Cardinal Citation Award
Each year Labette Community College and your LCC Alumni Association recognize an individual for a lifetime of outstanding service to their community and/or to the college. A distinguished panel of volunteers reviews nominations and recommends a Citee. The Citee is honored at a reception the evening of Commencement. All former Citees, their families, invited guests, and the public are invited to attend. The Citee is presented an award at Commencement. The Citee's framed portrait is hung in the Gallery of Cardinal Citation Recipients in the college's main administration building, Parsons campus. Nominations are accepted throughout the year.
Recipients
2024 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Robert (Bob) Joseph Bartelli
Bartelli's ties to LCC and the Parsons community are deep-rooted. He grew up and attended elementary and high school Parsons. Next, Bartelli began his higher education at Parsons Junior College, the predecessor of LCC. He graduated from PJC in 1961. During his high school and college years, Bartelli worked alongside his parents at Sally Ann Bakery Inc.
2023 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Dr. John F. Amos
Dr. Amos received his Associates of Arts degree from Parsons Junior College (now known as LCC) in 1962. He earned his bachelor’s degree and doctorate degree from the Illinois College of Optometry. He also holds a master’s degree in physiological optics from Indiana University. He was a Captain in the United States Air Force from January 1966 until September 1969, where he served as an Optometry Officer. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Services because of his service in the Republic of South Vietnam.
2022 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Dr. Etta Hollins
Dr. Etta Hollins, graduated from Parsons High School and Parsons Junior College (now Labette Community College) in 1962. After graduating from Pittsburg State University in 1964, Dr. Hollins began her teaching career at Garfield Elementary School and Parsons Middle School. She taught in a non-graded primary in the morning and middle school history in the afternoon. She relocated to California where she earned an administrative credential while teaching for the California Youth Authority. She later served in the California public schools as a vice principal, central office curriculum coordinator, and assistant director for human relations. She later relocated to Seattle, Washington where she served as department chair and taught history at the Meany Middle School and earned a master’s degree at the University of Washington in 1973. She spent a total of 20 years with public schools prior to earning a doctorate and moving on to higher education.
2021 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Sophia Zetmeir
Sophia Zetmeir, grew up in a small western Kansas town of Larned. She graduated Larned High School, attended Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa and Kansas State University in Manhattan. Sophia graduated from the Labette Community College Respiratory Therapy program in 1984.
Sophia, and her husband of 51 years, E.F. “Sonny” Zetmeir, owned Grandview Products Co., a cabinet manufacturer in Parsons. She worked part-time at LCC for five years as a recruiter and event planner prior to becoming a homemaker and working at the cabinet company. Grandview Products Co. shipped cabinets to 49 states. After Sonny’s passing in 2013, Sophia successfully led Grandview Products Co. until she retired and sold the business to a private cabinet manufacturer in 2018. Grandview Products Co. continues to operate in Parsons.
2019 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Jody Thompson
Jody L. Thompson was born and raised in Lawton, Oklahoma and is the son of Garland and Immogene (Henley) Thompson. He graduated from Duncan High School in 1966. After high school he went on to attend and wrestle at Lamar Junior College (1966-67) and Adams State College (1967-70). Jody earned All-American honors both years at Adams State. In 1968 and again in 1972, Jody was an Olympic finals qualifier. In 1985 he earned his Masters of Arts degree in Physiology of Exercise from Pittsburg State University.
2018 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Leon Whetzel
Leon Whetzel was born in 1936 in Parsons, Kansas to parents Earl and Marie Whetzel. He graduated from Parsons High School in 1954. After high school, he moved to Kansas City to work as a drafter for an engineering firm. A year later, he returned to Parsons to attend Parsons Junior College, graduating in June 1957. He married Cecilia Bush and became a drafter/surveyor aide for the Katy Railroad. He was transferred to Denison, Texas in August 1958 and was promoted to Engineer of Buildings in 1960. That same year, Whetzel earned a Universal Correspondence School structural engineering certificate and was trained in electrical and mechanical engineering design.
