Distinguished Alumni Award

2024 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Maria Kaboli

Maria Kaboli's life story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the pursuit of education despite numerous challenges. Born 84 years ago in Iran, Maria embarked on a journey that took her across continents and through various career paths, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on the healthcare community in Parsons, Kansas.

2024 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Travis Keal

Travis Keal's journey from Parsons, KS to becoming a distinguished educator and coach is a testament to his dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence. Born in Parsons and later moving to Independence, Travis graduated from Independence High School in 1988. Next, he returned to his hometown to pursue his higher education at Labette Community College on a wrestling scholarship. His outstanding performance both on the mat and in the classroom earned him the title of NJCAA Academic All-American.

2023 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Wanda “Wendy” M. Nutt, RN

Wanda “Wendy” M. Nutt, RN, was born in Parsons, Kansas on November 4, 1949, to Jim and Nadine Gilpin. She was second of eight siblings and raised on the Neosho River near St. Paul, Kansas. She attended Lakeview, a rural one room schoolhouse; St. Paul school; and graduated from Erie High School.

2023 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Colonel Jeffery R. Locke

Colonel Jeffery R. Locke graduated from Derby High School in 1985. He then attended Labette Community College on a wrestling scholarship. He earned an Associate Degree in General Studies in 1988 from LCC. In February 1990, Colonel Locke enlisted in the 184th Tactical Fighter Group, Kansas Air National Guard. In May of 1990, he attended Basic Military Training, followed by Aircraft Maintenance School where he earned Honor Graduate accolades in both.

2022 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Dennis Dodd

Dennis Dodd grew up in Parsons Kansas, and after graduating from Parsons High School 1993, Dodd attended Fort Scott Community college to play football and then transferred to the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Dodd returned to Parsons in 1995 and worked various jobs before becoming a Parsons Police Officer in 2006. Dodd received an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from Labette Community College 2013, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Central Christian College 2016. He has over 16 years of criminal Justice experience serving in all positions from Dispatcher, Police Officer, School Resource Officer, Patrol Corporal, Patrol Sergeant, and now as the Deputy Chief of Police.

2022 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Dr. Autumn Finley

Dr. Autumn Finley an Altamont, KS, native attended Altamont Grade School and graduated from Labette County High School in 2006. She went on to attend Labette Community College in 2006-2007, later earning her BA in English Literature at Missuri State University in 2009. Finley earned an MA in English Literature from Pittsburg State University in 2011 and a PhD in Eighteenth-century British Literature from Oklahoma State University in 2017.

Finley credits Labette Community College for sparking an interest in working with students at the college level. While attending LCC, she worked as a work-study in the admissions office and was a student ambassador. Later she also worked part time at LCC in the financial aid office and as adjunct instructor of English.

2022 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Joaquin Negron-Padilla

Joaquin Negron-Padilla born in Mexico and attended Erie Elementary School, where he lived with Henry and Esther Watkins. In 1962, he moved to Parsons, and attended Parsons High School while living with the Perez family, Tony and Joe. Negron-Padilla graduated from Parsons Junior College in 1969. He transferred to Pittsburg State University on a track scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in psychology in 1970. He earned a Master's Degree in Psychology and Counseling in 1974 and a Specialists' Degree in Education in 1981.

Negron-Padilla has dedicated his career to education, teaching at the high school and college level and acting as an international student advisor at Pittsburg State University. In 1983, Negron-Padilla’s family moved to Garden City, KS, for him to work as a counselor in a school district. There was a large need for positive role models in education, like Negron-Padilla, in the high population of minorities which attended the school district. He felt his help with the students attributed to their successful completion of high school, college, and entering the workforce.

2022 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Dr. Edward O’Brien

Dr. Edward O’Brien, a Parsons, KS native was born in 1949. His father operated a family farm and his mother was an X-Ray technician and nurse. His early years were spent working on the family farm. After the deaths of his parents, he and wife Jean continue to operate this Centennial Farm that has been continuously owned by four generations. O’Brien also worked in other manual labor jobs as a youth and young adult, including working for a wire products company, a grain elevator, a clothing manufacturing company, a local medical center, and as a roustabout on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. These jobs contributed to a lifelong interest in working class individuals as an underserved population in psychology, in which he has dedicated his entire career.

