FVCC bestows Eagle Awards

Continuing Flathead Valley Community College’s tradition of honoring people who have rendered years of service for the college, College President Jane Karas honored two longtime supporters of the institution with the Eagle Award.

Karas gave the awards to Suzy Williams and Ralene Sliter.

Williams is an FVCC Foundation board member and current co-chairwoman for the college Ambassadors and Alumni Association.

A posthumous award want to Sliter, who died earlier this year.

Sliter joined the FVCC Foundation Board in 2000 as an already active donor and volunteer. She was elected to the board of trustees in 2006 and served until her death.

Karas spoke highly of her leadership capabilities.

“Most would have stopped their activities on the Foundation board, but Ralene continued to take on more leadership roles,” she said. “She dedicated endless hours of her time to raise money, engaged others in the college, developed policy, and set a positive direction to make FVCC a better place for students, employees and the community at large.”

Williams became active in event fundraising and remains an active donor herself. She and her husband, Paul, first became involved in the college in 1999. When Paul died in 2007, Williams established a memorial award in his name.

She was the chairwoman of the 2011 capital campaign to help complete the Rebecca Chaney Broussard Center for Nursing and Health Science.

Karas praised her advocacy for FVCC.

“Suzy has made it a priority to get to know just about everyone on campus and calls them by their names,” she said. “Outside the college, she always carries her pride of FVCC wherever she goes, sharing college kudos with strangers and acquaintances alike.”

The two women were honored at the college’s 20th annual President’s Dinner.

Reporter Ryan Murray may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at rmurray@dailyinterlake.com.