May 19, 2005
Minnaert receives prestigious Gordon Award
OLYMPIA - Dr. Kenneth J. Minnaert, president of South Puget Sound Community College, recently received the 2005 Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction from Phi Theta Kappa International, the honor society for two-year colleges.
Minnaert was recognized for his outstanding support of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter at South Puget Sound Community College and for his efforts to promote the honor society in the state of Washington. He received the award at PTK's recent International Convention in Dallas.
During a recognition luncheon for him and other award winners from around the country, Minnaert was credited for his support of the college's PTK chapter's services activities, including Project Graduation, Shoebox Christmas, and the Bulgarian Children's Project. Minnaert also has hosted the All-Washington Academic Team ceremony on the college's campus for the last five years, and has worked to build scholarship offerings for All-Washington team members.
The Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction is named for Dr. Shirley B. Gordon, president emeritus of Highline Community College in Des Moines, Washington, and current chair of the Board Directors of PTK International. The Gordon Award is granted to college presidents and campus CEOs who have made a significant contribution to PTK in areas such as supporting PTK programs, developing scholarship opportunities and increasing visibility and understanding of the organization.
Minnaert has led Olympia's South Puget Sound Community College as its president since 1980, making him the longest serving college president in the state of Washington.