(Estherville)– Two Iowa Lakes Community College employees have been recognized by Governor Tom Vilsack for their volunteer efforts.
Mary Steele of Spencer received a Governor’s Volunteer Award in recognition of her six years of service to the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, which promotes volunteerism and community service throughout the state and oversees AmeriCorps. Steele served two three-year terms on the commission and served as chair the last two years.
Steele is director of the Northwest Iowa Retired and Senior Volunteer Program which encourages people 55 and over to be of service to their communities through volunteering. Nearly 1,000 RSVP volunteers are placed with non-profit organizations and public agencies in Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Kossuth and Palo Alto counties. Iowa Lakes Community College has sponsored the program since it began in northwest Iowa in 1977.
Julie Carlson of Spencer also received a volunteer award for her service on the Iowa Department of Economic Development Board, on which she is serving a four-year term. This year marks her second year as President of the IDED Foundation.
Carlson is Dean of Enrollment Management for Iowa Lakes Community College.
