Distinguished Alumni

In 2005, Linn-Benton Community College established the Distinguished Alumnus Award to honor alumni who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in their profession and/or through service to their community. The recipient should have:

Completed a minimum of 36 credits at Linn-Benton Community College.
Made a significant contribution to LBCC, the community, the nation or education over a period of time.

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 Linn-Benton Community College 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

*PDF files require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software (version 5.0 or higher recommended) to view, fill-in, and print. Once filled in, these forms cannot be saved with your data. Please print before exiting the form.

2008 Distinguished Alumni
LBCC established the Distinguished Alumnus Award to honor former students who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in their profession and/or through service to their community.

Michael K. Brown is the owner/President of Sierra Construction of Oregon and 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, a teacher with the Corvallis School District, 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 is the owner, Town & Country Realty and 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 is the Vice President of Patient Care Services, Lebanon Community Hospital. Wendie 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 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. Hesseldahl 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 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. 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. McCann 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 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. Presley is active in his community, where he still finds time to work on his parents and neighbor’s farms.

Paul Turner 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. Turner 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 Carol Bispham 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 Bispham. "I am also grateful to LBCC for helping me achieve my educational goals. I wanted and received a solid education."

Jane Siebler Jane Siebler 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. Siebler'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. Siebler also worked for LBCC as a secretary and a library coordinator. "I am utterly grateful to LBCC for the great education I received," said Siebler. "LBCC offers opportunities for people who really need an education that's affordable and accessible."

Scott Zimbrick Scott Zimbrick 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. He currently serves as Executive Vice-President/Chief Marketing Officer for Citizens Bank in Corvallis. Zimbrick is an advocate for LBCC, stating that when he left high school he was not prepared to compete successfully in college. He points out that LBCC helped him gain the strong base he needed to transfer to the university level. "I feel it's a very high honor when your alma mater recognizes you this way," said Zimbrick. "In my view, this is the best honor that I have received."

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 Robert 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 Annette 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 Linda 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."

Business Division Outstanding Alumni

Yukima Sugimoto, 1991
Mei Chan, 1992
Julia Chan, 1992
Cheryl Hills, 1993
Melinda Pittman, 1994
Robert Warden, 1995
Lane DeMars, 1996
Kathy Perrine, 1997
Lani Jelen, 1998
Deborah Nicol, 1999
Sherri Wallman, 2000
Nancy Janes, 2001
Kymber Dalebout, 2002
Mary Hitch, 2003
Virginia Husted, 2004
Anna Arndt, 2005
Debbie Fuston, 2006

2007 Business & Computer Systems Division Outstanding Students

Administrative Professional: Michelle Armstrong, Leilani Waipa
Legal Administrative Assistant: Kennette Peck, Connie Strecker
Medical Assistant: Barbara Adler, Rebekah Klinkebiel, Liliya Mikitchenko, Candice Vanhoff, Phoebe Welke
First-year Business Technology: Sylvia Galbasini, Phebe Krabill, Rosemary Riggs, Miranda Ryan, Celeste Yoder
Fastest typist: Phoebe Welke
Business Administration: Danielle Peters, Phillip Williams, Teresa Xie
Accounting Technology: Lori Baldwin-Garcia, Ken McKnight, Aaron Wright
Business and Supervisory Management: Jay Karn, Lorrie Rowe
Computer Science: Ruth Osborn
Network and Systems Administration: John Admire, Lynn Hickcox, Michael Carter, Brandon Kvidt
Computer User Support: Chris Dentino

2006 Business & Computer Systems Division Outstanding Students

Administrative Assistant: Darlene Parks, Jeff Pyle, Sarah Soric
Administrative Medical Assistant: Marion Keppinger, Heather Wright
Legal Administrative Assistant: Louise Baxter
Medical Assistant: Charling Hambley, Jerri Hastings, Robyn Staab, Katrina Wasson, Julie White, Toni Wilson
First-year Business Technology: Jennifer Gray, Sandy Lovelady, Rene Medrano, Vanessa Rannebeck, Samantha Spencer
Business Administration: Nick Sanders, Hannah Skipper, Nick Treichler
Accounting Technology: Svetlana Evans, Sharon Smith, Linda Stewart
Business and Supervisory Management: Myrna Gusdorf, Eldawan McKee, Erin Moseley, Kellie Sullivan
Computer Science: Tammi Fuchigami, Donnie Jensen, Nick Santana
Network and Systems Administration: Leighana Coe, Tessa Guzman, Tyler Hay
Fastest typist: Rachel Gaskey
OSU/LBCC Graduate: Stephen Sharpe