2017 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Rees Hughes
Rees Hughes, born and raised in Parsons, KS and is the son of William D. ‘Pete’ and Mary Hughes of Parsons. Hughes and his family currently reside in Arcata, California. Hughes attended LCC, as did each of his three siblings (Megan, Janie, and Griff), before continuing his education at the University of Kansas. In 1979 he left the University of Kansas with his baccalaureate and Masters degrees in Educational Administration and Guidance and Counseling for a position at Seattle University.
2016 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Charles “Chuck” and Mary Catherine Brown
Chuck and Mary Catherine graduated from Parsons High school with college credits accumulated through Parsons Junior College, now known as Labette Community College. Both of them went on to graduate from the University of Kansas. Chuck earned a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1956 and Mary Catherine earned a Bachelor degree in Nursing in 1961. She furthered her higher education by also earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Trade and Technical Education from Pittsburg State College, which is now known as Pittsburg State University, in 1972.
2015 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Gary Wall
1959 Graduate of Labette Community College
After graduating from PJC, Gary went on to Kansas State College of Pittsburg where he majored in Marketing and graduated in 1962. He was active in college as a member Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity and Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity. Gary continued his education and earned a Certificate in Mortuary Science from the University of Kansas in 1963.
2014 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Roberta Harlow Whetzel
1957 Graduate of Labette Community College, BS: Pittsburg State University
Roberta began her professional career in 1959 at Joplin High School as a girls physical education teacher. Roberta spent several years in teaching and coaching. In 1975 Roberta and her husband, Alan, acquired Business Systems, Inc [BSI], an office equipment company in Wichita, Kansas. Alan and Roberta sold their business in 2005 and retired to their Lucky W Ranch.
Full Press Release
2013 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Bud Cooper
1957 Graduate of Labette Community College, BS: Pittsburg State University, Master of Divinity: St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri Doctor of Ministry: Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia
Full Press Release
2012 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Dr. Wanda Maxson-Ladage
1957 Graduate of Labette Community College, BS: Pittsburg State University, Master of Divinity: St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri Doctor of Ministry: Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia
Full Press Release
2011 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Joseph E. Spear
AA 1972, BA, Kansas State University
Joseph E. Spear is a 1972 graduate of Labette Community College where he received his Associate of Arts. He then earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. Spear is a registered Architect and NCARB certified. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, AIA Kansas City, and AIA Missouri. Spear is a founding senior principal of Populous, a global design practice specializing in architecture, master planning, urban design, and interior design. Spear has major responsibility for the firm’s designs. His experience, which spans more than 30 years, includes design, programming, site studies, master planning, interior architecture, cost estimating, delineation of design concepts, production of contract documents and contract administration.
2010 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Gary J. Daniels
AA 1962, BA 1965, MA Pittsburg State University, 1966, Ph.D. 1973
Daniels began his professional career at Parsons State Hospital and Training Center in Parsons, KS in 1962. He began as a Psychiatric Aide and moved on to become a Psychology Trainee. He was a Clinical Psychologist for Four County Mental Health Clinic of Independence, KS and a Clinical Psychologist for Parsons State Hospital and Training Center from 1966-1967. Daniels was a Staff Psychologist at the Nisonger Center for Mental Retardation at Ohio State University in Columbus, OH from 1973-1979.
2009 Cardinal Citation Recipient
P. Michael Brotherton
BA 1975, MA Pittsburg State University, 1977
P. Michael Brotherton began teaching in the English Department at Labette Community College in 1976; he retired in December 2006, having taught 30 years. During his tenure at Labette, he worked on many college-related projects. He coordinated the restoration of the LCC Art Collection (a project nominated for the Governor’s Arts Awards) and the renovation of Hendershot Gallery. With other members of the English Department, he worked to establish the first college-wide placement testing program on campus, and he served on “The Team,” a group of faculty members who pioneered online education at Labette.
