LCCC Commodore Hall of Fame Inducts its Inaugural Class

The inaugural class of the Lorain County Community College Commodore Hall of Fame was inducted during a ceremony on June 7. The class includes eight members, ranging from local leaders to changemakers across the country, who each got their start at LCCC.

The Commodore Hall of Fame was created by the LCCC Foundation in recognition of the College’s 60th anniversary to recognize distinguished individuals who attended LCCC or its University Partnership and who are making a positive impact in their communities.  More than 50,000 individuals have earned degrees or certificates from LCCC and its University Partnership Program since LCCC was created in 1963 as Ohio’s first community college with a permanent campus.

“Individuals who attend Lorain County Community College and our University Partnership go on to become leaders in their careers and in their communities,” said LCCC President Marcia J. Ballinger, Ph.D. “I am thrilled to launch the Commodore Hall of Fame with this first class who bring to life the mission of LCCC every day. Each of these professionals got their start at LCCC and have used their education as a springboard to make a positive impact locally, regionally and nationally.”

The Commodore Hall of Fame 2024 Inaugural Class includes:

  • Michael J. Brown, Fellow for the Lincy Institute at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, immediate past Executive Director of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development and past President of Barrick Gold USA
  • Charlotte Gardiner, DNP, RN, MBA, President of Mercy Health Saint Joseph Warren Hospital
  • Gary A. LaBranche, CEO of the Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc.
  • Georgeane Poplar, life-long professional educator and community advocate
  • Dan B. Reaser, Sr., entrepreneur, Director of the Dan and Mila Reaser Family Foundation and President & CEO of DBR Commercial Realt
  • Michael Sherman, retired Regional Representative of the Ohio State Association of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry; long-time committed leader of LCCC currently serving on the College’s District Board of Trustees and the LCCC Foundation Board of Directors and dedicated community volunteer and advocate
  • Daniel C. Smith, Ph.D., Professor and the Clare W. Barker Chair in Marketing, Dean Emeritus, Kelley School of Business, President & CEO Emeritus, Indiana University Foundation
  • Tiffany Tarpley, Emmy Award-winning journalist and weekday morning co-anchor of Good Morning Cleveland on WEWS Channel

“Whether they stayed near or went far, these individuals have made a lasting impact in their careers and service to others. Their achievements serve as inspiration to our current students, as well as our entire LCCC community,” Ballinger said.