Gazette-Times

Linn-Benton Community College honored several community members with awards at the annual commencement ceremony held Thursday.

Pat Bedore, superintendent for Greater Albany Public Schools, received an honorary degree from LBCC in recognition for her leadership in building partnerships between the college and GAPS.

Bedore has served as superintendent of GAPS for eight years. She has been in the education field since 1971, serving as a teacher and in various administrative positions. Bedore sits on the board of directors for Samaritan Albany General Hospital and Albany Public Schools Foundation. She is an ex officio board member of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Greater Albany Rotary Club. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Oregon.

Four former LBCC students received distinguished alumni awards, established to honor students who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in their

profession and/or through service in their communities.

Recipients were Albany resident Michael K. Brown, Corvallis residents Linda and Peter Sekermestrovich, and Lebanon resident Wendie Wunderwald.

LBCC President Dr. Rita Cavin presented each with a plaque honoring their individual achievements and community involvement.

Brown attended LBCC in the construction technology program during the mid 1970s. He has been in the construction business in the Albany and Corvallis area since 1976, and has owned Sierra Construction since 1982.

Linda Sekermestrovich attended LBCC in the mid 1970s and was a member of the LBCC gymnastics team. She went on to become an elementary school teacher and has worked for more than 30 years in the Corvallis school district.

Peter Sekermestrovich received an associate of arts degree from LBCC in 1977. He was a member of the college’s track team. The Sekermestroviches purchased Town and Country Realty in 1999.

Wendie Wunderwald received an associate’s degree in nursing from LBCC in 1984. She began her nursing career at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital, and currently serves as vice president of Patient Care Services at the hospital.

For a complete list of 2008 LBCC graduates, see www.gazettetimes.com.