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Distinguished Alumni
LBCC established the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2005 to honor alumni who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in their profession and/or through service to their community. The recipient should have:
- Made a significant contribution to LBCC, the community, the nation or education over a period of time.
- Completed a minimum of 36 credits at LBCC.
Distinguished Alumnus Award nominations may be submitted by a faculty member, staff, student, community member, or LBCC Board of Education member. The LBCC President and LBCC Board of Education awards committee will select the recipient.
Nominations are accepted year-round and reviewed in April, with a March 31 deadline. To nominate a LBCC alumnus for the Distinguished Alumnus Award please submit the Alumnus Nomination Form (PDF)* and supporting documents by mail to:
Marlene Propst
Director, College Advancement and
Executive Director, LBCC Foundation
Linn-Benton Community College
6500 Pacific Blvd. SW, Albany, OR 97321
Questions: 541-917-4784; FAX: 541-917-4405;
e-mail: propstm@linnbenton.edu
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2011 Distinguished Alumni
Denise Soto, Soto Law Firm, Albany
Denise is a partner with the Soto Law Firm, specializing in estate planning and elder law. She completed her Associate of Arts degree from LBCC, graduated Magna Cum Laude at Oregon State University and earned a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Willamette University.
Denise serves as a member of the Oregon State Bar Elder Law and Estate Planning Sections. She also served as president of the Linn County Bar Association, as chair of the Linn County Bar Association Judicial Screening Committee, is a past member of the Linn County Court, Facilities Assessment Committee, a past member of Albany Public School Foundation, a past member of the Law Library Board, and served as Secretary of the Linn County Bar Association.
Other professional affiliations include Wealth Counsel Estate Planning Attorneys, the Oregon Regional Forum of Estate Planning Attorneys, member of “Stop Elder Abuse Now,” a group organized to problem-solve about local elder abuse issues. In serving the community, she is the founder of the Professional Women’s Association, a member of Soroptimist International of Albany, and a member of the Greater Albany Rotary Club.
Lisa Charpilloz Hanson, Deputy Director, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Salem
As deputy director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Lisa serves as the leader and supervisor of the Natural Resource Division, Pesticide Division, Plant Division, Commodity Inspection Division and serves as the agency legislative liaison to the Oregon Legislative Assembly.
Lisa is also operates a small farm, Char-Land Farm’s Hampshire Sheep, breeding and exhibiting registered Hampshire sheep at the state, regional and national level. She earned an Associate of General Studies from LBCC and a bachelor of science in Agriculture and Resource Economics from Oregon State University.
“It is such an honor to be recognized by the college,” Lisa wrote upon hearing the news from LBCC.
Professionally, Lisa has been involved in policy development and implementation for agricultural, environmental, and natural resources with state and federal agencies. She received a US Department of Agriculture Group Honor Award of Excellence for her work on nationwide good practices for the USDA helping to establish inspection programs on the national level. Volunteer activities include Oregon Agriculture Education Foundation Scholarship Committee, American Hampshire Sheep Association Board of Directors, Oregon Purebred Sheep Association officer and assists with 4-H and FFA youth development projects and activities.
2010 Distinguished Alumni
Scott Schuler, Radio Personality, KRKT Radio, Albany, Oregon
Scott Schuler attended LBCC from 1991 to 1992 with a focus on business classes. In 1995, Scott began work as a board operator for KRKT Radio Station in Albany. He quickly moved up the ranks, and in 1999 was promoted to KRKT's morning show host. In 2003, Scott became program director in addition to his duties as host.
Scott is very active in the local community. In 2007, he opened the first Baghdad Bait Shop at Camp Liberty in Iraq, rallying KRKT listeners to donate recreational supplies to send to the soldiers stationed there and at Camp Falcon and Al-Asad Air Base.
