Couple receives FVCC Eagle Award
Bill McClaren, the last living founder of Flathead Valley Community College, and his wife, Lois, were presented the college’s prestigious Eagle Award for the 2010-2011 academic year by President Jane Karas during the 16th annual President’s Donor Dinner on May 12.
The award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to FVCC.
Bill was among the five visionaries who sat at a small card table in 1965 where the idea of a community college in Kalispell originated. According to the college’s website, McClaren conducted a study of Flathead High School graduates from 1952 to 1962 and found less than 20 percent had applied for any type of higher education, and less than seven percent of those had completed their course work.
Comparing the findings to those of graduates in Missoula County in which over half the students went on to college and 40 percent graduated, the contrast was too significant to be ignored. He united with Owen Sowerwine, Norm Beyer, Thelma Hetland and Les Sterling to encourage voters to establish the college in the fall of 1967 after via an election held in April.
McClaren served as the college’s first employee, head guidance counselor and dean of students in the difficult and trying first years of formation.
“As numerous board members, presidents, faculty and staff came and left, Bill was the face of stable continuity that kept the institution afloat,” the nomination said. “Bill’s vision, enthusiasm, calm demeanor, competence and dedication in those early years paved the way for all that we see today.”
In her presentation, Karas described the McClarens as “two of FVCC’s greatest advocates.” She said that Bill was the caring, gentle leader who was the anchor and glue that kept the infant college alive and credited Lois as the “wind beneath his wings.”
“Without the vision of these individuals, FVCC might not exist,” she said.
In addition to attributing the McClarens’ role in the creation and development of the college, Karas recognized them for their outstanding contributions that have greatly influenced the college’s continued success.
“On any given week, you can find these two individuals on campus teaching a class, volunteering or attending events or activities,” she said. “They are active members of the Ambassadors and Alumni Association and have been very generous in establishing an endowed scholarship. Their continued dedication and commitment has helped not only the college but our arboretum bloom and grow.”
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; and 2009-2010: Ruth Ackroyd.
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 placed on the base the eagle sculpture.