2016 Annual Report

Whatcom Community College Celebrates Mission Dear Friends, Whatcom Community College contributes to the vitality of its communities by providing quality education in academic transfer, professional-technical and lifelong learning, preparing students for active citizenship in a global society. Fifty years ago – at the behest of the Washington state legislature – community leaders partnered with educators, business people and non-profit organizations to establish Whatcom Community College. In the early days, there Vision was no budget. There were no buildings. But as the need for higher education grew in our community, the College Whatcom will be an innovative college, engaged with our diverse and changing communities. grew to meet it. Today, Whatcom has a beautiful 72-acre campus, serves 11,000 students, and is recognized as one of the top two-year colleges in the state and in the nation. (Aspen Institute) Promise Statement This growth was possible thanks to community partners who encouraged the College, to bold leaders who served We transform lives through education. We accomplish this by: Supporting student growth as Whatcom’s trustees, and to faculty and staff who each and every day arrive at work thinking: How can I help Respecting student investment students today? Embracing diversity Today, Whatcom’s reputation for excellence and innovation reaches beyond Whatcom County. We are recognized Promoting excellence as a national leader in academic programs such as cybersecurity, health care and science, technology, engineering Creating opportunities and math. We’re also a leader in student services, guiding them to success through personalized advising, math Core Themes and English tutoring and programs that encourage first-generation college students. It is our students’ ability to Creating opportunities. Building community. Achieving success. discover and achieve their dreams at Whatcom that is the best measure of our success. We dedicate this special 50th anniversary annual report to everyone who has helped the College to thrive and, especially, to our current students and graduates. It is our honor and our mission to serve you.

Thank you for your support,

Kathi Hiyane-Brown, Ed.D. President, Whatcom Community College Join us for 50th anniversary celebrations. Calendar: whatcom.edu/50

Whatcom Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender presentation, ancestry, ethnicity, family status, immigration status, socioeconomic status, genetic information or age in its programs and activities. WCC publications are available in alternate formats upon request. WCC Board of Trustees Contributors: Bob Winters, WCC Advancement staff. Pictured from left to right: Tim Douglas, Back cover: In the early years, Whatcom on Wheels roamed the county, connecting the “college without walls” with its community. John Pedlow, Barbara Rofkar, Steve Adelstein, President Kathi Hiyane-Brown WHATCOM CELEBRATES 50 YEARS -3- The Community College Act of 1967 broke through the walls around higher education. Its aim was to “offer an open door to every citizen regardless of his academic background or experience.” From its inception as a “college without walls,” Whatcom Community College was committed to removing barriers in the path of students. Everett Sanders, the College’s first coordinator, said “…we can serve people, not buildings.” Our promise to students was to “never say no.” We offered independent study, “open classrooms” and credit for prior learning. We called our curriculum “Alternative Learning Experiences” (ALE), and we earned recognition as radical innovators. We improvised outposts all over Whatcom County that brought us close to students. Without a campus, we took pride in our purpose. We succeeded as a college with a spirit we called “The President Kathi Hiyane-Brown Whatcom Way.” “I would love to go back in time 50 years ago to meet the visionary leaders who built this institution.”

Stan Brunner, Trustee, Ron Leatherbarrow, vice president for instruction, 2008-2015 1969-1976 “What I want to say to the community and especially students “Between the liquor store and who think they’re not academic quality and the parents who think the gas company and the 20 Keri Parriera, started as administrative staff at Lynden that their child is not qualified academically, I want to say to them: Doug McKeever, hired fall 1971 wheelbarrow loads of bat crap Instructional Center in 1984 and retired as president’s You can get there from here. Whatcom Community College can (first year academic classes (hauled out of the Third Street office assistant, 2014. help you realize your dream. I believe that.” offered), geology professor, in Ferndale), we started a college.” “In those early days, the instructional centers in the county retired 2014 allowed people in outlying areas to access college classes. “Every morning as I eagerly biked to That wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.” work, I would ponder, question and challenge myself: How can I best serve my students today?”

THE BEGINNING 1970s 1967 1970 1972 1977 Community College Act of 1967 establishes 22 community college March: Board hires first full-time July: Dr. Robert Hamill becomes the first president of WCC. Ferndale Instructional Center districts. Whatcom is District 21. The first Board of Trustees meeting is employee. Former Ferndale Schools September: Modular buildings on Northwest Road serve as opens on Third Street (right). held May 29 at the Leopold Hotel in Bellingham. Superintendent Everett Sanders’ title is administrative offices and the Learning Resources Center. Blaine Instructional Center opens coordinator (pictured left, with assistant on Peace Portal Drive. 1974 coordinator Lynn Blackwell, left, and Dr. William J. Laidlaw is appointed secretary, Ora Enbom). First full- June: College leases an abandoned Thriftway grocery store as the president. Marine Drive Instructional Center. time faculty member joins the next 1979 month. Floyd Sandell teaches farm December: Lynden Instructional Center opens in a remodeled Midtown Center (photo spread, management. The College’s first office Safeway store at Sixth and Grover streets. The center offers farm management and art for seniors. above) opens in downtown is on Third Street in Ferndale. Bellingham on Magnolia and May: Board minutes report the 1976 Commercial. College has no name and no crest. The December: WCC receives accreditation from the Northwest The College’s first commencement two most frequently suggested names Association of Schools and Colleges. ceremony and presidential are Whatcom Community College and inauguration of Bill Laidlaw Kulshan Community College. (right) is held June 14, 1979. June: College is formally named The ceremony, which honored Whatcom Community College. graduates from 1972 to 1979, was Sanders says, “Since capital funds are not available, it seems District 21 held at the American Legion Post will operate without a campus… We can serve people, not buildings.” No. 7 and included dinner and September: Tuition for first quarter of courses is $6 per credit. Offerings dancing. “Affirming the past and 1969 Board of Trustees, from left: Stan Brunner, Elizabeth Bay, James McKellar, include psychology, American history, literature, typing, woodcarving, welcoming the future” was the Catharine (Kitty) Stimpson and Sam Kelly tax preparation, art and reading. focus of the opening remarks.

