Fall 2011 Partners

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Cycle of Success Dogged Determination The Beat Goes On Queen of the Road

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Clark College Foundation

partnersClark College Foundation

partners[ Fall 2011 ]

This issue of Partners is dedicated in memory of Harriet

L. Wilson who passed away in August 2011. She will be

remembered for her sparkling personality, effervescent

laughter, love of community, and selfless service to Southwest

Washington – especially toward Clark College and the Clark

College Foundation. See story pages 3.

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Clark College Foundation | Partners | Fall 2011

We often hear the phrase, “It is better to give than to receive.”

A recent study at UCLA put this theory to test. The scientists involved made a startling discovery: giving can have “powerful and healthy effects on the giver, including reducing stress and therefore improving overall health.”

Carol J. Curtis

Bruce Davidson

Dr. Larry Easter

Patricia W. Eby

Dr. Marilyn Darr

James Farley

Jeanne Firstenburg

Edward R. Geiger

T. Randall Grove

Jason Joner

Keith Koplan

Rob Nielsen

Partners ProductionAra Serjoie, Editor/Contributor

Vivian Cheadle-Manning, Contributor

Karen Hagen, Contributor

Daniel Lee, Contributor

Wei Zhuang, Graphic Design

Photography – Courtesy of: Kari Jonassen, Terri Lunde, Nancy Nellor-Retsinas, Jenny Shadley, and Lisa Wright

Ex Officio MembersJack Burkman, Chair, Clark College Board of Trustees

Lisa Gibert, President/CEO, Clark College Foundation

Robert K. Knight, President, Clark College

Jada Rupley, Clark College Board of Trustees

Paul Scarpelli, Representative, Penguin Athletic Club

George Welsh, Representative, Clark College Alumni Association

Clark College Foundation Board of Directors Foundation StaffLisa Gibert, President/CEO

Terri Lunde, Executive Assistant to the President/Board

Ara Serjoie, Vice President of Development

Daniel Rogers, Chief Financial Officer

Karen Hagen, Director of Advancement Services

Daniel Lee, Director of Major and Planned Gifts

Kimberlie Lee, Administrative Assistant/Accounts Payable

Vivian Cheadle Manning, Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Relations

Chris Mildner, Director of Research

Gary Oyer, Accounting Manager

Sam Pollach, Data Entry/Administrative Assistant

Shirley Schwartz, Stewardship and Scholarship Manager

Rachel Stansbury, Development Associate

Tammy Wilson, Research-Database Specialist

Renee Nutter

Cheree Nygard

Lisa Schauer

Rick Takach, Chair

Greg Wallace

Chris Wamsley

Lisa Gibert President/CEO Clark College Foundation

Clark College students and programs need your support, and we want to make giving to Clark College an absolutely enjoyable experience. Use the donation form in this issue of Partners, or simply visit us online at clarkcollegefoundation.org/give_now/fall. One hundred percent of your donation will be directed to your program or department of choice. You can “give and receive” even more when making your gift in honor of someone you love, perhaps in acknowledgement of the holidays or another special occasion.

So during this giving time of year, we invite you to make a gift to Clark College, supporting the dreams of our students while investing in the promise of a bright future for the entire community.

Your giving will do something wonderful for others – and for yourself too.

Happy Holidays!

Lisa Gibert, Clark College Foundation President/CEO pictured with

Randy Morrissette (L) recipient of the 2011 Anna C. MacAskill Schwab

and Dwight L. Schwab Sr. Scholarship for Military Veterans, and Karissa

Cooke (R) recipient of an anonymous scholarship.

President’s Message

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In the early 1990s, serving as the chair of the Clark College Foundation Board of Directors, Harriet Wilson famously advised her fellow board members. While taking a vote, she told them, when you say “aye,” what you really should be intending is “I.”

“That captures the true essence of this formidable individual who put her heart and soul into the things she cared about,” said Lisa Gibert, Clark College Foundation President and CEO. “Harriet led by example and served as a role model for so many others – especially women – in our community.”

