Clark College Foundation President & CEO Lisa Gibert, Clark College President Bob Knight, and Briel Thoune, a member of Clark’s women’s cross country team, which won the NWAACC Championship, celebrate the 2011 State of the College address.

Clark College President Bob Knight called for heightened awareness and warned of tough times during his State of the College address today.

“This is the fifth time that I’ve been privileged to speak to you – as Clark’s president – about the accomplishments of the past year – and the challenges that lie ahead,” he said in his opening remarks. “Quite honestly, this year will be even more difficult and that will probably be true for at least the next two years.”

Knight gave the Student Achievement Initiative as an example of the year’s accomplishments.

“In 2006, the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges established the Student Achievement Initiative, or SAI. As the name implies, it focuses on the achievements of students – completing credentials and training programs,” Knight said. “This year, Clark earned the highest number of SAI points of any of Washington’s community and technical colleges.”

Knight also announced two $3,000 scholarships have been established in the names of two longtime advocates of Clark College who died last year: Rep. Bill Fromhold and Tom Koenninger who had a  57-year career as a reporter, editor and columnist. In 1990, he received the Clark College Outstanding Alumni Award.

Knight addressed the financial challenges in store at Clark College.

“Up to this year, we’ve been able to maintain services by tightening our belts and increasing workload,” he said.  “But we must now implement an additional $2 million dollars in permanent budget cuts.”

Knight outlined how those difficult decisions will be made.

“Most of all, we are committed to communicating openly and honestly and treating all members of the college community with the respect that they have earned for their dedication and service to Clark College.”