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ANNUAL MEETING REPORT
2015 Honorees Provide Margin of Excellence for YC
The Yavapai College Foundation (YCF) held its 2015 Annual Meeting on May 13 on the stage of the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center (YCPAC).
Foundation Executive Director Steve Walker and Director of Development Paul Kirchgraber honored several individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in support of YC educational programs and community services. Awardees received beautiful hand-carved Arizona bird sculptures created by renowned artist and YCF member, Bill Neeley.
Gene and Barbara Polk were presented the first-ever Community Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award.
The YCF Philanthropy Award was presented to Dr. Russ Balda and his wife, Judith.
This year, a first-ever Community Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Gene and Barbara Polk. Over many decades, they have supported art and cultural enhancements, education, child and adult services, and environmental programs.
Barbara’s Champions Scholarship has been particularly inspiring. The fund was established for young adults who are current or former wards of the Yavapai County Juvenile Court. To date, the scholarship has helped more than 100 at-risk young adults get a new start and a college education.
The Polk’s support has also extended to countless building and capital campaigns such as the construction of the Del E. Webb Family Enrichment Center, the complete and comprehensive remodel of the Performing Arts Center, and expansion of the YC Tennis Court Complex.
Very simply stated, Gene and Barbara Polk have done more to improve the quality of life for citizens in our community than anyone in recent history.
The YCF Philanthropy Award was presented to Dr.
Russ Balda and his wife Judith. The Baldas continue to contribute to the promise of a greater Yavapai College. The Foundation recognizes the many hours and consistent financial support that they have provided over the years.
If not for this award, the Baldas would remain behind
the scenes, invisibly cherishing the good works they have started, continued, and completed. We thank them for going public with their generosity in order to inspire others.
Additionally, YCF Board Service Awards were presented to Will Fisher, for his leadership of the Friends of Music auxiliary; Joy Inman, for her outstanding service as president of the Friends of the Southwest Wine Center auxiliary; and to Kristi Edwards for her dedication and service on the YCF Board of Directors.
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• www.yc.edu/ycf