2021 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Deborah “Debbie” L. Lamb

Deborah “Debbie” L. Lamb, a lifelong Parsonian, attended Garfield and McKinley grade schools before graduating from Parsons High School in 1977. She went on to earn her Associate in Business Administration from Labette Community College in 1979. Lamb also graduated from Kansas IIMC Certification Institute and the International Municipal Clerks as a Certified Municipal Clerk.

Lamb has dedicated her entire professional career to city government. She began as a City of Parsons part-time clerk typist in the utility department in 1974, then moved to the city clerk’s office in 1976 to work under former City Clerk Mildred C. Vance. Debbie has also served in the capacity as deputy city clerk, city clerk and interim city manager prior to becoming the Parsons City Manager in 2014.

2021 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Tony Munoz

Tony Munoz, born in Parsons, attended both St. Patrick grade school and high school graduating in 1966. He graduated from Labette Community Junior College in 1968 with an Associate's degree in Elementary Education. Munoz continued his education at St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, Kansas. There he obtained his Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 1970. He became a member of KNEA, Kansas National Education Association. He began his teaching career in Spearville, Kansas, teaching fifth grade for two years. 

Tony returned to Parsons to attend Pittsburg State University. He 1973  began teaching at Guthridge Elementary School teaching second grade for 22 years and third grade for seven years. He received his Master's degree in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University in 1996. He retired from teaching in 2002.

2019 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Sandy (Tanner) Babcock

Sandy (Tanner) Babcock has been announced as one of the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.

She was born and raised in rural Parsons, KS. She attended Meadow View Grade School and graduated from Labette County High School in 1979. The following spring, she entered Labette Community College, focusing on business classes. In April of 1980, she married her high school sweetheart, Richard Babcock. At that time, she put her full-time education on hold and accepted a position in the Dean’s office at the college. She continued working on her college classes as a non-traditional student and graduated in 1986 with an Associate of Arts degree.

2019 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Alan Thiebaud

Alan Thiebaud has been announced as one of the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.

He grew up in Parsons, Kansas, attending McKinley Elementary School, Parsons High School and Parsons Junior College.  His father Charles was Dean of the Junior College and later President of Labette Community College.  After graduation from LCC in 1963, he went to Pittsburg State University, graduating with a degree in Business Administration in 1965 with a major in Marketing.  After graduation he went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone as part of their fast track program for executives.  

2018 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Trinity Davis

Trinity Davis has been announced as one of the three 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.

She graduated from Parsons High School in 1993. After attending Labette Community College, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University, where she was an active member in the Black Student Union and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She has a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Emporia State University, and she received her a PhD in curriculum and Instruction from Kansas State University in 2009.

2018 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Henry A. Gatewood Jr.

Henry A. Gatewood Jr. has been announced as one of the three 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. He attended Douglass School, Parsons West High School, and Parsons Junior College, now known as Labette Community College, before entering the military.

In 1960 he entered basic training at Ft. Jackson in South Carolina. Next, he began advanced individual training at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri.

Gatewood’s stateside assignments as an Army advisor with the 875th combat engineer battalion were: Ft. Meade, Maryland, Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, Ft. Carson, Colorado, Ft. Capp, Pennsylvania, West Point, New York, and Jonesboro, Arkansas.

2018 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Ajit Pai

Ajit Pai has been announced as one of the three 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.

Pai grew up in Parsons, Kansas, the son of immigrants from India: Varadaraj Pai and Radha Pai. Pai graduated from Parsons High School in 1990. In 1994, he graduated with honors from Harvard University; three years later, he graduated from the University of Chicago Law School where he was an editor of the University of Chicago Law Review. While in Chicago, he won the Thomas R. Mulroy Prize for Excellence in Appellate Advocacy and Oral Argument.

2017 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Erlene Cares

Erlene Cares has been announced as one of the three 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. Erlene attended Parsons Junior College for a year, and later came back to earn additional hours.

