Clark State College will host its Presidential Awards banquet on Tuesday, September 27, at the Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center. The event supports the Clark State Foundation.
The event was created in 2019 to honor the recipients of the Distinguished Alumnus, Emerging Leader and Richard O. Brinkman awards, as well as to raise funds for student scholarships. The Foundation awards approximately $300,000 per year in scholarships to hundreds of students.
“Clark State alumni have made significant contributions to the communities we serve; at the local, state, and national levels,” said Toni Overholser, vice president of advancement at Clark State. “The Presidential Awards Banquet provides an opportunity to recognize their accomplishments, while also raising funds for student scholarships. This is a very special annual event for the college. This year’s recipients are amazing people who have used their talents to uplift and support others, their generosity is an inspiration.”
The Clark State Foundation supports individual and community enrichment by engaging donors to remove financial barriers and increase college success through educational and cultural programs.
The Foundation scholarships are awarded for financial need, academic performance, or a specific program of study to both full-time and part-time students. Scholarship applications open each April for the upcoming year. There are currently more than 50 different scholarships offered through the Clark State Foundation. Scholarships may be awarded for fall and/or spring semesters.
The Presidential Awards banquet will begin with a social gathering at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. with the program to follow.
Tickets are $100 each or $750 for a table of eight and can be reserved by calling Christa Bostick at 937.328.6009 or emailing bostickc@clarkstate.edu. Proceeds from the event will benefit student scholarships. Registration closes at the close of the business day Tuesday, September 20.
2022 Presidential Award Honorees
Emerging Leader Award
Presented to Gregory Felder
Felder works as a Communications Analyst for the World Bank Group, where he co-founded a youth engagement program to connect with their young audience. In 2021, he received the CEO Performance award and was also appointed to the World Bank President’s Council for Diversity and Inclusion. Greg’s leadership potential and ability to impact those around him are endless. He is a perfect example of a positive role model and mentor. Greg holds an associate’s degree from Clark State College and a bachelor’s degree from Wright State University in Mass Communication/New Media.
"I'm extremely honored to be receiving this award. It's extra special to me because Clark State is where I started learning leadership skills through student council and the student ambassador program,” said Felder.
Distinguished Alumnus Award
Presented to Brian Faust
Faust is Chief Financial Officer of JobsOhio and the Managing Partner of JobsOhio Growth Capital Fund. As CFO of JobsOhio, he oversees Ohio’s spiritous liquor franchise, JobsOhio’s investment portfolio, all internal business operations, and various strategic projects and partnerships. As Managing Partner of JobsOhio Growth Capital Fund, he develops and implements investment strategy, manages a small, world-class team of investment professionals, and makes final investment decisions.Brian serves on the Board of Oasis House, a Dayton based nonprofit organization focused on providing support and services to the victims of human trafficking and is the founder of the annual fundraising music festival “Traffick Jam.” In addition, he is a Board member of the Military Hero’s Foundation/the Big Hoopla which focuses on supporting military quality of life in the state of Ohio.Brian holds an associate’s degree from Clark State College, a Bachelor’s degree from Wright State University and an MBA from the University of Dayton. He is a licensed pilot and a United States Army veteran. Brian is a Dayton Business Journal 40 under 40 winner and also named Most Admired CFO by the Columbus Ohio Business First C-Suite Awards.
“I am honored to receive the Clark State Distinguished Alumnus Award. My time at Clark State provided a great foundation for other educational opportunities and a professional career. It was a wonderful experience,” said Faust.
Richard O. Brinkman Award
Presented to The Turner Foundation
The Turner Foundation and the Landess family have been longtime supporters of Clark State College and our mission. Generations of local residents have transformed their lives through access to quality higher education because of their scholarship support. They have enabled children to be the first in their families to go to college through their support of the Clark State Scholars program. Their extraordinary contribution made possible the Sara T. Landess Technology and Learning Center, which became a catalyst for unprecedented growth in Clark State’s enrollment. Through their support of the construction and programming at the Clark State Performing Arts Center, thousands of citizens have enjoyed high-quality performing arts events. The collaborations between The Turner Foundation and Clark State have resulted in significant and lasting benefits for our community.
“The Foundation board and staff are honored to be receiving the Richard O. Brinkman Award this year. We are proud to support Clark State in its many outreaches to further our community’s educational opportunities,” said John Landess, Executive Director of the Turner Foundation. “Education equals higher paying job opportunities. As a high quality and cost-effective institution, it provides a pathway for our citizens to pursue financial and intellectual success - all in close proximity to their homes. Clark State is an integral part of Springfield’s future success with its flexibility and partnership with both the business and economic development community. We look forward to watching our community prosper as Clark State continues to expand its partnerships and onramps in greater Springfield.”