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White, Mendonsa and Hamilton join Columbia College Hall of Fame

The Columbia College Foundation will host its 18^th Annual Hall of Fame on Thursday, Apr. 3 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. to introduce the newest recipients of the college’s highest honor. Geoffrey T. White and James R. Mendonsa will be recognized as new members, along with alumnus of the year, Ronald M. Hamilton.

The Hall of Fame will be held in the Rotunda, located on the second floor of the Manzanita Building. Hors d’oeuvres for the welcome reception will be prepared and served by the Columbia College culinary and pastry arts students.

Geoff White retired in January after working with Western Communications of Bend, Oregon for the past 20 years as the publisher of Sonora’s Union Democrat from 1998 to 2008, and publisher of The Daily Triplicate in Crescent City, California for the ten years prior.

A graduate of the University of Iowa with degrees in journalism and urban geography/planning, White has always been a strong supporter of Columbia College and was a nine year member of the board of directors of the Columbia College Foundation. In 2003, he led the foundation as its president. In addition, he and his late wife, Vicki were familiar faces at countless college and foundation activities throughout the years.

White’s other community memberships in Tuolumne County include the Sonora Sunrise Rotary, City Hotel board of directors, United Way of Tuolumne County board of directors, Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce board of directors, and Tuolumne County Community Indicators Project 2005, as well as serving on its steering committee in 2008.

Jim Mendonsa, who taught search and rescue and speech courses at Columbia College from 1981 until his retirement in 2004, is a legend in his chosen professional field. Fondly referred to as the “godfather of search and rescue” by his peers, Mendonsa has first-hand working experience in the aftermath of the Loma Prieta earthquake at the Oakland freeway collapse in 1989, the Oklahoma City bombing at the Murrah Federal Building in 1995, Northridge earthquake in 1995, the Sund-Pelosso search in the Long Barn area in 1999, and numerous wilderness search and rescue missions.

Mendonsa played a major role in developing national training courses for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and worldwide for the International Fire Service Training Association, or IFSTA.

His rescue courses were also adopted by the California Office of Emergency Services (OES) Fire and Rescue, as well as the California State Fire Training. The results have been safe and effective rescue operations during major emergencies, such as earthquakes, bombings, building collapses, and other catastrophes.

Mendonsa was named California fire instructor of the year in 1988, the most highly recognized award in California fire service training. In addition, he received the Governor’s award for valor in 1989 for his rescue actions during the Oakland freeway disaster.

Ron Hamilton, who was selected as alumnus of the year, is a former radio marketing consultant for Clarke Broadcasting. He received an associate degree in liberal studies from Columbia College in 1990, followed by a bachelor’s degree from CSU Stanislaus in organizational communications. While a student at Columbia College, he served two terms as student government president.

Prior to working in radio, Hamilton was the human resources director of MACT Health, Inc. where he was responsible for 125 employees at behavioral health, medical, and dental clinics in four counties. He was employed before that as the gaming commissioner and educational director at the Chicken Ranch Indian gaming in Jamestown. Hamilton was also a sixth grade teacher and later, high school teacher at Calvary Temple Christian School.

A native of Tuolumne County, Hamilton has taken leadership roles in many local community activities. Among them are Tuolumne County 4-H Council president; Tuolumne 4-H Club, community service, and swine leader; Mother Lode Junior Livestock Auction committee vice president; and Summerville High School agricultural advisory board. In 2007, he was the recipient of the California Community Service Award.

“I was floored when I heard the news about being selected and I am really, really honored,” said Hamilton. “I attended Columbia College at a very important time in my life and have only great things to say about the school. It is small and personalized so that if you have any questions about the curriculum material, someone is there to help you. The same thing holds true if you need guidance help in selecting a career direction, or counseling advice to further your education.”

Casual evening attire is suggested for the Hall of Fame. The public is invited and there is no charge to attend. However, due to limited seating, reservations are requested by Mar. 31 through the Columbia College president’s office at 588-5115.

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News Release No. 034-08

March 24, 2008

For Immediate Release

Attachments: Photos of Geoff White, Jim Mendonsa and Ron Hamilton