Erlene held a variety of jobs in Parsons, starting in the school district at Parsons High School and Parsons Junior College. She was then a clerk for the Parsons City Clerk’s Office for a year until she began work at Mid-America Federal Savings and Loan Association for 25 years. That savings and loan was then bought by Parsons Commercial Bank, in which she worked for eight years. In addition to banking she worked at Carson-Wall Funeral Home for seven years, until she began working at Labette Community College for 13 years until retirement.

2017 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Leanna Doherty

Leanna Doherty grew up in St. Paul, KS and graduated from Labette Community College with an Associate of Arts in Accounting in 1989. Leanna graduated from Pittsburg State University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Business Administration majoring in Accounting. In 1991 Leanna began working at Labette Community College as the Accounts Receivable Specialist.

While working at Labette, Leanna further advanced her career in 1993 and became the Payroll/HR Specialist. In 2002 she was promoted to Dean of Administrative Services and in 2005 she was named the Vice President of Finance & Operations.

2017 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Jason Sharp

Jason Sharp grew up in Labette County and graduated from Labette Community College in 2000 with an Associates in General Education. While attending LCC, Jason was a member of the wrestling team and earned Dean’s Honor Roll. After graduating LCC, Jason earned a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Washburn University. He is currently working on his dissertation to fulfill the requirement of a Doctorate Degree in Adult and Lifelong Learning from the University of Arkansas.

Jason started a career in law enforcement with the Parsons Police Department and demonstrated leadership skills while he advanced in department ranks. He spent time as a Corporal and Sergeant Detective at the police department. He also had the opportunity to start teaching criminal justice classes at LCC in 2008.

2016 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Janice Every

Janice Every is a non-traditional graduate of Labette Community College (LCC) and lifelong Parsonian. She attended St. Mary’s grade school and graduated from Parsons High School. Immediately after graduation, she married and began raising a family of six, three boys and three girls. Her parents, Max and Edna Every, owned the Every Construction business in Parsons. Her father finished his working career for the City of Parsons with 20 years of service and the Labette County Health Department. Her mother was a nurse aide and a founding member of the St. Vincent De Paul. Janice remarks that her parents were such community minded people that she looks for community opportunities to honor them and continue their work.

2016 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Gregory E. Forbes

Gregory E. Forbes is a fourth-generation Parsonian, son of Michael and Evelyn Forbes. He is a life-long member of St. Patricks Catholic Church and a member of the 4th degree Knights of Columbus. He, his wife Audrey, and their four children have each attended St. Patrick Catholic School where he serves on the school council and as a member of the SPCS benefit auction committee.

Greg grew up in Parsons and is a graduate of Parsons High School in 1987. He graduated from Labette Community College in 1989. Greg enjoyed his time at LCC and especially liked being able to live at home, continue to gain experience in funeral service, and earn the college credits needed to complete his Bachelor’s Degree. He originally looked at LCC to begin his degree because there was actually a “Pre-Mortuary Science” curriculum.

2016 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Rick Ray

Rick Ray was born in Gardena, California but grew up in Kansas City, Kansas. Rick began his collegiate basketball playing career at Labette Community College. During his time a LCC (1988-91), Ray earned an Associate’s Degree in General Studies.

While at Labette, Ray formed long lasting friendships with teammates that still exist today. He credits his booster family, the Redmond’s, for helping him adjust from life in a big city to life in a small town. “I could not have made it through my time in Parsons without their hospitality and support,” says Ray.

2015 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Gale Brown

Gale Brown, Oswego, KS, graduated from Labette Community College with an Associate of Applied Science in Radiography in 1999. Gale worked on the radiography staff at Oswego Health Center from 1998-2002.

After graduating from LCC, Gale continued her higher education and earned several more degrees. In 2005 she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Friends University. In 2008 she earned a Master of Science Degree in Technical Teacher Education from Pittsburg State University. In 2012, she received and Ed. Specialist Degree in Technical Teacher Education from Pittsburg State University. She is currently working completing a Doctor of Education Degree in Adult and Lifelong Learning from the University of Arkansas.

