Courtesy Photo by Jay Walterreit Members of Kathy Vought’s family, a former Alpena Community College staff member, attended the ACC board of trustees regular meeting on Thursday night. Vought was granted emeritus status posthumously. From left to right, Mike Vought, Alpena Community College Board Chair John Briggs, Reggie Vought, Britton Skuse, Lori Vought, and Jake Vought.

ALPENA — A heartwarming gesture was made for a former Alpena Community College staffer that always warmed the hearts of others.

The ACC board of trustees held their regular meeting Thursday night, voting to give former ACC staffer Kathy Vought emeritus status posthumously. Vought passed away in July after 34 years of employment at the college.

Members of Vought’s family attended the meeting as the board honored her memory. Emeritus status is given to faculty, staff, or members of the college board of trustees to honor, upon retirement, such members who have made long-term contributions to ACC and to encourage a continuing relationship with the college

“Whereas ACC trustees, administration, faculty, and staff wish to honor Kathy, who we lost suddenly and before she could reach the amazing end goal of retirement,” President Don MacMaster read aloud from the agenda at the meeting Thursday, according to a video recording.

“Kathy was always an advocate for students; her work was important to her and her attention to detail was among her best attributes,” MacMaster read. “She understood the importance of accuracy in student records management and her work reflected that.”

“Kathy was a people person who was very caring and patient with anyone needing help,” MacMaster continued. “She had a way of calming them and making them smile. Students, faculty and staff really liked and respected Kathy — she had a way about her that made them comfortable.”

IN OTHER BUSINESS

*Over $12,000 was raised on Giving Tuesday to support the college.

*Jeremy Kilbourn, a new faculty member in the nursing department, introduced himself to the board.

*MacMaster announced that the college has received over $3.5 million from the federal government for the renovation of the Charles R. Donnelly Natural Resources Center.

*The ACC board of trustees authorized the purchase of a Haas HL50E Fiber Laser Marker and Extractor from Gerotech, Inc., of Flat Rock, Michigan, for a cost not to exceed $15,896.31. One lower bid from QuakeLogic Inc. for a QL-MarkPro 50 Enclosed Fiber Laser Marker was rejected due to its small size, Manufacturing Tech Instructor Andrew Paad said. The Haas fiber laser marker is a full-size unit comparable to what students will use after entering the workforce.

*The Alpena Community College Board of Trustees authorized college officials to purchase a Hydmech S-20P semi-automatic mitering bandsaw from Detroit Band Saw for a cost not to exceed $23,549. The bid from Detroit Band Saw, while not the lowest, was determined to be the best choice because it includes the cost of freight, installation, and training, while the two lower bids do not.

*The Alpena Community College Board of Trustees authorized college officials to purchase equipment for the Classroom of Tomorrow Framework pilot classroom for a cost not to exceed $50,000. ACC’s Classroom of Tomorrow Framework, championed by Director of Information Technology Adam Keyes, focuses on improving instructional technology by relying on real data, instructor feedback, and current industry standards.