed away in 2018, devoted his life to empowering student athletes and strengthening Clark College’s softball program. Before his passing, he arranged for significant support to maintain the softball field and expand opportunities for community sports.
“The last thing my husband did before he passed away was decide that he wanted a bunch of money to go to field maintenance and community sports,” Wilma Raines shared. “…If he could help, he was going to help.”
Jami Shogren was a standout catcher who followed in her father’s footsteps and left a lasting impression on the Clark softball community. After her death in 2008, Jim and Wilma established scholarships in her honor to support future student athletes, ensuring her legacy would continue through the success of others.
Following remarks and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees gathered to celebrate the newly dedicated field before cheering on the Clark College softball team as they took the field, a fitting tribute to a family whose commitment has helped sustain and elevate the program for years to come.
The dedication of Raines Softball Field reflects the transformative power of philanthropy and the profound difference donor support makes in the lives of Clark College students. Through investments in athletics and scholarships, the Raines family has created opportunities for student-athletes to learn, compete, and thrive.