-4- WHATCOM CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WHATCOM CELEBRATES 50 YEARS -5- Sally Bakken, Typing pool, instruction office, Susan Mancuso, faculty/dean for student personnel office, 1975 - 2001. services, 1973-1995 “… went from wild west where you could wear The “facility change that was most dramatic … whatever you wanted and pretty much do what was really when we had the converted grocery you wanted to a much more formal setting, which store on Marine Drive because there were like four it needed to be.” classrooms. And the counselors and advisors were so excited that they could meet in the meat locker “We were winging it—basically—in 1975.” with students because they could close the door and have a private conversation with students. We had no place to do that before.”

Doug Mooers, math professor, 1986 - 2015 Trish Onion, dean, vice president for student services, 1996 - 2014 Regarding classes at former Thriftway on Marine Drive: “The room in which classes were taught had a very high “Times were tough. There were tiny ceiling, so there was a lot of echoing going on … I approached budgets because most of the money (head of maintenance) Bill (Cochran), and we brainstormed a was going toward building this beautiful way to knock down the sound. Bill went to a storage area and Bernie Thomas, Board of Trustees, campus. And, yet, even so, there was this found this old stage curtain that we then rigged up inside this 1985-1995 comraderie. We were in this together. open space and it made it look like an Arabian tent.” “I do recall seeing the Whatcom We were building this together.” Community College trailer in the Ferndale High School parking lot. And thought: “What a very odd beginning.”

1980s 1990-2000s Today

1980 1986 1992 Lead institution of CyberWatch West, one of only four NSF-funded WCC leases pottery studio from Groundbreaking for new core Running Start program starts with 117 high school students. Today, centers in the nation dedicated to cybersecurity education. The College Bellingham Parks and Recreation facility (Laidlaw Center, right) more than 1,000 students enroll annually. will offer a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in IT Networking, beginning fall 2017. at Boulevard Park, now Woods at site of current campus on 1995 Coffee (right). Local artist Kathryn Kellogg Road in Bellingham. The original Pavilion opens for winter WCC ranked third in the state (behind UW and WSU) and 150th in the Roe was the instructor. 1987 quarter classes (right). The new student- nation in fiscal year 2015 grant funding from the National Science 1983 Laidlaw Center opens in 1987 approved and student-funded facility Foundation. The most recent awards recognize WCC’s excellence and In July 1983, the Board of Trustees and is named after the College’s opened in fall 2015 and includes a innovation in STEM education. accept a donation of 5.93 acres former president Bill Laidlaw, track, cardio and strength training Graduates transfer to leading in-state universities as well as prestigious out- of land in north Whatcom County who served from 1978 to 1983. equipment, fitness studios, and more. of-state schools. from The Trillium Corporation 1989 1998 Based on successful student outcomes, the Aspen Institute ranks and its president David Syre. This Board adopts the Orca whale as the official college mascot. Whatcom closes its last satellite buildings. All programs now at the Whatcom among the top nine community and technical colleges in is the future site of the College’s central campus on Kellogg Road in Bellingham. Washington state and among the top 150 in the nation. “core facility” and today’s campus. 1990 WWU and WCC sign an articulation agreement on full transferability 1984 March: The College moves of the Associate in Arts and Sciences degree. See more WCC milestones at our history exhibition at the Whatcom into Building B (now Baker Museum, Old City Hall, March-May 2017. Or visit the exhibition on Legislature approves capital dollars 2007 for design of Whatcom core facility. Hall), just east of Laidlaw campus, beginning June 2017. Center. The building was Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown begins as Whatcom’s fourth president. Board selects Dr. Harold G. Heiner constructed, leased and as third president. (at left, in photo) 2013 Sources: “Walking the Whatcom Way: The First 30 Years,” Dr. Harold Heiner, and WCC records later purchased from Dawson Construction. 1985 The state-of-the-art Health Agreement with Kawaijuku Institute of Japan signals growth of Professions Education Center opens. Enrollment exceeds 1,000 full- international program. Today, 300-plus international students from Graduates consistently surpass state time equivalent students. 30 countries study at WCC. and national pass rates on license and certification exams. -6- WHATCOM CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WHATCOM CELEBRATES 50 YEARS -7- STUDENT PROFILE COLLEGE PROFILE Degrees Established in 1967 Accredited by the Northwest Commission on 79% academic transfer Colleges and Universities 21% professional-technical 72-acre campus with 12 buildings (11% health care, 4% technology. 461 employees Remainder business, education, law & justice)