2008 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Sonny Zetmeier
Kansas State University
Emil Frank "Sonny" Zetmeir has been named the 2008 Cardinal Citation Award winner by the Labette Community College Alumni Association and LCC. This is the highest honor that is bestowed an individual for lifetime achievement.
2007 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Arvon Phillips
AA 1954 Labette Community College
Arvon Phillips of Parsons has received the highest honor bestowed from the LCC Foundation & Alumni Association for lifetime achievement. He has been named the 2007 Cardinal Citation Recipient.
2006 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Robert Brandenburg
AA 1959 Parsons Junior College, BS 1961
Robert E. Brandenburg of Parsons has received the highest honor bestowed from the LCC Foundation & Alumni Associations for lifetime achievement. He has been named the 2006 Cardinal Citation Recipient.
2005 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Bill Guthridge
BS 1960, MS 1963, Kansas State University
Bill grew up in Parsons and attended Washington Grade School, West Junior High School, and Parsons High School graduating in 1955. In 1956 he attended Parsons Junior College before transferring to Kansas State University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1960 and his Master’s Degree in 1963.
2004 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Ralph “Deadeye” Dennis
AA 1946 Parsons Junior College, BA 1948 Pittsburg State University
Retired teacher and coach Ralph Dennis, Olathe, Kansas is a native of Parsons. He attended Washington Elementary School, West Junior High, Parsons High School and Parsons Junior College. He graduated from PJC in 1946. Dennis is often called “Deadeye” by his friends, a name attached to him in grade school during a chase-and-capture game. He was student body president in his sophomore year at PJC. The summer after graduating from PJC he managed a Pee Wee baseball team, then enrolled at Kansas State Teachers College—now Pittsburg State University. He graduated from KSTC in 1948 with a bachelor’s degree in education.
2003 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Max Schiefelbusch
BS and MS Pittsburg State University
Max Schiefelbusch, of Parsons, was a teacher and coach in Parsons public schools for 15 years and an instructor at Parsons Junior College for 21 years. He also served in the United States Army, leaving as a master sergeant. During his employment with PJC, he served as chairman of the social science department for four years and sponsored the college's Pep Club, Democratic Club, and Foreign Students Club. He retired in 1981. Schiefelbusch has also been involved with the Boy Scouts, the Kansas State Teacher's Association Convention, Parsons Rotary Club, Parsons Human Relations Commission and the Parsons Planning Commission. He received the Elks' Distinguished Citizen Award in 1989.
2002 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Lester "Les" Hearson, PhD
AA 1954 Parsons Junior College
Lester L. Hearson, Ph.D., a 1954 graduate of Parsons Junior College, is a retired registrar and professor of biology at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana. He has served as a city council member and deputy mayor of Crawfordsville, chair of the committee for revitalization of downtown, member of the steering committee for Christians for Montgomery County and president of Crawfordsville Schools Board of Trustees. He has also been the recipient of the 1997 Man of the Year and the 1999 Community Service Awards. Hearson supports the Kiwanis Club, Family Crisis Shelter, United Fund and the Commission on Environment.
2001 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Earl Seifert
AA 1941 Parsons Junior College; BS 1943 Mechanical Engineering Kansas State University
After serving in the US Navy during WWII, Earl Seifert returned to Parsons and worked for the Katy Railroad as a product engineer of tests. In 1957, he joined what is now the Dayton Superior Corporation in Parsons as a sales and product engineer. He retired in 1987. Earl is a nationally recognized authority on highway paving joint design. He is a past chair of the Bar Support Committee of the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI) and was active in the American Concrete Paving Association (ACPA) and Wire Reinforcing Institute (WRI). The Parsons Arboretum Foundation is included in his many interests and services to the community. The Earl Seifert Visitor Center at the Arboretum was named in his honor in 2000. Earl is also a recipient of the “Kansas State Forester's Award in Urban and Community Forestry.”
