Flathead Valley Community College has honored Jesse Mahugh with the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award.
FVCC President Jane Karas and Alumni & Friends Council Co-chair Suzy Williams presented Mahugh with the award on March 9 at the seventh Annual FVCC Alumni & Friends Luncheon at the college.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is given to an individual whose career achievements, service to others and passion for FVCC rise above the rest.
Mahugh graduated from FVCC in 2004, where he served as the student government president from 2002 to 2003. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Montana.
“Jesse has made a lasting impact on our community. Dedication and drive, compassion and kindness, humility and openness are his hallmark characteristics,” said FVCC President Jane Karas.
Over the past 10 years, Mahugh has served as a staff member or volunteer for several nonprofit organizations in Montana, including the Poverello Center, Camp Mak-A-Dream, DREAM Adaptive Recreation, Habitat for Humanity and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He is a member of Flathead Area Young Professionals and the FVCC Alumni & Friends Council. In 2014, Mahugh was hired as the executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County.
“Jesse strives every day to make a positive impact on our youth and is always looking for new and creative ways to raise the bar,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters Board Member Mandy Pokorny.
More than 100 people attended the luncheon, which also included a presentation about FVCC’s Running Start program for high school students. Eligible juniors and seniors are able to earn college credits while still in high school, and the first six credits are offered tuition-free for in-district students. This semester, 435 students are participating in Running Start.