LBCC Honors Distinguished Alumni

Brad Gohr

Julie Huckestein

Brad Gohr and Julie Huckestein have been named as 2015 Linn-Benton Community College Distinguished Alumni, along with Mary “Dee” Deems, who was recognized with a posthumous award at the college’s Honors Reception held April 22.

Gohr, of Madras, is currently the president and CEO of Veterinary Services, Inc., a $175 million animal health product distribution company with branches throughout the Western United States.

Gohr graduated from LBCC in 1992 with an associate’s degree in Animal Science. He then transferred to Oregon State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree.

Huckestein, of Albany, was recently named president of Chemeketa Community College in Salem. Huckestein graduated from LBCC in 1996 with an associate’s degree in business administration. She went on the earn her bachelor’s degree in management and organizational leadership from George Fox University, and a master’s degree in education policy and administration from Portland State University.

Prior to Chemeketa, Huckestein held several positions in the LBCC Business Office, and was eventually promoted to director of Budget and Finance, a position she held until 2001.

Mary “Dee” Deems was honored with a posthumous Distinguished Alumni award. Deems, who passed away in February, graduated from LBCC in 1979 with an associate’s degree in general education, and transferred to Willamette University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Urban and Regional Government. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Adult Education from Oregon State University.

Deems worked in various positions at LBCC, including at the Lebanon Center, directing the then “Albany Center,” and helping to build LBCC’s Community Education division into one of the largest in Oregon.

This year, the Oregon Lottery sponsored the honors event at the college, contributing $1,000 for the reception a check to the college Foundation for $2,000 to provide scholarships for LBCC students, which will be available for application starting fall term through the college Foundation office.

The Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 2005 to recognize former LBCC students who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in their professions and/or through service to their communities. Gohr and Huckestein join 28 others who have received the award.