Geography Programs (students 20 years of age and under) Bachelor of Applied Science in IT Networking 76% from Whatcom County 20 associate degrees Whatcom Community College didn’t just survive. It thrived. 20% from elsewhere in Washington state 34 professional-technical certificates As this “college without walls” evolved, we recognized the need for a 4% from out of state Basic education, job skills, and Community and centralized location, and in 1986 we opened our first building, the Laidlaw Continuing Education classes Employment rate Center. Around it has grown a beautiful modern campus. With that growth Top degrees WCC graduates earn at came the transition from “alternative learning experiences” to more 82% within nine months of professional- subsequent colleges: technical program completion (Source: • STEM (science, technology, conventional classroom and lab instruction in state-of-the-art facilities. Washington State Career Bridge) engineering and math) But some things remain from those early years. One is our commitment • business/finance/accounting to working with industries and organizations—local and national—to Annual tuition/fees • social sciences $5,376 approx. educate the community together. Another is our dedication to students, • humanities the promise we made five decades ago to transform their lives and “never 20:1 student-faculty ratio say no” to their dreams.

COMMUNITY & WHATCOM STUDENTS SERVED CREDIT SEEKING CONTINUING ED STUDENTS INCLUDE MORE STUDENT FACTS 11,457 annually 6,832 annually 4,056 annually 239 veterans 56% female 68% between the ages of 16-24 6,647 quarterly 1,110 Running Start students 21% students of color 53% attending full-time (12 credits or more)

4,110 FTE* 300+ international students 42% first-generation college students *FTE=Full-time equivalent (total equivalent of all students taking 15 credits per quarter) from 30+ countries -8- WHATCOM CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WHATCOM CELEBRATES 50 YEARS -9- Honoring faculty, staff & student excellence 2016 HIGHLIGHTS

As the College enters its 50th year, WCC faculty, staff and students continue to excel. Here are highlights from 2016.

Whatcom is more committed than ever to Awards the success of students. Each year college leaders select two faculty and two Their dedication inspires everyone staff members as excellence award winners. Nominated who works at Whatcom to excel. The by their peers and students, these individuals epitomize achievements of our faculty and staff—and the integrity and philosophy of the educational our hard-working students—continue to profession they have selected, which is demonstrated be honored across the state, the region, by their dedication to students and to the entire college and the nation. Our engagement with community. The College thanks the WCC Foundation for local colleges, businesses, and institutions its financial support of the 2016 awards. ensures that students receive a quality education that opens up opportunities and Pictured from left to right: makes dreams achievable. Today, we are on Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award - Katherine Burns, English the threshold of offering our first Bachelor “I work with impressively inspired and heart-led colleagues who truly care about making a difference in this world. And our students? of Applied Science degree, and more I simply adore them.” programs and new facilities are in Full-time Faculty Excellence Award - Anna Wolff, English the works. “I want students to have confidence in their abilities and to achieve their goals. Some come in with lofty dreams; some have baby step goals. In our 50th year, Whatcom Community We give them tools to be successful.” College is recognized as one of the best Judy Hoover Award for Excellence (exempt staff) - two-year colleges in the country. Just Anne Marie Karlberg, director for Assessment and Institutional Research “My work is intellectually challenging, creative, diverse and project-based – with students, faculty and staff who continually inspire me. It as creatively as in our past, Whatcom is doesn’t get better than that!” redefining what a community college Classified Excellence Award - Shandeen Gemanis, program specialist, Community and Continuing Education can be. “I first began working here as a work-study student, and, as a student, knew Whatcom had an unwavering commitment to student success. I have been proud to see that commitment strengthened and built upon during my 20 years of employment.” Retirees

Each spring, the College honors retiring faculty and staff at a special event. Former employees return to campus to welcome the new retirees to their community. In 2016, 12 WCC employees ended their Whatcom careers. We wish them all the best and thank them for their service to students!

President Kathi Hiyane-Brown (second from right) pictured with retirees (from left): Laine Johnston, Sue Zuck, John O’Neill, Jeannette Stephens and Peggy Wepprecht 2016 Retirees Laine Johnston, Running Start, 1975 Cindy King, registrar’s office, 1987 Joanne Cady, English as a second language- academic faculty, 1999 Margaret (Peggy) Wepprecht, parent Sue Zuck, instruction office, 1988 education, 1977 Caryn Friedlander, art faculty, 1992 Doreen Dewell, biology faculty, 2001 Kathy Barnes, entry and advising, 1985 Tricia Wilson, Running Start, 1997 John O’Neill, IT, 2003 Jeannette Stephens, math faculty, 1986 Colleen Hanson, facilities, 2005

2016 highlights continue on next page. -10- WHATCOM CELEBRATES 50 YEARS Geology instructor Kaatje Kraft and WCC student Kat O’Connor spent a week aboard an oceanographic research vessel as part of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Student Experience at Sea (STEMSEAS) program. The NSF-funded project provides ship-based experiences for undergraduates from diverse backgrounds. Students sail with experienced faculty mentors and engage in geoscience and oceanography activities. Over 800 students applied for this program with only 30 spots available. “We had students who had never seen any ocean before, who had never been on a boat before, never seen the Milky Honoring faculty, staff & student excellence Way,” Kraft says. “To be able to bring science alive for these students was a gift.” 2016 HIGHLIGHTS Achieving success Building community

