Green River Community College transformed Philip Lindholm. As one of 35 nominated by community and technical college for the Trustees Association of Community and Technical Colleges Transforming Lives award, Lindholm was recognized last Sunday at the association's annual conference.

"Much of being successful consists in finding that place and those people who make you  better," Lindholm wrote in a statement for the ceremony. "As a running-start, first-generation college student with no money, no job, and divorcing parents, that place for me was Green River Community College."

A graduate of Auburn schools, Lindholm earned an Associate of Arts degree in 2001. He received the President's Award, served as Chief Justice and Sophomore Class President, and was named to the All-Washington Academic Team. He transferred to Central Washington University's Honor's Program double-majoring in Philosophy of Religion and Philology and Exegesis. A finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship, Lindholm holds three masters degrees and a doctorate from Oxford University.

"As I walked on stage at the GRCC commencement to give the graduation speech and later receive the college's highest honor, the President's Award, I thought of all the people who had helped me along the way, and I vowed to honor their belief in me," Lindholm wrote.

"Philip's accomplishments are remarkable," Dr. Eileen Ely, Green River's president, said. "I am proud of Green River's faculty, staff and students for providing him support and encouragement along his path, just as they do with every other student who walks through our doors."

Lindholm has written two books, composed at Julliard, directed for the BBC and now teaches graduate-level courses at the University of Washington. He, his wife and four-month-old baby live in Tacoma.

The Transforming Lives Awards recognizes current and former community and technical college students whose lives were significantly impacted by their college. The five winners were Lisa Cook from Bellingham Technical College, Cristian Ramon from Big Bend Community College, Margaret Debevec from Centralia College, Chi Choi from Tacoma Community College and Patricia Denga from Whatcom Community College.