Harriet was a highly esteemed leader and somewhat of a trailblazer. She was vice president of Great Western National Bank and the first woman to serve on the board of First Independent Bank. She owned and operated a property management company, Wilson-Wright Properties.

An alumna of Clark College, Harriet was passionate about her alma mater and continually looked for opportunities to give back while also inspiring others to support the college. She was a champion for the arts and the homeless, and served tirelessly on behalf of myriad organizations including Goodwill, the YWCA, Council for the Homeless, the Columbia Arts Center, and her beloved Clark College.

Legacy of LeadershipAlumna’s impact on Southwest Washington for future generations.

In 1992, in recognition of her contributions to the community, Harriet received Clark College Foundation’s Presidential Award for Excellence and was recognized as a Woman of Achievement – an honor jointly awarded by Clark College and the YWCA of Clark County. In 1993 she received The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington’s First Citizen Award.

“She was warm-hearted, gracious, and caring; an eloquent advocate for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment,” said Michael Miller, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette. “She believed passionately that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed and prosper.”

In that spirit, the Clark College Foundation Board of Directors established the Harriet Wilson Memorial Scholarship Fund shortly after her passing in August 2011. “The board was compelled to honor Harriet’s legacy by providing opportunities for others through education,” said Gibert. “We were delighted, but not surprised, when we learned that Harriet had named Clark College Foundation as a major beneficiary of her estate for the same purpose.”

“Harriet served as a role model for so many others – especially women – in our community.”

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Wise InvestmentCommunity leader says supporting Clark College makes sense.

When his daughter Jackie came to Clark to pursue a nursing degree, Rick Takach knew of the college but did not realize the extent of its impact on the community. “I began researching community colleges, and the more I learned the more impressed I became,” recalls Takach. “Every person in this community is positively affected by Clark College, whether they realize it or not.”

Takach was “pleasantly surprised” by the high quality of education made available to the residents of Southwest Washington at a fraction of the cost for a four-year institution. “Clark makes it possible for bright minds to stay here, study here, work here, and give back to our community.”

Indeed, nearly 75 percent of Clark’s alumni live within a 50-mile radius of the college, contributing to the economic vitality of the region. “The soaring enrollment numbers are a testament to how important Clark is,” said Takach. “Clark is a resource for every student, whether coming here from high school or later in life, seeking a vocational education or looking to transfer to a four-year school, or coming back for continuing education in their current profession.”

Takach, a 15-year Vancouver resident, earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Pennsylvania State University in 1979. With a career in the hospitality industry,

he owns hotels in several states including Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and California. “I have been fortunate to live a good life and feel it’s important to share that with others,” he said. “When you help others, it creates a ripple effect, empowering them to do the same, making the community an overall better place.”

As the parent of a Clark alumna and the chair of the Clark College Foundation Board of Directors, Takach knows the importance of leading by example. “Seeing the generosity of other community members toward Clark College inspired me,” he said. He began funding annual scholarships and has recently made a multi-year commitment toward the upgrade of facilities and equipment for the dental hygiene program. “Clark is an asset to Southwest Washington and I feel very privileged to invest in it; as a business person and as a community member, it makes sense.”

Rick Takach with

his daughters

(LtoR): Hailey

Takach, Heather

Potter, and Jackie

Hunter. A Clark

alumna, Jackie said,

“The instructors

really cared about

supporting the

students and our

success, during

college and after

graduating also.”

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The Ripple EffectClark’s impact on the whole community, one person at a time.

“When I was a little girl, my mother would always tell me that I could get into trouble if I didn’t stop being so curious,” said Joanne Kendall, whose smile appears to be permanent. “I would read a lot and always dreamed of visiting all the places mentioned in those books. Becoming a flight attendant took care of that wish; Clark College gave me the answers to everything else I was curious about.”