Student leaders planned critically and holistically will create entirely new possibilities while Corrinne Sande received the 2016 Pacific Doug Mooers, who retired from WCC in and hosted the third emphasizing the importance of innovative teaching and learning,” Regional Faculty Member Award from the 2015 after nearly 30 years at the College, annual Students Leading Ericksen says. Association of Community College Trustees received the Lifetime Achievement Award Change conference in May Art Professor Caryn Friedlander’s classes (ACCT). She is the director of computer from the Washington Mathematical at the Syre Student Center participated in the third annual Postcard sciences and information systems/ Association of Two-Year Colleges. on campus. The goal of the Project: What is Your Dream? Each student CyberWatch West at Whatcom and is a educational conference is created and sent a handmade postcard renowned national leader in cybersecurity to promote understanding that posed the dream question to a Lummi education. of social justice issues and Nation middle school student. Lummi to inspire participants to students responded with their own cards create a more inclusive community. Student Johnathan Tyler Gilmore was and visited campus to meet with their Geology instructor Bernie Dougan one of five statewide recipients of the Instructors Justin Ericksen (English) and Kaatje Kraft (geology) WCC pen pals. Lummi middle school was honored as an outstanding adjunct 2016 Transforming Lives Award from the are leading a Faculty Learning Community grant to explore the English teacher Janice Hottman says: “… it faculty member by the National Washington State Association of College definition and shared understanding of the phrase “student success.” allows them to dream big and to envision Association of Geoscience Teachers. Trustees. It was the second year in a row a The effort to identify and explore various interpretations will help their lives beyond middle school.” WCC also partnered with Fisher WCC student was selected for the honor, Whatcom (and others) determine how to best support students Elementary School on the Service-Learning project. Friedlander, who which celebrates how two-year colleges in achieving their goals. “Thinking about (student) success more conceived the postcard project, retired in 2016 after working at the College for 24 years. help students to reach their goals. Accounting Assistant Professor John Fasler Creating opportunities was elected president of the Northwest Accounting Educators (NAE). “My election as Gov. Jay Inslee honored WCC ranked third in the state (behind University of Washington Preparing students and working president is an honor not just to me but to students Na Eun Kim of and Washington State University) and 150th in the nation in fiscal professionals for emerging health-care Whatcom Community College,” Fasler says. “It Abbotsford, B.C., Canada, year 2015 grant funding from the National Science Foundation careers is the focus of three WCC grants suggests that my peers have high regard for and Alan Alatorre of (NSF). The most recent awards (totaling more than $600,000) totaling more than half a million dollars. the accounting program here at WCC.” Burlington at the 21st annual recognize WCC’s excellence in STEM education. Funded by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, the work will All-Washington Academic The College will offer a Bachelor upgrade training for students pursuing Team recognition ceremony. Whatcom English Professor Jeff Klausman of Applied Science degree in IT careers as certified nursing assistants and The program pays tribute to was awarded the 2016 Lisa Ede Excellence Networking, beginning fall 2017. in the field of medical assisting. WCC is also students who demonstrate in Teaching Award by the Two-Year College Whatcom’s first applied baccalaureate partnering with Spokane Falls Community a commitment to success in English Association of the Pacific Northwest. degree indicates the College’s College to create chemical dependency the classroom and service in their communities. Each team member The award is given to those who exemplify national leadership in cybersecurity training for mental health professionals. Community partners will is awarded a $250 scholarship plus additional transfer scholarship innovation and creativity in the teaching of education. WCC is the lead institution of guide coursework development. opportunities. Kim also received a $1,000 scholarship as a 2016 CyberWatch West, one of only four NSF- Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Bronze Scholar. English, who have demonstrated outstanding funded centers in the nation dedicated strategies that motivate students to excel, to cybersecurity education. Alissa DeLaFuente, and to those who have made a contribution Nadine Hensley and Sara Associate Professor Anne George was at the community college level. Klausman has Purington (left to right) will among a select group of academics, writers taught at WCC for 20 years. guide academic success of Helping students achieve rapid and and artists invited to an international disadvantaged students, successful progress in college math colloquium in Rabat (Morocco) including students from Whatcom Financial Aid Advisor and and English classes at WCC is possible commemorating the 50th anniversary of a low-income households, Opportunity Grant Coordinator Kelly thanks to two College Spark grants Moroccan cultural journal (“Souffles-Anfas”). first-generation college Bashaw received the Volunteer of the Year totaling $300,000. Earning college credits George, who teaches French, worked with a students, students who award from Futures NW, an organization sooner helps low-income students save collaborator to make “Souffles-Anfas” content have a disability, students of color, and students who are placed that actively recruits and supports students financial resources and positions them available online, which allowed the journal to into developmental education courses. This project provides from under-served communities. Bashaw has on a path to earn a college degree. The find new life. personalized coaching for these students to support academic been a WCC advisor for 16 years. She is also grants provide support for low-income preparation and improved sense of belonging in higher education. a member of the Bellingham School District students at WCC and, eventually, will be a The work is funded by a five-year, $3.25 million Title III Cooperative board of directors. model for other Washington community Arrangement Development grant from the Department of and technical colleges. Education, which was awarded to Bellingham Technical College and WCC in late 2015. -12- WHATCOM CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WHATCOM CELEBRATES 50 YEARS -13- New programs, services continue Whatcom’s legacy of student service.

