Washington State Auditor Brian Sonntag will be honored during commencement ceremonies June 16 as Tacoma Community College’s 2007 Distinguished Alumnus.

The Distinguished Alumnus Award is intended to honor outstanding alumni of the college for community accomplishments or career success. Nominees must have earned at least 30 credit hours at TCC or have been full-time students at the college for at least two quarters.

“Brian has dedicated his life in service to others,” said TCC President Pamela Transue. His efforts as State Auditor have shown his great integrity and dedication to ethical use of public funds. Brian is an outstanding example of a successful TCC alumnus.”

A lifelong Tacoma resident, his career began with a job in the Pierce County Clerk’s office in 1972. In 1978 he was appointed County Clerk, was elected to the position later that year and re-elected to a second term four years later. In 1986 he was elected as Pierce County Auditor and re-elected in 1990. In 1992, Sonntag was elected State Auditor and has been re-elected three times.

Sonntag attended TCC in 1970-71, then attended University of Puget Sound from 1971-72. Prior to his public service jobs, he pursued a career in banking with Puget Sound National Bank.

His extensive community involvement has included serving on the United Way Boards in Pierce and Thurston Counties; on the board of Tacoma/Pierce County Boys and Girls Club, and working as a YMCA volunteer and a youth baseball and basketball coach. He has also volunteered for the March of Dimes and served as master of ceremonies for the Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival. He currently serves on the Tacoma Athletic Commission.