2000 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Dana Jane (Richmond) Saliba
AA 1949 Parsons Junior College; BS University of Kansas, MS Pittsburg State University
Dana Saliba’s interest in music began with her parent's store, Richmond Music Home. She taught music in several schools, and while living in Lebanon, she directed projects to establish music education in other Middle Eastern countries. She returned to the U.S. and Kansas to continue teaching music education in several schools. In 1976, she joined the faculty at LCC where she was head of the music department for 17 years. Among Dana's credits are being named 1978 "Outstanding Faculty Member," and initiating the LCC Community Symphony Orchestra and Chorale. In 1985, she began the tradition of presenting Handel's, "The Messiah.” She is a member of the LCC Foundation.
1999 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Rhodelma (Schoenborn) Bell
AA 1929 Parsons Junior College; BS 1931 Chemistry University of Missouri
Following her college graduation, Rhodelma Bell was a social welfare worker in Parsons. During WWII she moved to Texas to teach servicemen how to repair B-17 bombers. Rhodelma was an enthusiastic supporter of LCC. She was a member of the editorial staff committee for the Cardinal Magazine, wrote articles for the magazine and was named "Special Ambassador" for the LCC 75th Anniversary Celebration. Bell was an active volunteer for various organizations including the Girl Scouts, Red Cross, Eastern Star and her church. For 75 years she collected hats and presented hat shows throughout the mid west. She was affectionately known as the “Hat Lady.”
1998 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Helen C. (McGuire) Jones
BS University of Missouri; MS University of Alabama
Helen Jones began her involvement with LCC as an instructor in Home Economics in 1965. She was administrative assistant to the LCC president and executive secretary of the LCC Endowment Association from 1972-80. She is also a past president of the LCC Foundation Board of Directors. She has been active in her church on both the state and national level. She has also been active in the community, spearheading the Parsons Community Development Corporation. Helen has also served as Chairperson of the County Central Committee for her political party from 1996 to 1998. Recognition for her volunteer work and service includes the “Valiant Woman Award” from Church Women United and the Soroptimist International “Women Helping Woman Award.”
1997 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Bill R. Pounds
AA Sayre Junior College; BS Southwestern State College; MS Oklahoma University
After a career as an educator in Oklahoma, Bill Pounds moved his family to Parsons in 1962 to become Vice-Principal at Parsons High School and to teach in the math department. For the next 25 years, from 1966 until 1991, Pounds was employed by Labette Community College. He began as registrar and math instructor. From 1997 until retirement, he was Dean of Student Services. Twice he was called upon to serve as interim president of LCC. He has been active in his church and community as well as several professional education administrator organizations.
1996 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Francis "Slick" Norris
AA 1950 Parsons Junior College; BS and MS Pittsburg State University; EdS University of Wyoming
After serving in the US Navy during WWII, Slick Norris has been a teacher, coach, elementary principal, secondary administrator and part-time instructor for Labette Community College. In 1984, he was selected as “Kansas Administrator of the Year”. He received an educational leadership award by KASSP in 1985. Mr. Norris has been a Boy Scout volunteer for 47 years and is the recipient the “Silver Beaver” award which is the highest honor a scout council can give to a volunteer. He is the past president of the LCC Alumni Association and has served on the LCC Foundation Board.
1995 Cardinal Citation Recipient
William D. "Pete" Hughes
AA 1941 Parsons Junior College; BS 1943 Pittsburg State University
Following three years of duty in the U.S. Navy during WWII, Hughes returned to Parsons and started an insurance and real estate agency. From that time until the present, he has given outstanding service to the college and the community. He has also been actively involved in his church, the community chorus and the Labette Creek Crooners. In addition, he served as President of the Parsons Kiwanis Club, Parsons Chamber of Commerce, the Parsons Community Foundation, The Labette Community College Foundation, the YMCA, the Parsons Public Library, the USD 503 School Board, and as Chairman of the Parsons Human Relations Commission and The United Way. He is active in the boy scouts and Parsons Public Housing Authority. He also assists his wife, Mary, with Operation Bright Touch.
