Colorado Northwestern Community College Foundation’s 2011 dinner and dance was held last Saturday on the Rangely Campus, where a special announcement was made by CNCC president Russell George.
George spoke briefly about the history of community colleges and how CNCC is part of the Region 8 Council for Resource Development (CRD), one of 10 such councils comprised of community colleges in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, Alberta, Manitoba Northwest Territories and Saskatchewan.
George then announced Rangely resident Bud Striegel has been named the winner of the Region 8 CRD Benefactor award, which recognizes outstanding contributions by individuals who have made a difference to their community college. Donors are chosen for their dedication and commitment to their community college.
Striegel’s recent contribution of $1 million for renovations to the W.C. Striegel Engineering Center was the most significant contribution to CNCC ever made by a private donor.
“It’s a first-class science and engineering building, one of the finest facilities you’ll find on any campus and I get to look at it everyday,” George said. “It takes a big donor like Bud and his family to give these projects life.”
“You have been very generous to CNCC and your community, Bud, and always willing to help,” George said, with Striegel by his side.
“It feels good to help out and see how the kids turn out,” Striegel replied. Striegel held up his great-grandson Kolton Wilczek and said, “He’ll be a student in 18 years,” before humbly accepting the recognition and standing ovation.
The CRD Benefactor award is the only national showcase to recognize donors to the nation’s community colleges.
George said he and Striegel will travel to Washington, D.C., in November where Striegel will be honored again at the CRD Benefactor Awards banquet, held in conjunction with the CRD annual conference.
George said news of the Striegels’ donation was passed on to the CRD and they, too, recognized how extraordinary the donation was, “on top of everything else they do for the community.”
George also wanted to thank Peggy Rector (who was unable to attend) and her family for putting in the extra effort in support of CNCC.
“Her whole family steps up, every time,” George said of the Rectors.
More than 175 people attended the prime rib dinner, catered by Sodexo. Chevron representative Cary Baird announced Chevron would be gifting $18,000 to the foundation. A silent and live auction were held and the CNCC Aero Club raised more than $2,500 each for their national competition by auctioning eight hours of their time to winning bidders.
Please view more photos of the CNCC Foundation Dinner/Dance on page 8A of this week’s edition of the Herald Times.
