The inaugural Black and Gold Celebration raised more than $43,000 for the Black Hawk College Foundation.
The event featured the 2023 BHC Alumni Hall of Fame induction, a silent auction, and live music by the BHC Jazz Ensemble. Chad Pregracke, BHC Alumni Hall of Fame member and founder of Living Lands & Waters, entertained and enlightened as the keynote speaker.
“We are thrilled with the outcome of the Black & Gold Celebration,” said Zenaida Landeros, executive director of the Black Hawk College Foundation.
“We were able to add $43,123 in funding for student emergencies, student scholarships, and mini-grants for staff and faculty,” she said.
The event also celebrated three new members of the BHC Alumni Hall of Fame.
Hall of Fame inductee Robert “RB” Thompson, BHC president Tim Wynes, and Hall of Fame inductee Kenneth Allison. Hall of Fame inductee Kay Hazen was unable to attend.
To be eligible, inductees must have completed at least 30 credit hours at Black Hawk College and are selected based on two criteria – outstanding distinction and success in their chosen field and humanitarian service that has proven beneficial to society.
The 2023 inductees are:
- Kenneth E. Allison of Aurora, CO – Class of 1977
- Kay Hazen of Palm Springs, CA – Attended 1973-74
- Robert “RB” Thompson of Woodstock, IL – Class of 1962
“All three of these alumni took advantage of their time at Black Hawk College and made their mark throughout the country,” Landeros said. “It was an honor to induct them into the Hall of Fame.”
The Black and Gold Celebration could not have happened without the support of the event’s many generous sponsors.
“We extend our gratitude and appreciation to our sponsors,” Landeros said.
Building Community Sponsors:
Metrolink, Russell, Pappas Wright, Morgan Stanley, and Dr. Richard Bush & Suzanne Mohr
Hope & Inspiration Sponsors:
IHMVCU, Tyson, IMEG, Rock Valley Physical Therapy, Steve & Christy Layer, Tri City Building Trades Council, and Chris & Pam Ontiveros
Helping Hands Sponsors:
Ascentra Credit Union, Crawford Company, Lori & Dave Emerick, Wes & Susan Llewellyn, and Wipfli
BHC Friends:
Carol Lyon, SMART Local 91, Carol Lewis and Rose Vasquez