1994 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Letty Lane Gaier
BS Nursing, University of Oklahoma; MS, Specialist in Education, Pittsburg State University
Letty Gaier began her nursing career as Director of Nursing in Seminole, Oklahoma and she served in supervisory and instructor roles in Oklahoma and Kansas schools before becoming a nursing instructor at LCC in 1968. She retired from the position of Director of Nursing in 1981. Gaier also served on a Governor's task force and the State Board of Nursing. Among the awards that she received are the Kansas Health Occupation's “Educator Award” and an award for fifty years of volunteer service to the American Red Cross.
1993 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Bertrand James Brown
AA 1953 Parsons Junior College; AB 1957 Emporia State University; MS 1959 Kansas State University; Ed.D. Ed University of Massachusetts
Dr. Brown has enjoyed a progressively responsible career in education in the New York City school system. He has been a teacher, school principal, director of District programs for Youth and Adult Education Center, director of Cultural Enrichment Programs, director of Special Extended School Programs and superintendent of schools, C-5 district. His energy and abilities were displayed early in academics and athletics at Parsons High School and during his year at PJC. He gained citywide attention in New York City for his leadership in “Each One Teach One,” funded privately by Mobile Oil. The City Tabernacle Church named him “Educator of the Year” in 1978 and in 1982 Dr. Brown received the “Outstanding Educational Administrator Award” from New York Community School District Five. He is actively involved in a number of professional and community boards, and is a lifetime member of the NAACP.
1992 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Betty (Rule) Alleman
AA 1941 Parsons Junior College; BS Nursing, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Betty Alleman worked as an associate professor of nursing at Washington University. Later she was a professor of pediatric nursing at Genesee Hospital School of Nursing in Rochester, New York and an elementary school nurse. Alleman has been a tireless worker as a volunteer for various aspects of the performing arts. She served as president of the board of directors of the Rochester (NY) Chamber Orchestra and box office manager. In 1984, she was recognized as one of the eight “Women Who Make a Difference” in Rochester. In 1987 she was the recipient of the Association of American University Women award as the “Woman of the Year in the Arts.”
1991 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Gerald William Nice
AA 1941 Parsons Junior College; BS University of Kansas; M.D. University of Kansas
For two years during WWII, Dr. Nice served as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He was in private practice for 34 years in internal medicine and diseases of the chest in Topeka. Dr. Nice presented many lectures and wrote more than two-dozen articles pertaining to his work, he retired in 1968. In 1970 he was named “Doctor of the Year” by the Topeka Kansas Capital-Journal and recognized by WIBW-TV as “Citizen of the Month.”
1990 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Pauline (Stallings) Bracken
1990 Pauline (Stallings) Bracken, AA 1931, long time teacher and counselor at LCC, instrumental in development of GED program, following retirement gave GED instruction and testing at the Labette County Jail as a volunteer.
1989 Cardinal Citation Recipient
John S. (Jack) Gribben
AA 1932 Parsons Junior College
Ruth Elaine (North) Gribben
AA 1932 Parsons Junior College; Pittsburg State University
Jack and Ruth were long time residents of Parsons before they moved to Wichita after retirement. Assets to the community of Parsons, Ruth taught in the Parsons schools for five years and held memberships in several clubs and civic organizations as well as worked as a leader in the Cub Scouts and the Girl Scouts; Jack founded Sun Graphics, Incorporated, a major employer in the county, in 1947 after careers with Commercial Publisher and the Parsons Sun. He received many awards for his volunteer work and service to the community. Jack also served as a Boy Scout master.
