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Holiday cheer at the Penguin Nation

Friends, community leaders, educational partners, faculty and staff gathered in early December for a holiday party in the new STEM Building.

Guests mingle at the foundation's holiday party.

Guests mingle at the foundation’s holiday party.

While Clark alumnus James Powers and his Jazz band played a cool, smooth beat in the digital lounge, 100 guests enjoyed delicious food and desserts.

James Powers '15 and his band entertain guests during the holiday gathering.

James Powers ’15 and his band entertain guests during the holiday gathering.

Lisa Gibert, Clark College Foundation president/CEO, welcomed the guests that also included board members from the foundation and Clark College. She introduced student ambassador, Jonathan Dutson, who spoke about his Clark experience. Dutson’s journey since arriving at Clark last year has been one of perseverance. He drove alone from his home in Arizona to Washington, landing at Clark without knowing the area or having any friends or family here. He quickly adapted, connecting with students and faculty, and eventually joined the student ambassador program – a leadership group that represents the college at a variety of events and conducts campus tours.

Gibert also presented highlights from the year’s past including the launch of the newest Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management degree, completion of the STEM building and the announcement of the $1 million scholarship movement.

“For the first time in our history, Clark College Foundation will distribute more than $1 million in scholarship funds during the 2016-2017 academic year,” she said, adding, “This has tremendous benefits for our students as it reduces their reliance on loans that add to their student debt.”

Larry Swatosh '57 enjoying a conversation during the foundation's holiday party.

Larry Swatosh ’57 enjoying a conversation during the foundation’s holiday party.

Clark President Robert K. Knight next took to the podium and delivered some brief remarks about the future at Clark College. He spoke about the remodeling of the Tod and Maxine McClaskey Culinary Institute at Clark College. Construction is underway and Knight promised the facility would b open for business by September 2017. Moreover, he touched on the master planning that is in its final stages for the creation of Clark’s next campus – Clark College at Boschma Farms – in Ridgefield, Wash.

 

 

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