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A message from the presidentIntroduction and welcome

2

ecently I’ve been reflecting onour college mission. It is impor-

tant that we continually questionwhat we are doing and how well weare meeting our community’s expec-tations.In the words of John F. Kennedy:

“Let us think of education as themeans of developing our greatestabilities, because in each of us thereis a private hope and dream which,fulfilled, can be translated into bene-

fit for everyone andgreater strength of thenation.”Pretty lofty stuff ...

but history bears itout: when a people, acommunity, focusclearly on the power

of human potential, great thingshappen. Therefore, in order to trans-late our collective hopes and dreamsinto tangible benefits, our college isfocusing on increasing opportunitiesfor student success while providingnew, exciting instructional offerings,all with a renewed commitment tothe communities we serve. Independent accreditation will be

important step in our journey towardexcellence and self-sustaining per-formance. By seeking independentaccreditation, we have fully commit-ted to a culture of continuous im-provement, accountability andtransparency. The accreditation stan-dards not only test us against toughbenchmarks of excellence, but ver-ify that we have in fact met ourcommunity’s expectations. If we areable to accurately identify and de-

liver upon those expectations, wewill truly make a difference in ourColumbia Gorge community’s eco-nomic and social fabric. This past year witnessed many

milestones. These included recordgrowth in enrollment, revision of thecollege’s Academic Master Plan,student and staff achievement, civicpartnerships, expansion of our en-dowment and national recognition

for our Renewable Energy Technol-ogy program, just to name a few.Yet these vital steps toward inde-

pendent accreditation only tell partof the story. You’ll find details onthese and other highlights of 2011 inthis Annual Report to our con-stituents. We encourage your com-ments, thoughts and ideas. After all,Columbia Gorge Community Col-lege would not exist if it weren’t for

you, the residents of the Mid-Co-lumbia region. Now and always, weare here to serve you. We begin eachday with that responsibility in mind,and we end it with reflections ofhow we could be better. We wel-come your guidance, and we treas-ure the trust you have placed in us.Thank you!Dr. Frank K. Toda

President

Dr. Frank Toda

R

Above from left: Olga Bishop, Laura Davidson, Hillary Coy, Jared Langdon and Brianna Shain. Facing page,

photos from top: Christina Baghdanov; Savannah Jones and Amanda Holste; Jesse Trosper and Kathy

Darnielle; Jonatan Morales, Alyssa Pearce and Josue Jimenez. Michal Kawka photos

College governance

3

Welcome, CharlotteArnold

Charlotte Arnold joinedthe board of education inJuly 2011 representingHood River County, whereshe was born and raised.She attended Oregon StateUniversity and received aBachelor of Science inSecondary Education fromPortland State Universityin 1972.Charlotte has had a diverse career as a teacher,

dance instructor, business owner, marketing di-rector and fashion consultant. She founded Mid-Columbia School of Dance Arts (now ColumbiaGorge Dance Academy) in 1975, and she contin-ues to teach students of all ages.Charlotte’s husband, Richard, was formerly the

Hood River County surveyor and director ofPublic Works. They have been married 40 yearsand are especially proud of their three grownchildren, each of whom has multiple degrees andsuccessful careers. CGCC is pleased to welcomeCharlotte to the board.

Our appreciation toChristie Reed

After more than tenyears of service on theboard of education,Christie Reed retired inJune 2011.Christie was first an ad

hoc member of the boardwhen Hood River was an-nexed into the collegedistrict, and then waselected to twofour-year terms. Christie has a passion for contin-uing education in our community, and this com-mitment was evident in her time on the board.Christie’s vision and leadership helped driveCGCC to accomplish many key milestones, in-cluding the decision to seek independent accredi-tation, establishing the nursing program,developing the renewable energy technology pro-gram, constructing the Health and SciencesBuilding in The Dalles, constructing the HoodRiver-Indian Creek Campus, as well as countlessother college and community-focused projects.

Charlotte Arnold Christie Reed

Our College Mission:Columbia Gorge Community Collegebuilds dreams and transforms lives

by providing lifelong educational programsthat strengthen our community.

Our Vision as an Institution:Become the first option of choice for education

and training in the communities we serve.

Our Core Values:• Respect for the Individual

• Community Focus• Integrity• Excellence

• Commitment to Learning• Service Before Self

2011-12 Board of Education:Charleen Cobb, Chair

Dr. Ernie Keller, Vice-ChairCharlotte Arnold

Dave FenwickM.D. Van Valkenburgh

Stu WatsonDr. James Willcox

Welcome and appreciation

College directors, mission and values

Peer evaluators visit campus Independent accreditation

4

By Dr. Susan WolffChief Academic Officer

Columbia Gorge Community College has beencontracting with Portland Community Collegefor its accreditation status since the college wascreated. In 2006, the college began work towardbecoming independently accredited, receivingcandidacy status from the Northwest Commis-sion on Colleges and Universities in 2008. The commission sent a team of six peer evalua-

tors April 27-29, 2011 to review the collegeagainst the commission’s standards for the pur-pose of evaluating the college’s progress towardindependent accreditation. The event in April wasthe third such visit and part of a five-year processleading to independent accreditation. Prior to the visit, the college completed and

submitted a self-evaluation report and supportingdocumentation to the commission and team. Re-sults from the visit include the following set ofcommendations and recommendations.

Commendations and RecommendationsColumbia Gorge Community College is clearly

making consistent, meaningful progress towardindependent accreditation. Much has beenaccomplished, much work is ongoing, and muchremains to be finished.

The following commendations and recommen-dations reflect the evaluation committee’s overallassessment of CGCC’s strengths and primarychallenges in those efforts.

Commendations1. The evaluation committee commends Colum-

bia Gorge Community College for its innovative,data-driven approaches to providing early inter-vention advising strategies to ensure student re-

tention, persistence and completion. Multiplesurvey data resources have informed the develop-ment of a variety of strategic support processesfor new students, including Group Orientation,North Star, and PASS intrusive advising appoint-ments.

2. The evaluation committee commends Colum-bia Gorge Community College for its broad-based and sincere commitment to the institution’smission, students, community, and sense of cam-pus cohesion. At every level, the people of CGCCexhibit an inspiring level of collective pride, pos-

itive energy, and engagement in the work of thecollege.

3. The evaluation committee commends Colum-bia Gorge Community College for its on-going,active engagement with local community organi-zations, government agencies, business and in-dustry, and school districts to respond to theeducational, workforce development, economic,and social needs of its five-county community.

Continued on following page

Team offers guidancetoward 2013 decision

College staff, faculty and board host accreditation team evaluation in April 2011. Tria Bullard photo

Recommendations guide progressIndependent accreditation

5

Continued from page 4

4. The evaluation committee commends the col-lege’s trustees, staff, faculty and participatingcommunity members for their unified enthusiasmand outstanding efforts in pursuit of independentaccreditation, which they clearly seek as a meansof fulfilling the college’s mission and for the goodof the communities the college serves.

