From the Chattanoogan: Cleveland State Community College Foundation Board of Trustees honored Ron Braam and Ann McCoin with Trustee Service Awards
From the Chattanoogan: Cleveland State Community College Foundation Board of Trustees honored Ron Braam and Ann McCoin with Trustee Service Awards for their years of leadership and devotion to the college at a recent board meeting. They will both be named honorary trustees when their terms expire in July.
Retired from Manufacturers Chemical, Mr. Braam was board chairman from 1996 to 1998 and will be stepping down from the board after 45 years of service to the college. For the past several years, Mr. Braam has served as chair of the Development Committee.
In honor of his 45 years of service, a gift of $4,500 was donated to the Foundation from the Trustees, and the Braam’s will match this gift. Following the meeting, an additional $1,000 gift was made for a total of $10,000 to establish the Ron and Mary Braam Endowment.
Ms. McCoin is a retired attorney and educator who has been a trustee for six years. During her tenure, Ms. McCoin served as board secretary and as chair of the Governance and Membership Committee. Prior to her service as a trustee, Ms. McCoin taught legal assisting at Cleveland State for 27 years.
Established in 1971, the Foundation has awarded over $7.8 million in scholarships to over 9,500 students. It is a separate not-for-profit entity providing financial support to assist with meeting the strategic needs of the college. The Board of Trustees is composed of community leaders who believe in education and support the mission of Cleveland State.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Mike Griffin, chairman of the board since 2021, passed his gavel to Jonathan Cantrell who will take over leadership of the board in July. Mr. Cantrell’s father taught at the college for almost 40 years. A Cleveland State alumnus, Mr. Cantrell is president of Caldwell Paving.
“Ann McCoin and Ron Braam are truly servant leaders, and we are grateful for their service and commitment to our college and our students. Their recognition is well-deserved,” said Dr. John Squires, vice president of Economic & Community Development. “Mike Griffin has gone above and beyond for our college as chairman of the board. His leadership has been invaluable, and I am confident that Jonathan Cantrell will continue to lead the board with the same level of passion and dedication.”