2015 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Joe Heppler

Joe Heppler, Parsons, KS, graduated from Labette Community College in 2013 with a degree in Psychology.

While at LCC, Joe was active in several campus organizations including the Campus Activity Board, Phi Theta Kappa honor society, Student Ambassadors, and the Student Government Association. Joe was the Campus Activity Board President, where he helped bring in speakers and would organize student activities. As part of the Student Government Association, Joe was the Vice President and a Student Senator.

As a part of Phi Theta Kappa, Joe received an award in 2013 for being an International Distinguished Member of Phi Theta Kappa. In 2011 & 2012, Joe Received the “Broken Wing Award”. This award is given to students who have soared above adversities in educational pursuits. Throughout his time at LCC, Joe photographed campus events as a student photographer. For three years, Joe was also the Student ADA Liaison for LCC where he helped students struggling with disability or injury.

After graduating from LCC, Joe went on to attend Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. There he again served as a campus student photographer.

2015 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Kara McIlvain

Kara McIlvain grew up in Labette County and graduated from Labette Community College in 2000, with an Associate in Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy. While attending LCC, Kara was active in student life activities serving as President of the Respiratory Therapy Club. She was on the Presidential and Dean's Honor Rolls, and was part of the team that was runner up for a state respiratory therapy quiz bowl. After graduating LCC, Kara earned a Bachelor Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix - Online.

Kara’s leadership and business skills were demonstrated as she climbed ladder while working at Cox Health Systems in Springfield, MO. Kara earned a spot as the supervisor of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and then the Adult Medical ICU, Neurotrauma ICU, and Surgical ICU. She then became the Patient Assess and Treat Supervisor, and finally the Department Dayshift Supervisor. Kara developed Respiratory Protocols that helped save the Respiratory Department thousands of dollars, but most importantly saved lives. She worked with surgeons to develop a Post-Operative Assessment Protocol that statistically saved one person per month. As a result of that success, she was asked to develop a Post-Trauma Assessment Protocol. Kara was invited to speak at the International American Association of Respiratory Care National Convention to educate fellow Respiratory Therapists around the world about the benefits of respiratory protocols, specifically a ventilator management protocol.

2015 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Susan Souders

Susan Souders, a lifetime resident of Labette County, was born in Oswego, KS to Wanda and William “Bill” Hevel. She graduated from Oswego High School as Salutatorian in 1972. During her school years she was active in Girl Scouts and volunteered as a Candy Striper at the Oswego City Hospital and Oswego Nursing Home where she developed a passion for nursing. Over the next 10 years she took evening classes at Labette Community College while being a stay-at-home mom. In 1982 she entered the nursing program graduating in 1984 with an Associate Degree of Nursing.

During her second year as a nursing student, she worked part time as an LPN at the Oswego City Hospital. Upon graduation she accepted a full time position as an RN in the Emergency Room at Labette County Medical Center (now Labette Health) where she worked for over 20 years with the last 5 years as the ER Nurse Manager. She then spent the next 4 years working as a public health nurse at the Labette County Health Department. From May 2009, Susan has been employed by the Cancer Center of Kansas at the Parsons satellite office. She obtained her national certification as an oncology nurse in November of 2011.

2014 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
William "Bill" Devine

William “Bill” Devine, an Ellicott City, Maryland resident, attended Labette Community College (formerly Parsons Junior College) in 1953. After LCC, Bill attended Pittsburg State University graduating in 1955 with a degree in political science.

After graduating Bill served in the United States Navy for nine years from 1955-64. In 1964 he resigned as Lieutenant Commander. Devine met and married his wife, Nancy Faidley, in 1958. Nancy’s grandfather opened John W. Faidley Seafood Market in 1886. Faidley Seafood is one of the oldest and best-known seafood markets in the Chesapeake region. Bill began working at Faidley’s in 1965 and has worked as a fish monger. Today, it is owned and operated by Bill and Nancy. In his words, Bill “does everything from sweeping floors to signing checks.”

