LIMA — Nominations are open now through Feb. 16 for the 2018 Rhodes State College Outstanding Alumni Award. Community members are encouraged to nominate an associate degree graduate of Rhodes State College or Lima Technical College who has brought credit to themselves and the college through distinguished accomplishments.

The recipient will be honored through a named Outstanding Alumni Scholarship and be recognized during the 2018 Rhodes State College Commencement in May.

The 2017 Rhodes State College Outstanding Alumni Award recipient, Mary L. Marker, is a 1980 graduate and member of the first class of the Respiratory Care Program. Marker is a long-time employee of Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center, starting as a respiratory therapist and currently serving as the director of Cardiopulmonary Ancillary Services.

She has served consistently on the Rhodes State College Respiratory Care Advisory Committee, 13 years as chair, and was instrumental in the establishment of the Respiratory Care Alumni Scholarship. Marker joined 30 other alumni who have been recognized since the award’s inception in 1988.

More than 17,000 individuals have completed associate degrees from Rhodes State College or Lima Technical College. Our graduates are “improving the quality of life in our region and far beyond. We applaud their great accomplishments and are honored to accept nominations for this prestigious award,” said Kevin L. Reeks, executive director of development at Rhodes State.

Nominations will be accepted until Feb. 16, 2018; online and printable forms are available by visiting www.rhodesstate.edu.

To learn more about the award, contact Carole Enneking, alumni relations coordinator, at 567-242-5972 or [email protected].