The Lower Columbia College Foundation has named David and Nadine Coburn as the 2023-24 Benefactors of the Year. Benefactor honorees have a history of providing charitable financial support to the foundation, and/or significant volunteer service to the college. Most notably, contributions from honorees have had major impacts on the college, its programs, students, and the community.
“It is with great pleasure that we announce and honor David and Nadine Coburn as this year’s Lower Columbia College Benefactors of the Year,” said Steve Fuller, LCC Foundation Board Chair.
Nadine grew up on a local dairy farm owned by her parents, Carol and Clayton Greer. Her mother worked for LCC’s Dean of Students. Nadine graduated from R.A. Long High School in 1960 and with the help of the PTA scholarship, began attending LCC, a local and affordable college, in the fall. While attending, she worked in LCC’s main office as a secretary of student records to help offset the cost of her education. After graduating from LCC in 1962, Nadine transferred to the University of Washington where she earned her teaching degree and met her future husband, David. They married in 1963.
After graduation from the University of Washington, David, who was raised in South Africa, joined the Air Force. During David’s time overseas, Nadine returned to Longview and worked as a substitute teacher. They eventually settled in California, where David’s successful career as an accountant led him to become a partner in the Arthur Andersen CPA firm where he stayed for more than 45 years. Nadine became a stay-at-home mom to their three sons Greg, Mark, and Steven. David’s career allowed them the freedom to travel to 86 countries, including Africa.
Although Nadine and David have lived in California for most of their adult lives and are now enjoying retirement there, their connection to LCC remains strong. They have continued to support LCC for more than 27 years through their family scholarship, the Carol and Clayton Greer Memorial Nursing Scholarship, established in 1985 in memory of Nadine’s father. After her parent’s passing, Nadine and David felt privileged to continue the scholarship and have provided more than $80,000. David and Nadine both enjoy receiving and writing letters to their student scholarship recipients.
Supporting the college is a source of great pleasure for David and Nadine. They are impressed with the diversity of student recipients, and heart-warmed by their stories. “Being raised in a community with limited opportunities for many of its residents, LCC offers a path upward,” said Nadine. LCC provided the stepping stone that made her educational goals a reality, and led her to meet David.
Nadine’s parents supported her pursuit of a college education, and told her from an early age that it was “in their plan for me to graduate from college, no ifs, ands or buts!” said Nadine. After she was finished with school, they told her they could finally afford to send her. “Wouldn't they be astounded, to learn that since 1986 their legacy scholarship has helped send more than 43 students to college?" she said.
David and Nadine will be honored at a Foundation Celebration in Fall 2024. “We appreciate this opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate Nadine and David for their ongoing commitment to education at LCC,” said LCC President Matt Seimears.
For more information, please contact Kendra Sprague, 360-442-2121 or ksprague@lowercolumbia.edu