1988 Cardinal Citation Recipient
R. M. (Bob) Smith
AA 1941 Parsons Junior College
Bob Smith began his teaching career in a rural elementary school when he was only 17 years old. Eventually he graduated from PJC where he learned to fly in the Civilian Pilot Training program. For 3 ½ years during WWII, he flew seaplanes in the pacific theater. Following the war he worked as a sales representative for Pacific Telephone and Telegraph in the Los Angeles area. Later he became a special representative to the Atomic Energy Commission and witnessed the first 15 nuclear detonations. Long active in his community, Smith has been a scoutmaster, a coach for Pop Warner football, president of his Lions Club, trustee of Southern California Lions Eye Institute, and, in 1972, was recognized by his community as “Citizen of the Year”. He has also published several articles on naval aviation.
1987 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Frederik Schultz
AB 1942 Chemistry Kansas State University; Ph.D. 1950 Chemistry Iowa State University
Originally from New York, Dr. Schultz spent 21 years in research and development at General Electric. At one point he was senior manager at its Mississippi Test Facility. In addition, he was manager of NASA Support Operation where he was responsible for all business activities in Huntsville, Alabama including engineering, manufacturing, finance and employee relations. In 1974 he retired and moved to Chetopa, Kansas, where he was soon hired as acting manager of the K-State Pecan Experiment Field. Besides being active in both Chetopa and countywide citizens committees, Shultz served 12 years on the LCC Board of Trustees.
1986 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Kenneth L. Ervin
AA 1948 Parsons Junior College; BS in Education Pittsburg State University
Mr. Ervin has long been active in Boy Scouts of America and has received the “Silver Beaver” award, which is the highest honor a Boy Scout council can give to a volunteer. He was a member of the committee that organized to form the Cooperative Industrial Training Program at LCC and a member of the LCC Foundation. Mr. Ervin served on the United Way Board and the Parsons Lake Advisory Board. He was the first president of Big Hill Lake Association and has been active in many Wesley United Methodist Church activities.
1986 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Norma Jean (Peterson) Seaton
AA 1941 Parsons Junior College; BS in Music Pittsburg State University; Masters of Music 1963 Northwestern University
Mrs. Seaton is a nationally recognized Suzuki teacher as well as being orchestra director/teacher in the Parsons public schools. She is choir director and organist for the First Methodist Church. Mrs. Seaton also holds memberships in and has held offices in these organizations: Kansas Chapter of American String Teachers, Kansas Music Educators, American Board of Directors for the Suzuki Association.
1985 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Gerald W. Barnard
BS Pittsburg State University
Gerald W. Barnard, a native of Oswego, is past president of the Oswego First National Bank and is currently serving the bank as chairman of the board. He has served as mayor of Oswego and has been active on numerous committees such as Mid-America, Oswego Hospital Board, Kansas Bankers Association, United Methodist Church, Rotary, Pittsburg State University Foundation and the Bank Administration Institute. Mr. Barnard and his wife, Jane, were the recipients of the “Emeritus Award” presented by the Labette Community College Foundation in recognition of their generosity to, and financial support of the college.
1984 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Julia (Markham) Piper
BA University of Kansas
Piper has been active in many organizations and the recipient of many honors. She was the first woman president of the Parsons Board of Education and the first president of the Parsons League of Women Voters. She also served as President of the United Presbyterian Women of Parsons, National Vice President of Church Women United, Trustee of Labette Community College Endowment Association, and Co-chairperson of National Conference of Church and Synagogue Women. Mrs. Piper has also received the “Distinguished Service Citation” from the University of Kansas, Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the College of Emporia, “Valiant Woman Award” from the Church Women United, and was speaker for the Armed Forces Chaplains to Protestant Women of the Chapel in 7 NATO countries in 1965.
1983 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Howard Leon Carnahan
AA 1939 Parsons Junior College; BS 1942 Kansas State University; MS and Ph.D. University of Minnesota
Since 1969 Dr. Carnahan of Chico, California has been the Director of Plant Breeding at the California Co-operative Rice Research Foundation, Inc. of Biggs, California. He is responsible for developing over 90% of the rice acreage planted in California as well as being the co-developer of varieties of red clover, ladino clover, and alfalfa. Dr. Carnahan has received the “Service to Agriculture” award, the Navy’s “Nimitz Commendation”, and has had more than 100 scientific papers published. For 10 years he coached little league baseball and has served as president of little league in Reno, Nevada.
