HARNEY HEIGHTS — Keith Koplan, investment chair of Clark College Foundation’s Board of Directors, Clark College alumnus and Vancouver resident, has been named a 2021 Real Hero for his volunteer work within education in Southwest Washington. Koplan, 80, joined the foundation 35 years ago and has led the nonprofit’s investment committee for 25 of those years. Together with other members of the investment committee and Clark College Foundation’s staff, he led the charge in raising more than $2 million to secure a matching endowment challenge grant of more than $4 million in 1993 from the U.S. Department of Education. That investment started the foundation on a path from $1 million in assets to more than $128 million in 2022. “I firmly believe that the long-range survival of our democracy requires an educated population. That includes everyone, not just those who can afford a four-year college. Clark College, along with other community colleges, plays a vital role in that process. Helping make Clark available to everyone, regardless of background, has and will be my personal mission,” said Koplan. The Real Hero effort is part of the Learn Here Project, an initiative coordinated by Identity Clark County. The project honors individuals who demonstrate outstanding service to students and education in Clark County.

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