Each year since 1999, Scott has organized food drives through KRKT to benefit the Linn Benton Food Share program, which raised more than $8,000 and 700 pounds in donations last year. He also heads the Cricket Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon, raising more than $600,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Scott also is an active volunteer with Show Mercy International, a non-profit in Albany that builds children's homes in Africa, Operation Homefront in Albany, and the Oregon Jamboree in Sweet Home. In addition to his work at KRKT, in 2009 Scott was hired as Resource Development Coordinator for Albany Habitat for Humanity, a full-time position. He writes and applies for grants, and raises money and contributions for the Habitat for Humanity Restore. Over his years of service at KRKT, Scott received six Silver Microphone awards for commercial production, and the Country Radio Broadcaster Small Market Promotion of the Year Award.
Bruce Morganti, Teacher, Music, Choir, Drama, & Speech, Corona Foothills Middle School, Tucson, Arizona
Bruce Morganti attended LBCC from 1981 to 1984 before transferring to Western Oregon University, where he received his bachelor's degree in K-12 music education. Bruce went on to earn a master's degree in music education from Boston University in 2009.
Bruce has spent more than 20 years teaching music in Hawaii, Oregon, California and Arizona. He also teaches drama and speech, and directs school theater productions.
Throughout his career, Bruce says he has held a deep sense of mission and has worked hard to pass on to his students the conviction that they are capable of great things, whether they realize it or not.
Bruce is active in the local music community through his volunteerism with community liturgical music, bands and choirs; caroling and performing tours to local hospitals, nursing homes and care centers; served as an organizer for the Katrina Relief Concert in 2005; and is an active volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul Society, Public Broadcasting and National Public Radio.
In 1992, Bruce received the Drama Teachers of Southern California Director of the Year Award. He also received the Innovation Award for Curriculum Development from Vail School District in 2009 for his development of a blue's guitar course.
2009 Distinguished Alumni
Lt. Col. Mark A. Cook LTC, Engineer, U.S. Army Reserve, Tega Cay, South Carolina
Mark Cook will tell you that as a kid he had to work hard to get though school. While at LBCC, he learned how to be a better writer and improve his study skills. Now a lieutenant colonel with the U.S. Army Reserve, Mark says LBCC provided the foundation he needed to believe in himself and to pursue his goals.
Mark has served more than 22 years in the Army Reserve. He recently returned from duty after being stationed in Iraq as Commander of the 763rd Engineer Detachment. In addition to serving in Iraq, Mark has served in South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan. In civilian life, he works as a civil engineer for the city of Charlotte, North Carolina. Mark has also worked as a traffic engineer, project manager and a business owner.
A decorated soldier, Mark was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Southwest Asia Service Medal.
Mark earned an A.S. degree from LBCC in 1983, a B.S. degree in civil engineering from Oregon Institute of Technology in 1986, an M.S. degree in engineering technology from Murray State University in 1992, and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma in 1993. He has also completed numerous training programs through the military.
Kathrin Dunlap, Associate Research Scientist, Center for Animal Biotechnology and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
As an associate research scientist in the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University, former LBCC animal science student Kathrin Dunlap has many accomplishments under her belt. She has served as a postdoctoral research fellow, as a graduate research assistant and a graduate research fellow at Texas A&M, and has taught histology for the College of Veterinary Medicine there. Kathrin has also directed several student research projects and a major research grant.
Kathrin attended LBCC from 1998–1999 in the animal science program. She earned a B.S. degree in animal science from OSU in 2001, a master’s degree in endocrinology from OSU in 2002, and a Ph.D. in physiology of reproduction/animal science from Texas A&M University in 2006. She recently completed her postdoctoral studies in angiogenesis and placental biology at Texas A&M.
Kathrin has received numerous awards and honors in her academic career, but is best known at LBCC as a standout on the LBCC Livestock Judging Team, which placed in the top five at several national contests. In the 1999 competition, Kathrin placed as third high individual.
