According to the nomination, the Mercord’s history with the college dates back to the leadership role Chuck Mercord played when FVCC was founded in 1967 and has continued with active participation and support today.  He also was instrumental in the creation of the college’s foundation in 1976.  In 2004, Chuck Mercord was honored with the Eagle Award.

“This family has made FVCC a family tradition throughout the college’s 46 years,” said Karas.  “In addition to sharing their generosity, the members of this family have set an example of passing leadership and service from one generation to the next.”

The Mercord Family established a memorial for Chuck at FVCC, and through gifts from the family and community members, it provided generous funding to build the FVCC Scholars classroom and study area.  The Scholars Program at FVCC, now in its third year, has served 150 students to date.  With the additional funds, the family established an endowment for The Scholars Program at FVCC to provide annual mini-grants for students to attend regional and national research conferences to present their undergraduate research.   The endowment also provides an annual Mercord Family Scholarship for a student with great financial need.

Kathy Mercord currently serves on the FVCC Associate Foundation Board and on event committees, including Festival of Flavors and the donor development committee.  An exceptional community volunteer, she has served selflessly over the years, always advocating for FVCC in her wide circles.  In partnership with the foundation, she oversees the Owen E. Sowerwine, Alton Pearce and Milton Mercord Memorial Fund at FVCC, a fund established in part in memory of Chuck’s father, Milton Mercord, who strongly believed in building strong communities.

Their daughter, Leslie Mercord, an accomplished investment provider, has played an extensive role on the college’s Foundation Board, serving five years as treasurer and then rising to the chair of the board these past two years.  She previously led the board’s finance and investment committee.  Under her leadership, the Foundation assets doubled, events and projects grew, and a record number of scholarships were awarded.  She served on the executive committee for two major fundraising campaigns for buildings, the last being the Rebecca Chaney Broussard Center for Nursing and Health Science.  She has shared her financial knowledge with students through continuing education programs and with members of the FVCC Foundation board as well as other boards.  She has thoughtfully shared her love of the college and brought key community members into the FVCC family.

Karas acknowledged the family for sharing their passion for education and the value that a community college brings to Northwest Montana to serve local students and bring them a better life.

“FVCC owes a debt of gratitude, and we are a better college because of the leadership, service and generosity of this family,” concluded Karas.

Past recipients of the award include: 1990-91: Owen Sowerwine; 1991-92: Larry Blake; 1992-93: Roger Rettenmeier; 1993-94: Janice Hart; 1994-95: Janet Bierrum; 1995-96: Jeanette Oliver; 1996-97: Lil Laidlaw; 1997-98: Faith Hodges; 1998-99: Shirley Bowdish and Mel Ruder; 1999-2000: Pat LaTourelle; 2000-2001: Dr. Herman “Chet” Ross; 2001-2002: Kathy Hughes; 2002-2003: Annie Beall; 2003-2004: F. Charles “Chuck” Mercord; 2004-2005: Ivan Lorentzen; 2005-2006: George Shryock; 2006-2007: Bill Roope; 2007-2008: Paul Williams; 2008-2009:  John D. Engebretson; 2009-2010:  Ruth Ackroyd; 2010-2011:  Bill and Lois McClaren; and 2011-2012:  Nancy Gordley.

The perpetual award of the college symbol, a soaring bald eagle, is permanently displayed in the foyer of Blake Hall on the FVCC campus.  Each year’s recipient’s name is engraved on a gold plate and mounted under the eagle, joining the other award winners.

For more information, contact Monica Settles at 756-3801.

Seminar trainer Lisa Jones is a dynamic facilitator who will offer new ideas on key service concepts through the introduction of useful resources, facilitation of relevant activities, and prompting of thoughtful discussions.  With strong connections to the Montana tourism industry, her service examples and suggestions will provide practical skills and tips which can be put to use immediately following the session.

“Rockin’ to the Rhythm of Service” will focus on what businesses need to do to attain rave reviews from customers and how to keep them as return customers.  Areas of emphasis will include ways to focus on your mission, clarify your role, and expand your knowledge base; how to understand and effectively connect with your customers; how to tell your story and reveal your authentic style; and how to manage conflict and identify triggers.

The Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce will host two free “Rockin’ to the Rhythm of Service” seminars.   The first will take place June 5 at Grouse Mountain Lodge, 2 Fairway Drive, from 1 to 4 p.m.  A bonus Summer Tourism Showcase will follow this session from 4 to 6 p.m. providing participants with the latest information on the activities and services available locally.  Refreshments will be provided.  The second will take place on June 11 at the Whitefish Lake Lodge, 1380 Wisconsin Ave., from 9 a.m. to noon.  Contact session host Jan Metzmaker at 406.862.3390 to register for either Whitefish session.

For the Columbia Falls community, “Rockin’ to the Rhythm of Service” will be presented June 6 at Truby’s at Meadow Lake Resort, 100 St. Andrews Dr., from 9 a.m. to noon.  This free seminar is hosted by the Meadow Lake Development Corporation.  Contact session host Heidi Wolf at 406.892.8700, ext. 28233 to register for the Columbia Falls session.

Participants are encouraged to bring brochures, flyers, or information to share about area businesses and attractions.  Pre-registration is required.  Each participant will receive a certificate of completion.  For anyone unable to attend “Rockin’ to the Rhythm of Service,” a free online, self-paced program, “Passport to Service,” also is available.  For more information, visit montanasuperhost.com.

Open to the public, guests are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs.  In the event of inclement weather, the presentation will be held in the Board Room inside Blake Hall.

For more information, contact Sue Evans at 756-3963.

Approximately 20 student presentations and 80 research posters were showcased during the event.  Project topics ranged widely in such categories as biology, natural resources, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, history, psychology, anthropology, nursing, business, and computer science, among others.

Presentation winners and their research topics included:

First Place:  Seth Donahue – Kill and Be Killed;

Second Place:  Seth Donahue, Michael Selhost, Tanner Morrison, and Scott Bereta – Nuclear Energy in the United States; and

Third Place:  Kristi Lindgren and Laurel Sugden – Chemical Analysis of Zinc-Air Fuel Cells.

Poster winners and their research topics included:

First Place:  Kristi Lindgren and Laurel Sugden – Chemical and Mechanical Improvements;

Second Place:  Amanda Price – Herron Park: A Place of Diversity; and

Third Place:  Teagan Keith – For the Love of Loa: A Glimpse at Haitian.

For more information, contact FVCC Scholars Program Director Ivan Lorentzen, Ed.D., at 756-3864 or at ilorentz@fvcc.edu.

The Ceramics Festiva, which will take place May 22 through 25, is focused around alternative firing techniques.  Conference attendees will have the opportunity to learn techniques from professional ceramic artists with a broad range of talents.  Attendees are encouraged to bring their pots or sculptures (pre-bisque fired) to finish using firing techniques learned at the conference. The lineup of workshops include demonstrations in wood firing techniques and utilizing indigenous materials, raku glaze, saggar and pit firing, sgraffito, building for raku, building a raku fiber kiln, and raku firing.

“Ceramic artists love to get together, learn from each other, and have a good time,” said Smith.  “We also like to celebrate our passion for clay and community, which was the main inspiration for creating the Festiva.”

The event website notes that participating artists have agreed to donate their time to teach workshops and that many artists are even paying their own travel expenses just for the opportunity to participate in the conference and enjoy Montana.

“This is an extremely rare opportunity for local artists to learn from the masters,” said Smith.

Featured artists will include Stephen Braun of Whitefish; Bryce Brisco of Smithville, Tenn.; Tim Carlburg of Kalispell; Craig Clifford of Oshkosh, Wis.; Charles Davis of Kalispell; Trey Hill of Missoula; Curt Jacobson of Kalispell; Cassiel Leroux of Whitefish; Robert Markle of Columbia Falls; Karl McDade of Berkeley, Calif.; Randi O’Brien of Somers; Vernon Patrick of Chico, Calif.; John Rawlings of Whitefish; Esther Shimazu of Kailua, Hawaii; Dennis Sipiorski of Covington, La.; David Smith of Kalispell; and Shalene Valenzuela of Missoula.