Kendall, who was born and raised on a farm in Cornelius, Oregon, was given a scholarship to the University of Oregon. “It didn’t cover the total cost of the education so I was not able to attend,” Kendall recalled. But, she did not give up on her goal of getting a college education, and her dream finally came to fruition when she enrolled at Clark College in 1981. Married and raising two children, she had previously taken a few classes in art appreciation and philosophy at Clark. “I had even taken an evening culinary class and it was so good that I gained five pounds,” Kendall said lightheartedly.

“One of my favorite classes was psychology with Dr. Larry Easter. He encouraged us to ask questions and made the course very applicable to real life experiences.” After completing the prerequisite courses, Kendall was admitted to the nursing program. “While studying for difficult classes, Clark gave me the skills to persevere,” said Kendall as she recalled the experiences afforded her both in the classroom and through clinical placements. “The practical component of the nursing program heightened my sense of community and compassion.”

Before long, Kendall had a chance to put her education into practice. She and a group of friends became acutely aware of the increase in homelessness in Vancouver. Through their efforts, a family shelter—Open House Ministries—was launched. More recently, Clark College began offering GED courses on-site to Open House residents. “It’s a fantastic resource because many of these individuals do not have access to transportation,” said Kendall. “The instructors from Clark really have their

hearts in their work and they do more than just teach our residents to read and write; they give them a reason to live and hope.”

“I know from first-hand experience that Clark College provides opportunities for a wide cadre of people,” remarked Kendall, an avid benefactor of Clark. “It’s more than just a responsibility. I feel like it’s my calling to support a college that does so much for our community.”

Joanne Kendall

(center) pictured

with a group

of Open House

residents who are

participating in

the Clark College

GED program

offered on site.

“The instructors from Clark give them (students) a reason to live and hope.”

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them used for scholarships to encourage students and for professional development opportunities for their teachers. Maybe classrooms if needed. These things have meant so much to me, and it would be nice to be remembered in this way.”

As a named beneficiary of Jane Onsdorff Malmqust’s estate, Clark College Foundation will turn Jane’s dream into reality. Watch the Onsdorff Malmquist legacy continue at Clark College for the benefit of students and teachers in our region.

As the late Jane Malmquist remembered it, the story of her maternal great-grandmother’s plight was well known in her family. “With three children and her sister, she moved to Seattle to be close to college,” said Jane. “Great-grandmother knew they would each need an education to get ahead, and she couldn’t afford to send them away to college. Living at home would at least save on rent.”

“My grandfather, Peter Ondsorff, was also committed to education. He campaigned hard—and not without dissenting opinions from friends and neighbors—to create a consolidated high school for Battle Ground. He wanted to make sure that education was a priority in the newly developing town.”

Jane’s father, Sheldon Ondsorff, preferred to hire Clark students when he could. “He liked having smart people work for him,” said Jane. “He was happy the wages he paid supported their educations; something he thought worthwhile.”

“When I wanted to get into teaching myself, I took prerequisites at Clark College before earning a bachelor’s degree at Portland State University,” said Jane.

During her career as a teacher, Jane especially cherished the opportunity of going to education conferences. “Those development seminars were great for me, both personally and professionally,” said Jane. “They gave me the chance to see other cities and meet people from around the country. And I brought back to my classroom all the ideas and knowledge I picked up. It was as good for my students as it was for me.”

Before she passed, Jane shared her dream: “When I no longer need my worldly goods, I’d really like to have

A Family AffairEducation: an enduring tradition in the Onsdorff Malmquist family.

If you are interested in being a champion for education, please contact the Clark College Foundation at 360-992-2301. You may also email one of these staff members directly: Lisa Gibert, MBA, CFRE, President/CEO, [email protected]; Ara Serjoie, MPA, CFRE, Vice President of Development, [email protected]; or Daniel Lee, PhD, CFRE, Director of Major and Planned Gifts, [email protected]. Your support is needed now, and will have a lasting impact.