Recommendations1. While acknowledging that Columbia Gorge

Community College has been pro-active in devel-oping core themes that directly reflect its mission,the evaluation committee recommends that thecollege move ahead with its plans to refine itscore theme objectives, develop meaningful andrelevant measures for those objectives, and inte-grate the core theme assessment process with thecollege’s overall planning and evaluation mecha-nisms.

2. Noting that Columbia Gorge CommunityCollege has made progress in its educational as-sessment efforts, the evaluation committeenonetheless recommends that it take urgent andimmediate action to assess learning outcomes atthe course, program, and degree levels, withcareful attention to the systematic collection andanalysis of relevant data and the use of assess-ment results to improve teaching and learning.

3. Columbia Gorge Community College hasmoved closer to a comprehensive faculty evalua-tion system that includes post-probationary andadjunct faculty, as evidenced by the adoption ofevaluation systems for these groups in the mostrecent collective bargaining agreement. The eval-uators recommend that the college takes the ap-propriate, immediate next steps toward fullimplementation of these evaluation processes forall faculty groups.

4. While recognizing that Columbia GorgeCommunity College remains in the process ofbecoming independent of Portland CommunityCollege and its policies and procedures, the eval-uators recommend that CGCC develop andapprove its own set of self-governing policies andprocedures that would take effect if and when itbecomes fully self-reliant. The evaluators furtherrecommend that the college determine how its of-ficial policies and procedures will be made con-sistently available as appropriate to the college’sconstituents.

Candidacy status has already resulted in thecollege granting financial aid to students begin-ning Summer 2011 and the library being com-pletely independent of the Portland CommunityCollege Library since December 2010.The college has already made significant

progress toward fulfilling the four recommenda-tions and has begun planning for an April 2013visit which will lead to the Commission’s deci-sion in July 2013 to grant independent accredita-tion status. Additional details are available on thecollege website, www.cgcc.cc.or.us.

At right, Jeff Wagnitz, vice president for

academic affairs at Highline Community

College, Des Moines, Wash., addresses

CGCC staff and faculty during the

NWCCU accreditation team visit in April

2011. Above, the visit concluded with

breakfast in the Lecture Hall.

Tria Bullard photos

Nursing and Health OccupationsProgram updates: 2011

6

Highlights 2010-11 Academic Year

By Doris JepsonDirector, Nursing and Health Occupations

Nursing programColumbia Gorge Community College’s Nursing

Program is approved by the Oregon State Boardof Nursing (OSBN). Students enrolled in nursingcourses have the option of applying for co-admis-sion to Linfield College’s RN-to-BSN program.This allows students to take online courses at Lin-field College while enrolled in CGCC’s nursingprogram and to continue toward a BSN after grad-uation. The Rural Clinical Simulation Center con-tinues to be used extensively to provide valuableclinical experiences to nursing students.

Graduates: • Twenty students completed the first year of the

program. When all CGCC degree requirementsare met they are eligible to receive their PN Cer-tificate and take the NCLEX-PN exam for licen-sure. Ken Niezgoda was recognized as the winnerof the Florence Nightingale Award by his peers.• Fifteen students completed the second year of

the program. All will receive their Associate ofScience Degree in Nursing and are eligible to takethe NCLEX-RN exam for licensure. AmandaSchecter was recognized as the winner of the Flo-rence Nightingale Award by her peers. • Since the program’s inception we have gradu-

ated 164 associate degree nurses.

Health occupationsSpecial Mention:Marjean Kempel, Nursing

Assistant Program Director, retired at the end ofspring term after 11 years of service to the com-munity through CGCC. Thank you, Marjean!

Nursing Assistant (CNA1 / CNA2) & Certi-fied Medication Aide. Susan Hartford is pro-gram director. This program is approved by theOregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). Students

completing courses this year: CNA1— 53; CNA2Acute Care — 21.

Medical Assisting (MA) Program. Diana Lee-Green is program director. This program is ap-proved by the Commission on Accreditation ofAllied Health Education (CAAHEP) and gradu-ates are eligible to sit for the national AAMA(CMA) exam. Eleven (11) students received theirMedical Assisting Certificate.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS). ClayMcCrea is program coordinator. This program isapproved by the State of Oregon. We had one stu-dent who graduated with his EMT Certificate andwe are very proud of him. Students completingEMS classes —118.

Other Health Occupations Classes Offered in2010-11: • MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY – 169 students

• American Heart Association CertifiedTraining Center:

• CPR/FIRST AID/INSTRUCTOR (non-creditclasses) – @ 2,200 cards.• FIRST AID & EMERGENCY CARE (HE

112; credit class) – 88 students.• HEALTHCARE INTERPRETER TRAINING

(non-credit class) – 11 students.• ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD (non-

credit class) – 22 students.

Note of appreciationThank you to our friends and community part-

ners for your continued support to our programs— providing guidance though advisory commit-tees, funds to support programs, in-kind faculty,clinical sites, and scholarships. Our Nursing &Health Occupations programs could not continuewithout this support.Not only are you helping us provide important

training but you are providing jobs for our gradu-ates.Thank you!

From left, CGCC

students

Christina Gliss-

meyer, Ben Zim-

merman, Kristie

Mitchell and

Cameron Rogers.

CGCC’s health-

care occupations

program pre-

pares students

for nursing and

other careers in

the fast-changing

healthcare field.

Michal Kawka photo

Renewable Energy TechnologyProgram updates: 2

011

7

By Abby BrownRET Program Adviser

The Renewable Energy Technology (RET)program at Columbia Gorge CommunityCollege was one of the first three in the na-tion to receive an American Wind Energy As-sociation (AWEA) Seal of Approval,demonstrating alignment with wind techni-cian skill-sets identified by industry.The program trains students for a

variety of occupations in renewable energytechnologies, such as wind, solar and hydro.

GraduatesThirty-three students completed the RET

Certificate program. Eleven attained HighestHonors with a 3.75 to 4.0 cumulative gradepoint average (GPA). Thirty-two studentscompleted the Associate of Applied ScienceDegree in Renewable Energy Technology.Ten achieved Highest Honors with a 3.75 to4.0 cumulative GPA.

Donations and New TechnologyA V-27 training nacelle was purchased with

a U.S. Department of Energy grant. Studentsdismantle and reassemble this nacelle to bet-ter understand wind turbine mechanics.Skyron Systems donated a used vertical

axis turbine. This turbine – transported andassembled with U.S. Department of Energyfunds – supplements electricity on campus.

RET Student Internships, Jobs,and Experiences

Six wind-energy and manufacturing com-panies participated in an RET Job Fair heldin October 2010, and 75 students attended.Six students attended WINDPOWER 2011

– a national wind energy conference hostedby AWEA in May 2011. Two students volun-teered, and one received a full scholarshipfrom Women of Wind Energy.

