7th Annual Cougar Cookout
Dr. David Cothrun (right) receiving recognition.
By Bailey Vega
Taft College celebrated its seventh annual Cougar Alumni and Friends Cookout on Thursday, Oct. 13, in the TC quad. Military veterans were honored at the event, and Dr. David Cothrun, former West Kern Community College District superintendent/president, was presented with this year’s Community Spirit Award.
The evening began with live music played by the country bluegrass band The Nightlife Band while guests, which included Taft College faculty, alumni, students, and veterans, arrived and mingled. As a way to honor those who have served in the military, veterans were given two complimentary tickets and enjoyed the catering from Flaco’s BBQ for free.
The Nightlife Band
Sizzling steaks
Among the veterans was Earl Denver, the grandfather of TC student Kayla Meyer. Denver enlisted in the Navy at age 18 and served from 1965-1969 as an aviation machinist and jet engine mechanic. “I don’t regret [the experience]. I think every young man and woman should experience it,” he said.
(Left to right) Brenda Cranmer with her husband, Navy veteran Ed Cranmer and his friend Pat Decant, also a military veteran.
Bill Sullivan, a World War II Navy veteran who served in the South Pacific Islands, China, and Japan, was also in attendance. “I was looking for adventure, and I got it . . . but in a rough way. I saw a lot of fighting,” he said of his service. “There were a lot of rough times and a lot of good times.”
Bill Sullivan, World War II Navy veteran
After the emcee of the night Sheri Hornbunk, the Director of the Taft College Foundation, opened the event, the veterans were further recognized and honored. Taft College student Luz Lopez then proceeded to sing the National Anthem, followed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7216 Color Guard’s march across the amphitheater in the quad.
Members of the VFW Post 7216 Color Guard
VFW defines itself as “a non-profit veterans service organization” that aims to “ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.”
A representative of Synagro, “the country’s preeminent provider of biosolids and residuals solutions services,” then gave a brief presentation and presented the TC Foundation with a donation of $25,000 to be used for academic programs.
Synagro presenting members of the Taft College Foundation with a donation.
The latter half of the event was in honor of Cothrun and presenting him with the Community Spirit Award. Cothrun’s presidency ran from 1980-2000, making him the longest serving president in Taft College’s history.
He was honored for his success in directing several programs that are still thriving at TC, including WESTEC, the Children’s Center, the Dental Hygiene Program, the Transition to Independent Living Program, and the TC Foundation.
Cothrun is originally from Arizona but has firmly planted his roots in Taft which has been his home ever since he moved here to pursue the superintendent/president position. As a member of the TC Foundation Board of Directors, a 36-year participant in the Rotary Club, and the vice president of the Taft Historical Fort, he continues to serve Taft College and the community.
Several of Cothrun’s friends among the TC faculty at the event proudly took the mic and gave speeches in reminiscence of their experience with him and in recognition of the great impact he has had on the school.
“This community has 481 dental hygienist graduates to thank you for the program,” said Stacy Eastman, Director of the TC Dental Hygiene Program, attesting to the influence Cothrun had on the success of the dental hygiene program at TC. “It was your vision that made this all happen.”
Larry Peahl, a retired TC faculty member and administrator, said, “No one is quite like him.”
“He’s always been a people-person . . . . He was an idea guy. He was a decision maker,” Don Zumbro said in regard to Cothrun’s creativity and leadership.
TC superintendent/president Dr. Deborah Daniels agreed, stating, “He has been an innovator all his life.”
A special video message about Cothrun was also played. The message featured Bob Hampton who was unable to attend the event. In his acceptance speech, Cothrun reminded the crowd, “I have to tell you that there should be 150 other people up here with me because it is the community that made this happen.”
To conclude the ceremony, a video interview with Cothrun was shown in which he fondly reflected on his career at Taft College, the hardships he faced, and the successes he accomplished. He left the crowd with his motto, the words that he said kept him going and that he credits with still helping him persevere: “Every day is an adventure.”
Flaco’s BBQ and the TC baseball team serving food.
Attendees waiting for dinner and listening to music
Baseball and soccer teams
A young patriot