Montcalm Community College presented the MCC Stanley and Blanche Ash Distinguished Service Award to Richard Ellafrits of Greenville during a May 17 celebration.
Montcalm Community College Board of Trustees’ Chairperson Karen Carbonelli, right, presents the MCC Stanley and Blanche Ash Distinguished Service Award to Richard Ellafrits of Greenville.
MCC Board of Trustees Chairperson Karen Carbonelli recognized Ellafrits for his dedication to the college and to the community during a gathering of former award recipients and college dignitaries at MCC’s Stanley and Blanche Ash Technology and Learning Center on the college’s Greenville campus.
“Richard Ellafrits has dedicated his life to serving his community. He has worked tirelessly on behalf of the citizens of our area, giving of his time and talents in support of our community’s vitality,” Carbonelli said.
“Throughout his career, Dick has been an ardent supporter of education and a long-time supporter of the mission of Montcalm Community College. His concern for his community has led Dick to be involved in many activities that have provided learning, civic and health-related opportunities from which countless citizens have benefited and grown,” she said. “Dick has parlayed his excellent business acumen into service to both the Greenville Area Community Foundation and the community college, which has enriched all of our lives and made our region a better place to live.
“Dick’s support to MCC and our community through his service on the Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board has been tremendous. He actively served as a Trustee for more than twelve years and continues to serve as a Foundation Director. As Treasurer of both Boards, Dick has been a consistent voice of fiscal responsibility and a valuable partner in maintaining the financial stability of both organizations,” Carbonelli said. “We are proud to consider Dick our ally and look forward to a continued productive relationship for many years to come.”
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.
Ellafrits was a member of the MCC Board of Trustees from December 1999 through March 2012, and served as the board treasurer. He has served as an MCC Foundation Director since August 2005 and is the Foundation’s treasurer. He also serves on the boards of Stafford Media Solutions, Dickinson Press and the Greenville Area Community Foundation.
Former recipients of the MCC Stanley and Blanche Ash Distinguished Service Award include: William and Harriette Cook, 2011; Steve Foster, 2010; United Solar Ovonic, 2009; Blanche Ash, 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.
