On November 5, the Foundation for Linn State Technical College (LSTC) hosted the Awards of Honor and Donor Recognition Ceremony in the rotunda of the LSTC Information Technology Center.  Approximately 100 people attended the ceremony, which honored the President’s Award recipients, Awards of Honor recipients and recognized donors for annual and sustained contributions.

Master of Ceremonies, Carla McDaniel, LSTC Executive Director of Development, welcomed attendees and Dr. Donald Claycomb, LSTC President, welcomed attendees which included donors; award recipients; student scholarship recipients; employees and retirees of the college; LSTC alumni; business and industry partners; Foundation Board of Directors: Thomas A. Dinkins III, St. Louis, Don Gelven, Linn, Kalen Brown, Jefferson City, Bo Gilbert, Jefferson City, Carla McDaniel, Bonnots Mill, Kim Staley, Chamois, and past member John Oidtman, Linn; Board of Regents President John A. Klebba, Linn; and elected officials Missouri Senator Frank Barnitz and Osage County Commissioner Russell J. Scheulen.

“LSTC had the opportunity to honor many individuals who have made strong financial commitment as well as other supporting commitments to the college.  Without their support LSTC would not be what it is today.  We greatly appreciate what they have done and what they continue to do,” stated Claycomb.  “In addition, we have the opportunity to honor several students who were awarded scholarships as the result of the support provided by our donors.  The students who were honored have demonstrated a track record of success and show a great deal of promise for the future.”  

The President’s Awards of Distinction includes the Alumni Achievement, Industry Partnership and Service to the College awards.

The Alumni Achievement Award honors alumnus/alumna for exceptional achievement.  Individuals are honored for notable success in their career field, philanthropic or public service activity, service to the college and actions that serve to inspire others.  John Scheulen, LSTC Assessment Director and Former Aviation Instructor, introduced this year’s recipient, Clarke Thomas, 1973 Automotive graduate, 1976 Aviation graduate, and owner of Fostaire Helicopters in the St. Louis area.  Thomas was recognized for his commitment to the aviation industry, support of the college and leadership on the Foundation Board of Directors in the area of alumni relations.

The Industry Partnership Award honors organizations joining forces with the college to offer unique partnerships that significantly enhance the quality of instruction or that otherwise advance the mission, vision and purpose of the college.  Bruce Meffert, LSTC Nuclear Technology Department Chair and Instructor, introduced this year’s recipient, Exelon Generation, headquartered in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, for financial support of the LSTC Nuclear Technology program offered at the Advanced Technology Center (ATC) in Mexico, MO, in the areas of equipment, salaries, internships and scholarships.  Accepting the award on behalf of Exelon Generation was Marseyne Snow, Senior Director of Operations Support, Napierville, IL.

The Service to the College Award honors individuals or organizations for outstanding service that impacts the college in a very positive way. The award recognizes extraordinary efforts made on the college’s behalf that contribute to its overall excellence.  Meffert introduced this year’s recipient, Chris Graham, Consulting Health Physicist, AmerenUE Callaway Plant, for his role in identifying the need for the LSTC Nuclear Technology program.

The Awards of Honor include the James P. Symmonds Benevolence Award and the Thurman L. Willett Leadership Award, presented by Dr. Donald Claycomb, LSTC President.

The James P. Symmonds Benevolence Award honors an individual, organization or foundation for their private contributions and voluntary efforts that demonstrate extraordinary generosity supporting the advancement of the college.  James Symmonds, Former LSTC Foundation Director, and wife, Joyce, participated in the award presentation to Harold and Beatrice Snyder, posthumously, for generous contributions made through the Beatrice Snyder Foundation, New York.  Accepting the award on behalf of the Snyder’s children was Barbara Pickering, City of Mexico, MO, AJ Probst, Director of the ATC, and Meffert.

The Thurman L. Willett Leadership Award is designed to recognize an individual for extraordinary leadership efforts promoting the advancement of the college. A person of exceptional character demonstrating creative vision and innovation, which through his or her actions inspires others, brings distinction upon the college and elevates its image and stature in the public’s eye.  Hazel Willett, widow of LSTC Founder, Thurman L. Willett, and son, John Willett, participated in the award presentation to Thomas A. Dinkins III, St. Louis.  Dinkins, retired Executive Vice President, Fabick Tractor Company, was appointed by the governor to serve on the LSTC Board of Regents in 1996.  He served as Board of Regents President from 1997-2000 and the Foundation for LSTC Chairman from 2000-2009.  Dinkins was honored for his leadership and financial support of the college.