2014 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Jim Orr

Jim Orr graduated from Parsons High School in 1961 and from Labette Community College with an Associate of Arts Degree in 1963. Transferring to Pittsburg State University, Orr received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1965 and a Master of Science Degree in 1971. Orr began his career in education teaching one year in Wellington, KS. In 1966 he moved to Monett, MO, where he first served as an instructor, then became the assistant principal, and ultimately was hired as the Director of Monett Area Vocational School, which provided training for juniors and seniors from fourteen area high schools. From 1991 to 2001, he was employed by a new community college in Springfield, MO, Ozark Technical Community College, serving in several administrative positions. While there, he saw the enrollment of the new college grow from less than a thousand to almost 15,000 students.

2013 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Keith Shaffer

Keith L. Shaffer attended Labette Community College in 1973. After LCC, Keith attended Kansas State University graduating in 1978 with a degree in business. Keith has spent much of his adult working life owning and operating a family farming operation, Shaffer Agriculture Services, which he now runs with his son Bryson. He’s also built a successful career in banking and insurance. He previously served as an insurance agent for Farm Bureau, a Senior Vice President at Labette Bank, and as the Agency Manager for Labette Insurance. Currently he is a consultant for Shaffer Financial Services LLC and Clemens Insurance Agency. Community involvement and service has always been important to Keith. He is the fire chief for Altamont and Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Departments. He is a member of the Altamont Jaycees, the Labette County 911 System, and the Labette County Fire Chiefs Association. He is the Secretary/Treasurer for the Labette County Extension Foundation Inc. and has served as the Labette County Fair assistant livestock superintendent.

2013 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Alice Beachner

Alice Beachner graduated from Parsons Junior College, now known as Labette Community College, in 1962. Alice was born in Parsons and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1960. While attending Parsons Junior College, she was yearbook queen in 1962. During her time at the junior college, she worked at Superior School Supply.

Alice is a life-long learner who places education as a top priority. In the 1980s Alice graduated from Pittsburg State University with a degree in Paralegal Studies. She then graduated from Floral Design School in Lawrence, Kansas in the 1990s. After graduating Alice worked at Slane’s Floral Shop in Parsons.

2013 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Sharon Brown

Sharon Stewart Brown was born and grew up in Parsons, Kansas to Wilson and Betty Stewart. She attended Douglass School and graduated in 1968 from Parsons Senior High School. She then went on to obtain her Associate of Arts and Associate of Nursing from Labette Community College in 1972. She attended Pittsburg State University and obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in 1978. Sharon received the Minority Student Scholastic Scholarship Award from the University of Kansas where she graduated in 1982 with her Masters in Social Work Administration.

2013 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Kanak Patel

Kanak Patel earned two degrees from LCC. In 1995, he was awarded an Associate Degree in Mathematics and in 1998, he obtained an Associate Degree in Network Administration. While attending LCC, Kanak was very active in student life activities. He served as an officer of the Student Government Association, participated in the Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) business club and participated in the Phi Theta Kappa international honor society. Kanak’s leadership and business skills were demonstrated more than ever through his involvement with the PBL club. He served in officer roles and earned several awards at state and national competitions.

After earning his degree from LCC, Kanak transferred to Pittsburg State University and graduated with a Bachelor degree in Business Administration and Information Systems.

2012 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Shirley Chalker

Shirley (Callahan) Chalker was born and raised in Parsons, KS. She attended Parsons Schools and graduated from Parsons High School in 1959. She married Hugh Chalker in 1960 and later attended Parsons Junior College. She graduated from PJC in 1964 with an Associates of Arts Degree. Shirley attended Pittsburg State University for a semester before the birth of her second child. Chalker has been active with the Labette Community College serving on the Alumni Board, and after merging with the Foundation, serving two terms on the Foundation and Alumni Board. She is currently a member of the Capital Campaign Steering Committee and has taken numerous college evening courses over the years.

