Since 1981, the Clinton Community College Alumni Association has honored those who made “outstanding” contributions during the year. In 2016, we celebrate our 35th year of honoring such contributions to Clinton
Community College.
CCC President Dr. Karen Vickers commented, “We always appreciate the opportunity to recognize those people who have made such a difference to CCC. This year’s recipients have shared of their time and talents, to help us to serve our students and our community. We are humbled by their commitment and honored to be able to have them as a part of CCC.”
The 2016 Outstanding Awards are awarded to, left-to-right, back row, Kris Hingstrum, Karen Friis, Julie Allesee, Carrie Donaire, Dylan Lake, Taryn Schleuning, and Ayna Garedew; front row, Sisters Hillary Mullany, Anne Martin Phelan, Eileen Golby, Marilyn Shea, and Kathy Holland.
Congratulations to the CCC Alumni Association’s Outstanding Awards recipients!
Outstanding Business Associate – The Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce
Our community is fortunate to have a strong partnership between Clinton Community College and the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce. Through the years, the Chamber and CCC have worked together as part of many trainings in customer service, rapid response teams, and developing new leaders. For 31 years, the Chamber has hosted the Leadership Institute, developing new leaders in our community. In recent years, a new leadership program, LEAD, was begun for area high school and college students. For the years of outstanding partnership and the efforts in building a strong community the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce is our 2016 Outstanding Business Associate.
Outstanding Friend of the College – Sisters of St. Francis
The Sisters of St. Francis are active in the community, supporting many great causes and activities. When CCC was looking into having a poverty simulation for support staff and advisors with a limited budget, the Sisters of St. Francis came forth with funding for the project. They also provided funding for volunteers who were members of the Getting Ahead program. The program was very well received by all who attended. The Sisters and their Community Outreach Director, Lori Freudenberg, do such wonderful work for the Clinton community. Congratulations to our 2016 Outstanding Friend of the College.
Outstanding Staff/Faculty Member – Aynalem (Ayna) Garedew
Ayna always has a smile on her face when she encounters anyone who enters our building. One can always tell when she has just cleaned around campus. Everything sparkles and smells fresh! Ayna is patient and respectful of those around her when performing tasks. She is conscientious of privacy and traffic flow in her areas. Ayna takes pride in all that she does, and one can tell that she is passionate about being part of CCC.
Outstanding Alumnus – Taryn Schleuning
Our Outstanding Alumnus has blossomed since her years here at Clinton Community College. Taryn Schleuning completed the Administrative and Office Support Program, served as a Work Study, nurturing her children through Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, softball, baseball, birthday parties, etc., all while earning stellar grades as a student at CCC. Taryn has a fan base at Clinton Community College, and we have enjoyed watching her grow in her position at Focus. She manages staff, recruits employees, encourages employees to be active as volunteers, and has worked with Focus organization to fund a new scholarship for CCC High School Equivalent Program students. Taryn is an excellent example of a CCC alumnus making our community a better place.
Outstanding Graduate – Dylan Lake
Dylan Lake is an active member of the Student Networking and Programming (SNAP) Club and Fine Arts Committee on campus. Dylan continually looks for ways to get involved, on and off campus. One may see him helping out with the Symphony of Lights by taking gate receipts; being B-rrry (or B-ronda?) Bear at the B-rrry Scurry run; assisting with the Cruising with the Cougars Car Show; showcasing his art at the Fine Arts Show; helping with High School Fine Arts Day; working Lotsa Pasta event; many other local causes. One never has to seek out Dylan for help, because he is always there asking, “How can I help?” before you know you need it.
Outstanding Volunteer – Kris Hingstrum
Kris Hingstrum attended class at Clinton Community College decades ago, returning in 2001 as the Dean of Student Development. Kris retired in 2009, however, we didn’t let her go far. When we ask, Kris says, “Yes!” She is a member of the CCC B-rrry Scurry 4-Mile Run committee. She has also served as the CCC Alumni Association President, leading the effort to provide four annual scholarships for deserving students. The Alumni Association also hosts the annual CCC Student Leaders Recognitions Luncheon and the Outstanding Awards. With Kris in the lead, the CCC Alumni Association continues to thrive.
For more information about the CCC Alumni Association, contact Ann Eisenman at 563-244-7040 or email aeisenman@eicc.edu.