Schoenherrs recognized for gift to college

From left: John Rainone, President of CRD, Lee Schoenherr, Joan Schoenherr, and Dr. Charles Dillon, WSCC president.

VICTORY TWP. – R. Lee and Joan Schoenherr, of Ludington, received the 2012 Council for Resource Development (CRD) Benefactor Award at a dinner held recently in Washington, D.C.    Each year, CRD recognizes the outstanding contributions of seven donors, from across the country, who are chosen for their dedication, commitment, and pride in their community colleges. The award also embodies the ideals of philanthropy, leadership, and volunteerism in the service of community, technical, and junior colleges.

The Schoenherrs provided a financial gift to the West Shore Community College Foundation “Advancing from Good to Great” major gifts campaign committing a multi-year pledge to the campaign totaling $2 million. The WSCC Board of Trustees recognized the gift by naming the Campus Center after them. The Schoenherrs also served as the campaign’s honorary co-chairs.

“Joan and I are extremely pleased to be involved with the college that enables countless area students to pursue higher education and training,” said Schoenherr.

He added,” Our young people are our future, not only for our community but also for our country.  Investing in them is the right thing to do, and we are excited to be a part of this extraordinary endeavor.”

“Their gift is an investment in the region’s educational and economic future and we are heartened by the support and generosity of the Schoenherr family.  Thanks to them, the college has more resources to attract and nurture the best, enabling future students to benefit from our premier educational experience. The impact of the gift will be felt at the college forever,” said Dr. Charles Dillon, president of the college.

The CRD Benefactor Award is the only national showcase to recognize donors to the nation’s community colleges.

The award also recognizes individuals, organizations, foundations, or businesses for outstanding contributions to community colleges. The recipients represent gifts made to rural, suburban, urban, single and multi-campus two-year degree granting colleges.

The Schoenherrs received their award during the CRD Annual Conference.

About CRD:

The Council for Resource Development (CRD) connects, educates supports, strengthens, and celebrates community college development professionals. An affiliate of the American Association of Community Colleges, CRD serves almost 1700 members at more than 750 institutions.

About the Benefactor Award:

The CRD Benefactor Award is the only national award recognizing the philanthropic contributions of individuals, organizations, foundations, and businesses to community colleges.  Since 1993, CRD has recognized almost 200 Benefactors whose gifts alone reach to hundreds of millions of dollars in philanthropic support of community colleges.

Photo by Eddie Arrossi/Eddie Arrossi Photography