On September 7th Mature Learning held an outstanding free lecture and musical event to a crowd of 75 to celebrate the first ever Volunteer of the Year – really the decade – master of all trades: Don Mattison.  Favorite instructors Elliott Trommald, Ara Serjoie, Cecilia Ranger, Thomas Fudge and Pat Jollota led a program of stories of characters both inspirational and wacky. Master of Ceremonies Don Miller offered his sparkling wit and humor.  The crowd was rolling in the aisles from raconteur Miller's tidbits from a lifetime in the clergy, Trommald's Abe Lincoln storytelling prowess and Jollota's early Clark County historical high jinks. Yet no one was prepared for Fudge's piece de resistance - the extraordinary tale of a French Middle Ages town's lawsuit aginst the "pestilence" of the town rats!  It was a typical Mature Learning kind of afternoon - wonderful, winsome and full of surprises! And with the poignant edge of Iranian music and heartfelt testimony. It was a fitting kickoff to an exciting year of high quality programming and a tribute to a life of integrity and moral principle – the Volunteer of the Year Award will be named in Don's honor as the “Don Mattison” Award.

To celebrate lifelong learning our vision is to offer this award on a yearly basis.  Our first honoree Don Mattison has been the “go to guy” for Mature Learning for more than a decade. Visionary advocate, Instructor, Advisory Committee Chair, classroom media assistant, office volunteer, and strategic planner; Don’s presence has been everywhere. Students and Instructors alike know that Don’s technical mastery of sound, power point and classroom needs creates the quality environment Mature Learning is known for. Clark College has a saying, “It’s all about the student” and Don is shining example of making that goal a reality through his dedication, attention to detail, and hard work.

Don is retiring from his diverse volunteer duties to health concerns. He will be sorely missed and we will need four people to even begin to replace him! If you can volunteer please contact Tracy Reilly Kelly or call 360.992.2163.

Next year will be Mature Learning's 40th anniversary! Learn more about Mature Learning at Clark College, an educational and cultural program for those age 55 and above.