Don Balmer Citation

2023

Donald G. Balmer Citation (for service to the college)

Mark served on the staff of Lewis & Clark College for 32 years. He began his time as chaplain and was later promoted to dean of spiritual life. His responsibilities included chaplaincy for the entire L&C community along with undergraduate teaching. Mark served as a pastoral presence in times of both joy and tragedy. He maintained a passion for service on college committees while affirming a climate of inclusion and equity that supported the diverse religious and spiritual identities on campus. During his time at L&C, he married over 235 couples - many of whom were alumni, staff and faculty, and officiated 125 funerals and memorial services, including services for both Don and Betty Balmer. Mark earned his PhD from the Graduate Theological Union in 1988. He served as both a Presbyterian parish pastor and a seminary professor before coming to Lewis & Clark.

2022
Donald G. Balmer Citation

Watch the Alumni Honors Celebration 2023!

Janet is the Douglas K. Newell Professor of Teaching Excellence at Lewis & Clark Law School. She was L&C’s institutional dean of diversity and inclusion from 2016 through 2019. As dean, Janet started partnerships with off-campus organizations, oversaw the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion’s action plan, revamped L&C’s hiring process, and more.

2021
Donald G. Balmer Citation

Watch the Alumni Honors Celebration 2022!

Jane joined L&C in 1978 as an assistant professor of anthropology, where she was involved in many improvements in the department and institution as a whole. In 1995, Jane was named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and from 2000 until her retirement in 2018 she served as vice president and provost.

2020
Donald G. Balmer Citation

Roger has been involved with Lewis & Clark for 51 years, and many of his fondest memories are getting to know students outside of the classroom by leading five overseas programs, and serving as faculty advisor to the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Roger served as Phi Beta Kappa chapter president twice and represented the college at its Triennial Council four times. After retiring in 2009, Roger served on the selection committee for the President’s Scholarship for Student Engagement for three years, and is currently the faculty representative for the Albany Society.

2019
Donald G. Balmer Citation
Meet Jean in this video!

During her 42 years with the college, Jean’s teaching reflected her love of rhetoric and history. She chaired many committees and held a variety of administrative posts, including cofounder and director of the Gender Studies Program. Jean’s current research is on the history of our “Cinderella College,” which she enjoys sharing with campus audiences and through publications.

2018
Don Balmer Citation
Meet Joann in this video!

Joann profoundly impacted many lives as a faculty member of the Institute for the Study of American Language and Culture (ISALC)—now known as Academic English Studies (AES). Since retiring in 2016, she remains engaged with the college, serving on the L&C Dallaire Scholarship Committee, the Fulbright Scholarship Screening Committee, and as an advisor to the students organizing the Middle East and North African Studies Symposium.

2017
Donald G. Balmer Citation
Meet Steve in this video!

Beloved by hundreds of students during his tenure as professor of history, Stephen was named Oregon Professor of the Year in 1994. More than just the resident expert on all things Pacific Northwest, he has been the heart and soul behind preserving the college’s history and telling our story. He has authored several books, chaired committees, and made countless presentations on the college’s behalf.

2016
Donald G. Balmer Citation
Meet Michael in this video!

During his influential 38-year career at the college, Michael Ford directed student activities, campus programs, alumni relations, annual giving, and residence life. He served as dean of students and as associate vice president for campus life, working with all three Lewis & Clark schools.

2015
Donald G. Balmer Citation
Meet Chuck Charnquist in this video!

For over fifty-seven years, Chuck has been a tireless Lewis & Clark College advocate. After graduation he spent several years as a journalist before returning to his alma mater as the public information director - a role he ably served for 19 years. Since 2008, he has been active with the Albany Society, which has as its members alumni who graduated fifty or more years ago.

2014
Donald G. Balmer Citation

For the past 54 years, Arleigh Dodson’s combined passion for teaching, leadership, and community involvement has placed him in the front ranks of those who have positively impacted life at Lewis & Clark. Since retiring, he has served as a volunteer and can be found at many Lewis & Clark games, concerts, and other events, along with his wife, Marion.