The College will launch its first four-year degree in fall 2017. The Bachelor of Applied Science In the future, Whatcom will continue to prepare and equip our students for the path degree in IT Networking addresses the growing need for qualified IT networking personnel with ahead. Putting students first; never saying no; breaking down barriers and transforming enhanced hands-on skills and knowledge in cloud computing, mobile technologies and industrial lives: these are woven into the College’s DNA. control systems. The new applied baccalaureate degree is the only one of its kind in the northwest corner of the state and further confirms Whatcom’s stature as a regional and national leader in Whatcom’s history holds the seeds of its future. Moving forward, we will look to our computer information systems (CIS) and cybersecurity education. BAS graduates will be prepared tradition of creative thinking, of taking education out of the classroom and bringing it to to enter the workforce as network administrators and related job categories such as computer students wherever they are. and information systems manager or computer network architect. Whatcom administrators will consider additional four-year applied degrees based on community and industry need. The college of the future won’t be just within walls, nor be bound by a campus. Classes will be in “the cloud.” And we will once more realize the vision that inspired our origins: The Health Professions Education Center will expand. Robust enrollment in innovative ways to deliver education; decentralized; partnering with others to fulfill our health professions, including nursing, physical therapist assistant, massage therapist community’s aspirations. and medical assisting programs require more space to deliver essential, hands-on learning. These programs—plus new ones like behavioral health, substance abuse No walls. No barriers. No limits. That’s Whatcom’s legacy. And it’s our promise. counseling, and patient navigator are meeting critical community needs. The center was built through an innovative public—private partnership in 2013 with plans to grow health professions programs with more classroom and clinical spaces, delivering skilled nurses and health professionals to our community. Plans are already underway for a student-run physical therapist assistant clinic with reduced-cost services for community members without insurance coverage.

As Whatcom’s reputation of excellence grows, it is becoming a destination college. More students are moving to Bellingham to attend Whatcom, prompting College administrators to consider partnering with a developer to build residence halls on campus. A Student Services Center will bring together every aspect of the student experience, from admissions to career advising, all in one location. This will create staffing efficiencies and will enhance student satisfaction by providing immediate access to resources they need to enroll and to succeed at Whatcom. A new college-wide strategic plan will be completed in 2017. The plan details the College’s highest priorities over a five-year period, based on its core themes and its mission, vision and promise statements. All College work flows from the plan. “Whatcom’s approach to strategic planning provides space for every voice and taps into the tacit knowledge gained through each unique experience, whether faculty, staff, student, or community member,” says Associate Registrar Janis Velasquez Farmer, who co-chairs the strategic planning effort with Dean for Instruction Ed Harri. “As groups and individuals take advantage of opportunities to contribute to the process, the strategic plan becomes a living testimony of the collective heart and soul of the college.”

Named in honor of long-time college supporters, the Phyllis and Charles Self Learning Commons (shown in background) will be a welcoming student-centered building that includes the library, instructional technology, collaboration and study spaces, plus tutoring centers for math and English. This is the way students learn today: through tech-enhanced, group and individual learning. If state capital dollars are approved by the Legislature, construction of the 65,197-square-foot, three-story building will begin summer 2017. The Learning Commons will open fall 2019.

-14- WHATCOM CELEBRATES 50 YEARS College honors W. Robert Simpson WCC One of Whatcom’s great benefactors, W. Robert Simpson, passed away last spring. The Whatcom Board of Trustees honored Simpson’s lifelong enthusiasm for different 30 Years of helping students achieve their dreams cultures and diversity by naming the Simpson Intercultural Center in his honor. His financial contributions to Whatcom are significant. He directly supported many international students in the form of tuition, fees and living expenses toward a transfer This is why we do what we do: degree and subsequent university costs. He created a substantial endowment to provide, in perpetuity, two international program students with the same gift. In addition, he “I will be the main support for my family, and I will persevere in order to provide that support. I feel that I funded the diversity and intercultural professional development program for students, have a responsibility to show my children that I will not give up.”—Amy, nursing student faculty and staff for two years, and fully endowed two nursing students annually. “My past has taught me never to give up. That things can change if I make them. That I must Simpson received the WCC President’s Award in 2014 and is recognized as a President’s approach every day with a smile and an open mind.”—Mathew, French student W. Robert Simpson (right) with Circle Lifetime leader and a member of the Legacy Society. We are immensely grateful for scholarship recipient Saran Poovarodom his remarkable generosity and his family’s ongoing commitment to our college. The Foundation stands alongside the College as its partner, fundraiser and connecter to the greater community. We have a profound impact on the lives of thousands of students every year.

The Whatcom Community College Foundation raises money from our community to support WCC students. Since it was incorporated 30 years ago as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, we have steadily provided hundreds of thousands of dollars to men and women of all ages and backgrounds to help them access quality college education.

Our students often don’t fit easily into the “typical college student” box. Some are older returning students with outdated skills and little hope for a better future. Others are juggling children, jobs, school and the challenge of making it all work. From the first-generation college student with big dreams to newly returned veterans, Whatcom students share the desire for an education leading to Students, Foundation open Orca Food Pantry a better life. The Orca Food Pantry, sponsored by the Foundation and the Associated Students of Whatcom Community College is the place where we don’t give up, either. Lives are transformed Whatcom Community College, opened this fall. The Pantry is open to any student who here. We are full of gratitude for this community that prizes education for every person. can’t afford to purchase groceries. Students can take what they need to eat. The Pantry is filled by donations from college faculty and staff, as well as community partners like the Whatcom Food Co-Op. It is estimated that up to 50 percent of all college students struggle with food insecurity…and that’s 50 percent too much.