Many works by the featured artists will be on exhibit before and after the Festiva.  Stillwater Gallery (Whitefish Pottery) and Walking Man Galley in Whitefish both have exhibitions open now which will remain up for viewing until May 31.  The Clay Studio of Missoula will host an opening reception of their exhibition on July 5 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.  It will remain up for viewing through July 26.

“We were fortunate to have many of the artists send their work so we could display it for the community before the Festiva,” explained Smith.  “Many of these works have been exhibited nationally and internationally, so we are excited to have them right here in the Flathead.”

The cost to participate in the Ceramics Festiva is $185 which includes all conference activities and lunch each day.  Community members are invited to attend the workshops to watch and learn, even if they don’t pay to participate.

“We want to make this opportunity open to everyone whether they are artists, aspiring artists, they enjoy ceramics as a hobby, or are just interested in learning more about the art,” said Smith.

To view the full Ceramics Festiva schedule, for more information, or to register, visit www.ceramicsfestiva.com, or contact Smith at 756-3993 or at dsmith@fvcc.edu.

The following students will receive their practical nursing pins:

Vicki Brown of Kalispell;

Laura Burgi of Columbia Falls;

Shaunda Crutsinger of Bigfork;

Rachel Hartman of Bigfork;

Katherine Hilleboe-McGee of Kalispell;

Jenica Kelly of Columbia Falls;

Keri Kelly of Kalispell;

Jeff Lanners of Kalispell;

Kelsey Lyford of Kalispell;

Lexie McFarland of Kalispell;

Kristen McLaury of Kila;

Robert Montague of Somers;

Tracy Mower of Kalispell;

Kelly Palmer of Columbia Falls;

Kelly Pike of Kalispell;

Rachel Reimnitz of Kalispell;

Kim Reynen of Kalispell;

Alison Smith of Columbia Falls;

Janette Thomason of Kalispell;

Michael Weideman of Kalispell; and

Lisa Young of Kila.

Students will be welcomed by FVCC President Jane Karas.  Keynote speakers will be Nursing Instructor Erika Decree and practical nursing graduates Robert Montague and Kelly Pike.  A reception will take place immediately following the ceremony in the lobby of the Rebecca Chaney Broussard Center for Nursing and Health Science.  For more information, contact Cathy Fabel at 756-3385 or cfabel@fvcc.edu.

Photo:  FVCC practical nursing graduates, (front row left to right) Vicki Brown, Kelsey Lyford, Lisa Young, Jenica Kelly, Katherine Hilleboe-McGee, Rachel Hartman, Shaunda Crutsinger, (middle row left to right) Kristen McLaury, Rachel Reimnitz, Kim Reynen, Keri Kelly, Lexie McFarland, Laura Burgi, Janette Thomason, Tracy Mower, Kelly Pike, Alison Smith, (back row left to right) Robert Montague, Kelly Palmer, Michael Weideman, Jeff Lanners

Peg Wherry, Director of Online and Distance Learning for MSU Extended University, will be at onsite at FVCC to discuss online programs offered by MSU and answer questions from attendees about getting started.  The first 15 attendees will receive an MSU Bobcats t-shirt.

MSU’s new Liberal Studies degree completion program is specifically for individuals who have successfully completed two years of college and are interested in completing a flexible interdisciplinary degree. Liberal Studies prepares people for success in a wide range of occupations, including graduate study.

Attendees can also receive information on MSU’s graduate programs in education (specifically science, math, agriculture, and library media), Native American studies, engineering and science management, land resources and environmental sciences, and addiction counseling. Wherry will also answer questions about online learning in general, what an online class is like, what it’s like to be an online student, and what support services are available to new students.

The session will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. room 144A inside the Arts and Technology Building on the FVCC campus. For more information, contact Wherry at (406) 994-6550 or Margaret.wherry@montana.edu.

