Centralia College on Friday conferred an honorary bachelor's degree to Jim Lowery at its commencement ceremony.
The honorary bachelor's degree in applied management is in recognition of his service to the college.
“Jim has been a strong advocate for Centralia College offering bachelor’s degrees, so it’s very fitting for him to be receiving an honorary bachelor’s degree himself,” said Dr. Bob Mohrbacher, Centralia College president. “He is an exemplary individual, who has continued to live the college mission even after his term of formal service as a trustee ended. We cannot thank him enough for all he’s done for students and our community.”
Lowery served on the college’s board of trustees for a decade from 2010 to 2020. He attended all but one meeting in those 10 years, according to the college.
He previously served as the trustee liaison to Centralia College East in Morton for several years, attending advisory meetings and events.
In addition, Lowery is an active volunteer in projects throughout Lewis County.
He has served on the Lewis County Planning Commission, the Lewis Economic Development Council, the Western Washington Health Education Board, the Lewis County East End Advisory Board Committee and the advisory board for the Center of Excellence for Clean Energy.
At the college, Lowery is known as a staunch advocate for students and veterans, and for his leadership in making bachelor’s degrees more accessible to working adults in Lewis County.
“I have had the pleasure of working in many different fields,” he said. “I was a labor rep, a politician, a business person, rural economic and community development director and served on many boards and commissions, including as a trustee at Centralia College. For the Centralia College trustees to recognize those experiences by awarding me an honorary bachelor’s degree means so much to me and my family. Thank you.”
