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Montcalm Community College recently presented its 2023 MCC Stanley and Blanche Ash Distinguished Service Award to Martha “Jane” Anderson Beach of Edmore.

MCC President Stacy H. Young, Ph.D., Sen. Rick Outman, Rep. Pat Outman and Jake Davenport representing Congressman John Moolenaar recognized Beach for her achievements during a gathering of former award recipients and college dignitaries June 20 at the Stanley and Blanche Ash Technology and Learning Center on the college’s Greenville campus.

Beach is a longtime Edmore resident who has spent her life supporting her community. As a retired elementary special education teacher, she has worked to help develop and support programs that serve children and adults.

Dr. Young recognized Beach for her deep support of the community and of the college.

“Jane’s leadership with the MCC Foundation has been instrumental in the success of Montcalm Community College as the Foundation helps to support the college’s strategic plan,” Dr. Young said. “Under Jane’s leadership, the Foundation made its largest contribution to the college this past year with a $1 million pledge to our ‘Transforming Lives, Empowering People’ campaign. This pledge supported the renovation of the Kenneth J. Smith Building on our Sidney campus, as well as initiatives to support student success.

“The Foundation also generously supports the college’s work in fulfilling its mission of transforming lives through quality education with funding for our MCC Express Conductor program, the restart of Centurion Athletics, career coaching, student scholarships, community events and many student projects,” Dr. Young added.

Beach was joined by family and friends and extended her gratitude for the honor.

“It is my distinct honor to be included in the list of Distinguished Service Award recipients,” she said. “I confess I am not at all sure that I fit in the ranks of those previous amazing models of service.

“Many times, on the DSA recipient list are indeed people that became my friends and mentors through the blessing of my connection to ‘all things MCC,’” she said.

“This Distinguished Service Award event is an opportunity to celebrate many individuals and organizations that have made a difference in our communities improving lives for all,” she added.

In recognition of her service, Beach also received a Legislative Citation from Sen. Outman and Rep. Outman, as well as a recognition presented by Jake Davenport on behalf of Congressman John Moolenaar.

“We are honored to recognize Jane with this citation for her work on behalf of students and her support for them. Through her work, Jane continually puts the needs of others first and helps make her community a better place,” Sen. Outman said.

“On behalf of Congressman Moolenaar, we congratulate you on this accomplishment and thank you for your service,” Davenport said.

Beach is past chairperson and current board member of the Nita Curtis Foundation in Edmore, which helps to meet the needs of the community, provide scholarships to Montabella school graduates, and contributes to “community betterment” in the local area. She is also an active member of Faith United Methodist Church in Edmore, serving in a variety of capacities, and she volunteers her time and talents to support many other local organizations and causes.

She has served on the MCC Foundation Board of Directors since 2008 and as president since 2016. Her parents established several MCC Foundation scholarships in memory of her sister who passed away in childhood, which are awarded annually. She says these scholarships have “created a strong connection” for her to the MCC Foundation.

In recognition of her contributions and selfless volunteerism in the community, Beach was honored in 2022 as a recipient of a Community Impact Award from Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission for volunteerism and service.

The MCC Board of Trustees established the Distinguished Service Award in 1973 to recognize people who and organizations that – through a sense of purpose, community concern and leadership – have helped the college serve its community.

Former recipients of the MCC Stanley and Blanche Ash Distinguished Service Award include: Linda Stafford and Roger Coles, 2022; Karen Carbonelli, 2021; Carol Deuling-Ravell and Dr. Gary Hauck, 2019; Wayne Korson and Miriam Zimmerman, 2018; Karalyn Simon, William Ham and Mike Williams, 2017; Dr. Scott Koenigsknecht, 2016; Leslie K. Morford, 2015; the Creating Futures, Strengthening Partnerships Capital Campaign Leadership Team, 2014; Martha Jean Brundage, 2013; Dick Ellafrits, 2012; Bill and Harriette Cook, 2011; Steve Foster, 2010; United Solar Ovonic, 2009; Blanche Ash, 2008; Central Area Michigan Works Consortium, 2006; State Representative Judy Emmons and State Senator Alan Cropsey, 2005; Franz Mogdis and Dr. Robert Painter, 2004; Thomas Kohn and Jean Southward, 2003; M-TEC Board of Overseers, 2002; M-TEC Fundraising Campaign Leadership Team, 2001; State Representative Larry DeVuyst, Judith Riessen and Charles Halterman, 2000; Lemont Renterghem, 1999; Beatrice Doser and EightCAP, Inc., 1998; Montcalm Alliance and State Senator Joanne Emmons, 1997; Panhandle Coalition and Coalition of Greater Greenville, 1996; U.S. Representative David Camp and David Roslund, 1995; Bob Marston, 1994; Orville Trebian and Bob Braman, 1993; Wayne Omillian and Edmore Woman’s Club, 1991; L. Charles Mulholland and Montcalm Heritage Village Committee, 1990; C. Homer Miel and Women’s Festival Council, 1989; The Daily News and John Stafford, and Eric L. Halvorsen, 1988; George M. Showers and Gordon L. Stauffer, 1987; Paul Warnshuis and David Mayes, 1986; State Senator Robert A. Welborn and State Representative Donald Van Singel, 1985; Donald McKenna, 1984; Sydney S. Swainston and Vernon R. Johnson, 1983; Francis L. Rivard, 1982; Harold A. Springsteen and Einer Thorlund, Jr., 1981; Margery Wilson, Stanton Development and Lester J. Sitts V.F.W. Post 5065, 1980; Michael Salisbury and Arthur Kurtze, M.D., 1979; Michael Slentz, 1978; Ahmad Younis, M.D., 1977; Larry Disher, D.V.M., 1976; Grace Greenhoe and Willard Braman, 1975; Harold O. Steele, D.D.S., and Maurice D. Swift, 1974; and Stanley P. Ash, W. Bruce Bennett, M.D., Joseph E. Cook, James L. Crosby, L. Stanley Kemp, Marian E. Kemp, Kenneth J. Lehman, and Dr. William J. Seiter, 1973.