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�԰����� has named Jacqueline Eddleblute Claunch ’66 as the 2018 Distinguished Alumna and Dave Mansen ’76 and Carol Benken Mansen ’83 as the Spirit of �԰����� honorees.

The trio will be recognized during a reception and dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 23 in the Great Hall of the Chapman Center on the �԰����� campus.

Claunch was president of Northwest Vista College for 16 years, retiring in 2014. Under her leadership, the college grew from a handful of students to a nationally recognized institution of more than 16,000 students who pursue academic and technical degree programs.

Claunch’s personal philosophy focuses on creating opportunities for success. She supports a student-centered college environment where learning is celebrated, innovation is encouraged, and diverse perspectives are valued. Claunch believes that an effective learning environment must be warm, open, creative, diverse, innovative, inclusive and most of all – joyful.

In 2012, Claunch received the Continuous Quality Improvement Network Legacy Award, and in 2009, she was the recipient of the Women’s Leadership Award for Public Service by the San Antonio Business Journal. She also received an award for outstanding achievements in education by La Prensa, San Antonio’s only bilingual newspaper. Prior to arriving at Northwest Vista, Claunch served more than 20 years in a number of teaching and senior-level leadership positions at Richland College in Dallas.

Claunch holds a B.A. in mathematics from �԰�����, an M.A. in mathematics and computer science from Texas A&I University, and a Ph.D. in higher education from the University of North Texas.

The Mansens have worn many hats in their �԰����� careers. Both have served on the Alumni Association Board, including leadership roles, and both have worked tirelessly to promote service and outreach among the �԰����� alumni base. In 2013, the couple proposed and launched the role of �԰����� Alumni Ambassadors, meeting with alumni across the U.S. and sharing the message about �԰�����’s plans, programs, and alumni engagement opportunities.

Carol Mansen has been involved with �԰����� for more than 35 years in many roles.  She was a Board member and co-president for several alumni chapters from 1990 to 1997, chaired several committees for the Alumni Association Board (2000–2005), and is past-president of the Alumni Association (2005-2007). She also served as adjunct faculty in the University’s Business Administration Department from 2008–2014, where she was responsible for developing internships and connecting students with those internships. Most recently, she was the interim senior director of �԰�����’s Office of Alumni Relations as a national director search was undertaken. She is a 1983 graduate of �԰�����’s MBA program and has 30 years of experience as a CPA and finance professional.

Dave Mansen has been equally engaged. He served as a Board member and co-president with Carol for several alumni chapters (1990–1997) and was a member of and chaired several committees for the Alumni Association Board (1998–2012). He is also a past-president of the Alumni Association (2011 – 2013) and has been a supporter of the students in the entrepreneurship program as a mentor and adviser. He is a 1976 graduate with B.S. in business administration from �԰����� and an MBA in finance from TCU. He has more than 40 years of experience in the software industry as a management, marketing, and business development professional.