Community Colleges for Iowa Honors Hawkeye Foundation Board Member

Mark Collett Honored with Larry Ebbers Honorary Trustee Award

Community Colleges for Iowa has recognized Mark Collett with the Larry Ebbers Honorary Trustee Award for his service to Hawkeye Community College and the Hawkeye Community College Foundation.

The award was presented during the 2026 Trustee Conference held July 7–9 in Marshalltown.

The Larry Ebbers Honorary Trustee Award is a unique award presented to individuals who are not college trustees, but who have significant impact in the community college sector as a community member, professional, or colleague.

"Mark's commitment to Hawkeye Community College runs deep," Heather Bremer, Hawkeye's executive director of institutional advancement, wrote in her nomination. "During his leadership, the [foundation] board doubled in size and launched its current capital campaign, Bright Minds, Bold Futures, which he helped design and organize."

Collett has served on the Hawkeye Community College Foundation board for six years, including two as board president. He and his wife, Deb, are former owners of Bloom Manufacturing in Independence, a world-renowned designer and manufacturer of industrial and mobile hydraulic winches.

"With the company based locally, Mark consistently hired graduates from Iowa's community colleges, recognizing the exceptional skills gained through hands-on trade programs," Bremer said.

Collett has also been a long-time advocate for the college, including supporting the 2023 bond referendum that was overwhelmingly approved by voters in Hawkeye's 10-county service area. For many years he has offered a scholarship for Jesup Community High School graduates who enroll at Hawkeye, a scholarship he recently endowed to ensure future generations will benefit.

"This act speaks volumes about his belief in the value of community colleges and the importance of empowering Iowa students to succeed and give back to their communities," Bremer said. 'Mark Collett is a promoter, contributor, and true friend of Hawkeye Community College."

Photo Caption

(L-R): College Trustee Dave Westley; Heather Bremer, executive director of institutional advancement; Deb Collett; Mark Collett, emeritus board member, Hawkeye Community College Foundation; Dr. Todd Holcomb, college president; Board of Trustees Chair Bridget Saffold; and Board of Trustees Vice Chair Jay Nardini at the 2026 Trustees Conference in Marshalltown.