Commencement 2023: Honorary Doctorate John and Joanne Parrish

John and Joanne Parrish

Mention SLCC to John Parrish, and you can expect a long and passionate conversation, "I could talk about SLCC all day!" says John. Utah natives, John and his wife, Joanne, are adamant about “changing the lives of students” at SLCC. "It is an amazing place that does wonderful things for our community,” says John.

John and Joanne believe deeply in the power of education. The John and Joanne Parrish Scholarship fund at SLCC has positively impacted dozens of SLCC students. " Seeing how our dollars are changing the lives is inspiring and humbling,” he says.

Retired, John and Joanne these days spend their time investing in Utah’s community. In 2008 they started the John M. Parrish Foundation, where they develop partnerships with local groups devoted to improving access to mental health services and aiding in addiction recovery. Some of the groups they have worked with include Salt Lake City’s 4^th Street Clinic, Fit to Recover and Impact Mental Health.

John Parrish's 45-year career saw him run and eventually own Midwest Floor Coverings, where Joanne also worked as a Director of Travel. With an inside perspective on Utah's economy, the Parrish’s see SLCC's students as the key to what businesses need. "SLCC sends out employable and job-ready students, and We are so happy to be a part of that legacy.”

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