Jackie Rumble, left, director of campus advocacy, Associated Students of WCC, helped to launch the Orca Food Pantry.

WCC Foundation Annual Report WCC Foundation Board of Directors Kurt Anderson, chair; retired, ARCO Refinery Anne-Marie Faiola, entrepreneur, owner, Brambleberry, WCCF AT A GLANCE 2015-16 Mission Statement Total Assets $14,077,297 The WCC Foundation strengthens educational opportunities at Whatcom Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown, vice chair, WCC president BestDayEver, Otion Soap Total Cash & Equivalents $555,723 Community College by providing student scholarships, supporting faculty Dr. Ron Kleinknecht, professor emeritus of psychology, WWU Dr. Brenda-Lee Karasik, vice chair, San Diego State University Total Investments $4,879,881 and staff development, and assisting with key College initiatives. John Stewart, secretary/treasurer, Heritage Bank Mike Langey, retired, WCC Total Net Assets $7,080,423 About the Foundation Troy Wills, immediate past president, First Federal Bank Andrew Moquin, retired, arts management In 2015-16, the WCC Foundation contributed over $740,000 in support to Susan Sandell, retired, owner Sandell’s For Her SCHOLARSHIPS & COLLEGE SUPPORT Dr. Lynne Masland, retired, Western Washington University Total College Support $741,528 WCC and its students, including almost $290,000 in scholarships to more than 230 students. Foundation funding was granted to important College Phyllis Self, past chair, retired, counselor and past WCC trustee Satpal Singh Sidhu, senior consultant and CEO, Epod Solar Inc. and Whatcom County council Scholarships $289,789 programs such as tutoring, transitional learning, intercultural support, Victoria Dahlgren, at-large, retired, public defender Robert M. Tull, retired, attorney at law, Langabeer & Tull, P.S. Faculty & Staff Development $ 94,987 emergency funds for students, faculty and staff professional development, Bob Winters, college representative, arts and humanities division chair Student Services $ 120,361 and more. Tim Douglas, trustee representative, retired, WWU College Programs $236,431 and former mayor of Bellingham Sue Cole, executive director for institutional advancement, WCC Kira Bravo, CPA, principal, Metcalf Hodges Caite Holman, WCC Foundation director WHATCOM CELEBRATES 50 YEARS -17- ADVOCATES - $1,000+ Rick and Linda Luke* Thank You For Your Service provides Rick and Leslie Adelstein Dr. Lynne Masland and Steve Mayo* American Association of University Barbara McHugh scholarships and support for veterans Women* Frank and Mamiko McIntire Anonymous Michael and Elaine McRory Randi Axelsson Metcalf Hodges PS LIFETIME Scott M, Inc. Jeanette and Bob Morse* PARTNERS - $5,000+ Earl Bell D. Andrew Moquin* Joyce and David Morse Donors whose cumulative giving Russell and Virginia Sherif BP Cherry Point Refinery Bellingham Bay Rotary Club Jeanette and Bob Morse* exceeds $10,000 are honored as Sodexo Inc. D.C. Morse Jr. and Jan Marchbanks* Marti Caputi Bellingham Sunrise Rotary Club* Dr. Arlan and Diane Norman Lifetime President’s Circle members. David Syre Tony and Diana Pechthalt* Chuckanut Health Foundation* David and Cheryll Blair Northwest Berry Co-op* Sherry Thompson Ellen Posel* Combined Fund Drive BNSF Railway Company Northwest Chinese Cultural $50,000 and above T-Mobile USA Chuck and Dee Robinson* Heritage Bank* Jan and George Bowen* Association Anonymous Walton Beverage Company George and Barbara Rofkar* Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown Dean and Mary Brett PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Chuckanut Health Foundation * WCC Board of Trustees Audrene Sherwood* and Robert Brown* Bruce and Linda Burpee Center* Combined Fund Drive Wilson Engineering, LLC* Trillium Corporation David and Lynne Nelson* Joe and Judy Coons* Ginny Pieters Dawson Construction, Inc.* U.S. Bank Tony and Diana Pechthalt* Margaret and Marc Curtis Chuck and Dee Robinson* George B. and Ruth Elizabeth Ferguson WCC Employees Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery* Victoria Dahlgren and Jan Draut* Rotary Club of Whatcom County Foundation* $10,000 - $19,999 North* Whatcom Community Foundation Phyllis and Charles Self* Tonja Darling Kenneth and Kathryn Hertz* Steve and Debbie Adelstein* Samson Farms, Inc* Zervas Architects* Davinder Singh Sahota Dawson Construction, Inc.* Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery* Alcoa Intalco Works Deane and Susan Sandell* Thank You For Your Service is an endowment established this Dr. Diane Staves Patricia Decker and Jack Delay Dr. Carolyn and Paul Scott Anonymous Satpal and Harmandir Sidhu* year by Steve Shropshire of Shropshire Law Firm in Bellingham. The John S. Underwood Trust Theresa Duralia* Phyllis and Charles Self* American Association of University Shropshire Law Firm, PLLC scholarship and support is awarded to students who have served in Women* ANNUAL Whatcom Community Foundation Alice Miles Erickson* David and Carol Robinson This list recognizes donors who have John and Annie Stewart active duty or who are currently serving in a reserve capacity for any Kurt and Linda Anderson* First Federal Bank Earl Settlemyer made an annual contribution of $1,000 Skipping Stone Foundation* branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Steve Shropshire established the B&P Vending, Inc. Dr. Curt Freed W. Robert Simpson or more between July 1, 2015 and June AMBASSADORS - $2,500+ Joanne Springrose Thank You fund after providing Christmas care packages to our troops Erin and Galen Barnett Marty and Gail Haines State Board of Community and 30, 2016. Steve and Debbie Adelstein* Jeannette Stephens Bellingham Sunrise Rotary Club Hotel Bellwether in war zones for many years. Last year, he started the scholarship Technical Colleges Kurt and Linda Anderson* Technology Alliance Group* BP Cherry Point Refinery Walt and Lee Ingram “because we want to help our local heroes if we can. Hopefully, we Thomas and Martina Horn Foundation* LEADERS - $10,000 + Dr. Don and Karen Berry Susan and Dr. Loch Trimingham* Cascade Natural Gas Julie Johansen and Bob Moles* can keep this scholarship going for years to come,” Steve said. With 22 Biella Foundation Dena Bosscher Robert and Betty Tull Craig and Sue Cole* Laurel Johnson donors, including clients and friends, raising over $22,000 this year, $20,000 - $49,999 George B. and Ruth Elizabeth Ferguson Jack and Marybeth Campbell U.S. Bank The Dillard Foundation* Foundation* Gary and Carolyn Jonson this makes a real difference for the veterans who study at Whatcom. Anonymous Craig and Sue Cole* Jackie Van Zwol and Jim Harris Tim and Joanne Douglas* David and Carol Robinson John and Karrie Keenan* Dr. John Baker and Carol Walton* Tim and Joanne Douglas* Julia VanArsdel Fielding Formway Dr. Carolyn and Paul Scott Steve and Margie Kimberley The Bellingham Herald* Lisa Elzey Dr. Mo West and Dr. Mike Gannon* WCC student Cody Zimmerman said of the Thanks support he Richard Fulton Russell and Virginia Sherif Kissan Farms* Biella Foundation Darrell Heiner Whatcom Educational Credit Union received, “It means a lot to know that you and other members of the Jean Gorton* Thomas and Martina Horn Foundation* Dr. Ronald and Sharon Kleinknecht* Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown Emily Heiner James Whitehouse community appreciate and support our veterans as we transition Granite Construction Walton Beverage Company Rafeeka and Neal Kloke* and Robert Brown* Scott Heiner Sandra Wolf from our active duty military lives into new career paths. Transitioning Heritage Bank* Linda Lambert and Amory Peck* Marge Laidlaw and Scott Wallace* Beverly Jacobs* Dr. Jim and Judy Woods wasn’t easy at first. It wasn’t until I started attending WCC that I began Beverly Jacobs* Mike Langey* Dr. Ron Leatherbarrow* Ron and Shelley Jepson Kenneth L. Kellar Foundation Wendy Lawrence and Cathy Watson to feel that sense of purpose again. I feel like I’ve been thriving in the Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen John and Joyce Pedlow* academic environment, and I’m finally starting to feel well adjusted. Architects John Lyle Dr. Brenda-Lee Karasik* I plan on graduating in spring 2017 before moving to a four-year Peoples Bank* Mike Keenan university to complete a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. School is Puget Sound Energy* Karen and Charles Lauckhardt* not easy, but even the smallest amount of help can lead to big results Rotary Club of Bellingham Dr. George and Barbara Rofkar* later on down the road.” Scott M, Inc. Sodexo Inc. Steve Shropshire adds, “We give tremendous credit to our friends and clients that have helped us so much with their generosity and appreciation for our military men and women: they deserve it.” We echo that for all our donors. Connect your passion with student dreams. The WCC Foundation encourages scholarships tailored to donors’ interests and passions. Contact us at: [email protected] or 360.383.3320.

