GRADUATION

Dana College bestowed its College-Community Service Award to Vaughn Christensen during Commencement. The College-Community Service Award is the highest non-academic honor Dana gives.

Christensen is a 1953 graduate of Dana College. Originally from Minden, Neb., he has taught, counseled and coached at many schools. In 1960, he received his master’s degree in counseling from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. In the early ’80s, he worked at Dana as an assistant director of admissions and financial aid director. For the last 19 years, Christensen has been the owner and operator of Vaughn Christensen Specialty Advertising in Blair.

“What made it easy for us to choose Vaughn as our College-Community Service Award recipient this year is that he never stops giving,” said Dr. Myrvin Christopherson ’61, president. “He could have walked away from Dana when he left to go into business for himself. Instead, he and his wife, Clarice (Frederickson ’55), have been among the most faithful fans at Dana athletic events, concerts, plays and anything else that happens at Dana.”

Besides Dana, Christensen gives greatly of his time and money to several Blair organizations including First Lutheran Church, Lions Club, Washington County Recycling Center, Blair Area Chamber of Commerce, Blair High School, Washington County Food Pantry, Blair Rescue Squad, Blair Fire Department, Boy Scouts and the Red Cross.

“You have to feel a need or a want to help others — to give something back that you’ve been given,” Christensen said. “Involvement helps not only others, but ourselves.”

Christopherson invited Christensen's wife, Clarice, to the platform when the award was presented. The three Christensen children — Joy (Christensen ’76) Sanford, Scott Christensen ’83 and Jill (Christensen ‘’83) Sibole — were also present.

Christensen said he believes the relationship between Dana and Blair has never been better. While Christensen gives credit to the hard work of Christopherson and his wife, Anne, Myvin Christopherson said much of the credit goes to community-minded people like Christensen.

“I’m sure he’d give the credit to others, but I’d say a key reason (for the improved relationship) is people like Vaughn Christensen in the community building bridges and promoting understanding between our fine city and the college,” Christopherson said. “I can honestly say I know of no one I’d rather have representing Dana and Blair than Vaughn Christensen.”