Two students received internships withGranite, and two received internships withGE during the summer of 2011.White Creek Wind Farm, located near

Bickleton and operated by NAES, has pro-vided a wind turbine tower climb test to 60RET students since May 2011. NAES pres-ents the only opportunity for students toclimb a commercial wind turbine.

RET CommunicationsThree RET Info Sessions, in September

2010 and May 2011, provided information tomore than 45 potential students.Delta Energy Club, a student club, organ-

ized and hosted a Focus the Nation / CleanEnergy Forum in February. The forum de-scribed clean energy options for the Colum-bia River Gorge.Numerous RET information packets were

distributed to area high schools, and a CGCC

adviser visited high schools to talk about re-newable energy. More than 11 high schoolstoured the RET program. A video highlighting benefits of wind

farms in Klickitat County and associatedwind training was created by Siemens andCannon Power Group: http://bit.ly/fZFkrp.

AppreciationThis program would not be possible with-

out the support of many partners, such as theColumbia Gorge Bi-State Renewable EnergyZone, the Science, Technology, Engineeringand Math (STEM) Advisory Committee andmany industry partners. Our faculty deservesspecial recognition for providing high-qual-ity education and training to create a skilledworkforce.One RET faculty member, Jim Carlin,

received the college-wide Faculty ExcellenceAward for 2010-11.

Former

renewable

energy

technology

student

Jared

Langdon

practices

building an

electrical

circuit.

Michal Kawka

photo

Pre-College; Oregon Learning StandardsProgram updates: 2011

8

By Dave MasonDirector, Transfer and Pre-College Programs

Pre-College and ESOL Programs

Columbia Gorge Community College’s Pre-College Program serves several types of students.One group is composed of those who are pur-

suing their GED (Basic Skills and GED).Another group of students took the college

placement test and scored below the entry levelfor writing and/or reading skills (college prep).The English Speakers of Other Languages

(ESOL) students are working on English lan-guage and “civics” skills.The Literacy Tutoring program matches volun-

teer tutors with students needing additional serv-ices, or others who are not enrolled at CGCC.

The following is a profile of students served in2010-11:

In this past year Columbia Gorge CommunityCollege was involved in a statewide initiative,Oregon Learning Standards.Each of Oregon’s Adult Basic Skills (ABS)

Learning Standards is presented through a Learn-ing Standards Framework, which provides de-tailed information on performance levels definedby the National Reporting System, as well as anyadditional levels needed for transition into post-secondary education and training. CGCC partici-pation included the director and faculty from boththe Pre-College and ESOL programs. They at-tended trainings and learning circles, and havebegun changing the curriculum to reflect this re-search-based approach to instruction.The Oregon Learning Standards are aligned

with recently-adopted national standards (seebelow).The Common Core State Standards Initiative is

a state-led effort coordinated by the NationalGovernors Association Center for Best Practices

(NGA Center) and the Council of Chief StateSchool Officers (CCSSO). These standards de-fine the knowledge and skills students shouldhave within their K-12 education careers so theywill graduate high school able to succeed inentry-level, credit-bearing academic collegecourses and in workforce training programs.Here are the standards: • Are aligned with college and work expecta-

tions; • Are clear, understandable and consistent; • Include rigorous content and application of

knowledge through high-order skills; • Build upon strengths and lessons of current

state standards; • Are informed by other top performing coun-

tries, so that all students are prepared to succeedin our global economy and society; and • Are evidence-based.*

* From the U.S. Department of Education

Program Total Number of Students Completed Level Completed GED

TD HR TD HR TD HR

College Prep. 61 34 21 8

Basic Skills 51 10 11 1

GED 86 22 21 3 30 13

ESOL 53 236 13 54

Literacy Tutoring 6 20 2 6

14 Literacy students are duplicated in either College Prep or ESOL.

College Prep. Students have a diploma/GED but not at college level reading/writing/math

Basic Skills students are not at GED level in reading/writing/math

Statewide initiatives

English

Speakers of

Other

Languages

(ESOL)

students

benefit from

a variety of

instruc-

tional

programs at

CGCC.

Michal Kawkaphoto

Small Business Development CenterProgram updates: 2011

9

By Mary MerrillDirector, Small Business Development Center

The Small Business Development Center atColumbia Gorge Community College is one of19 SBDCs across Oregon, most of them locatedon community college campuses. SBDC Colum-bia Gorge serves entrepreneurs throughout theMid-Columbia region.It was established in 1984 by the Treaty Oak

Community College Service District, precedessorto Columbia Gorge Community College.

Special MentionThe Small Business Development Center at

Columbia Gorge Community College has beenrecognized by the Small Business Administrationas a leader in the State of Oregon and in the four-state region of SBA Region X. The SBDC hasreceived several other commendations includingrecognition from Oregon’s former Governor, TedKulongoski, and the Oregon Small Business De-velopment Center Network as a State Star, andrecipient of the Sandy Cutler Award.The SBDC is recognized because of its per-

formance as measured through the results it ob-tains by helping businesses start and grow in theColumbia Gorge Region.

Performance OutcomesFor the calendar year 2010, the SBDC served

257 businesses. Staff delivered 765 counselinghours, created 54 jobs through business expan-sion or startups, helped secure $1,522,500 inloans for business expansion or startup, andhelped 14 new businesses start. The SBDC alsohelped secure $535,000 in SBA guaranteed loans.

The SBDC is staffed by one full-time director,one half-time administrative assistant and onehalf-time business counselor/instructor. For the year-to-date calendar year of 2011, the

SBDC has served 258 businesses, delivered 775counseling hours, created 40 jobs through busi-

ness expansion or startups, helped secure$460,288 in loans for business expansion orstartup, and helped 22 businesses start. The SBDC has assisted some notable clients

and successes, including Cascade Acupuncture

Center, LLC, in Hood River and The Dalles, andthe beautiful Maupin Market, in Maupin.

