Karon Campbell joined friends and loved ones Thursday to celebrate her designation as the 2018 Three Rivers College Distinguished Alumni.
The woman behind Tasteful Creations Catering is the college's third Alumni of the Year and was honored in a reception at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center.
"Karon is exceptional and she is an exceptional representative of Three Rivers College," President Dr. Wesley Payne said. "In fact, she's a three-time alumni of Three Rivers College and that makes us triple proud."
Among the guests paying tribute to Campbell were Evelyn and Steve Whitworth. They have known the honoree for more than 40 years, since she first worked for the family at Whitworth's Gift Chest Jewelers as a college student.
Campbell is one of the exceptional students recommended to the Whitworths by Vida Stanard, formerly of TRC, Steve said.
"Back in the day, Vida Stanard would always provide her best students in her program at the college. Whenever Dad needed an employee, he'd say 'Vida, I need somebody to help,'" he said.
Shortly after she started, Campbell began a friendship with her co-worker, which later resulted in the marriage of Campbell to the woman's brother, BJ. Thirty-nine-years later, the couple is happily married with three daughters.
"We like to take full responsibility for their whole family," Steve said.
Campbell said when she learned she is this year's Distinguished Alumni, she was surprised
"I thought, 'You've got to be kidding me,'" she said. "I was shocked. Honored, but shocked."
In addition to her recognition as this year's Distinguished Alumni, Campbell will serve as keynote speaker for the 2018 Three Rivers Commencement Ceremony at 6 p.m. May 18 at the Black River Coliseum.
Director of Development Michelle Reynolds said Campbell is an exemplary person who sets the bar for the college's current students.
"When our students see the local talent and success that follows our alumni, they are able to see that hard work and perseverance leads to huge rewards," Reynolds said.
Evelyn Whitworth recalled when Campbell was pregnant with her oldest daughter. Another employee was also pregnant, but the women were due at separate times. Evelyn said she will never forget a 4:30 a.m. phone call she received from Campbell.
"It was Karon and she said, 'I can't come into work today, I'm having a baby. (I) said, 'Well that's wonderful, you're certainly excused.' And then she says, 'And Susie is having her baby, too.' They were our only two employees," said Evelyn fondly, adding that she ended up working at the store that day.