1982 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Neal Riden, Jr.
AA 1948 Parsons Junior College; BS 1950 Economics University of Wisconsin; MD 1951 University of Wisconsin; Ph.D. U 1964 University of Wisconsin
Dr. Riden is an international economist, Agency for International Development, Bureau for Program and Policy Coordination, Development Analysis Division where he has been since 1973. Before that time he was an economist with the World Bank from 1969-1973. He has had several publications, the most recent being “World Wide Bankruptcy – The Dead Problem.” Dr. Riden is a member of the AME Brown Chapel Church, the Prince George Civic Association, and the NAACP.
1981 Cardinal Citation Recipient
William Richard “Dick” Scott
AA 1952 Parsons Junior College; BS 1954, MS 1955 University of Kansas; Ph.D. 1961 Chicago University
Dr. Scott is a noted scholar, researcher and writer. Since 1969, he has been a Professor of Sociology at Stanford University and has received national recognition for his work in the field of medical research. Dr. Scott has numerous papers and books published and is a member of a long list of national medical and social science organizations, including the Advisory Committee of the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinic Center, Stanford University School of Medicine and Veterans Administration Medical Center. Most of his community service has been performed at the national level, where he has served on a number of commissions and committees.
1980 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Roy H. Norris
AA 1956 Parsons Junior College; BS 1959 (Magna Cum Laude), MS 1962 University of Wichita; Ph.D. 1972 Oklahoma State University
Dr. Norris is a noted scholar, teacher, engineer and researcher. He received the 1966 “Regents Award for Excellence” in teaching, the 1976 “Outstanding Engineering Teachers Award”, and the “Leadership in Service to Wichita State University Award” in 1978. He was a member of the research team that resulted in Wichita State University being named a National Rehabilitation Engineering Center. Dr. Norris has published many articles and engineering papers and has been instrumental in many designs to assist and aid the handicapped. He is active in student recruitment and in advising students. In 1980, he was named chairman of the Department of Electrical Engineering at WSU.
1979 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Charles M. Nice
AA 1937 Parsons Junior College; BA 1939, MD 1943 University of Kansas; MS 1948 University of Colorado; Ph.D. 1956 University of Minnesota
Dr. Nice was recognized for outstanding educational and medical achievements, contributions to research and publication of numerous books, articles and papers in his field while maintaining an active interest in music, church, and family. Dr. Nice is a Professor and Chairman of the Radiology Department at Tulane University in New Orleans. He has been chairman of many national medical society committees, including the American College of Radiology and Southern Medical Journal. Dr. Nice plays and writes music for the clarinet.
1978 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Myles F. Pember
AA 1925 Parsons Junior College; BS Ed Pittsburg State University; MA 1932 University of Kansas
Myles Pember was newspaperman, advertising executive, educator, civic leader, humanitarian and a member of the first class at PJC. As one of the first PJC students, he was an athlete and promoter of the college. He named the athletic teams the “Cardinals” and scored the first points for the basketball team. Mr. Pember was editor of the Monroe, Wisconsin Times and city editor for the Parsons Sun and a charter member of the Chicago Press Club. After his newspaper career, Mr. Pember spent the next 20 years as an account executive for J. Walter Thompson, the world’s largest advertising agency. He then returned to Kansas, and for the next 10 years, taught English and dramatic arts at Labette Community College. He was Cub Master of the first Cub Scout pack organized in Parsons.
1977 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Dennis Ray Wyant
AA 1963 Parsons Junior College; BS Southwest Missouri State; MS 1971 Wright State; Ph.D. Ed 1974 University of Cincinnati
Dr. Wyant is a blinded veteran, businessman, author, speaker and public servant. After becoming disabled, Dr Wyant completed both a masters and doctorate degree, had a highly successful business career, and then became a national advocate for war veterans and workers with handicaps. He served in the White House and was Executive Staff Member of the President’s Committee on Employment for the Handicapped. Dr. Wyant has received numerous national awards for his work with disabled veterans. While a student at PJC, he was President of the Student Council.