*Denotes current annual and lifetime members of the President’s Circle Founders Club. -18- WHATCOM CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WHATCOM CELEBRATES 50 YEARS -19- 2015-2016 DONORS Frank and Patti Imhof This list recognizes donors John and Donna Inglis Whatcom Community College 2015-16 Annual Report The Inn at Lynden who have made an annual Jacaranda Corporation contribution of $100 to $999 Vernon Damani Johnson between July 1, 2015 and Laine Johnston WCC Revenues & Expenditures June 30, 2016. Ann Kelly 17% Kiwanis Club of Bellingham Adelstein, Sharpe & Serka Joseph Knight Operating Revenues State Allocation Emel Agan Dr. Luca Lewis Dr. James Loucky Alpha Holdings, LLC State Allocation...... $12,317,243 Student Tuition & Fees Evelyn Ames Jack and Cindy Louws 52% James Anderson Donald and Cheryl Macisaac Student Tuition and Fees...... $7,488,989 Local Funds & WCCF Doug Angell Madrona Bay, LLC Local Funds & WCCF...... $4,052,000 31% Anonymous Linda and Terry Maier Asset Advisors LLC Marilyn Mastor Total...... $23,858,232 Steve and Sandra Avery Mary Matyas and David Harris Magic of Whatcom gala raises more than Tracy Maxwell Colleen Baldwin $137,000 for scholarships Barron Smith Daugert, PLLC Donna Lee McBride Operating Expenditures Bellingham Central Lions Club Joseph and Anne McClain Whatcom is truly magic! Last spring, the Foundation hosted Phelps and Amy McIlvaine Bellingham Golf and Country Club its first gala fundraiser, Magic of Whatcom. The dinner and 51+3316 Instruction...... $12,729,320 Noah and Anna Booker Bob McIsaac live auction raised over $137,000 for student scholarships and John and Anne Bowen Sis McManus Instructional Administration...... $1,735,000 11% Robert G. Bragg and George Muldrow Anne Marie Morse college programs. This year, we’ll be highlighting 50 Years of Instruction Patricia Morse Student Services...... $4,181,454 Dale and Jean Brandland Magic at Whatcom, with the gala on Saturday, April 22, 2017. 8% D.C. Morse Jr. and Jan Marchbanks (Registration/Testing/Counseling/Outreach/ Ben Bridge Jeweler Join us for a magical evening of festivity and fun, sharing Instructional Administration Stan and Margaret Brunner Mothership Glass LLC Assessment/Advising/Financial Aid/Student Life) 3% stories of student success and inspiration. Pat Burman Jack Mulhern Library Services...... $692,305 Student Services Dr. Chris and Astrid Newell 53% Cindy Burman-Woods Institutional Management...... $1,900,157 Blanche Bybee Tim Northrop and Yuki Gough 18% Library Services Sarah Webb Jon Leatherbarrow Memorial Jim and Barb Callaghan Shirley Osterhaus (President’s Office/Research/Advancement & Claudia and Merlin Wedepohl Joyce and David Morse Jeff and Christy Callender PEO Sisterhood, Chapter BQ Foundation/Staff Development/Facilities, Institutional Management Whatcom Art Guild Pauline Campbell Dr. Dana and Cindy Petersen Kenneth L. Kellar Russell Whidbee Equipment & Program Development) 7% Ford and Prudy Carothers Walter Podres Laidlaw/Wallace Family Administrative Services John and Kathryn Whitmer Kristen Carpenter Pope Realty Inc Lillian (Sis) McManus Administrative Services...... $2,619,996 Dennis and Robin Williams The Chrysalis Inn and Spa Anne Rasmussen Milt Rawlings Memorial (Human Resources/Business Office/Information The Willows Inn Joann Collinge RE/MAX Whatcom County, Inc OSKA (Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen) Technology/Facilities Management/Institutional Costs) Sherri Winans and Jeffrey Klausman Brad and Lisa Cornwell RMC Architects Patti Russell Memorial 54+717+3811 Rick Rosbach Bob and Sid Winters Linda and Greg Cowan Peoples Bank Total...... $23,858,232 Roy, Simmons, Smith & Parsons PS Judith and John Wiseman Gregg Cronn Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery James Ruff Wood Stone Corp Peter Cutbill Robinson Michael and Barbara Ryan Evelyn Wright Dewey and Inga Desler Rotary Club of Bellingham Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, PLLC Zervas Law P.S. Carol Dukes Sam Girouard Memorial Betsy and Micah Elijah San Juan Cruises ENDOWED Simpson-Scott Nursing Hilary and Bryant Engebretson Fred and Margaret Schacht SCHOLARSHIPS Simpson-Scott Returning Adult Eterna Studios Stephanie and Cevan Schmitt Aftermath Scholarship Nursing W. J. Thomas Ferguson Harold and Maryanne Scott Anna Rosemary Harris Memorial - Thomas and Martina Horn John Binns and Julie Fleetwood Binns Seattle Seahawks Study Abroad Foundation Health Occupations Ruth Flucke Semiahmoo Resort, Golf and Spa Semper Fi Park Anna Rosemary Harris Memorial- Thomas and Martina Horn Robert Fong Foundation Merit Tim Shea Chuckanut Writers Conference Bill and Jayne Freudenberger Thomas and Martina Horn Dr. Mary Ellen Shields Cascade Natural Gas Jacquelyn Gaines Foundation Returning Adult Karen Shorten Catharine C. (Kitty) Stimpson Nancy and George Gale T-Mobile Huddle Up Guy Smith and Chris Eder Charles & Phyllis Self Debbie Granger Trillium Corporation Orphalee Smith Dawson Construction Larry and Sandi Halgren WCC Booster Club John Hansen Andrew and Nina Sona Dawson Construction Health Professions WCC Employees Paul Hanson Faruk and Paula Taysi Delores L. Syre Memorial Whelan-Sharpe Family Ed Harri Jonathon and Kara Thomas Wilder Construction Bryan Heiner Leah Thompson Earl Settlemyer Workforce Education Incentive Elsie Heinrick Joel and Mary Pat Thuma Sherif Family Women in Engineering Kenneth and Kathryn Hertz Fahri and Robin Ugurlu Formway Scholarship W. Robert Simpson International Mary and J.C. Hickman Mary and Kevin Vermillion Heidingsfelder Memorial George Hiyane Janice Walker Heiner Family Scholarship If you notice an error or omission Anne Huber Florence Walton Immigrant Opportunity in these lists, please email Charles Way and Patricia Clarke [email protected] or Iva Sue Grover Memorial call 360.383.3320. -20- WHATCOM CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WHATCOM CELEBRATES 50 YEARS -21- “I am Whatcom because I am progress. I am determination. I am growth. I am all of these things because Whatcom walks that journey with me.” —WCC student Morgan Guthrie

Photo of student and campus by Austin Martin NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID BELLINGHAM, WA 237 W. Kellogg Road PERMIT NUMBER 152 Bellingham, WA 98226 whatcom.edu

1967 - 2017