PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Northern Maine Community College Foundation recently awarded an exceptional instructor and an outstanding benefactor at the annual Foundation Dinner held on Nov. 5, 2015.
The dinner is a celebration of the college, students and the support the attendees have provided over the past year. Foundation Chair Bruce Sandstrom presented an overview of the foundation’s accomplishments, while NMCC President Tim Crowley, provided a look back at the projects that have been completed during the 2015 fiscal year.
This year’s Outstanding Benefactor Award went to Alan and Lynn Turnbull for their work and contributions with the “Livin’ the Dream” scholarship fund in memory of their son, Matthew Turnbull. This award is for a person or group who has been financially generous to the foundation over the years.
“NMCC is proud to recognize the many ways these wonderful people give of themselves to benefit our students,” said Crowley. “It’s no small task and they work tirelessly to continually improve the college. We are grateful for their support.”
Past winners are the Sturdivant Island Tuna Tournament, WAGM-TV, Mary Smith, TD Bank, the family of Larry and Audrey Thibodeau and The Sunshine Benefactors.
The NMCC Foundation presented the 2015 Eagle Award to Dean Duplessis, precision machining technology instructor at NMCC, for the impact he has had on the college. Specifically, Duplessis was selected for the nationwide connections he has made in the precision machining industry which have led to multiple donations to his program.
“I am honored to receive this award, though I was surprised,” said Duplessis. “There are so many great instructors here who do everything they can for their students. I am privileged to work with them every day.”
The past three year’s recipients were: Michael Thibodeau, Richard Engels and Vicki Smith.
President Crowley also provided a look ahead regarding the mechanized logging operations training program that will begin in the spring semester. This program is a collaboration with the logging industry, Washington County Community College and Eastern Maine Community College.
The evening also highlighted a presentation by diesel hydraulics technology student, Candace Whitmore, the recipient of a foundation scholarship who told the crowd how NMCC has impacted her life.
Also, alumnus Danielle Clark of Mapleton thanked the foundation for its role in supporting her as she pursued her degree in early childhood education.
For more information about NMCC’s Foundation, go to www.nmcc.edu or call Bobbie-Jo Caron at (207) 760-1188.
