Montcalm Community College recently presented its 2021 MCC Stanley and Blanche Ash Distinguished Service Award to Karen Carbonelli of Greenville.

MCC Board of Trustees Vice Chairperson Bob Marston recognized Carbonelli for her achievements during a gathering of former award recipients and college dignitaries on Sept. 18 at the Stanley and Blanche Ash Technology and Learning Center on the college’s Greenville campus.

Carbonelli has served on MCC’s Board of Trustees for 40 years and for 24 years as its chairperson – a position she continues to hold.

“Karen’s passion for lifelong learning and community service is evident in her professional and personal pursuits,” Marston said.

With a 40-plus-year career in real estate sales and business ownership, Karen has been active in the business community and with many community organizations. She has actively served in a variety of fund-raising initiatives for the betterment of the community, and has served on the MCC Capital Campaign Major Gifts Committee for several fund-raising efforts to benefit the college.

In recognition of her contributions and selfless volunteerism in the community, Karen was honored as the 2019 recipient of Spectrum Health’s Fred and Lena Meijer Spirit of Caring Award.

During her tenure on the Board of Trustees, Karen has supported a variety of initiatives at MCC focusing on student success, continuing quality improvement, accreditation, strategic planning, creation of the college’s master plan, growing the MCC Foundation Board of Directors and other areas of key importance.

“We commend Karen for being a visionary and longtime supporter of education and upholding the college’s values of student success, empowerment, relationships, visionary, inclusion, community and excellence. Montcalm Community College is pleased to present the 2021 Stanley & Blanche Ash Distinguished Service Award to Karen Carbonelli,” Martson said.

State Sen. Rick Outman also presented Carbonelli with a Declaration from the State of Michigan for her achievements.

Carbonelli learned of the honor during the college’s Sept. 14 Board of Trustees meeting, during which the trustees approved a motion naming Carbonelli as the award recipient.

“I was blown away. So surprised,” Carbonelli said. “I don’t often become speechless, but I was that evening.”

The MCC Board of Trustees established the Distinguished Service Award in 1973 to recognize people who and organizations that – through a sense of purpose, community concern and leadership – have helped the college serve its community.

Former recipients of the MCC Stanley and Blanche Ash Distinguished Service Award include: Carol Deuling-Ravell and Dr. Gary Hauck, 2019; Wayne Korson and Miriam Zimmerman, 2018; Karalyn Simon, William Ham and Mike Williams, 2017; Dr. Scott Koenigsknecht, 2016; Leslie K. Morford, 2015; the Creating Futures, Strengthening Partnerships Capital Campaign Leadership Team, 2014; Martha Jean Brundage, 2013; Dick Ellafrits, 2012; Bill and Harriette Cook, 2011; Steve Foster, 2010; United Solar Ovonic, 2009; BlancheAsh, 2008; Central Area Michigan Works Consortium, 2006; State Representative Judy Emmons and State Senator Alan Cropsey, 2005; Franz Mogdis and Dr. Robert Painter, 2004; Thomas Kohn and Jean Southward, 2003; M-TEC Board of Overseers, 2002; M-TEC Fundraising Campaign Leadership Team, 2001; State Representative Larry DeVuyst, Judith Riessen and Charles Halterman, 2000; Lemont Renterghem, 1999; Beatrice Doser and EightCAP, Inc., 1998; Montcalm Alliance and State Senator Joanne Emmons, 1997; Panhandle Coalition and Coalition of Greater Greenville, 1996; U.S. Representative David Camp and David Roslund, 1995; Bob Marston, 1994; Orville Trebian and Bob Braman, 1993; Wayne Omillian and Edmore Woman’s Club, 1991; L. Charles Mulholland and Montcalm Heritage Village Committee, 1990; C. Homer Miel and Women’s Festival Council, 1989; The Daily News and John Stafford, and Eric L. Halvorsen, 1988; George M. Showers and Gordon L. Stauffer, 1987; Paul Warnshuis and David Mayes, 1986; State Senator Robert A. Welborn and State Representative Donald Van Singel, 1985; Donald McKenna, 1984; Sydney S. Swainston and Vernon R. Johnson, 1983; Francis L. Rivard, 1982; Harold A. Springsteen and Einer Thorlund, Jr., 1981; Margery Wilson, Stanton Development and Lester J. Sitts V.F.W. Post 5065, 1980; Michael Salisbury and Arthur Kurtze, M.D., 1979; Michael Slentz, 1978; Ahmad Younis, M.D., 1977; Larry Disher, D.V.M., 1976; Grace Greenhoe and Willard Braman, 1975; Harold O. Steele, D.D.S., and Maurice D. Swift, 1974; and Stanley P. Ash, W. Bruce Bennett, M.D., Joseph E. Cook, James L. Crosby, L. Stanley Kemp, Marian E. Kemp, Kenneth J. Lehman, and Dr. William J. Seiter, 1973.