News

Montcalm Community College presented its 2026 MCC Stanley and Blanche Ash Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Kirk and Celeste Faber during its June 23 Centurion Awards Banquet.

MCC Board Chairperson Kurt Peterson Dr. Faber and his late wife, Celeste, for their achievements during a gathering of former award recipients and college dignitaries in the Stanley and Blanche Ash Technology and Learning Center on the college’s Greenville campus.

“Tonight, we are honored to recognize someone whose life’s work beautifully reflects the mission and spirit of Montcalm Community College,” Peterson said. “Dr. Faber’s commitment to Montcalm Community College is rooted in a lifelong connection to the community he proudly calls home. A graduate of Greenville High School and a respected longtime dentist in Greenville, Dr. Faber has dedicated his career to caring for others and has consistently sought meaningful ways to give back to the community that helped shape him.”

Guided by a belief in the transformative power of education, Dr. Faber and his family established the MCC Foundation Faber Family Scholarship to help students pursue their academic goals and create opportunities for future success. Over the years, the Faber family has been among Montcalm Community College’s most dedicated supporters. Their generosity has enhanced our campus through contributions to the Bill Braman Family Center for Education and support of the “Transforming Lives, Empowering People” campaign, which supported renovation of the Kenneth J. Smith Instructional Building. Dr. Faber also contributed his time and leadership, helping inspire community support for the project.

The Faber’s commitment extends beyond campus improvements. Through support of The Food Source and connections within his church community, Dr. Faber has helped ensure students facing food insecurity have access to needed resources.

“Through his generosity, leadership, and dedication to student success, Dr. Faber has made a lasting impact on Montcalm Community College and the greater community,” Peterson said. “His service and philanthropy have created opportunities, strengthened connections, and improved lives for countless individuals.

“In recognition of his incredible service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the mission of MCC and the community we serve, it is my great pleasure to present the 2026 Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Kirk Faber,” Peterson said. “Dr. Faber, thank you for all you’ve done — and continue to do — for MCC and beyond.”

Dr. Faber said he was grateful for the recognition and believes many others are, too.

“Really, I am accepting this award on the behalf of many others who are deserving of it,” he said.

He also said that his family’s commitment to supporting higher education is in part to help grow leaders in our community.

“When we look at Montcalm County, one of our greatest assets – and our more valuable export – is our kids. They don’t come back. Some of that has to do with job growth and what is available for schools, extracurricular activities and so on,” Dr. Faber said. “If we can educate more of the kids in Montcalm County to weather the storms of the future, they might be more inclined to keep their talents local.”

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: Ransom Leppink, 2025; The“Transforming Lives, Empowering People” Campaign Committee - Linda Stafford, Amy Homich, Julie Stafford, Jane Anderson Beach and Kurt Peterson, 2024; Jane Anderson Beach, 2023; Linda Stafford and Roger Coles, 2022; Karen Carbonelli, 2021; 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; 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.