My father's 50-year legacy

Anyone who took business classes at Flathead Valley Community College from 1968 to 1992 will likely remember a constantly smiling faculty member by the name of Thomas C. Perry. Mr. Perry was known by his students as an effective teacher, a knowledgeable businessman, and a warm, approachable mentor. He is fondly remembered by his peers as a “congenial and hard-working member of the faculty and for his big smile.” He taught business management full-time at FVCC from 1968 to 1989 and continued teaching part-time until 1992.

The exemplary service of Mr. Perry, who was my father, was recognized by FVCC in April 2010 at an awards ceremony honoring original faculty members. At that time, Perry was posthumously granted “Emeritus Status.” Emeritus status was given to full-time faculty members and administrators in recognition of dedicated service at the college. It is conferred by the FVCC Board of Trustees to persons with a meritorious or exemplary service record.

According to a summary of his service, Perry “was hired for FVCC‘s second year of operation to put a business program in place. He created the business program and was one of the original builders of FVCC. Unofficially known as ‘Mr. Dependability,’ Tom brought credibility and excellent community relations to the college. In the early days when transfer agreements were not common, Tom’s business classes were accepted for credit at the University of Montana without question.”

Perry was uniquely qualified to teach at FVCC. According to the college’s summary of his professional background, “he was a true member of the greatest generation.” He attended Flathead County High School and was graduated in 1936. In 1941, after graduating from Brigham Young University, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He entered the Air Corps as a cadet and completed rigorous flight training at Luke Field, near Phoenix, Arizona. Six years later, he was promoted to major in the Army Air Corps. He flew for what later became known as the Air Transport Command during World War II, which took him all over the world. As stated in FVCC’s summary, “he was the first pilot to land at Orly Field in Paris upon liberation. After the war, he flew for Western Airlines but then returned to Kalispell to run the Eagle Shoe Company [a local retail shoe store] for 25 years.”

Although hired 50 years ago during the second year of the college’s operation, Perry was outspoken and fully supportive of initiatives to establish a community college in Kalispell to promote much needed educational opportunities at an affordable cost. Accordingly, in 1968, Perry began building the business program at the college for the benefit of the community and students who would have the opportunity to study a variety of business-related disciplines, including business administration and management, accounting, advertising, marketing and economics.

Perry loved teaching and mentoring his students. As reported in an April 1969 article about Perry’s business background, he emphasized the importance of local students gaining a good education. Commenting that teaching was much different than operating a business, he stated that “the challenge of teaching is being able to motivate the students to learn applicable business methods.”

Perry enjoyed motivating and teaching his students, whom he considered the future of the community and nation. Former faculty members and students emphasized that Perry’s business perspective was highly relevant and meaningful. Because he had successfully managed and operated a local business for more than two decades, they valued his experience and frequent references to real business problems highlighted in his classes.

One former student, David Bowdish, who continued his education after leaving FVCC and received a Master’s Degree, stated that Perry was his most memorable teacher because he used practical real-life examples to teach business, marketing and economic principles. This former student emphasized that Perry was very good at explaining complex business principles in ways that students could readily understand. In addition, he stated that Perry was always optimistic and enthusiastic in his approach to teaching and mentoring his students.

Another former student, Faith Hodges, who obtained her Master’s Degree in business administration at the University of Montana stated that Perry’s classes were informative and relevant. Hodges said she took virtually all of the classes taught by Perry. Her business classes not only transferred to the University of Montana, but several of the classes were recognized by the university as junior-level classes, even though they were taken at a two-year college.

Some of Perry’s former students commented that they especially appreciated their exposure to local business leaders as part of his curriculum. As a former business owner, Perry had an impressive network of local business owners and managers not only in Kalispell but in the Flathead Valley. For some of his classes, Perry arranged field trips or guest speakers so his students had the opportunity to meet and interview successful business leaders in the community to learn about real-time challenges and potential solutions in managing their businesses. Because these business leaders were Perry’s former colleagues, they were very informative, generous with their time, and supportive of the students. 

Former FVCC faculty members were also complimentary of Perry’s performance as a faculty member. The late Bill McClaren, one of the founders of FVCC, commented that Perry was a highly capable and dedicated teacher whose main focus was the teaching and success of his students. Don Garner, one of the college’s original faculty members, stated that Perry was a great teacher- — one of the best. Perry was very capable in teaching both older members of the community, who attended FVCC to learn how to improve business skills, start a business, or improve the management of their businesses, as well as younger students who attended college to begin their education and pursue a degree.

A vital part of Perry’s teaching was the importance of American business principles and the free enterprise system, which he believed was essential for the preservation of our national liberty and freedom. He loved his students and was optimistic about their future. He believed that their best years and the nation’s best years were in the future.

While it is difficult to measure the influence a faculty member like Perry had on students, the fruits of the business program are impressive. During the 50 years since the program was created, hundreds of local citizens and part-time and full-time students have benefited significantly. As this program has grown and consistently improved over the years, it has provided unique opportunities for students to learn the fundamental principles of business. In addition, it has afforded opportunities for students with business ambitions to enhance key business skills, start or manage their own businesses, or establish a solid foundation to pursue advance degrees in business management, administration, marketing, economics, and many other related disciplines.

In 2010, the Perry family established the Thomas C. Perry Endowment Fund at FVCC for the purpose of awarding scholarships to assist business students pursue their dreams. As of April 2018, eight students have been awarded scholarships.

Author Tom Perry, of Kalispell, is the proud son of business instructor Tom Perry. He is a 1968 graduate of Flathead High School and has enjoyed a long career in management and consulting.