Clark College Foundation’s Annual Event: “Connecting Clark” Celebrated Community, Student Success, and Record Scholarship Support.

VANCOUVER, Wash. Clark College Foundation welcomed nearly 400 students, alumni, donors and community partners for its annual event, this year titled “Connecting Clark”, an evening celebrating the power of education and the relationships that sustain the Penguin Nation.

Supporters, students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community leaders gathered for an inspiring program hosted by Martha Enson of EnJoy Productions. The night was filled with performances from Kevin Joyce & Lou Magione, Miles & Karina, and a powerful dance duet by NW Dance Project.

Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards highlighted the college’s extraordinary progress, including Clark’s recent nomination as one of the Aspen Institute’s Top 200 community colleges. Foundation Board Chair Deborah Blom and CEO Calen Ouellette reflected on what initially drew them to Clark and invited the entire room to celebrate their shared connections. Two remarkable student leaders, ASCC President Alijah Machida and Vice President Beheshta Eqbali, shared heartfelt stories about how Clark and donor support have shaped their journeys.

One of the most celebrated moments of the night came from Senior Director of Scholarships Shirley Schwartz and Scholarship Manager Chanell Gore, who announced a historic milestone: Clark College Foundation will award more than $2 million in scholarships this year, our largest total ever.

Later in the evening, attendees heard from alumna and community advocate Sorya Baxter and CCF AVP of External Relations Nick Poindexter about the lifelong strength of the Penguin Nation and the power of staying connected long after graduation.

A special thank you to Presenting Sponsor Pacific Bells/Taco Bell Foundation and Gold Sponsor The Columbian for their leadership and support.

The event closed with a reminder of what philanthropy makes possible: opportunity, belonging, and brighter futures for Clark College students.

Thank you for helping us build a stronger, more connected community. We are deeply grateful for your partnership, your generosity, and your belief in Clark College.