For information, please call (541) 506-6121,or visit the website, www.cgcc.cc.or.us/sbdc

Israel Ayala Guevara owns an apparel printing business. His obtained his Associate of Science Oregon Transfer

Degree in Business Management and honed his skills at the Small Business Development Center. Michal Kawka photo

Child Care PartnersProgram updates: 2011

10

Child Care Resource & Referralof Gilliam, Hood River, Sherman,Wasco and Wheeler counties

By Nancey PattenChild Care Partners Coordinator

A very special recognition goes to Ruth Lusk.Ruth retired in July 2010 after 19 years as coordi-nator of Child Care Partners. Ruth’s dedicationand commitment to child care and education aregreatly appreciated.During the 2010-11 program year, Child Care

Partners expanded to begin serving Gilliam,Sherman and Wheeler counties. This expansionresulted from the consolidation of Child Care Re-source & Referral service districts state-wide.Work in these counties included an early child-hood mini-conference, technical assistance andsupport on enrolling in the Oregon Registry, En-vironmental Rating Scale training for Commis-sion on Children and Families directors,mandatory trainings on site, and technical assis-tance in support of the Oregon Program of Qual-ity project.Child Care Partners is now providing bilingual

services to parents and providers on a part-timebasis. The addition of a Child Care Partners pageon the CGCC website is also expanding our out-reach. Work on a new website is near comple-tioni, with launch this fall or early winter.The first annual Early Childhood Mini-Confer-

ence arrived in March 2011 in Sherman County.Enrollment was full, with a waiting list. Atten-dees included family child care providers, certi-fied family child care providers, center staff,preschool staff, Early Intervention/ Early Child-hood Special Education staff and Head Start staffwith representation from each of the five countiesin the service delivery area.It was a great day with lunch, door prizes and

eight hours of training.Early Education and Family Studies Discovery

Day, a collaboration between Child Care Partnersand Columbia Gorge Community College Stu-dent Services, also occurred in March.The goal was to encourage child care providers

and high school students to continue their profes-sional development through the Early ChildhoodEducation (ECE) program. In the morning, par-ticipants obtained information about financialaid, scholarships, the ECE program, time man-agement, and the Oregon Registry. The dayended with an introduction to ECE classes byRonda Hull, ECE instructor.Enrollment for the class filled quickly and 10

people were placed on a waiting list. The event was so successful that there is a plan

to have a second Discovery Day during Springterm 2012.

2010-2011 Providers served• Providers served with technical assistance,

referrals, support and mentoring: 130• Providers trained: 203 participants received

training at 46 trainings

2010-2011 Parents served• 213 families received referral services in

2010-2011

For information on Child Care Partners,call (541) 506-6131 or visit the website,

www.cgcc.cc.or.us/ccp

Early Childhood mini-conference participants held in Sherman County in March 2011 included, from left: Connie

Brown, Marie Mallory, Nancy Catlin, Virginia McKay and (standing behind) Stephanie Brown. Nancey Patten photo

Transfer Programs; Distance LearningProgram updates: 2011

11

By Lori UffordDirector, Advising and Career Services

Highlights 2010-2011 Academic Year

Transfer Programs: Lower Division Collegiate(transfer) courses make up roughly 48 percent ofthe full-time equivalent enrollment (FTE) gener-ated by Columbia Gorge Community College.Transfer programs allow students to complete thefirst two years of a bachelor’s degree at ColumbiaGorge before transferring to a university. This op-tion saves the student a significant amount ofmoney in tuition and living expenses.

Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT):This degree is accepted by all Oregon UniversitySystem schools as a “package.” All courseswhich make up the degree will be accepted bythe university, allowing the student to beginhis/her university work at a junior standing.• In spring term 2011, 210 students were work-

ing on an AAOT degree;• 35 students graduated with an AAOT degree

in spring 2011.

Associate of Science Degree (AS): The AS de-gree allows students to prepare for entry into spe-cific fields such as pre-medicine, pre-engineeringand pre-veterinary sciences. • 92 students were taking classes toward an AS

degree in spring 2011;• 26 students received an AS degree at the 2011

graduation ceremony.

Associate of Science Oregon Transfer Degree(ASOT) — Business: This degree is for studentsseeking entry into an Oregon University System.Like the AAOT, this degree will allow the stu-dent to begin at a junior standing.• 30 students in spring term were taking classes

toward an ASOT-Business degree;• Two students graduated with this degree in

spring 2011.

Early College: CGCC is working with Condon

and Arlington schools in this innovative program,which allows high school students planning onuniversity to complete the AAOT degree duringtheir junior and senior years at no cost to the stu-dent. Classes meet requirements for the CGCCdegree as well as high school diploma require-ments. Classes are delivered in a hybrid format,combining online instruction, face-to-face in-struction, and academic advising.Costs are paid by North Central Education

Service District.

Transfer Tours: In a new effort to aid trans-fer, CGCC offered transfer tours to students inthe 2010-11 academic year. This project providedstudents the opportunity to tour Portland StateUniversity and Oregon State University. Trans-portation and advising were provided by CGCC.Twelve students participated in the tours. Advi-sors and students alike felt these tours were verybeneficial to helping them better understand thetransfer process.This project was funded by a grant.

By Paula AscherDistance Learning andInstructional Technology Coordinator

The percentage of credit classes that are hybridor online had risen to 27 percent as of July 2011.

At the same time, student success compared toon-ground classes held steady for the past fouryears. One to two percent of students were moresuccessful in hybrid classes, and three to six per-cent were less successful in fully online classes.The Quality Matters (QM) Program at CGCC

was initiated in an effort to increase the quality ofclasses, which affects the student success rate. Apeer-to-peer program began in winter term 2011,in which nine qualified faculty reviewed onlineand hybrid classes.Eight faculty members completed the “Apply-

ing the Quality Matters Rubric to Your Course”training in the spring term of 2011, bringing thetotal to 31 trained in using the QM rubric. So far,five CGCC online courses have been nationallyrecognized by a formal panel, and are noted in theschedule of classes with the official Quality Mat-ters logo.The student headcount in distance learning con-

tinues to rise: Of students who completed the On-line Learning at Columbia Gorge CommunityCollege 2011 student survey, 42.9 percent weretaking their first online class, 31.7 percent hadtaken an online course at another college or uni-versity, 91.3 percent reported access to broadbandat home, and 95.2 percent lived within commut-ing distance of the college.

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Distance Learning at Columbia Gorge

Academic Master Plan updateStrategic projects: 2011

12

Columbia Gorge Community College is updat-ing its Academic Master Plan using a process ofsmall focus groups with regional workforce sec-tors and community and education partners.Each group is asked to provide input regarding

the assets, opportunities, challenges, and aspira-tions of the college to be addressed for the nextthree to five years.Other key elements are the identification of

new and the review of existing academic pro-grams (credit, non-credit, contracted and cus-tomized training, and adult education) andcollege services. Following these meetings, a broader section of

the regional communities is being invited this fallto review information that has been gathered toexpand, confirm, or guide what has been heardfor the completion of the plan.The final plan will provide the foundation for

the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan andupdate of the college’s Facilities Master Plan.Current demographic information will be in-

cluded from the local school districts, college,and the most recent census data.

State and local economic and workforce devel-opment partners will provide key data and infor-

mation as will regional employers and local citi-zens.

Core Themes: Measuring What We TreasureIt’s one thing to say you’re doing a good job.

