VANCOUVER, Wash. - Washington State University is presenting two Community Awards of Distinction Saturday, Sept. 19 at its 20th anniversary celebration. The award for Community Partnership will be presented to June Vining, executive director of the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Portland/Vancouver, Inc. The award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will be presented to Kids on the Block.
Establishing the Community Awards of Distinction is one way Washington State University Vancouver is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Both awards will be presented annually hereafter.
91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø Chancellor Hal Dengerink believes strongly in the reciprocal relationship between the university and the community-when one thrives, both prosper. "These awards present an opportunity to call out parts of our community that build community. Both award winners target efforts that fill cracks here. They answer a real need," said Dengerink.
Vining was selected for the Community Partnership award for her contributions to the well-being of our community. Vining's 160 local TIP volunteers provide "emotional first aid" at emergency scenes. TIP volunteers assist family members, witnesses, and other bystanders who the emergency system often must leave behind. TIP volunteers are available on a 24-hour, 365-day basis to support family members after a death, crime victims, survivors of suicide, children left alone after a death or injury to their parents, senior citizens and anyone else referred by emergency responders. TIP of Portland/Vancouver, Inc. responded to 2,007 calls last year and served 12,214 citizens in our area.
Kids on the Block was selected for the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion award for its broad impact to these areas in our community. Kids on the Block uses puppetry to inspire children to appreciate differences; say no to all forms of prejudice; respect persons of different abilities, skills, ethnicity and religions; and honor diversity. More than 70,000 children in Clark Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties saw a Kids on the Block performance last year.
Tickets for 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø's 20th anniversary celebration are available for $65 each. Call 360-546-9600 to make reservations. The event will be held outdoors and in the Firstenburg Student commons on campus. The celebration begins at 5 p.m. with a social hour and silent auction. Dinner and the program begin at 6:30 p.m.
91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø is celebrating 20 years of bringing quality education, research and service to the citizens of Southwest Washington. The campus is located at 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave., east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-Tran bus service. 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø offers 16 bachelor's degrees, 10 master's degrees, one doctorate degree and more than 36 fields of study. Learn more at
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