Student-athlete volunteers at the 2013 Penguin Nation Charity Golf Tournament with Athletics Secretary Senior Marla Derrick, second from left.

More than 120 golfers converged on Royal Oaks Country Club for an afternoon of fun on the links in support of Clark athletics in late August during the Penguin Nation Charity Golf Tournament. The winning team—finishing 12 under par with a score of 60—was led by Quail Construction owner Jon Girod and his son, Jai, who plays for Clark’s baseball team.

More than 120 golfers participated in the 2013 Penguin Nation Charity Golf Tournament.

There were a variety of contests during the game to keep it fun and competitive. The men’s longest-drive winner was Mick Hoffman; women’s longest-drive went to Jeanne Caswell. Scott Munn won the closest-to-the-pin contest by coming within 13 inches of the cup.

From the moment the golfers were greeted at their vehicles by Clark’s soccer teams, to dinner with volleyball and baseball players and track-and-field athletes, the participants learned how much Clark’s student athletes and coaches appreciated their support.

Royal Oaks and its membership graciously welcomed the players to its beautiful, tree-lined course for the annual Penguin Charity Golf event. Premier sponsors included Wacom, US Bank, Homewood Suites, Sterling Bank, Adidas and Columbia Credit Union.

Vice President of Administrative Services Bob Williamson, left, and Vice President of Student Affairs Bill Belden get ready to hit the links.

Additionally, tee sponsors included Clark College Bookstore, Biggs Insurance, The Blind Onion Pizza, NY Life, Keil Enterprises, First Pacific Associates, Exercise Equipment NW, Residence Inn, and Moss Adams. The hole-in-one car sponsor, Dick Hannah Kia, provided a silver Optima on the course.

No holes-in-one were made, but funds were raised in support of Clark’s student athletes to ensure their bright futures through scholarships, high-quality education and facilities.

Story submitted by Rhonda Morin and Vivian Cheadle-Manning
Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Ara Serjoie bids a heartfelt farewell to the Penguin Nation.

More than 100 guests gathered to say goodbye to Clark College Foundation’s Ara Serjoie, who has accepted a position in California, and to share funny and touching memories of their relationships with him during an August reception at Gaiser Student Center.

Jan Oliva, a philanthropic partner of Clark College and community leader, called Serjoie a visionary who excels at inspiring others to give of their time and treasure. “You cannot say no to Ara,” she said. “He has a vision and shares it with everyone.”

Oliva also expressed what many in the room had experienced: Serjoie’s genuine compassion for others and deep belief in the mission of Clark College has left a legacy at the college.

Jeanne Firstenburg, also a major donor to Clark College, said Serjoie has become a personal friend whom she will greatly miss.

Serjoie, senior vice president at the foundation, announced his departure to California State University, East Bay, in Hayward, Calif., in June. He will serve as the vice president for university advancement and president of the foundation.

Bob Williamson, vice president of administrative services at Clark College, said, “The era of Ara is over, but he will be more than remembered: He’s a legacy. We are a better place for Ara being here.”

Williamson referred to several facilities and programs on campus that have been created or enhanced due to Serjoie’s fundraising adeptness and strong community relationships: the Oliva Family Early Learning Center, Little Penguins’ Gardens, Firstenburg Family Dental Hygiene Education and Care Center, and Columbia Credit Union Simulation Pharmacy, as well as many student scholarships.

Greg Wallace, Clark College Foundation Board of Directors chair, called Serjoie a “remarkable talent,” adding, “Ara has a quick wit, he’s engaging, very bright and he knows everyone from the region and remembers each of them.”

Lisa Gibert, president and CEO of Clark College Foundation, said that when she was searching for a vice president of development seven years ago, she was looking for a partner who would work side-by-side with her. “I needed someone who could bring the foundation to a new level and could teach me about the amazing world of development,” she said.

She said she found that and more in Serjoie: “He has my deepest respect and admiration. The community holds the college in high regard because of his professional ethics, responsibility to philanthropy and his unwavering belief in the mission of Clark College.”

When Serjoie rose to speak, he said, “This evening is not about me; it’s about you. It’s about the students and the wonderful work faculty members and staff do every day in service to our students.”

Then, with tears in his eyes, he said, “All of you have been kind to me over these past seven years, and for that and more you are forever in my heart.”

Photo: Clark College Foundation/Rhonda Morin