A sophomore studying biology at FVCC, Rickenbacher exemplifies the definition of a volunteer.   A mother of two boys, she commutes 54 miles a day to FVCC where she attends full-time and is an honors student.  In 2011, Rickenbacher took on the leadership role as Renewable Resources Club coordinator.  In this capacity, she championed recycling and waste reduction on the college’s campus and enlisted volunteers to educate the campus community about renewable resources and the importance of sustaining them.  Additionally, she pioneered a number of new initiatives including clothing swap events, organized carpools, educational workshops, and a community-wide week-long Earth Matters celebration event.

As the current assistant editor of “The Mercury News,” FVCC’s student newspaper, Rickenbacher continues to promote volunteerism and campus involvement by recognizing students and student organizations that dedicate their time and energy to support the community.  She also exercises her platform to endorse AmeriCorps and service learning opportunities, encouraging others to make a difference.

“We are fortunate to have such a dedicated, passionate student who is committed to making a difference in the lives of others in order to better our community,” said FVCC President Jane Karas.

According to National Campus Compact President Maureen Curley, Newman Civic Fellows provide fresh energy and perspective, inspire and mobilize others, and develop their own skills and potential while tackling community challenges.

“These students represent the next generation of public problem solvers and civic leaders,” said Curley.  “They serve as national examples of the role that higher education can—and does—play in building stronger communities.”

Newman Civic Fellow awards are made in memory of Dr. Frank Newman, a founder of Campus Compact.  Newman dedicated his life to creating systemic change through education reform and left a lasting impact on American education and its role in the development of citizens who want to make a difference.

Campus Compact is a national coalition of almost 1,200 college and university presidents, representing more than 6 million students, who are committed to fulfilling the civic purposes of higher education to improve community life and to educate students for civic and social responsibility. For more information about the organization and the award, visit www.compact.org.

According to Scholars Program Director Ivan Lorentzen, Ed.D., the program’s mission is to encourage talent and stimulate the imagination of highly able and motivated students as they experience academic inquiry and discovery within a supportive learning community.  Students are provided more extensive perspectives on topics through seminar-style classes that incorporate two or more disciplines.

The program provides students with seamless transitions to either the Davidson Honors College at The University of Montana or the University Honors Program at Montana State University.  The program also assists students in successfully transferring to honors programs at four-year colleges and universities across the nation.

Class sizes are limited to 20 students.  Classes are four credits each and are developed from a combination of any two of the traditional academic disciplines—humanities, math, social science, fine arts and science.  Classes are taught by a team of two instructors and are offered during the fall and spring semesters at FVCC.

Each full-time student who is accepted into the program will receive a full-tuition scholarship for four semesters and will be assigned a faculty mentor.  Scholar students will have access to the Scholars Program Center which consists of study area, classroom and library.  Program graduates will receive special designations on their college transcripts and will be presented with medallions at commencement.

Applications will continue to be accepted until the program is full.  For more information and for admissions requirements, visit www.fvcc.edu/scholarsprogram.html or contact Lorentzen at 756-3864 or at ilorentz@fvcc.edu.

Karl Leonard

Flathead Valley Community College Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Karl Rangikawhiti Leonard of Ngongotahā, Rotoru, New Zealand, will teach a three-day basic introduction course in the Maori art of hinaki (fish trap) weaving this summer.

During the course, students will produce one or two fish traps which may be for practical or artistic use.  The traps will be woven using red osier dogwood and twine, which will be provided.

Through a Fulbright Foundation grant awarded to FVCC, the college has hosted Leonard for the fall 2012 and spring 2013 semesters.  Leonard holds a master’s degree in Maori language and management and brings a lifetime of experience in traditional Maori art forms including weaving, carving, and dance.  This course will offer the last opportunity for the community to take a course from Leonard before he returns to New Zealand.

The non-credit course will take place June 3 through 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the cost to enroll is $94. Preregistration is required to participate in the course, but students are not required to have any previous weaving experience.  For more information or to register, visit http://www.fvcc.edu/continuing-education.html or call the FVCC Continuing Education Center at 756-3832.