2012 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Kenny LaForge

Kenny LaForge grew up attending Parsons Schools and graduated from Parsons High School in 1971. He then went on to receive his Associates Degree from Labette Community College in 1973. After LCC, LaForge went on to the University of Kansas and graduated in 1976. LaForge has two daughters, Kenna and Kate, who both live in the eastern United States and are recent college graduates. LaForge lives in rural Parsons with his wife, Debbie. He has been active in numerous local organizations and a supporter of many others. Currently, LaForge is a member of the local Rotary Club and a 30 year member of the Associated General Contractors of America. He served two terms on the Parsons U.S.D. 503 school board. LaForge was also one the founding directors for the Parsons Educational Foundation, which assists the students of Parsons. He has also served on numerous boards and committees for the City of Parsons and is a member of the Board of Kansas Food Bank. LaForge is now serving on the steering committee for LCC’s Capital Campaign in their fundraising efforts for a new health science building, endowed scholarships, and deferred maintenance.

2012 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Louise Holmes

Louise (Frame) Holmes was born in Parsons in 1937, the daughter of Howard and Kathryn Stallard Frame. She was a 5th generation Parsonian and attended Lincoln, McKinley, and West Junior High School. She graduated from Parsons High School in 1955 and from Parsons Junior College (PJC), as salutatorian in 1956. At PJC Louise was active in band, Student Council, Pep Club, and intramural athletics. Louise has been active in her community. She has served as President of the USD 484 Board of Education and President of the Fredonia Arts Council, where she is currently a member of the board of directors. As a Charter Member of the Fredonia Child Care Center, she helped establish the Child Care Center in 1972. She recently served a term on their board of directors. Also, Louise is also a member of the Fredonia Library Board of Trustees, the Secretary of Sacred Heart Church Parish Council, and she volunteers for Meals on Wheels and the Bloodmobile.

2012 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Joe Renfro

Joe Renfro grew up attending school in Altamont. He graduated from Labette County High School in 1995. He was a four-time Kansas State Placer in high school wrestling with one of those being a State Champion title. His high school wrestling record was 126-16. After high school, he attended Labette Community College for two years and then transferred to the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. While at Labette, Renfro was an Academic All-American and a two-time wrestling All-American, which means he placed 5th or better at the national tournament. He was also an All-American at UNK. Renfro was a member of the “Team of the Decade” at both Labette and UNK. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree, Renfro went on to Ft. Hays State University where he obtained his Master of Liberal Studies in Health and Human Performance. Renfro holds numerous titles and awards as well as the team. He has lead the wrestling team to two National Championships, the first one being in 2005 and the second one is 2012.

2011 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Calum McNeil

Calum McNeil was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland. McNeil studied in the U.S. at Labette Community College and was a proud member of the wrestling team. After obtaining his Associates Degree, McNeil went on to obtain his Bachelor’s degree. McNeil began working as a Senior Staff Accountant for Ernst & Young in Hamilton, Canada after graduation. Other career history includes; Manger, Financial Control for Commcorp Financial Services, Audit Manager for Ernst & Young, Head of Corporate Financial Reporting for Investcorp Bank, Vice President, Head of Financial Management for Gulf International Bank, and most recently, Financial Controller for Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (“ADIA”), the world’s largest Sovereign Wealth Fund.

2011 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Roberta (Adams) Hoffman

Roberta (Adams) Hoffman was a 1960 graduate of Labette Community College. She received her Associate of Art degree. She then went on to receive her Bachelor of Science from Texas Women’s University in 1963 and Master of Art degree from New York University in 1976. Hoffman was interested in dance from a very early age. She began her studies with Nell Ferguson in Parsons at the age of 10. By 16, she was teaching ballet, tap dance, and acrobatics once a week at the VFW hall in Oswego. In high school,she was a drum majorette, performed fire baton twirling and acrobatics, and led the annual parade doing cartwheels down Main Street in Parsons.

2011 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Chuck Tredway

Chuck Tredway was born in Parsons in 1947. He attended Parsons High School and Parsons Junior College. He then went on to obtain his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Pittsburg State University in 1970. Tredway’s first job was with Beneficial Finance in Topeka, KS. In 1972 he became the District Manager for FW Woolworth of Enid, OK. When GE Capital acquired FW Woolworth credit operations, he became part of Sales and Operations Management. In 1986, Tredway began working for Marine Midland Bank, in Buffalo, NY, where he was a Department Executive. He created and served on the Board of Directors, and managed automobile captive finance companies for Mazda, Porsche, Jaguar, Subaru, and Saab. Tredway then went on to become the Executive Vice President and Board of Directors member for Mitsubishi Motors Credit of America, Inc. in 1991. He was awarded the Top American Executive for the 400 person $11 billion company. He was also the Executive committee member for the North American holding company that managed vehicle imports from Japan, manufacturing operations in the U.S., vehicle distribution in the U.S. and Canada, and dealer and consumer finance operations in the U.S. and Canada.

