{"id":3873,"date":"2016-10-18T14:20:02","date_gmt":"2016-10-18T22:20:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pre-production.taftcollege.edu\/tcwp\/cougaronline\/?p=3873"},"modified":"2016-10-18T14:20:02","modified_gmt":"2016-10-18T22:20:02","slug":"7th-annual-cougar-cookout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archive.taftcollege.edu\/echo-online\/blog\/2016\/10\/18\/7th-annual-cougar-cookout\/","title":{"rendered":"7th Annual Cougar Cookout"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Photo<\/a>

Dr. David Cothrun (right) receiving recognition.<\/p><\/div>\n

By Bailey Vega<\/p>\n

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\u2019s Community Spirit Award.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s BBQ for free.<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

The Nightlife Band<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Sizzling steaks<\/p><\/div>\n

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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. \u201cI don\u2019t regret [the experience]. I think every young man and woman should experience it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

(Left to right) Brenda Cranmer with her husband, Navy veteran Ed Cranmer and his friend Pat Decant, also a military veteran.<\/p><\/div>\n

Bill Sullivan, a World War II Navy veteran who served in the South Pacific Islands, China, and Japan, was also in attendance. \u201cI was looking for adventure, and I got it . . . but in a rough way. I saw a lot of fighting,\u201d he said of his service. \u201cThere were a lot of rough times and a lot of good times.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Bill Sullivan, World War II Navy veteran<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u2019s march across the amphitheater in the quad.<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Members of the VFW Post 7216 Color Guard<\/p><\/div>\n

VFW<\/a> defines itself as \u201ca non-profit veterans service organization\u201d that aims to \u201c<\/em>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.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

A representative of Synagro, \u201c<\/em>the country\u2019s preeminent provider of biosolids and residuals solutions services,\u201d then gave a brief presentation and presented the TC Foundation with a donation of $25,000 to be used for academic programs.<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Synagro presenting members of the Taft College Foundation with a donation.<\/p><\/div>\n

The latter half of the event was in honor of Cothrun and presenting him with the Community Spirit Award. Cothrun\u2019s presidency ran from 1980-2000, making him the longest serving president in Taft College\u2019s history.<\/p>\n

He was honored for his success in directing several programs that are still thriving at TC, including WESTEC, the Children\u2019s Center, the Dental Hygiene Program, the Transition to Independent Living Program, and the TC Foundation.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Several of Cothrun\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis community has 481 dental hygienist graduates to thank you for the program,\u201d 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. \u201cIt was your vision that made this all happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Larry Peahl, a retired TC faculty member and administrator, said, \u201cNo one is quite like him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s always been a people-person . . . . He was an idea guy. He was a decision maker,\u201d Don Zumbro said in regard to Cothrun\u2019s creativity and leadership.<\/p>\n

TC superintendent\/president Dr. Deborah Daniels agreed, stating, \u201cHe has been an innovator all his life.\u201d<\/p>\n

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, \u201cI have to tell you that there should be 150 other people up here with me because it is the community that made this happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

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: \u201cEvery day is an adventure.\u201d<\/p>\n