It’s another thing to prove it with data.The quest for measurable data is part of Co-

lumbia Gorge Community College’s greater questfor independent accreditation, and this past yearcollege faculty, staff and community volunteersworked to identify data sources and benchmarksfor success in three broad categories.Those themes – opportunities, education and

partnerships – derive from the institution’s mis-sion statement: “Building dreams and transform-ing lives by providing lifelong educationprograms that strengthen our community.”The data gathered will demonstrate whether

and how the college is meeting its mission.Core Theme A, “Opportunities,” aligns with

“Building Dreams.” Some of the objectives in-clude ensuring that educational programs meetregional needs, offer varied methods of deliver-ing instruction, and serve the region’s diverse de-mographic population.Core Theme B, “Education,” aligns

with”Transforming Lives.” Objectives includeensuring that instruction meets the region’s ca-reer, industry and institutional transfer require-ments, and that programs support student goalsand needs, among other criteria.Core Theme C, “Partnerships,” aligns with

“Strengthening Our Community.”Among theobjectives here are ensuring the college cultivatesproductive business and industry relationships,and maintains good community relationships.Each objective comes with its own set of meas-

ures, data sources for those measurements, andbenchmarks or numeric goals for determiningachievement. These will form the basis for thefirst “cycle of improvement,” as the institutionevaluates and analyzes results, then identifiessubsequent actions.And then the measures begin again, in a contin-

ual process of assessment extending far into thefuture.

The college’s Academic Master Plan guides long-term instructional strategies. Michal Kawka photo

Campus SustainabilityStra

tegic projects: 2011

13

By Kayleen Warner-ArensCampus Sustainability Coordinator

On Dec. 1, 2010, Columbia Gorge CommunityCollege’s president, Dr. Frank Toda, committedto reducing and eventually eliminating all of thecollege’s global warming emissions. By signingthe American College & University President’sClimate Commitment, he joined the leaders of677 other institutions across the country. The President’s Climate Commitment is the

first effort by any major sector of society to seekclimate neutrality – not just reduction.This undertaking was inspired by efforts like

the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement,the U.S. Climate Action Partnership and othercollective efforts by states and businesses. Presidents agreed to eliminate net greenhouse

gas emissions in a reasonable time as determinedby each institution. This involves: • Setting up a mechanism within two months to

guide the process; • Completing an inventory of greenhouse gas

emissions in one year, and creating and imple-menting a climate action plan within two years; • Taking two of seven tangible steps to reduce

greenhouse gas emissions while the more com-prehensive plan is being developed;• Integrating sustainability into the curriculum

and making it part of the educational experience; • Making the action plan, inventory and peri-

odic progress reports publicly available.The Green Purchasing and Green Building

policies adopted by the Board of Education inMay 2011 represent the two tangible steps se-lected for implementation. The policies reflectbest practices of other colleges and universities;they meet the intent of the Climate Commitment

and demonstrate CGCC’s com-mitment to sustainability. TheGreen Purchasing policy hasbeen broadened myriad sus-tainable issues.

Green Purchasing PolicyThe goal of this policy is to

reduce the environmental im-pact of the college’s purchas-ing decisions by assigningenvironmental and social con-siderations in equal weight toother considerations such asprice, availability and perform-ance when making a purchas-ing choice. Guidance is given to energy,

water, toxins and pollutants,bio-based products, forest con-servation, recycling, packag-ing, landscaping and food.

Green Building PolicyThis policy demonstrates a

commitment to the environ-ment, economic and socialstewardship, realizes costs sav-ings through reduced operatingcosts, and provides healthfulenvironments for students, fac-ulty and staff.

Columbia Gorge Community CollegeLearning Garden

The Learning Garden at The Dalles campusstarted as a pilot project to encourage gardenersto meet the following goals:• Increase students’ access to fresh, local, sus-

tainable and nutritious fruits and vegetables;• Beautify the campus and create a safe, com-

munal gathering place;• Foster student leadership;• Foster entrepreneurial skills and forge busi-

ness-community ties by marketing and selling

surplus produce;•Provide students with

valuable work experiencein agriculture and horti-culture;• Build strong commu-

nity ties and increase so-cial interaction and civicparticipation;• Encourage student

self-reliance;• Increase self-esteem,

self-confidence, and edu-cation of students;• Promote healthier

communities;• Demonstrate the ben-

efits of organic farmingand environmentallysound horticultural prac-tices;• Provide teachers and

students a resource onecological systems, gar-den care, landscapingprinciples, watering andplant maintenance.Ultimately, the Learn-

ing Garden will comprise1,000-2,000 square feet

of gardening space and feature drip irrigation,more raised planter beds, an outdoor classroom,storage shed, rain collection system and compostdemonstration area. The college’s newly-reformed Environmental

Club hopes to figure strongly in the coordinationof events at the Learning Garden. Partnershipswith Oregon State University Extension arebeing established to engage volunteers in the ed-ucation, building and planting efforts. The CGCC Foundation Board approved $1,025

for the Learning Garden on May 4, 2011.

Climate Commitmentbrings strategies,critical deadlines

Anya Kawka bikes on The Dalles campus.Michal Kawka photo

National Guard Readiness CenterStrategic projects: 2011

14

The Oregon Military Department first proposedreplacing its obsolete armory in The Dallesnearly 15 years ago. Today, that project is finallyon track, following approval of federal and stateconstruction funding in 2011 and design fundsappropriated by Congress in 2008.The present armory was constructed in the

1950s at Sixth and Webber streets in The Dalleson property owned by Wasco County. The site isvaluable commercial property which, if sold orleased, would generate revenue for the county.In February 2008 Columbia Gorge Community

College executed a long-term property lease withthe Oregon Military Department to place the fa-

cility on seven acres of the college’s 62-acrecampus in The Dalles.The old armory will be replaced here with a

modern, energy-efficient “readiness center” fo-cused on technology-based training. The campuslocation will provide the college with additionalclassrooms in the readiness center, and will helpease the transition of returning troops into thecivilian workforce through convenient access tothe college’s education and workforce trainingopportunities.The $17 million, 46,000-square-foot structure

will include an expanded drill floor that can hostcollege activities such as commencement. The

new facility will be used to help attract regionalconferences, large trade shows and other activi-ties that can make use of community facilitiesaround the city.In addition, the readiness center will comple-

ment the college’s designation in 2004 as Ore-gon’s First Responder training center.The Oregon Military Department will submit a

site plan for review by the city planning commis-sion this winter. That plan will help determinesuch issues as building design, parking and exte-rior lighting. Construction is anticipated to startin late winter or spring 2012, with completion in2013.

