Publish Date: May 17, 2016
SALINAS, Calif. – The Hartnell Community College District Governing Board took action to honor Gary Tanimura and Jeff Nessen Schmidt as this year’s Distinguished Alumni. Tanimura will be the Commencement Speaker and Schmidt will be recognized posthumously on Friday, May 27, 2017 at Rabobank Stadium.
“During its 95 year history Hartnell College has provided a foundation of excellence that has launched successful lives and careers,” commented Superintendent/President, Dr. Willard Lewallen. “The Distinguished Alumni Award provides an opportunity for us to recognize the accomplishments of Hartnell alumni who have distinguished themselves as leaders and contributors following their education experience at Hartnell.”
This honor is conveyed to former students of Hartnell College who have made significant achievements in their field or in service to our community. The Governing Board was impressed with our honorees’ professional accomplishments, commitment to community service and exceptional leadership in many areas. They are both inspirational to our students.
Gary Tanimura is Vice President of Production at Tanimura & Antle. He graduated from Hartnell College in 1969 with an associate’s degree. He then transferred to San Jose State University to earn a Bachelor’s in Business with emphasis in Marketing. Gary was nominated by the Associated Students of Hartnell College and by the Hartnell College Foundation for his leadership in the Ag industry and his commitment to serving the students of Hartnell and the community as a whole. He is a founding member of the Ag Steering Committee, was President of the Foundation Board, and most recently accepted to Chair the 100th Anniversary Legacy Campaign. Under his tenure, the Foundation launched the second phase of innovation for the Agricultural Business and Technology Institute, the Salinas Valley Health Professions Workforce Partnership and the Tanimura Family Foundation Ag Research Internship Endowment among other important accomplishments. Gary is one of the most respected members of the community for his dedication, passion, diligence, support, and continuous contributions to higher education.
Jeff Nessen Schmidt graduated from King City High School in 1941 and attended Hartnell College (then called Salinas Junior College). In January 1942, a few days after turning 18, Jeff enlisted in the U.S. Navy with the dream of flying planes in World War II. He was the Valedictorian of his Salinas Junior College class, and went on to attend the University of Texas and Midshipmen's School at Columbia University, and was the top student in his M.I.T. Radar Academy. Jeff ended the war studying at Bowdoin University in Maine and returned to California to earn his engineering degree from U.C. Berkeley. He was a true American success story with a remarkable career as an aerospace engineer. Jeff always credited Hartnell with giving him the firm foundation in math and science that he needed for his future academic and professional successes and became involved with fundraising efforts. Jeff passed away peacefully on January 20, 2016. He will be honored posthumously.
“We are honored to be recognizing two outstanding graduates of Hartnell College, Gary Tanimura and Jeff Nessen Schmidt,” added Lewallen.
For more information about the 2016 Commencement for Hartnell College, go to: http://www.hartnell.edu/2016-commencement
Hartnell Community College District – established in 1920
The Hartnell CCD serves over 16,000 students annually through its main campus in Salinas, the Alisal Campus in East Salinas, the King City Education Center, and various outreach learning centers throughout the Salinas Valley. Hartnell College, a Hispanic Serving Institution, provides workforce training, basic skills courses, and prepares students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Hartnell College is recognized for its innovative public and private partnerships that support world class STEM education, career technical education, fine and performing arts, humanities, and athletics. We are proud to be the winners of the Innovation Award for CSin3 – a Computer Science degree in three years. We are growing leaders through opportunity, engagement, and achievement. For more about Hartnell CCD, visit www.hartnell.edu.
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