The Arconic Leadership Award is presented annually by Arconic and the Scott Community College Foundation to recognize outstanding contribution, exemplary leadership, and dedicated service to Scott Community College. This award stands as a lasting tribute to those who choose to lead and a challenge to those who follow.
2025 Recipient
John Riches
This year, we are proud to honor John Riches, who retired after 33 years of distinguished service to the community and Scott Community College in his role as Community Relations Manager at Arconic. Throughout his career, John was a driving force behind many of Arconic’s most impactful initiatives, including launching the Arconic Eagle Cam, navigating the Covid-19 pandemic, and welcoming the first and only sitting U.S. President to visit the plant: Barack Obama in 2011.
As the Arconic Foundation Ambassador, John helped to direct millions of dollars in support of local nonprofits, reflecting his deep commitment to community service.
John has been a consistent champion of education and a steadfast supporter of Scott Community College. His efforts have supported key initiatives such as the 2013–2014 expansion of the Automotive program, funding a scholarship through the SCC Foundation, and maintaining Arconic’s role as a 10-year BASH sponsor. Notably, John was instrumental in the creation of this very award, originally known as the Alcoa Outstanding Achievement Award, and has helped present it every year since its inception in 1989.
It is with great pride that we present John Riches with the award he helped establish and elevate.
Congratulations to the 2025 Arconic Leadership Award recipient, John Riches!
Past Recipients
- 2024 Recipient to the Ascentra Credit Union Foundation
For their leadership and commitment to serving students in need through their student assistance fund. This fund was established in 2018 to help students with emergency needs. Student may use this grant only once during their entire enrollment with SCC. - 2023 to the Perkins Family
For their families dedication to the SCC Foundation, the college and to students. Teresa served on the SCC Foundation from 1998 until 2008. Beau has served since 2008 – he’s served now for 15 years. The Perkins family established their own Diesel Technology scholarship when the program began at the college. - 2022 to Dennis & Lynn Quinn
For their commitment to supporting student success through contributions to student assistance and access to public transportation. - 2021 to Pat Cawiezell
In recognition and appreciation of more than 42 years of continuous contribution, leadership, and service as a college staff member, administrator, and Foundation Board member at Scott Community College. - 2019 to Stan & Betty Reeg
For their commitment to enriching the community through education and supporting students through scholarships. - 2018 to Paul Rafferty
For his Scott Community College Foundation Board leadership and commitment to growing the Foundation to better serve students through scholarships. - 2017 to Teresa A. Paper
For her twelve years of leadership at Scott Community College and for her endless passion and commitment to the students she served. - 2016 to Robert H. Gallagher
For his continuous support of higher education since 1966 and for his commitment of service to the Scott Community College Foundation. - 2015 to Robert & Blenda Ontiveros
For their outstanding contributions to the Scott Community College Foundation and their continued commitment to higher education and workforce development in the Quad Cities Area. - 2014 to Alice Nielsen
In recognition of years dedicated to create a learning environment that fosters student growth through education at Scott Community College and generous scholarship support to the SCC Foundation. - 2012 to IA Senator John P. (Jack) Kibbie
Awarded to the “Father of Iowa Community Colleges” for understanding the importance of education and workforce training for the people of the State of Iowa. - 2011 to Thomas G. Coley
In recognition and appreciation of exceptional leadership exhibited through facilities renovations, expansions, additions and personal contributions to Scott Community College and the community. - 2010 to Scott Van Vooren
For outstanding and exemplary service to the Scott Community College Foundation since 1988 and commitment to the community. - 2009 to Duncan Cameron
For outstanding personal contributions and exemplary leadership through the Scott Community College Foundation. - 2008 to Pete & Mary Pohlman
For outstanding personal contributions and exceptional leadership in supporting Scott Community College and the community. - 2007 to Tim Wilkenson
For his long term support of Scott Community College and his outstanding devotion to economic growth in the Quad City area. - 2006 to David Claeys
In recognition and appreciation of 25 years of continuous contribution, leadership, and service as a faculty member and administrator at Scott Community College. - 2005 to John Blong
For establishing the priority and importance of training as a tool of economic development and as a nationally recognized community college chancellor guiding Scott Community College and EICCD to become the Quad City community’s first choice for job training and life-long learning. - 2004 to Lenny Stone
To recognize all of his accomplishments as a faculty member and administrator which in aggregate have contributed so significantly to a solid 35 year success story that is Scott Community College. - 2002 to Richard & Carol Quinn
For outstanding personal contributions to Scott Community College.
For establishing the priority and importance of training as a tool of economic development and as a nationally recognized community college chancellor guiding Scott Community College and EICCD to become the Quad City community’s first choice for job training and life-long learning.