Modern armories are designed to fit their communities. Here are several current facili-

ties in Oregon, demonstrating the diversity of architectural styles.Photos courtesy Oregon Military Department

Hood River Greenway, Workforce Bldg.Stra

tegic projects: 2

011

15

By Dan SpatzChief Institutional Advancement Officer

Strategic planning is crucial to any successfulorganization, and an on-going priority at Colum-bia Gorge Community College.As it plans for future growth, the college is

working with its community partners on twoprojects, one in Hood River and a second in TheDalles. Here is an overview:

Hood River GreenwayThis is a partnership project with the City of

Hood River, Hood River County, Hood RiverValley Parks & Recreation District, Hood RiverWatershed Group, and other organizations.Through terms of an intergovernmental agree-

ment signed in February 2011, the city, countyand parks district are working with the college onseveral public priorities, including long-termproperty expansion for the college’s Hood River-Indian Creek Campus, the development of af-fordable workforce housing in Hood River,outdoor recreation and education, and restorationof natural habitat along Indian Creek. The projectalso would provide the college with additionaloptions for future classroom construction.The greenway project would bring these priori-

ties together within a single strategic frameworkcentered on economic development, which in ad-dition to job creation needs to ensure an attrac-tive quality of life. Outdoor recreation andrestoration of natural habitat are important as-pects of this, and thus are also reflected in thegreenway project.For instance, the Hood River Watershed Group

has already provided important assistance to thecollege in helping remove debris from IndianCreek, and by restoring streamside vegetation.Hood River Valley Parks & Recreation con-

structed a walking trail through the campus alongIndian Creek; here, visitors learn about restora-tion efforts thanks to interpretive signage in-

stalled by the watershed group.And the entire corridor serves as an outside

classroom for college students, ranging from en-vironmental science and field ecology to art in-struction.

Workforce Innovation CenterIn January 2011 Columbia Gorge Community

College’s Renewable Energy Technology pro-gram became one of the first three training initia-tives in the United States formally recognized by

the American Wind Energy Association’s “Sealof Approval” for wind technician instruction.While wind technician training continues to

provide a core focus of this program, the curricu-lum also prepares students for careers in hydro-electric, solar, geothermal and renewable fields.Other potential areas of emphasis may includetransmission, grid-tie, and smart grid technolo-gies.More broadly, the program’s emphasis upon

math and electronics prepares students for a widerange of other occupations, such as productionand process technology. The training space itself must be flexible

enough to accommodate such diversity. When itcomes to preparing for the workforce skills of to-morrow, change is the only constant: new tech-nologies demand the ability to adapt, to learnnew skills and new ways of thinking.With this in mind, the college is working to

consolidate the various classrooms and labs cur-rently assigned to renewable energy trainingwithin a single facility, a new Workforce Innova-tion Center on The Dalles campus. Beyond re-newable energy, the facility will provide thephysical flexibility needed to accommodate train-ing for current industrial skills jobs and the work-force skills of tomorrow.Like the Hood River greenway project, the

workforce building will reflect a regional strat-egy of economic development by integrating in-struction with economic and environmentalsustainability. For instance, the building’s“green” design could provide hands-on trainingfor future occupations encompassing such tech-nologies as solar arrays, geothermal heating, ad-vanced control systems and energy efficiency.The State of Oregon will provide bonding ca-

pacity of up to $8 million to help construct thisfacility, subject to a dollar-for-dollar matching re-quirement by January 2013. The college is work-ing with regional partners, public and private, tosecure that match.

Indian Creek Trail, constructed and maintained by Hood

River Valley Parks & Recreation District, crosses the col-

lege’s Hood River campus. Dan Spatz photo

Commitment, courage bring rewardsProfiles of achievement

16

Associate of Applied ScienceAdministrative Assistance

Many student stories at Columbia Gorge Com-munity College ring of perseverance and growth,and Renea Whitney’s story is no different. Reneawas raised in rural Oregon. She loved camping,crabbing, and hunting with her family. In highschool, she excelled in studies and sports, andserved on Student Council.Renea was in the perfect

position for college, butshe couldn’t afford to at-tend. Instead, she marriedher high-school sweet-heart.Her young marriage

changed her trajectory.“As a wife and mother, I

did what most women doand put their husbands andchildren before their owndreams and aspirations. Itook care of my family and followed my husbandwherever he went,” she said.They were married 12 years, she raised a son,

and she worked a variety of “dead-end jobs” tosurvive. Not until her divorce and her son’s owncollege graduation did Renea focus on her future.Renea wanted to attend Columbia Gorge Com-munity College to obtain an Associate of AppliedScience degree in Administrative Assistance.Being an older student, she was a little intimi-dated over her return to classes, but – as in highschool – Renea was still an exemplary student.“I am very proud of myself for getting straight

A’s over the last three terms,” she notes.Renea wants to use her education to work as an

Administrative Assistant in a field that can helpother people, such as the state’s Department ofHuman Services.

Associate of Applied ScienceEarly Education and Family Studies

The struggles of life would not keep thismother of a toddler from achieving her dreams.GeGe Villalobos had a unique childhood. She

grew up on a 5,000-acre farm about an hour fromColumbia Gorge Community College. She lovedthe ranch life – riding horses on cattle drives,making butter and canningvegetables; she haddreams of growing up tobe a rural veterinarian.She briefly attended

community college afterhigh school, but a tumul-tuous domestic relation-ship interfered with herstudies. GeGe ended thatrelationship and worked avariety of service-sectorjobs. She happily remar-ried and had a young boy.“I was a stay-at-home mom for two years, and

I needed to finish the degree that I started work-ing on many years before,” she said. After the birth of her child, she realized she

loved to care for children as much as she lovedanimals. She re-enrolled for a degree in EarlyEducation and Family Studies. Community col-lege classes have helped her obtain a positionwith Mid-Columbia Children’s Council as aChildcare Assistant. After graduation with herAssociate of Applied Science degree she wouldlike to apply for an Associate Teacher position.“I would like to take a short break from col-

lege, and then work on my bachelor’s in educa-tion,” she explains.

Student profiles by Abby Brown

Associate of Applied ScienceRenewable Energy Technology

One mother’s dedication to her education in re-newable energy inspires her daughter to pursuethe same field.Liz Kokos worked for 15 years in Special Edu-

cation, and she was ready for a change. Liz re-turned to classes, studying Renewable EnergyTechnology (RET) at Co-lumbia Gorge CommunityCollege. She soon internedat a nearby wind farm.“I was able to take my

classwork to the field, andmy fieldwork to class,”she said. This internshipled to a full-time positionwith a utility company atthe same wind farm.“Somewhere along the

line,” she says, “there wasa Bring Your Daughter to Work Day.” Lizbrought her daughter – Martina Kokos – and heremployer allowed them to climb 250 feet up awind turbine. “The first time they were able toget me up tower, I was hooked,” states Martina.Soon after, Martina enrolled in Renewable En-

ergy Technology. She was invigorated by thecoursework: “The electrical and digital classeschallenged me and made me crave more.” Mar-tina completed the two-year RET degree and alsoreceived a summer internship. An engineeringdegree will be next. In the meantime, she isstudying calculus ... for fun.“I am living my life as best as I can,” she said.

“I take each and every day in stride. I live fortoday! Yesterday is gone forever, and there is noguarantee about tomorrow. I am reaching for thestars, and no one can tell me the one I want is toofar out of reach!”

