Page 25 - Flathead Beacon // 3.18.15

FLATHEADBEACON.COM NEWS MARCH 18, 2015 | 25 Off the Blogs
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IMAGINEIF LIBRARY FOUNDATION WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Sarah Johnson began as executive director of the ImagineIF Library Foundation March 9. She will spearhead the foundation’s mission to enhance and support the programs, facilities and patron services of ImagineIF Libraries.
Johnson is a small business owner, attorney and long-time advocate and volunteer for nonprofit organizations. She is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law and received her undergraduate degree in public policy studies from Duke University. Along with her husband, Renny, Johnson co-owns Montana Adventure Sports, a bicycle retail and services store they have operated in Bigfork since 2012. Prior to opening their shop, Johnson was a litigation attorney at Diamond Baker Mitchell LLP in Grass Valley, California. She currently resides in Kalispell with her husband and three children.
The ImagineIF Library Foundation raises and accepts funds for projects and services not covered by the county library system’s operating budget. In the past three years it has provided more than $150,000 in support for ImagineIF libraries in Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Kalispell and Marion.
“We are thrilled to have Sarah on board,” said Library Foundation President Carla Fisher. “Her enthusiasm and excitement for the mission of ImagineIF Libraries will help to expand the scope of our fundraising efforts in the coming months and years.”
With Johnson’s leadership, the ImagineIF Library Foundation will work to assist the Flathead County Library Board, staff, and other library support organizations to improve library services throughout the county.
The Library Foundation’s annual fundraiser, Loud at the Library, happens on Thursday, March 19 from 5:30 to 8:30 at ImagineIF Kalispell. Loud at the Library features a raffle, auction, live music, beer and wine, and food. For more informationonLoudattheLibrary,visit www.imagineiflibraryfoundation.org or stop by the library business office for tickets.
GOVERNOR TO DEDICATE WHITEFISH HIGH SCHOOL AFTER RENOVATIONS
Gov. Steve Bullock and Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld will be speaking at the dedication of the newly constructed high school in Whitefish on March 19 at 4:30 p.m. in the gymnasium.
This event is the formal presentation of the transition from contractors, Langlas & Associates to Whitefish School District #44 and the Whitefish Community. Members of the public are encouraged to join the celebration.
FAITH HODGES WINS 2015 FVCC DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
Flathead Valley Community College honored Faith Hodges, retired executive director of enrollment management and Title III, with this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award at the annual Alumni & Ambassadors spring luncheon.
The Distinguished Alumni Award honors graduates of FVCC whose career achievements, service to others and their communities and passion for FVCC rises above the rest. Hodges was recognized for giving a lifetime of service, leadership and generosity to her alma mater, Flathead Valley Community College, and for living the FVCC mission to improve lives through lifelonglearning.
Hodges began her career at FVCC in 1973 as a non-paid secretary. Throughout her tenure, she worked her way toward receiving an associate’s degree at FVCC and later, her bachelor’s and Master of Business Administration degrees from University of Montana, all while serving in 11 different positions at the college and raising a family. Throughout her career, she worked in nearly all college departments, including instruction, student services, planning and development, institutional research, enrollment management, grant management and business services. Upon her retirement, she was presented the honor of Dean Emeritus in recognition of her nearly 40 years of service to the college.
As a student and community advocate, Hodges chaired and served on the college United Way Committee for many years; played an instrumental role in founding the college’s Employee Giving Fund, which provides emergency funds for students going through difficult times or those in need; chaired the college’s budget committee; founded the college’s intramurals program; helped establish and accredit new academic programs; served on the college’s founding Alumni Council; and taught as an adjunct instructor for credit and non-credit classes.
Outside the college, Hodges was recognized for her active involvement in the community and her service on multiple boards. In 1998, she was recognized for outstanding service to the college and the community when she received the prestigious Eagle Award, the college’s highest honor.
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