Ties That Bind

2025 Clark College Foundation Annual Event celebrates the power of connection and education

By Claire Sykes
Dr. Karin Edwards at a podium onstage, addressing guests of the annual event
Pictured: Dr. Edwards addressing guests at Clark College Foundation's annual event
 

The buzz of conversation filled the room as guests mingled over hors d’oeuvres and wine before the start of the gala. They arrived with anticipation and left brimming with inspiration. 

On Nov. 13, more than 380 students, staff, donors, and community members gathered in the Heritage Ballroom at the Hilton Vancouver for Clark College Foundation’s annual event, “Connecting Clark.” From emcee Martha Enson’s warm welcome to Oswald the Penguin’s playful farewell, the two-hour celebration highlighted the many ways that Clark connects. 

Singers Kevin Joyce and Lou Mangione—the self-proclaimed “nephews” of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin— kicked off the evening with their tongue-in-cheek Rat Pack rendition of the gala’s theme. 

After the video, “What Connects You to Clark,” and a Clark College quiz, Dr. Karin Edwards took the podium. In her five years as President of Clark College, she said, the college has maintained high academic standards, launched new workforce-aligned programs, and successfully completed “our accreditation review with positive outcomes and compliments to our operations.” 

She announced Clark's recent nomination as one of the Aspen Institute’s Top 200 community colleges in the nation. “It’s a testament to the incredible people of Clark College—our faculty, staff, and students—who meet every challenge with resilience, creativity, and heart.” 

Dr. Edwards said the recognition reflects the gala’s theme. “Connecting Clark is more than what happens inside our classrooms or offices,” she said. “It’s about the web of relationships that make our mission possible, the way Clark College connects to our community, and how the community connects right back.” 

She noted that the Clark College Foundation plays a key role. “They are our storytellers and our bridge between the dreams of this college and the generosity of those, many of you here tonight, who believe in its mission,” she said. “From capital-resource investments across the college’s four campuses, to professional development funding for faculty and staff, to scholarship awards, the Foundation helps to amplify everything we do.” 

Nick Poindexter, Associate Vice President of External Relations, added that the Foundation strengthens these ties through alumni engagement, communications, and campaigns that reconnect Penguins long after graduation.  

Dr. Edwards also emphasized the partnership between the Foundation and the Financial Aid Office. “Every day, they navigate complex regulations and advocate for our students to ensure finances never stand in the way of a dream,” she said. 

Foundation CEO Calen Ouellette reflected on the organization’s 50-year history, recognizing former board member Vernon “Vern” Peterson, who died Sept. 15. “He helped transform the Foundation into the scholarship powerhouse it is today,” Calen said.  

This year, Clark College will award more than $2 million in scholarships “for the first time ever,” said Chanell Gore, Scholarship and Foundation Programming Manager. 

Shirley Schwartz, Senior Director of Scholarships and Foundation Programming, noted that the program is built on hundreds of donor relationships. “We have donors who together have established around 300 different scholarships, each with a story—an alum giving back, a community member investing in the future workforce, or someone honoring a loved one,” she said. 

Chanell added that these awards “don’t just fund education—they fuel possibility. They unlock opportunity, spark confidence, and sometimes quite literally change everything.” 

Students echoed that impact. Beheshta Eqbali, Vice President of the Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC), said her scholarships “were a sign that someone believed in me. Clark has been more than just a college for me. It’s been a home where my faith, my purpose, and my voice found a place to grow." 

ASCC President Alijah Machida said Clark provided an affordable, supportive environment where he could explore interests, develop as a leader, and build meaningful connections. "It’s the tight-knit community at Clark that makes it a place where I can grow, learn, and find a place of belonging.” 

“Our students are creative, resilient, and full of hope,” Calen remarked. “They are the next generation of innovators, educators, and community builders.” 

Foundation Board Chair, Deborah Blom, added that Clark “transforms not only individuals, but the entire fabric of our community. When you invest in Clark, you’re investing in the strength, vitality, and promise of Clark County.” 

As guests enjoyed the buffet dinner and live music by accordion-and-guitar duo, Miles and Karina, they heard stories of connection—each reinforcing the gala’s theme. Connection was also seen in the bond between the two NW Dance Project dancers, Anthony Milian and Kalli Loudan. 

The evening closed with a final performance by Joyce and Mangione and a reminder from Dr. Edwards: “As we celebrate ‘connection’, let’s applaud what the word truly means—a community that stands together, invests together, and believes together in the power of education to change lives.”

Many thanks to the event sponsors:

Learn More About the Clark College Foundation

Clark College Foundation is an independent, self-governed nonprofit partnered with Clark College to broaden access to higher education and strengthen community engagement. The Foundation strives to advance student success and program excellence for educational opportunities to be accessible to all at Clark College.  

Each year, the Foundation provides critical funding through scholarships, program support, and financial aid. In the 2024-25 academic year alone, Clark College Foundation awarded more than $1.8 million in scholarships, special awards, and financial support to over 700 Clark students. Altogether, the Foundation provided over $5.1 million in support of students, programs, and capital projects. Among its initiatives are support for first-generation students, veterans, and military-affiliated learners, and basic needs programs like the Penguin Pantry.

Learn more on the Clark College Foundation’s website.

Photo: Clark College Foundation/Levi Nelson 

Story by Claire Sykes, freelance writer for Clark College Foundation