Renea Whitney GeGe Villalobos Liz & Martina Kokos

GeGe VillalobosMichal Kawka photo

Liz & Martina KokosDan Spatz photoRenea Whitney

Michal Kawka photo

Miller Challenge raises $300,000College Foundation

17

This year marked the third and final “MillerChallenge” to Oregon’s 17 community colleges,a statewide scholarship initiative which, in thecase of Columbia Gorge Community CollegeFoundation, generated a total of $300,000 for stu-dent scholarships.Since announcing its challenge in 2008, The

James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation pro-vided $1,500,000 to support students attendingOregon community colleges. Each collegeneeded to match the challenge dollar-for-dollar.Thanks to the generosity of its donors, Colum-

bia Gorge Community College Foundation metthe challenge each year. Donations came frommany sources: individuals, companies, industrypartners, and organizations.One group deserves special attention: Kemp

Lodge 181, Independent Order of Odd Fellows,in Odell, which contributed $25,000 to the col-lege foundation early in 2010 … then followedwith a second $25,000 contribution late that samecalendar year. The contributions were instrumen-tal in allowing the foundation to meet the MillerChallenge in 2010 and 2011.Dr. Frank Toda, college president, recognized

Kemp Lodge with a Foundation Compass Club“True North Award,” the first time he had be-stowed this on any donor.Although the Miller Foundation’s scholarship

challenge has now concluded, the foundation’ssupport for Oregon’s community colleges contin-ues. Miller Foundation representatives have beenworking closely with staff from all 17 commu-nity colleges in Oregon to consider other meansof encouraging students to complete their firsttwo years of college. Details on this initiative, fo-cused on student success, retention and comple-tion, are now in the final stages of development.The Miller Foundation, created in 2002 by a

bequest from James F. (Jimmy) Miller, has assetsof approximately $200 million and is focused onarts and education in Oregon. Thus far it has

granted more than $62 million to organizationsthroughout the state. Mr. Miller began his careerin Portland with the investment firm, Blyth &Co. (which later became Paine Webber and thenUBS Financial Services). He rose to become

president of Blyth & Co. in New York in theearly 1960s. He returned to Portland in 1998where he made generous gifts to numerous artsand educational organizations before his death in2002.

Three join foundation boardColumbia Gorge Community College Foundation

welcomes three new members to its 22-person board:

Martha DellMartha Dell earned a Bache-

lor of Science in elementaryand special education fromState University of New York,and a Master of Arts in readingeducation from Towson Univer-sity, Maryland. She workedseven years as an elementaryteacher in Maryland, thenmoved to the Columbia Gorgewith her family in 2007 and worked at CGCC in humanresources. Currently, Martha enjoys staying home tocare for her family, including her one-year-old son,Owen, and husband, Christian.

Erin FordErin Ford grew up in The

Dalles. She graduated from TheDalles High School in 1993 andLinfield College in 1997 with aBachelor of Science in busi-ness. Erin competed on the col-lege swim team and receivedAll-American awards.After college, Erin moved to

Columbus, Ohio, while her husband, Dave, was inmedical school.She worked at Nationwide Insurance during this

time but found a passion for competing in triathlons.This passion evolved into a serious racing career oftraining and competing professionally.Erin and Dave have returned to The Dalles with their

one-year-old son, Sammy. She works as a trainer atWater’s Edge but spends most of her time caring forher family. She enjoys riding her bike and running.The family also likes to camp, raft and hike.

Dr. John CoppDr. John Copp is depart-

ment chair of business andsocial sciences at CGCC. Hehas a Ph.D. in political sciencefrom Columbia University inNew York City.He earned a bachelor's de-

gree in history and astro-physics from Michigan StateUniversity; master’s degreesin political science from Columbia University and inRussion history from Portland State University; and adoctorate in political science from Columbia University.Dr. Copp has taught history and political science for

more than 20 years in New York City and at variouscolleges in the Northwest. He teaches a variety of his-tory and political science classes on histories of vari-ous parts of the world.He has extensive experience as a consultant and

guest lecturer on Soviet Affairs, politics and history. Hehas taught for CGCC for the past 10 years, and he is acurrent Instructional Council member.

Susan Garrett Crowley p hoto

Susan Blackshear photo

Dave Ford photo

2011 proves eventful year for FoundationCollege Foundatoin

18

Major Gifts Officer Stephanie Dawkinsjoins CGCC Foundation

Dear Mid-Columbia Community Members:

I would like to introduce myself as the Majorand Planned Gifts Officer for Columbia GorgeCommunity College Foun-dation. I am a native ofCorbett and I am excited toreturn to the beautifulColumbia River Gorge. Through the Foundation,

I will be working to raiseresources for student schol-arships at Columbia GorgeCommunity College, inkeeping with our mission of“Building Dreams, Trans-forming Lives.” With yourhelp, we will continue to improve the lives of in-dividuals and families, support business growth,and promote the quality of life in our Mid-Co-lumbia region. I look forward to meeting you and learning

about ways we can work together to better thelives of people in our community. Please feel freeto call or email with any questions about Colum-bia Gorge Community College Foundation. Iwould be more than happy to visit with you.Sincerely, Stephanie DawkinsMajor and Planned Gifts OfficerColumbia Gorge Community College541-506-6113 (office)503-706-0777 (cell)sdawkins@cgcc.cc.or.us

Scholarships

The secret behind our thriving scholarship pro-gram lies within the charitable hearts of friendsand associates who are fulfilling students’ dreamswith donations to CGCC Foundation. A combi-

nation of several gifts provided$120,496 in scholarships to 75students enrolled in the CGCCNursing Program, Renewable En-ergy Technology program, andother credit courses in the 2010-11 school year.

“Founder’s Cup”Golf Tournament nets $15,000

Columbia State Bank of TheDalles and Hood River hosted theCGCC Foundation 12th AnnualFounder’s Cup golf tournamentat Indian Creek Golf Course onAugust 6, 2011. The event drew 116 golfers and

a fleet of volunteers from thecommunity. Proceeds from the 2011

Founder’s Cup and after-tourna-ment raffle drawings raised$15,543 for the CGCC Founda-tion Scholarship Fund. Contributing sponsors and tour-

ney boosters were Columbia State Bank, Dr.Frank K. Toda, DLR Group, C. H. Urness MotorCo., NW Natural, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, CB Fi-nancial Services, The Dalles Chronicle, Steve &Patty Burnet, Dennis & Ellen Whitehouse,enXco, Iberdrola Renewables, Portland GeneralElectric, Todd Construction, Wasco CountyLandfill, Carter Orchards, CenturyLink, CharlesToole, Consumer Cellular, Design Structures,Anne Bialous, Google, Hire Electric, Insitu, Mid-Columbia Medical Center, Providence HoodRiver, Rowe & Deming, Windermere Glenn Tay-lor Real Estate, Bill Fashing, The BeresfordCompany, Thursday Twilight Golf League, M. D.VanValkenburgh, Kevin Hashizume, Vestas,Northern Wasco County PUD, Lyle Style, FoodServices of America, AniChe Cellars, Bolton

Cellars, Domaine Pouillon, Dry Hollow Vine-yards, Quenett Winery, White Buffalo Wine Bar& Bistro, Copa Di Vino, Wy’East Vineyards, Al-lison Bailey, Bi-Mart, Char Lavender & MikeKaplan, Christian & Martha Dell, Crestline Con-struction, Franz Bakery, Bill & Darlene Marick,Divots Restaurant, Donella & Marv Polehn, Dr.Susan Wolff, Frank Salerno, Full Sail BrewingCo., Hood River Coffee Co., CB Financial Serv-ices, Louie Buzas Photography, Mark & JeanEwald, Patti Blagg, Mike’s Bakitchen Bakery,Nobody’s Business & Trophies, Pamela Hill,Rage Graphix & Design, Randy Dodd & Safe-way, The Optimist Printers, Wheat Springs Bak-ery, Dan & Michele Spatz, and Indian Creek GolfCourse.

