Celebrating the 2026 ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½ Patron Award Honorees
Posted by Emily D
At the 2026 President’s Circle Winter Celebration, the ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½ Foundation was proud to honor two extraordinary partners whose leadership, generosity, and vision have strengthened ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½ and expanded opportunity for students across our region.
The annual ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½ Patron Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose sustained commitment to education transforms lives. This year’s honorees embody that spirit in powerful and lasting ways.
From left: ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½ President, Dr. Adrien L. Bennings; ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½ Foundation Executive Director, Christina Kline; ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½ Foundation Board of Trustees President, Jans Dykhouse; Jeff Rippey; Robin Holman, Melissa Rippey, Doug Holman
The James and Shirley Rippey Family Foundation, represented at the event by Jeff Rippey, has invested in Oregon students for decades with a clear and steady purpose: to support youth services and education. A partner of ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½ for more than 15 years, the Foundation has committed more than $1.2 million to the college since 2010, with a strong focus on Career Pathways and scholarships for students pursuing career technical education. Most recently, a $450,000 grant to ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½â€™s Pathways to Opportunity initiative is strengthening the combination of skills training and wraparound supports that help students not only enroll, but persist, complete, and thrive. Guided by integrity, long-term thinking, and a deep belief in opportunity, the Foundation’s investments create impact that extends far beyond any single student.
From left: ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½ President, Dr. Adrien L. Bennings; ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½ Foundation Board of Trustees President, Jans Dykhouse; ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½ Foundation Executive Director, Christina Kline; Evan Madden; Paul Madden; Caroline Madden; Jennifer Madden; Reece Scotch; Kelsey Scotch; (front) Ken Madden; Peyton Scotch; Cindy Madden
The ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½ Foundation also honored Ken Madden, the Madden Family, and Madden Industrial Craftsmen, whose partnership with ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½ reflects the powerful connection between education and industry. More than 30 years ago, Ken and his family built a company dedicated to quality and craftsmanship — and along the way, they recognized the strength and preparation of ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½ students entering the trades. That belief turned into action. The Madden family established an endowed scholarship supporting students in the Building Construction Technology program, created an annual scholarship to provide immediate assistance, and has been a steadfast supporter of the Foundation’s signature event and past galas. Together, they have contributed more than $200,000 to ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½ students. Ken’s service has also been extraordinary, including leadership on the ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½ Foundation Board, the ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½ Board of Directors, and as co-chair of The Campaign for Opportunity, which raised more than $46 million to support students and programs across the college.
Both honorees demonstrate what is possible when philanthropy, industry, and education work in partnership. Their investments help students gain real skills, earn family-wage careers, and build stronger futures — for themselves and for our entire community.
The ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½ Foundation celebrates the 2026 ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½ Patron Award recipients and extends its appreciation for their enduring belief in the power of ¶¶Òõ¸£Àûµ¼º½.