Linn-Benton Community College board member Dick Running and staff members Sheldon Flom and Jess Jacobs were among those honored recently by the Oregon Community College Association.
Running, an Albany resident, was one of three individuals to win the Howard Cherry Award, which celebrates the contributions that local advocates, administrators and board members have made to the benefit of Oregon’s community colleges. Also honored were Sen. Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) as an advocate and Chemeketa Community College President Jessica Howard as an administrator.
In addition, the OCAA honored retired Chemeketa board member Ed Dodson with the Chuck Clemans Award. The awards were presented Nov. 2 in Sunriver.
Running has served in various capacities at LBCC since 1974, where he began teaching accounting classes. He co-founded Boehmer and Running, a small local accounting firm, after serving 24 years in the U.S. Navy. For more than 16 years, Running has served as an elected official on the LBCC Board of Education.
“Dick is never afraid of asking the tough questions and he is almost always at any event we host for students, staff or in our community,” LBCC President Lisa Avery said through a press release. “His contribution to our institution and community has made a significant impact to Albany and LBCC.”
Flom, vice president of Finance and Operation, and Jacobs, director of Accounting and Budget, were recognized for their leadership and dedication in their roles in reviewing the Community College Support Fund. The work group of six community college peers focused on adjusting the mechanics of the state funding model to align with the state’s goals for advancing equity.
The Cam Preus Award for Extraordinary Commitment to Community Colleges was awarded for Flom’s and Jacobs’ work to help enhance student support and success.