Established in 1934, Lower Columbia College was founded during the Great Depression by community leaders seeking a better future for high school graduates. Today, LCC is a comprehensive community and technical college offering 70+ programs and serving over 4,000 students each year. Recognized for its excellence in nursing, workforce training, academic preparation, and athletics, the college serves as the educational center for the entire Lower Columbia Region. LCC Campaigns elevate opportunity for our students and our region. Funds will be raised over three years, 2023 through 2025.
Foundation names 2025-2026 Benefactor of the year Richar Nau, MD
The Lower Columbia College Foundation has named Dr. Richard Nau as the 2025-26 Benefactor of the Year. Benefactor honorees have a history of providing financial support to the foundation and/or significant volunteer service to the college. Most notably, contributions from honorees have substantially impacted college programs, students, and the community... Read the full article
Meet Dember: Proving It’s Never Too Late to Dream Big
Thirty years ago, Dember Martin walked away from LCC with failing grades. Today, she is a President’s List student with straight A’s, preparing to graduate and transfer to Washington State University’s media program.
After a life-altering heart attack in 2014 and her husband’s health-related job loss in 2024, Dember decided to return to school at age 55. Despite her fears that her past grades would hold her back, she found a community of support at LCC. When a FAFSA complication threatened her ability to stay in class, the Student Success Fund provided the emergency bridge she needed to keep going.
"For others thinking their money could help somebody, I'm that somebody," Dember says. "Now I'm at a point where I can think big, which is just astounding to me."
Make a Difference Today
Your support helps students like Dember continue their education and build a better future.
Donate to the Students in Need Drive today and help LCC students stay in school when life takes an unexpected turn.
The drive runs Saturday, March 14 through June 21, 2026, and every gift helps provide emergency support to students when they need it most.
The Opportunity Can’t Wait Campaign has already raised over $14.4 million to support scholarships, athletics facilities, and the new Center for Vocational & Transitional Studies. In addition, the Washington State Legislature approved $45.2 million for the new center—construction is now underway.
The LCC Family—faculty, staff, and retirees—plays a key role in carrying the campaign across the finish line. Every gift matters, whether through payroll deduction, estate planning, or giving in honor/memory of a colleague.
Campaign activities include Wear Your Support Wednesdays, trivia, prize patrols, and more fun events leading up to the campaign’s close on October 17. A friendly challenge is also underway: current employees vs. retirees in a participation competition, with a celebratory event for the winning group.
The new Welding Lab in the Center for Vocational & Transitional Studies will be named in honor of Allan Evald, who taught welding at LCC for 25 years. Known for his dedication and impact on countless students, Allan’s legacy is being recognized through a tribute made possible in part by the LCC Family Giving Campaign. This lasting recognition ensures future students will know his name and the difference he made in vocational education.
Make a one-time gift to Lower Columbia College online. Click the Button below to get started!
Make a one-time gift or make a recurring donation and have it deducted right from payroll to avoid the fuss. Learn more and download your Employee Giving Form:
Through a planned gift to the Lower Columbia College Foundation, you create a significant and lasting impact on the lives of students in pursuit of higher education as well as ensuring the college's commitment to educational excellence well into the future.