Edmonds CC Foundation board members recognized for their work on the Boots to Books and Beyond campaign

George Kosovich, Assistant Superintendent, Verdant Health Commission, Tonya Drake, Edmonds CC Vice President for College Relations and Advancement, Steve Pennington, Edmonds CC Foundation Board Member, and Bob Drewel, the conference’s Master of Ceremonies and Senior Advisor to Interim President at Washington State University North Puget Sound in Everett (left to right; Dr. Bill Keppler was unable to attend the ceremony.)

Edmonds Community College Foundation board members Steve Pennington and Dr. Bill Keppler received the Outstanding Community Advocate Award at Verdant Health Commission’s Healthier Community Conference on Mon., Feb. 29. 

Pennington, a retired Boeing executive, and Keppler, a former civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army, served as co-chairs on the Foundation’s Boots to Books and Beyond Campaign raising $1 million to support student veterans and their families at Edmonds CC.

“Steve and Bill provided visionary leadership and dedication to this project,” said Carl Zapora, Superintendent of Public Hospital District No. 2, Snohomish County and its program, the Verdant Health Commission, and Edmonds CC Board of Trustee member. “All of their work to support returning veterans and all of the students at Edmonds CC is truly appreciated and well deserving of this award.”

The Edmonds CC Foundation launched the Boots to Books and Beyond campaign in February 2014 in response to the college’s commitment to better serving those who have served our country.  

The funds from the campaign — which reached its goal in December 2014 — are being used to support critical on-campus resources, services, and activities.

“Both Steve Pennington and Dr. Bill Keppler were instrumental in the success of the Boots to Books and Beyond campaign,” said Dr. Jean Hernandez, Edmonds CC President. “Student veterans and their families now get the support they need to overcome obstacles, gain critical knowledge and skills, and achieve academically in an environment in which they are well prepared to begin fulfilling careers or pursue further educational opportunities.”

Pennington has served on the college’s Foundation board for 17 years. Keppler, a newer member of the Foundation board, served as past-president of the college’s Creative Retirement Institute board and continues to serve as a board member.

Find out more about veterans support at Edmonds CC.