Follow the foundation on Facebook!

StephanieDawkins

THE BERESFORD COMPANY (above) and Thursday TwilightLeague teams earned first place trophies in Columbia GorgeCommunity College Foundation’s 12th Annual Founder’s CupGolf Tournament at Indian Creek Golf Course on August 6. Fromleft: Tad Richards, Ron Hitchcock, Jason Beam and Nita Posada.

Dan Spatz photo

Endowment Fund, Compass ClubCollege Foundatoin

19

Columbia Gorge Community College “Com-pass Club” is a free membership organization ofCGCC Foundation. This is a region-wide clubwith three purposes: 1. To expand public awareness and apprecia-

tion for Columbia Gorge Community Collegeacross our region;2. To encourage student enrollment throughout

the college’s five-county service area;3. To support college foundation fund-raising

to benefit students, programs and facilities.The foundation envisions local chapters of the

Compass Club in every community our collegeserves, throughout the Mid-Columbia. CompassClub volunteers can help with such activities as:

n Identifying student success stories and work-

ing with college staff to highlight these individu-

als in publications;nWorking with people in local high schools toencourage awareness of college programs amonghigh school students;

n Organizing community events such as volun-teer appreciation days and “fun-raising” activitiessuch as chili cook-offs, mountain bike races, andski nights;

n Establishing connections with businesses andindustries to identify workforce training needsand communicating these needs to college stafffor future program planning;

n Establishing liaisons in every community inthe region in order to create a personal networkfor community and college outreach;

nAssisting the college mentoring coordinator

by identifying opportunities to extend mentoring

in local high schools and communities;

n Supporting fund-raising activities of CGCC

Foundation by encouraging participation in the

annual Founder’s Cup Golf Tournament, as well

as other annual and on-going fund-raising activi-

ties that support student scholarships, college

programs and facility development.The college needs your help in achieving its

mission of “Building Dreams, TransformingLives.”Please consider becoming one of our outreach

volunteers.If you are interested in helping through the

Compass Club or would like more information,please contact Steph Dawkins atsdawkins@cgcc.cc.or.us or (541) 506-6113.

By Stephanie DawkinsMajor & Planned Gifts Officer

The permanent endowment fund at ColumbiaGorge Community College Foundation allows youto make a difference, today and tomorrow. TheCGCC Foundation general endowment fund isused to support the area of greatest need at the col-lege.An endowment gift is the most important long-

term investment you can make at the college. Thisgift will contribute to the future growth of the col-lege, and most importantly, the academic successof its students forever.There is no minimum amount for making dona-

tions to the CGCC Foundation general endowmentfund. These gifts are added to the overall CGCCFoundation general endowment investment pool.

However, the recommended minimum amount toestablish your own named scholarship endowmentis $100,000. Income from your named endowmentfund is used for purposes decided by you, thedonor. The CGCC Foundation general endowment

fund, established in 2009, reached more than$144,000 in 2011 after $60,000 was added to theendowment fund from unrestricted donations re-ceived from individuals and businesses. As part of receiving a Title III grant that in-

cludes an endowment match challenge, the federalgovernment will match up to $40,000 into theCGCC Foundation general endowment fund eachyear for five years. The foundation reached its$40,000 match in the first grant year, 2010-11. Please contact Stephanie Dawkins, Major and

Planned Gifts Officer, at (541) 506-6113 orsdawkins@cgcc.or.us if you would like more in-formation on contributing through an endowment.For more information on endowments and estateplanning, you may also visit the foundation web-site at www.gorgefoundation.org.

Compass Club will bring community connections throughout region

Here’s how you can makea difference for students,today and tomorrow

CGCC Foundation recent scholarship recipient

Michelle Cochran. Michal Kawka photo

Planned Giving: Investing in Our FutureCollege Foundation

20

By Stephanie DawkinsMajor & Planned Gifts Officer

In September 2010, Columbia Gorge Commu-nity College received a Title III grant from theU.S. Department of Education. One of the col-lege’s goals in this grant is to start a planned giv-ing program.CGCC Foundation realizes the importance of

planned giving and how an established programcan ensure the college’s well-being for years tocome, advancing and promoting the interests anddevelopments of the college, its students, pro-grams, and community.The Foundation describes a planned gift as a

gift received as a part of a thoughtful plan. It is agift that often involves a benefit for both the col-lege and the donor.Planned giving enables a donor to arrange

charitable contributions in a manner that maxi-mizes his or her personal objectives while mini-

mizing tax costs. In particular, it can reduce oreliminate estate and gift taxes. Charitable givingcan be a part of a sensible estate plan, involving anumber of tools that result in a larger inheritancefor heirs. An estate planner can recommend planned gifts

to the CGCC Foundation, which welcomes chari-

table trusts, outright gifts of securities, real estateand tangible personal property, and bequests. On behalf of Columbia Gorge Community Col-

lege, CGCC Foundation offers a variety of givingopportunities in support of scholarships, pro-grams, faculty, facility improvements, and unre-stricted resources to foster growth andexcellence.If you have already included CGCC Founda-

tion in your estate plans, please inform us so weare better able to plan for the future. In addition,we appreciate the opportunity to express our grat-itude and welcome new members to the CGCCFoundation Legacy Society.Those who wish to remain anonymous will

have their preference respected. If you are interested in learning more about

CGCC Foundation’s Planned Giving Program,please contact Steph Dawkins, Major andPlanned Gifts Officer, at (541) 506-6113 orsdawkins@cgcc.cc.or.us.

From left: GeGe Villalobos, Bob Calvert, Roshika

Prakash. Michal Kawka photos

CGCC Foundation acceptsthe following types of gifts:

• Cash • Tangible personal property• Securities • Real Estate

• Remainder Interests in Property• Oil, Gas, Mineral Interests, Timber, Crops

• Bargain Sales • Life Insurance• Charitable Gift Annuities• Charitable Lead Trusts

• Retirement Beneficiary Designations• Bequests

• Life Insurance Beneficiary Designations