Dr. Todd Gifford, DMD, Associate Dentist, Portland
From LBCC Associated Student Government president to doctor of dentistry, Todd Gifford pursued his goal and is now Dr. Todd Gifford, Doctor of Medical Dentistry.
Todd earned an A.S. degree in biology from LBCC in 2001, an honors B.S. in general science from OSU in 2003, and a Doctor of Dental Medicine from Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry in 2007.
While at LBCC, Todd was active in student government, serving as ASG president in 2000–01, and giving the commencement address in 2001. He also served as vice president and president of the LBCC Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Todd continued as a student leader at OHSU School of Dentistry, serving as student government president from 2004–07, and giving the commencement address in 2007.
Before coming to LBCC, Todd served six years as a medical lab technician in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. Previous to his military service, Todd was employed as an emergency medical technician by the Providence Yakima Medical Center in Yakima, Washington. Todd currently is an associate dentist in Portland. He serves as an active volunteer with the Give Kids a Smile program and with the Multnomah Dental Van.
2008 Distinguished Alumni
Michael K. Brown, Owner/President of Sierra Construction of Oregon, Albany
Michael Brown attended LBCC in the construction technology program during the mid 1970s. In high school he excelled in baseball and was offered scholarships to several four-year universities, but chose to attend LBCC on a tuition talent grant. Mike has been building in the Albany and Corvallis areas since 1976. In 1982 he started Sierra Construction of Oregon, known as one of the premier home building firms in the Willamette Valley. His firm employs four full-time year-around employees and subcontracts work to local firms.
Linda Sekermestrovich, Retired teacher, Corvallis School District, Corvallis
Linda Sekermestrovich attended LBCC in the mid 1970s. She was on the LBCC gymnastics team that won the 1976 National Junior College Athletic Association gymnastics championship. Linda went on to become an elementary school teacher, working for 30 years in the Corvallis School District. She taught first, second and third grades for many years at Jefferson Elementary School. Linda is involved in the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation, the Susan G. Kolman Foundation, the T.O.U.C.H. Project, and several other organizations.
Peter Sekermestrovich, Owner, Town & Country Realty, Corvallis
Peter Sekermestrovich received an AA degree from LBCC in 1977 and a BS degree in sociology from OSU in 1979. He participated in track while at LBCC, and met his wife Linda here. In 1999, the Sekermestrovichs purchased Town & Country Realty, where Peter’s in-depth knowledge of the community and the real estate market have helped him to become a top real estate agent in the community. He is one of fewer than three percent of agents nationally to earn the Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Broker, and the Graduate Realtor Institution designations. Peter is president of the Benton County Foundation board, a member of the Corvallis Rotary Club, serves on the OSU Beaver Athletic Scholarship Fund, and is past president of the Corvallis-OSU Music Association. He also created Touchdowns for Toys where sponsors donate money for touchdowns at OSU home games with the funds used to purchase toys for children at Christmas.
Wendie Wunderwald, Vice President of Patient Care Services, Lebanon Community Hospital
Wendie Wunderwald received an Associate Degree in Nursing from LBCC in 1984. In 2005, she received a BS in Healthcare Administration from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, and she is currently enrolled in a master’s program in the same major. Wendie began her nursing career at Lebanon Community Hospital as a new graduate. She became a surgical charge nurse in 1992, a critical care manager in 1993, nurse manager in critical care and urgent care in 2001, and vice president of Patient Care Services in 2004.
2007 Distinguished Alumni
Arik Hesseldahl, Bloomberg Businessweek, New York, New York
Arik attended LBCC with a focus in journalism. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Oregon and his Master of Science in Journalism from Columbia University. He is currently Senior Technology Writer for Business Week Magazine in New York. Arik is also the host of a weekly video podcast, Tech 101, and writes a biweekly column which focuses on Apple Inc. He appears regularly as a guest on CNBC, CNN, Headline News, the BBC, Canada CBS and business news programs in Japan and China. He also volunteers his time raising scholarship money for the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
Dianna Howell, Area Manager, Barrett Business Services, Inc., Albany
Dianna attended LBCC with a focus in business. She transferred to George Fox University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Business in 1998. She is currently working on her graduate degree at George Fox University. Howell is branch manager for Barrett Business Services in Albany. Previously, she was an area manager with St. Vincent de Paul. She has volunteered with Special Olympics for 12 years, helped fund raise for CARDVA and worked on food baskets for the Salvation Army. Howell holds memberships with Zonta, Employer's Council, serves on an LBCC scholarship selection committee and has worked on the Disability Commissions Employment Advisory Committee.
