The Lower Columbia College Foundation has named the Estate of Charles “Chuck” L. Klawitter
the 2024-
25 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.
“It is with distinct pleasure that we announce and honor the Estate of Charles “Chuck”
L. Klawitter as
this year’s Lower Columbia College Benefactor of the Year,” said Steve Fuller, LCC
Foundation Board
Chair. “This extraordinary gift is deeply rooted in community pride and underscores
the importance of
higher education,”’ he added.
Chuck’s estate gift and Booster support exceed $3.9 million, making it the largest
contribution the LCC
Foundation has ever received. Chuck supported LCC athletics for over 20 years as a
LCC Red Devil Booster Club member. He preferred to keep his support for LCC athletics
low-key and chose to honor his
beloved dog, Rudolph, by having his name listed in the LCC Booster Membership list.
Like many local families, the Klawitter children began their higher education journey
at Lower Columbia
College (LCC). Charles "Chuck" Klawitter was the third of four children born to Chuck
and Anita Klawitter of South Kelso. Chuck and Anita placed great importance on education
and instilled that value in their children—Adele, Barbara, Chuck, and Dan. After graduating
from Kelso High School, they all started their academic journey at LCC, where they
gained a strong foundation that led to fulfilling lives and successful careers.
After LCC, Chuck continued his education at the University of Washington, graduating
in 1968 with a
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. After graduating, Chuck began working
for Dow Chemical
Company in Midland, Michigan. Dow later transferred him to Plaquemine, Louisiana,
where he worked
until his retirement in 2004 after 36 years with the company.
After retiring, Chuck returned to Kelso and became an active fundraiser with the Kelso
Lions Club. He
managed food concessions at Kelso High School football games and organized the newspaper
recycling
program. Proceeds supported local Lions Club charities. Chuck also led the Lions’
Bicycles for Kids program, which provides repaired used bikes to children in need.
He kept himself busy remodeling pre-
World War II homes in South Kelso.
“Giving back to LCC and the community was very important to Chuck, and we are honored
that the
Estate of Charles L. Klawitter is being recognized as the Benefactor of the Year by
LCC,” said Klawitter
family members. “Leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire and support those
in need for generations to come was key to Chuck’s decision to support LCC.”
"LCC is grateful for the opportunity to honor the remarkable gift that Chuck left
to support students and
the college. His contributions to education and the local community will have a lasting
impact for generations," said LCC President Dr. Matt Seimears.
The Estate of Charles Klawitter will be honored at a Foundation Celebration in the
Fall of 2025.
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For more information, please contact Kendra Sprague at 360-442-2121 or ksprague@lowercolumbia.edu