Jun 05, 2015 11:32 pm

Pierce College is proud to recognize Jerry Korum as the recipient of the college’s first-ever Honorary Associate of Arts degree. In recognition of his educational service, community involvement and personal and professional accomplishments, the college will award the degree during the 2015 Commencement ceremony.

Awarded by the Pierce College Board of Trustees, the honorary degree is the highest form of recognition offered by the district to people of exceptional distinction. Korum leads a highly successful, entrepreneurial business, Korum Automotive Group, which has received numerous awards and accolades for its commitment to outstanding community support.

For more than 20 years, Korum has worked with students in the PierceWorks program for displaced and unemployed workers. He also contributed significant time and funds into the 2002 Pierce College Child Development Center Capital Campaign, and he has also supported countless students as a significant donor to the Pierce College Foundation.

Throughout the community, he is well known for his generosity, kindness and willingness to help others through numerous organizations.

“It is such an honor to receive an honorary degree from Pierce College,” Korum said. “I always tell people this is my college, and I was so surprised and delighted to be selected.”

Pierce College is privileged to be recognizing Korum for his achievements in educational service, humanitarian service, servant leadership, personal and professional accomplishments and entrepreneurial leadership with the institution’s inaugural honorary degree.

Korum will also serve as the keynote speaker of the 2015 Commencement Ceremony, sharing his thoughts on life, the importance of setting goals, giving back to the community and more.

Commencement takes place Friday, June 12 at 3:30 p.m. at the Tacoma Dome.