Photo of the 2019 Outstanding Awards Recipients
Since 1981, the Clinton Community College Alumni Association has been honoring those that have made “outstanding” contributions during the year. In 2019, the Alumni Association is celebrating the 38th year of honoring outstanding contributions to Clinton Community College.
The 2019 Outstanding Awards are presented to:
Outstanding Business Associate – Winkel, Parker & Foster, CPA PC
The 2019 Outstanding Business Associate is Winkel, Parker & Foster, CPA PC. Winkel Parker & Foster is a full service Accounting firm that can handles personal, small business or corporate taxes, along with accounting services and audit work. The firm not only provides services for hire, they provide expertise and detailed in depth explanations to the Paul B. Sharar Foundation questions about our finances and accounting procedures. Their commitment to Clinton Community College continues, evident in the funding for a Winkel, Parker & Foster, CPA PC Accounting Scholarship, which has been awarded since 2010.
Outstanding Friend of the College – Representative Mary Wolfe
Representative Mary Wolfe has served the citizens of Iowa’s 98th District since 2011. Representative Wolfe has been an advocate for education during her years in the Iowa Legislature. As our representative, Mary works to provide fair laws, adequate funding, and fair practices for all citizens. Throughout her tenure in the Iowa House, Mary has welcomed Clinton Community College students as they visit the statehouse to learn more about processes of government, also giving tours of our historic statehouse. When there are concerns, she is considerate and thorough in her interactions. Mary listens to her constituents and uses her skills as an attorney to understand all sides of an issue, always acting with integrity.
Outstanding Graduate – Katie Pollpeter
The 2019 Outstanding Graduate is Katherine Pollpeter. Katie started CCC as a part-time student in Spring 2017. Quickly Katie became a valuable member of the team. Katie has been involved with campus leadership, Phi Theta Kappa, a Tutor in the Student Success Center, and a Student Ambassador. Katie wowed the crowd when she sang the National Anthem for the B-rrry Scurry race. And she was a fixture on the President’s and Deans’ lists. She did a great job of sharing her tips for success as a student panel member during many New Student Orientations. Katie is so dependable, always present with a smile, and willing to help wherever and whenever she was needed. With a compelling story, Katie has served as a strong proponent for Clinton Community College by sharing her positive experience. A very successful student, Katie has completed her first semester at St. Ambrose University.
Outstanding Alumnus – Roxanne Otto
The 2019 Outstanding Alumnus is Roxanne Otto, Class of 1972. Roxanne has been with Eastern Iowa Community Colleges since 1984. She began as a part time employee in the CCC Bookstore. After 4 years, she became full time and has been serving students and her colleagues for over 35 years. She is currently serving as Information Center Receptionist and Test Center Coordinator. Roxanne is a member of the CCC Social Committee. She has also assisted with ACT testing serving as a Room Supervisor. She is a supporter of CCC activities and the students, including daughters who are CCC graduates and grandson Marvin, an extension of Roxanne’s college support. She enjoys dressing up for Halloween, and can be found as a part of any campus event, serving as an integral part of the Assorted Nuts traveling trivia team.
A true professional, Roxanne has weathered the many changes that occurred over the years in the Testing Center starting with monitoring paper tests to computerized testing to institutional and national tests such as Compass, TEAS, ALEKS, and ICCOC tests. She is the prime contact for CNA and Children in the Middle registration along with Continuing Education classes, and has trained work study students in the many facets of the Information Center. Roxanne is a friendly face that greets students and colleagues each day.
Outstanding Staff/ Faculty Member – Dr. Steve Barleen
The 2019 Outstanding Staff/Faculty Member is Dr. Steve Barleen. Dr. Barleen hit the ground running from the moment he was hired on as a Clinton Community College faculty member. He has done an admirable job in engaging students in topics that many student may not have found engaging. He involved students in local issues and through his podcasts allows students to have a voice regarding these issues, which they may not have otherwise had. With the publication of his new book, Steve will enlighten readers on the historical significance of taverns. He shared his book as part of the CCC’s Authors BookFest in April. Dr. Barleen’s community involvement is also quite extensive from being a part of college activities like softball, student welcome events, and his podcast. He has presented on behalf of the college at local history conferences, helped students engage the community in various causes such as Veteran’s Affairs and the March for Our LIves. This community engagement helps to extend our philosophy to those in our community who may need it most, folks coming home from service of our country to those looking to make a better future.
Outstanding Volunteer – Lorrie Hickey
The 2019 Outstanding Volunteer is CCC Alum and Retiree Lorrie Hickey. Lorrie is such a versatile person at Clinton Community College. Though retired since 2009, Lorrie continues to fill in at the Information Desk during staffing transitions at that location. Lorrie’s versatility comes from her CCC education and years serving as 50% of the CCC Continuing Education department. During Lorrie’s tenure at CCC, and in the 10 years since retirement, Lorrie has continued to be a valuable B-rrry Scurry Race volunteer. In fact, Lorrie has been a volunteer since the race began in 1981, missing just one year – 1982. Lorrie can do it all – gathering volunteers, collecting and distributing door prizes, arranging for water and treats, taking minutes, setting up before or cleaning up after the race, and always with a smile, giggle, and funny comment. The B-rrry Scurry race can’t run without the 2019 Outstanding Volunteer, Lorrie Hickey!
The Clinton Community College Student Senate also recognizes work of student clubs throughout the year. CCC Student Senate awards were presented to:
Club of the Year Award is presented to a student club or organization who fulfils its mission to the fullest and creates productive involvements for the Clinton Campus by performing various social and educational activities that result in outstanding student engagement and leadership. The 2019 Club of the Year is the Gaming Guild.
Club Advisor of the Year Award acknowledges an outstanding club advisor of a Student Senate organization for their volunteered time, dedication, commitment and mentorship as an outstanding club advisor. The 2019 Club Advisor of the Year is Mat Endress of the Gaming Guild.
Aspiring Group Performance Award is presented to any student, faculty or staff organization that has had an exceptional performance in encouraging student’s hopes and ambitions to become a better student and individual by creating a positive, impactful, and memorable experience for retention purposes. The 2019 Aspiring Group Performance award was presented to the Dance Club.
The 2019 CCC Cupboard Challenge winner is Phi Theta Kappa Alpha Theta Beta Chapter for their efforts in raising funds to support the CCC Cupboard, and for their community service work throughout the year.
For more information about the CCC Alumni Association, contact Ann Eisenman at 563-244-7040 or aeisenman@eicc.edu.