Robert (Bob) McCann, Jr., Attorney, Albany
Robert received his LBCC Associate of Arts degree in 1975. He transferred to the University of Oregon where he received his Bachelor of Science. He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Gonzaga University. Robert is currently an attorney and shareholder with the Albany firm Long, Delapoer, Healy, McCann and Noonan PC. He has served as the chairperson of ABC House and is an advisory board member of the Salvation Army, a board member for St. Mary's Catholic School, and is a member of the Samaritan Albany General Hospital Ethics Committee and the Linn County Arbitration and Mediation Commission.
Rick Presley, Research Assistant, OSU
Rick attended LBCC with a focus in engineering. He transferred to Oregon State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. He has gone on to become an internationally published scientist. He is a research assistant at OSU and leads a team of professors and students who have developed the world's first transparent integrated circuit. Rick is active in his community, where he still finds time to work on his parents and neighbor’s farms.
Paul Turner, Business Owner, Corvallis
Rick attended LBCC with a focus in English. He also attended Oregon State University, where he came close to finishing his bachelor’s degree. When an opportunity to start his own business came up, Turner chose to become an entrepreneur, building his first theater, the Avalon, and his most recent theater, the Darkside, in Corvallis. He has held the roles of owner, operator, developer, carpenter and financier. Rick has been a community role model and avid supporter of other local business owners. He puts out a weekly internet newsletter that is witty and insightful, and many Corvallis citizen’s look forward to his insights and humor each week.
2006 Distinguished Alumni
Carol Bispham, Circuit Court Judge, Linn County, Albany
Carol is a Circuit Court Judge for Linn County and a 1981 graduate of LBCC, earning an Associate's of Art degree. She received her Bachelor's of Science degree in Political Science from OSU and Doctor of Jurisprudence from Willamette University College of Law. Bispham has served as Circuit Court Judge for Linn County since 1998. Judge Bispham is the first person in her family to graduate from high school and college. She is also the first woman to be elected and appointed to Circuit Court Judge in Linn County. "I'm honored and thrilled to be a recipient of the LBCC Distinguished Alumni Award," said Carol. "I am also grateful to LBCC for helping me achieve my educational goals. I wanted and received a solid education."
Jane Siebler, Retired Advisor/Program Coordinator, OSU, Corvallis
attended LBCC as a part-time student in the early 1970's. After finishing her studies here, she transferred her credits to OSU where she earned her Bachelor's of Art in English Literature and Master's of Business Administration. She retired from OSU several years ago as Head Advisor/Program Coordinator for the University Honors College. Jane's family has a long history with LBCC. Her father was one of the first full-time employees at LBCC in 1968, and most of her family has attended LBCC through the years since. Jane also worked for LBCC as a secretary and a library coordinator. "I am utterly grateful to LBCC for the great education I received," said Jane. "LBCC offers opportunities for people who really need an education that's affordable and accessible."
Scott Zimbrick, Former Vice President, Citizens Bank, Corvallis
Scott passed away on Dec. 6, 2007. He served as City Councilman for Ward 7 in Corvallis, as Citizens Bank Executive Vice-President, and was named First Citizen in Corvallis. Scott graduated from LBCC in 1975 with an Associate of General Studies degree. He then transferred to the University of Oregon where he earned his Bachelor's of Science in Finance, and moved on to the University of Washington School of Business to earn his graduate degree in banking. Scott was an advocate for LBCC, stating that when he left high school he was not prepared to compete successfully in college, and that LBCC helped him gain the strong base he needed to transfer to the university level.
