Media Contact:
David Davin, Wenatchee Valley College Foundation executive director, 509-682-6415
Libby Siebens, community relations executive director, 509-682-6436 (Mon.-Thurs.)

For the first time, three annual awards will be presented at the Wenatchee Valley College  Foundation Gala on May 19. In addition to the Outstanding Friend of the College award, The Harvey Award and the Distinguished Alumni of the Year award, four “WVC Heroes” will be recognized this year for their commitment to the college. 

The recipients of the annual awards are: 

Outstanding Friend of the College: Peggy Ludwick

This award recognizes those who have contributed to WVC through financial support or service or a combination of both. The recipient is selected not necessarily by the size of the gift, but by the significance and meaning behind it. According to the nomination materials, Peggy “established an endowment that she has subsidized annually with extra funds to give out nearly $10,000 per year to female students returning to college after a break in their studies. She is a tireless advocate for education, women and second chances. She is also meticulously involved in hand-selecting the awardees, often putting even more funds in at the end, as she cannot choose between the many deserving students.”

The Harvey Award: Earl Tilly

The Harvey Award is presented to a past WVC Foundation board member or member of the community who has given time, talent and treasure in his or her service to the WVC Foundation and demonstrates passion about Wenatchee Valley College, its faculty, programs and future growth. According to the nomination materials, “Earl is a founding member of the board of directors for the WVC Foundation and has been a tireless advocate for the college for years. For decades, Earl has gone out of his way to volunteer his time for WVC, while contributing thousands of his own personal funds to also support it financially.”

WVC Distinguished Alumni: Malachi Salcido

The Distinguished Alumni award recognizes outstanding achievement by alumni of Wenatchee Valley College. According to the nomination materials, “Malachi has successfully launched and is running a number of companies, including the Salcido Connection and Salcido Enterprises. The Salcido Connection is the recognized regional leader in designing and installing reliable, efficient building systems. … Salcido Enterprises is the national leader in blockchain technology development and is at the forefront on an international level. The work of this company is revolutionizing technology, how business operates, and is poised to have a positive impact on a global level.” The materials also praise Malachi for “giving back” and for encouraging the growth of his employees. 

The following four will be recognized as WVC Heroes:

Dennis Conger, Wenatchee School District and Diana Haglund, Wenatchee Learns Connect

These heroes were nominated together for the work they’ve done on events including the College and Career Expo and Pizza, Pop and Power Tools. From the nomination submission:

“These two must be nominated together because of the Dynamic Duo that they are. They consistently bring thousands of potential students onto our campus each year, highlighting our programs every step of the way…”

Wyatt Hurd, WVC volunteer

This hero was nominated for his time spent volunteering in American Sign Language (ASL) classes at WVC. From the nomination submission: “He is energetic, inventive and inspiring to fellow students, and to us teachers as well! Wyatt deserves recognition for his selfless contribution to our ASL program, the students at WVC and our Deaf community at large.”

Ed Phinney, PA&E, WVC advisory committees

This hero was nominated for his support of technical education at WVC. From the nomination submission: “He serves as an advisory board member for industrial technology and the bachelor of applied science - engineering technology program. Ed initiated a scholarship program for WVC machining students. Under Ed's guidance, PA&E donated two Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) mills to the student machine shop for our students to learn to use.”

The gala is at 5 p.m. in Orchard Hall at the Wenatchee Convention Center. The evening will feature a formal dinner, a silent auction and presentation of the awards. Reserve your tickets at wvc.edu/foundation/gala or by calling (509) 682-6416.

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The WVC Foundation was incorporated in 1971. It exists to build relationships between the community and the college and raise financial support for Wenatchee Valley College students, programs, faculty and staff, as well as special projects such as building campaigns like the Music and Art Center. For information on how to make a gift to the foundation, establish a scholarship or include the WVC Foundation in your estate plans, contact (509) 682-6410. Visit the WVC Foundation website at www.wvc.edu/foundation.