REQUEST FOR NOMINATIONS
2026 Howard Cherry Awards
Oregon Community College Association
The Oregon Community College Association's (OCCA) Howard Cherry Award is named in honor of the late Dr. Howard Cherry, a Portland orthopedic surgeon who was a lifelong advocate for education and community involvement. Dr. Cherry served on the Portland School Board, Portland Community College Board of Directors, in the Oregon Legislature, and was a founding member of the Association of Community College Trustees.

OCCA is accepting nominations for individuals whose contributions to the community college cause in Oregon have brought distinction and recognition to the state's community colleges.

The award may be granted in the following three categories:
  • Community College Advocate
  • Community College Administrator
  • Community College Board Member
Additional consideration will be given to nominees who are recommended by more than one institution.
Award Categories:

Community College Advocate

The recipient of the Howard Cherry Advocate award is intended for individuals not employed by a college or on a college board who have demonstrated effective political advocacy on behalf of community colleges with a statewide reach. The work of this recipient should have a demonstrated positive effect on all Oregon community colleges, not just one or two individual community colleges. Past recipients have included members of the legislature and other elected officials, business leaders, and state agency leaders whose work has benefited all of the 17 colleges across Oregon and the communities they serve.

Community College Administrator

The recipient of the Howard Cherry Administrator award is intended for administrators working at Oregon community colleges who have shown outstanding commitment, achievement, and leadership in their field. This award does not have to demonstrate a statewide reach but is intended for someone who has been recognized by their community and their campus.


Community College Board Member

The recipient of the Howard Cherry Board Member award is intended for current or former board members whose service acts as an example for board members across Oregon. Nominees should have a proven track record of commitment to their college and community and should be able to show leadership on their boards that have positively benefited the college community. This award does not have to demonstrate a statewide reach.
Required Nomination Documents

Please include the following with your nomination:

  • Letter of nomination (1-2 pages): Should address the specific attributes described above for the applicable award category (e.g. state-wide impact and political advocacy for Advocate nominees).
  • Letter(s) of support: From members of the campus community and/or the broader community.
  • Biography, resume, or CV of the nominee.
  • Additional supporting materials: Any other relevant documents that demonstrate the nominee's involvement with community colleges.
All nominations must be made using this survey form. Please upload all required documents in the appropriate sections below. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Laura Crook at laura@occa17.com.

Nominations must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. PST on Friday, August 14, 2026.