2005 Distinguished Alumni
In 2005, three recipients were chosen to receive the first Distinguished Alumnus Awards: Robert Harding, Annette Hobbs and Linda Modrell. The three were recognized by President Rita Cavin at June Commencement, where they each received an engraved plaque in their honor.
Robert C. Harding attended LBCC from 1986 to 1992, studying Business Administration. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in International Business and Economics from Oregon State University and a MBA from George Fox University. Over the years, Robert has held several positions in the banking industry ranging from teller to personal banker to branch manager and vice president. Robert currently serves as Senior Vice President, Regional Sales and Service Manager for Pacific Continental Bank in Portland. He is also very active in his community, whether it be volunteering with kids sports programs or coordinating and volunteering in community events. Robert has also served on the Business Advisory Committee for LBCC, giving personal time and energy to advance LBCC's business programs. One nominee wrote that Robert contributes that extra energy that not only gets the job done, but makes both the experience and the end product outstanding.
"Linn-Benton Community College has been instrumental in my personal and professional development," said Harding. "I attended LBCC straight out of high school before I really knew what I wanted out of life. The staff was extremely professional and knowledgeable and gave me undivided attention. They made me feel valued and motivated. I went on to get a degree from OSU and an MBA from George Fox University. I have no doubt that this would not have been possible had I not attended LBCC. The knowledge gained from Linn Benton Community College has prepared me for my career in the banking industry. I am extremely proud to receive the Distinguished Alumnus award from LBCC. It is an honor, and the respect is mutual."
Annette M. Hobbs received her Associate of Science in Secretarial Science from LBCC in 1975. After graduation, she worked for several years as an Executive Secretary for the Albany Police Department. She moved on from there to spend time with her family and be a Fitness Instructor at the Albany Athletic Club. In 1989, Annette became the Executive Director for Fish of Albany, working to develop the agency into a stable, organized agency with expanded services for the local community. Annette is well known in the Albany Community for her work and dedication to support families in need. One nominee stated that Annette's dedication to helping families in need goes way beyond just performing the tasks of her job. Annette has also served the community through her volunteerism with local branches of Habitat for Humanity, United Way, the American Heart Association, and coaching soccer at West and South Albany High Schools and the Albany Boys and Girls Club. Although Annette is modest about her achievements, her dedication to her work at Fish for over sixteen years and her commitment to the local community shows her pride in a job well done.
"Receiving the Distinguished Alumnus Award from LBCC was quite an honor," said Hobbs. "The education that I received at LBCC has served me very well, preparing me for the position that I have today. I'm excited about the fact that LBCC continues to evolve and develop new programs to keep up with the needs of the community."
Linda L. Modrell received her Associate of Arts transfer degree from LBCC in 1978. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and MBA with a focus in Community Health & Gerontology from Oregon State University. Linda has been recognized at the local, regional and state level for her commitment, dedication, and professional involvement in her community, and her ability to tackle challenging issues and projects. Over the years, Linda has held many different positions in the health care industry--from administration to policy and research--and was part of the team that developed the Oregon Health Plan. In 1999, Linda went to work as a Benton County Commissioner, bringing her knowledge and expertise to the local community. Her most recent recognition came this year, when she was asked to present a paper at the Oxford Round Table. One nominee stated that Linda often praises LBCC and the impact it had on her life without LBCC, she would not have been able to pursue an education at a time when she needed to do so. Linda has worked hard to achieve many successes, and continues to help hold the door open for others to achieve as well.
"I value the quality of education that I received at LBCC and feel that it's a great place to start," said Modrell. "LBCC opened the door for me to pursue a bachelors and masters degree, and it means a great deal to me to be one of the first to receive the LBCC Distinguished Alumnus Award. I feel very honored."