1976 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Gerald A. Finch
AA 1935 Parsons Junior College
Gerald Finch was a civic, church, and Boy Scout leader, humanitarian, and railroad veteran. Finch retired as Yard Foreman from the MKT railroad in 1975. He was instrumental in organizing Troop 33 where he served for 36 years. He was the recipient of the “Silver Beaver” award, which is the highest honor a Boy Scout council can give to a volunteer. For many years, he chaired the Labette Chapter of the American Red Cross Blood program. Mr. Finch served on the Parsons zoning and planning commission and the citizen’s advisory committee.
1976 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Margaret E. Smith
AB Baker University; MA Northwestern University
Margaret E. Smith, educator and counselor at Parsons Junior College made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of education by molding the of character of her students during her forty years at the college. Miss Smith began teaching in 1926 at PJC. She taught speech and dramatic arts and was director of activities. In 1943 Miss Smith was named Counselor of Women. In 1965 she was nominated for the “Kansas Master Teacher Award” and was active in national, state and professional associations. She retired in 1965.
1975 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Charles H. Miller
AA 1928 Parsons Junior College; BS 1930, MD 1932 Creighton University
Dr. Miller was a physician, surgeon, civic and professional leader. In 1945, he co-founded the Parsons Clinic and was chairman of the Southeast Kansas Comprehensive Health Planning Council from 1972 until 1973. Dr. Miller was instrumental in the establishment of the nursing education program at LCC. Very dedicated to his community, he was president of the Parsons Chamber of Commerce in 1962, a member of the Parsons Urban Renewal Agency and a director of the State Bank of Parsons. Dr. Miller was the first president of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Council and holder of the fourth degree in the Knights of Columbus.
1974 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Margaret H. Howell
AA 1938 Parsons Junior College; BS 1940, MS 1949 Emporia State University
Miss Howell was an outstanding educator, student administrator, community and professional leader. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Emporia State University. She taught high school in Madison and Iola and was an assistant professor of English at the College of Emporia, a private school. She was the Dean of Women at Baker University from 1953 to 1960, then Dean of Students there from 1960 to 1974, being the first woman dean at a coeducational college in the state of Kansas. She was state president of the Kansas Federation of Business and Professional Women's Club in 1973-74. She helped found and was president of the Baldwin City Business and Professional Women’s Club. She was secretary of the Baldwin City Planning Commission and a member of numerous state and national organizations.
1973 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Clyde M. Reed
Litt.D. University of Kansas
As the nationally known and esteemed editor and publisher of The Parsons Sun, Clyde Reed won the William Allen White Foundation “Kansas Editor of the Year” in 1963, Kansas Bar Association Award in 1967, the National Journalism Scholarship Society “Outstanding State Publisher” award in 1973. Clyde Reed was chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents from 1962-63.
Perhaps Mr. Reed’s greatest interest was community development. He was the first president of Mid-America Incorporated and chairman of the Parsons Urban Renewal Agency. He was the Republican candidate for Kansas governor in 1958. Clyde Reed was truly an outstanding citizen of his community, state, and nation.
1972 Cardinal Citation Recipient
Rees H. Hughes
AB Washburn College; MA Columbia University; LL.D. Washburn University
Dr. Hughes began his career as a rural high school teacher. In 1921 he was named Parsons High School principal. He was superintendent of the Parsons schools for 16 years. His leadership resulted in the establishment of Parsons Junior College (Labette Community College) in 1923.
Dr. Hughes distinguished himself as President of Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg, Kansas. From 1957-1961 he served as President Emeritus and Professor of Education and Psychology at the KSTC. After retirement, Dr. Hughes continued his life of service as a member of the Kansas legislature