Exceptional faculty award fund grows

Welding sculpture auctioned at Big Bend's Fall Fest

MOSES LAKE — Roughly one hundred people attended Fall Fest at Big Bend Community College Saturday for an evening of dinner, dessert and music.

Money raised at the $45 per-plate dinner went toward the Exceptional Faculty Award Fund. The amount of money raised was being counted Monday. College President Bill Bonaudi said before the event he hoped to raise $2,000 to $3,000.

Public Information Officer Kate Holestine said the college is excited about the strong turnout at the event, especially among members of the community.

Faculty use the fund for conferences, professional development and other education-related activities. Last year, the college awarded about $13,000 to faculty.

"There's been a lot of field trips, site visits that are pertinent to faculty members' discipline," Vice President of Administrative Services Ken Turner said. The experience the instructors bring back adds to the depth of education provided to students, Turner said.

Among trips taken last year, music instructor Pat Patterson took his students to New York to play at Carnegie Hall, Early Childhood Education instructor Diane Russo attended a workshop in Spokane and art instructor Rie Palkovic traveled to a conference at Ofxord University in England.

Executive Assistant to the President Melinda Dourte said she attended the function because of the presentations she watches from instructors after they return from their trips.

"I thought, 'Gosh, that is so exciting,'" Dourte said.

The instructors' enthusiasm for their adventures is contagious, she said.

A sculpture created by welding students went for $251 at a silent auction during the event. Community band Avocet provided musical entertainment, utilizing the sounds of woodwind, string, horn and harmonica.

Moses Lake resident Crystl Mills said the event was well done and allowed her to enjoy a nice dinner while contributing to the college.

"This is a nice event, and I've been really excited to participate in all the events at Big Bend," Mills said.