Sept. 20, 2007

COLLEGE NAMES LIBRARY AFTER PAUL AND HELEN SCHNARE
Board of Trustees Honors Couple’s Dedication to Education
In a special ceremony on Sept. 19, the St. Charles Community College (SCC) Board of Trustees named the college library after Helen Schnare and her husband, the late Paul Schnare, a local couple who had a role in the birth of the college and in the continuing support of students through endowed scholarships.
More than 100 people attended the Library Dedication Ceremony, held in the college’s Learning Resource Center, where the library is housed. Faculty, staff, and members of the community, including special guests, shared recollections and paid tribute to the Schnares.

 “The Schnares’ love for their community, their passion for education, and their commitment of talent and resources has furthered the mission of this college and enhanced educational opportunities for all our citizens,” said John McGuire, president of SCC.

The Schnares’ solid commitment to starting the college included providing the first college president, Donald Shook, with office space in their St. Charles home while the college arranged to rent office and classroom space in the community. Shook spoke at the dedication ceremony, sharing memories of the Schnares’ leadership and their dedication to education.

Helen Schnare, a former teacher, was active on early citizen committees to research the feasibility of establishing the new community college. Her enthusiasm and hard work contributed greatly to a successful campaign to promote the issue to voters, leading to the establishment of the college in 1986.

Paul Schnare, an accountant and auditor, was elected to the first SCC Board of Trustees, where he served from 1986-1990 as board secretary.  As a trustee, Schnare was one of the visionaries who selected the current site for the permanent campus. When the new campus opened, the Schnares volunteered their time in the library for many years.

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