— By David Haerle

The Daily World —

In honor of Grays Harbor College’s 90th anniversary, the Grays Harbor College Foundation has launched its 90th Anniversary Campaign in an effort to raise $90,000 to support GHC students through scholarships.

So far, the campaign has raised $46,810 — more than half its goal — through a number of donors.

Since its beginnings just more than 90 years ago, Grays Harbor College has been a major economic, cultural and educational influence in the region. Serving both Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties, thousands of students have sought to further their educations at GHC. The college opened its doors — to a whopping 76 students — in September of 1930 for its first school year. The Grays Harbor College Foundation began this current campaign to commemorate that important event. Hundreds of students have been helped by foundation scholarships over the years.

“This drive is a little different than anything in the past,” said Harold Warren, a GHC alumni and GHC Foundation board member. He and his wife, Pat — also an alumni — met at the college. Warren noted that in past years, the foundation used events such as the annual “Mystery Getaway” fundraiser to reach donors, but the pandemic prevented traditional methods this school year.

“We didn’t have that opportunity this year .. but it’s still pretty important,” he said of the scholarship funds that come from local donors.

“It’s allotted to any of a number of scholarships we have,” Warren said, particularly noting the World Class Scholar program open to all local high school students.

Warren served on the GHC Student Council when he attended. He studied two years at GHC and then transferred his credits to complete a bachelor’s degree in business and administration at the University of Puget Sound. He recently retired as an accountant from Aiken & Sanders Inc. (He started with the firm in 1962).

The Warrens’ three children also attended Grays Harbor College, and he knows its importance to the community.

“They have great programs there, and a lot of us got our starts there,” he said, noting with a chuckle that he began at GHC in 1951, when tuition “was $25 per quarter.”

“I try to support the college any way I can,” he said. “It’s been a good thing in my life — I even met my wife there. I think for a lot of people — including myself — and for young folk, you need a good place to start, and what better place than Grays Harbor College.”

Up until February 12 — that’s this coming Friday — every new gift made to the Grays Harbor College Foundation — up to $25,000 — will be matched dollar for dollar by a group of generous donors that includes Warren.

Checks can be made payable to the GHC Foundation and mailed to 1620 Edward P. Smith Dr., Aberdeen, WA 98520

Campaign sponsors and matching fund donors — so far include:

MATCHING FUND DONORS — Art and Linda Blauvelt, Druzianich Family Charitable Trust, Larry Goldberg, Hanner Enterprises, Rich and Pat Hole, Eric and Mary Nelson, Bob and Lynn Paylor, Dr. Arlene Torgerson, Harold and Pat Warren, Willis Enterprises, and an anonymous donor.

COMMUNITY SPONSORS ($2,000 or more) — Great Northwest Federal Credit Union, Harbor Pacific Bottling Inc., Fred and Stephanie Hines, Sandy Lloyd, Pacific Portfolio, John and Gail Quigg, Mike and Mary Ann Quigg, REG Grays Harbor LLC, Timberland Bank.

COLLEGE SPONSORS ($1,000) — Ed and Joan Brewster, Coast Controls and Automation, Five Star Dealerships, GHC Board of Trustees, John J. Karnas Co., Keith and Lynn Kessler, KMB Architects, Our Community Credit Union, Rayonier Operating Company, Randy and Laura Rust, Doug Schermer, Gene and Eileen Schermer, TwinStar Credit Union, Whitney’s Chevrolet, Windermere Grays Harbor, and Joy Beard-Eggert, Bruce and Bette Worth.

FUTURE SPONSORS ($500 ) — Aberdeen Lions Club, Aberdeen Realty, Art and Linda Blauvelt, Brent and Debra Dennis, Bank of the Pacific, Earley Tire Factory, Scott and Lynn Green, Harbor Architects, Harbor Wholesale, Hanner Enterprises, Rich and Pat Hole, Honda of Grays Harbor, Dr. Ken Hunt, Richard and Judy Isaacson, Jodesha Broadcasting Inc., Gary Morean, Murphy Company, Eric and Mary Nelson, Okie’s Thriftway Market, Bob and Lynn Paylor, Wes and Kay Peterson, Preszler, Larner, Mertz & Co., Robbins’ Air, Rognlin’s Inc., Rupert Family Dentistry, Brian and Alissa Shay, Chad and Lisa Smith, Phil and Suzan Stegemoeller, Dr. Arlene Torgerson, Harold and Pat Warren, Washington Forest Protection Association.