Clark College opens Iris Award nominations

Nominations are open for the 2015 Iris Awards celebrating the lasting and far-reaching contributions of women in Southwest Washington.

Three Iris Awards may be presented annually. One recipient may be selected in each of three areas: service in the public sector, service in the private sector and philanthropic leadership.

Following in the tradition of the Southwest Washington Women of Achievement Awards, this is the 30th year Clark College has recognized women’s achievement in the community. The event began in 1985 at Clark College as a photography exhibit during Women’s History Week. Eventually, the event developed into a larger awards program.

The awards will be presented in observation of International Women’s Day, March 8. Anyone may submit a nomination. More than one person can nominate the same woman or provide letters of recommendation.

Winners will be announced in January. Recipients will be honored at a March 5 ceremony. Tickets will go on sale in late January.

Award criteria and nomination forms are available at www.clark.edu/cc/irisawards. Nominations must be received by Friday, Dec. 19. Find a list of past award recipients at www.clark.edu/clark-and-community/about/history/iris/iris-award-honorees.php.

The awards are sponsored by Clark College, the Vancouver Business Journal, the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and the Clark College Foundation.

oved ventilation and warmer temperatures should maintain good to moderate air quality in the coming days, according to the clean air agency.