May 4th, 2011

Kathleen Guy, Vice President of Institutional Advancement/Executive Director of the Foundation at Northwestern Michigan College, is this year’s Athena Grand Traverse recipient.

Ms. Guy, set to retire at the end of June, has spent her 33-year career marshalling support for higher education. Her work contributed significantly in the creation local landmarks including NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, Dennos Museum Center, and the Parsons-Stulen Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC). She was also the founding member of the Acme Township Shoreline Park and Preservation Advisory Committee and Chair of the fund-raising committee.

Perhaps Ms. Guy’s greatest legacy has been her role in creating a culture of philanthropy in the region. As a result of her leadership, dedication and quiet tenacity, thousands of students have received scholarships to NMC and its University Center. Although NMC is not the largest community college in Michigan, thanks in large part to Ms. Guy, the NMC Foundation awards more scholarship dollars to more students than any other community college in the state.

Ms. Guy has successfully planned and led campaigns for NMC that have raised more than $48 million. She has written successful grant proposals totaling nearly $18 million and established a planned giving program with bequests of more than $8 million.

Other major contributions and accomplishments by Ms. Guy include: development of the distance learning partnership with K-12 schools; initiating NMC’s first annual fund campaign; work to development the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute; a leadership position in the national Council for Advancement and Support of Education; a lifetime achievement award from the national Council for Resource Development; the 2011 recipient of the NMC Foundation Excellence award and involvement in a range of local causes including Sunrise Rotary, United Way, Boys and Girls Club, Ad Club, and more.

The Athena Grand Traverse Award annually recognizes recipients who demonstrate excellence in their business or profession; devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way; generously assist women in attaining their full leadership potential. More information is available at http://www.athenagrandtraverse.com/.