Posted: Friday, June 22, 2007 12:00 am
Joseph Novak, owner of Novak's Hungarian Restaurant in Albany, was honored with LBCC's Distinguished Citizen Award for his 25 years of service to the LBCC Board of Education and more than 30 years of contributions to LBCC. Novak retired from the board in December 2006.
Alex Paul, a journalist with the Albany Democrat- Herald and former owner of the Sweet Home New Era, received an LBCC honorary degree for his ongoing commitment and outstanding service to the college and community. He currently serves on the LBCC Foundation Board of Directors.
Five former LBCC students received Distinguished Alumni Awards, established to honor those who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in their profession and/or through service in their community.
Recipients were New York resident Arik Hesseldahl, Albany residents Dianna Howell and Robert McCann Jr., Lebanon resident Rick Presley and Corvallis resident Paul Turner. LBCC President Rita Cavin presented each with a plaque honoring their individual achievements and community involvement.
Hesseldahl studied journalism at LBCC. He received his bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Oregon and his master's degree in journalism from Columbia University. Hesseldahl is currently a senior technology writer for Business Week Magazine in New York.
Howell studied business administration at LBCC. She received her bachelor's in business from George Fox University and is currently working on her graduate degree. She is the branch manager for Barrett Business Services in Albany.
McCann received his Associate of Arts degree from LBCC. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Oregon and his doctorate in law from Gonzaga University. McCann is an attorney and shareholder with the Albany firm of Long, Delapoer, Healy, McCann and Noonan PC.
Presley studied engineering at LBCC. He earned his bachelor's degree in computer engineering and his master's degree in electrical engineering from Oregon State University. He is a research assistant at OSU and leads a team of professors and students who have developed the world's first transparent integrated circuit.
Turner studied English at LBCC. He transferred to Oregon State University to continue his studies, and went on to become an entrepreneur, starting a theater business in Corvallis that eventually expanded into ownership of two theaters.
Nominations for the 2008 Distinguished Alumni Awards can be made any time through March 2008 by contacting the LBCC Foundation. For more information or nomination forms, visit www.linnbenton.edu/go/alumni or call the foundation at 917-4209.
Democrat-Herald