Clark College students, such as those pictured above, are the

beneficiaries of support from individuals like Jane Malmquist.

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Clark College Foundation | Partners | Spring 2011Donation Form NL F12

q $5,000q $2,500

q $1,000q $500

q $250q $100

q Area of Greatest Needq General Scholarshipsq Athletic Scholarshipsq Health Sciencesq Early Childhood Educationq GED Program

q Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)q Social Science & Fine Artsq Libraryq Other ________________

q Including Clark College Foundation in my will and other charitable tax-planning or life-income opportunitiesq Alumni Associationq Penguin Athletic Club

Years attended _________ Field of study _________________

q Other Amount $ _____________q I have named Clark College Foundation as a beneficiary of my will, trust, insurance policy, or retirement plan.

Name(s) ________________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________

City _____________________ State ________ Zip ____________________

Phone __________________________(W) ____________________________

Email __________________________________________________________

q Enclosed is my check made payable to Clark College Foundation.q Bill my: q Visa q MasterCard q Discover

Card # _________________________________________________________

Exp. Date ___________ / ____________CVC # ________________________

Name on card __________________________________________________

Signature _____________________________________________________

q My employer will match this gift. (Please enclose matching gift form.)

Name of employer _______________________________________________

This gift is made in q honor of q memory of

q Please send an acknowledgement to the family or person below. Without complete information, a notification cannot be sent. The amount of the gift is not disclosed.

Name(s) ________________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________

City _____________________ State ________ Zip ____________________

Yes, I want to donate:

Please designate my gift to:

I would like to receive information about:

Yes, I attended Clark!

To make a donation, visit us online at clarkcollegefoundation.org/give_now/fall or complete this form and mail to Clark College Foundation, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98663-3598.

What’s Your Preference?

If you prefer to receive this publication electronically only, please sign up at clarkcollegefoundation.org/stay_informed. We’ll never share your address or send you chain email. (Although you may want to forward the cool Penguin news to friends!)

Tell Us About Yourself!

Are you an alumnus or alumna of Clark College? We’d like to hear from you! There’s a convenient online form located on the Clark College Foundation website at clarkcollegefoundation.org/alumni. Update your information, and tell us about both your Clark story and what you have done since leaving the Penguin Nation.

Established in 1973, the Clark College Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt public charity. It serves

as the fundraising arm of Clark College to support student access to educational programs and services. In June 2010, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education bestowed on the Foundation a national award of excellence for superior fundraising programs and competencies.

I Am an Alum!

I Am an Alum!

Although she always dreamed of obtaining a college education, Maxine Nellor was not sure if she would be able to pursue her goal. In 1941, with the encouragement of a neighbor, Maxine enrolled at Clark College, attending “on and off.” Maxine, like so many other Americans, was just recovering from the Great Depression when the country was plunged into World War II. She married and became a war widow within a year, raised her sisters after the sudden death of their mother, and worked many hours to supplement the family income.

In 1962, by then a mother of three, Maxine marched back to Clark. With a determination that had stood the test of time, she finished her associate degree during which time she had her fourth child. “That is one of the beauties of a community college: Mom could engage in a college education, whether full-time or part-time, day or night, with interruptions spanning decades, and still walk out with a degree, with a dream fulfilled,” said her youngest daughter, Nancy Nellor Retsinas.

In 1969 Maxine began working for the Vancouver School District. She has been retired for some years now and just celebrated her 89th birthday. “Mom set an example for her children,” said Retsinas. “We all attended Clark College and went on to careers we love; two of us as educators and two of us as attorneys. Clark is the place where we learned how to learn.”

Alumni SpotlightMaxine Nellor

Clark College Foundation1933 Fort Vancouver Way

Vancouver, WA 98663-3598

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDRidgefield, WAPermit No. 94

Above: Maxine

Nellor on her 89th

birthday – October

2011.

Left: Maxine Nellor

in 1941 when she

first enrolled at Clark

College.

Documents

Fall 2011 Partners