November 6, 2026
SUNRIVER, Ore. – Community college leaders, colleagues and families gathered in Sunriver on November 5 for the 2026 Howard Cherry Awards Banquet, celebrating individuals whose service has expanded opportunities for students and strengthened colleges across Oregon.
Held during the second evening of the OCCA Conference, the banquet recognized leadership in college governance, administration and advocacy, along with contributions to women’s leadership development and statewide community college service.
OCCA President Pat Fahey, a Rogue Community College board member, served as the evening’s emcee. Throughout the presentations, honorees and their colleagues shared stories about the relationships, persistence and personal experiences behind their work.
Recognizing 168 years of board service
The evening began with Dedicated Service Awards recognizing 14 community college board members with a combined 168 years of service.
Their recognition honored the time and commitment that local board members bring to their colleges, helping guide decisions, support college leadership and keep students and community needs at the center of their work.
Cam Preus Award: sustaining opportunities for women leaders
The Oregon Presidents’ Council, which brings together the presidents of Oregon’s 17 community colleges, presented the Cam Preus Award to Dr. Kristina Holton of Oregon Coast Community College and Amy Burbee, M.A., of Linn-Benton Community College for their leadership of the Oregon Institute for Leadership Development, known as OILD.
Named for a leader whose career included statewide community college leadership, a college presidency and service as OCCA’s executive director, the award recognizes extraordinary contributions extending beyond an individual institution.
Holton and Burbee were honored for helping sustain OILD after the pandemic, when the program’s continuation was uncertain. Now celebrating its 35th year, the four-day program brings women from Oregon’s community colleges together to develop leadership skills, build confidence and form professional relationships.
In their joint acceptance remarks, Holton and Burbee invited participants, presenters, organizers and supporters to stand. The moment made visible the community that has sustained the program over decades.
“This is what OILD is. It’s a community. It’s a network. It’s a sisterhood of community college professionals who believe in lifting one another up,” they shared.
They emphasized that the program’s impact continues long after participants return to their campuses, through a network of colleagues who offer advice, encouragement and support.
Chuck Clemans Award: Dave Jensen
Klamath Community College board member Dave Jensen received the Chuck Clemans Award for exceptional dedication and service to OCCA and Oregon’s community colleges.
OCCA Executive Director Abby Lee and Klamath Community College President Dr. Roberto Gutierrez presented the award, describing Jensen’s steady leadership, institutional knowledge and commitment to students.
Jensen has served on KCC’s board since 2008, including multiple terms as board chair. His statewide advocacy has included support for rural colleges, workforce education and improved transfer pathways.
Gutierrez recalled Jensen’s persistent questions about students losing credits when transferring between institutions. That determination reflected a broader pattern in his service: identifying barriers facing students and continuing to press for solutions.
At KCC, presenters credited Jensen with helping guide campus growth while maintaining careful stewardship of public resources. Lee also recognized the years he devoted to helping OCCA navigate challenges and build the organization’s future.
Outstanding Community College Administrator: Dr. Mark Browning
Blue Mountain Community College President Dr. Mark Browning received the Howard Cherry Award for Outstanding Community College Administrator.
Presenting the award, Chemeketa Community College President Dr. Jessica Howard described Browning’s leadership through a period of institutional uncertainty following his arrival at BMCC in 2021.
She highlighted renewed enrollment growth, a balanced budget without drawing on reserves, restoration of positions and academic departments, and completion of the Blue Mountain Equine Center. She also recognized his support for workforce programs responding to regional needs and his contributions to collaboration among Oregon’s community college presidents.
In accepting the award, Browning credited his faculty, staff, students, fellow presidents and family. He reflected on his own experience starting college at age 39 while raising a family, and on the support that helped him continue his education.
“What a privilege it is to be involved in work that literally changes lives,” Browning said.
Outstanding Community College Board Member: Betty Carter
Treasure Valley Community College board member Betty Carter received the Howard Cherry Award for Outstanding Community College Board Member.
TVCC President Dr. Dana Young described Carter as a dependable presence for students and a servant leader whose contributions reach throughout the Ontario community.
Since joining the board in 2019, Carter has served as a foundation board liaison and contributed to policy, audit and OCCA diversity, equity and inclusion committee work. Young also highlighted her willingness to volunteer at campus events, welcome students and help them find their way at the start of the school year.
Carter thanked her fellow board members and reflected on their shared commitment.
“We are good servants, and we love our students,” she said.
Outstanding Community College Advocate: Rep. Ricki Ruiz
State Representative Ricki Ruiz received the Howard Cherry Award for Outstanding Community College Advocate.
Mt. Hood Community College President Dr. Lisa Skari and board member Andrew Speer recognized his advocacy for college funding, educational access and support for students balancing work, caregiving and financial challenges.
They described Ruiz as an accessible partner whose understanding of community colleges is grounded in his own experience at Mt. Hood and Portland community colleges, as well as his service to East Multnomah County.
Ruiz’s acceptance remarks brought that connection into focus. He recalled visiting Mt. Hood’s library as a child while his mother attended English classes, and described how fear of immigration enforcement interrupted her education and shaped his childhood.
Receiving the award, he said, was a full-circle moment. Joined by his wife and young daughter, Ruiz spoke about his commitment to ensuring children can grow up with safety, opportunity and the freedom to be children.
His remarks connected the evening’s celebration to the work still ahead: helping students and families feel welcome, supported and able to pursue their futures.
The banquet closed with recognition of all the honorees and the families, friends and colleagues whose support makes their service possible.