2011 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
James McKinney

James McKinney was born and raised in Southeast Kansas. In 1950, his family moved to Parsons where he attended Parsons Schools and Parsons Junior College. McKinney then moved to Wichita to attend Wichita State University where he majored in voice and opera. He completed his bachelor and master’s degrees at Wichita State University. McKinney continued his studies with post graduate work at Southern Methodist University, College of Lynchburg, Drake University and the Sorbonne in Paris, France. He obtained his PhD from Sorbonne.

2010 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Chuck Puckett

Chuck Puckett, of Tustin, CA, moved to Parsons at the age of 5 in 1948. Puckett graduated from Parsons High School in 1961. He then went on to graduate from Parsons Junior College with an Associate in Art Degree in 1963 and then a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Pittsburg State University in 1965. Puckett married Donna Henry, also of Parsons, in August 1965.

Puckett spent three years with the John Deere Company in their Management Training Program from 1965 to 1968. He left Deere and went to work with Hunt-Wesson Foods Foodservice Division in 1968 and retired in 2000 after spending 32 years with the company.

2010 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Joseph Smith

Joe Smith, of Erie, KS, graduated from St. Paul High School in 1969. He then went on to receive his Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Labette Community College in 1971. After LCC, Smith went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Pittsburg State University in 1973. Smith also attended the Colorado School of Banking at the University of Colorado from 1974-1976 and the School of Agriculture at Kansas State University in 1975.

Smith began his career at the Stark State Bank in Stark, KS as an Agriculture Representative working in all areas of the operation. He received experience in lending, including consumer, commercial, and agricultural loans. He was elected Executive Vice President and a Director in 1980.

2010 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Pat Woodrum

Pat Woodrum, of Tulsa, Ok, graduated from Labette County High School in Altamont, KS. She then went on to earn an Associate’s Degree from Parsons Junior College in 1960, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Literature from Pittsburg State Teachers College in 1963, and a Masters in Library Science from the University of Oklahoma in 1966.

After graduating from OU, Woodrum began working at the Tulsa City-County Library System. She retired after 32 years. She spent the last 20 of those as the Executive Director. As Executive Director, she managed a 14 million dollar annual operating budget, developed a 7 million dollar endowment, supervised 280 employees and 750 volunteers, worked with architects and contractors in designing and construction of 17 library facilities.

2009 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Jim Bishop

Jim Bishop of Pittsburg, KS attended Parsons High School from 1956-1960. He then went on to Parsons Junior College where he was a 1962 graduate. Bishop obtained his Bachelors of Science in Marketing from Pittsburg State University in 1965. From 1965-1970, Bishop was a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. He is a private instructor and commercial licensed pilot.

Since graduating from the Realtors Institute, Bishop has been a sales associate, broker, and owner for Crawford County Realty and is presently a broker for and the owner of Coldwell Banker, Jim Bishop & Associates. He is a certified Residential Specialist and a Certified Residential Broker.

2009 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Dr. Wanda Maxson-Ladage

Dr. Wanda Maxson-Ladage has been a lifetime resident of Labette County where she was the youngest of the six Maxson children. She grew up and attended Hawkins rural school, Edna Grade School and graduated from Edna High School in 1947. She was employed as a bookkeeper at Maxson Commission Co. at Parsons Stockyards and was soon married and had four daughters, Penny, Paula, Kim and Mona. Between 1947-1968, it was housework, instant hired man and raising children, which she enjoyed. However, in the late 60’s family life changed. She needed an education.

2009 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
Aaron "Skip" Smith

Skip Smith grew up in Parsons, KS. He attended Fredrick Douglass School and after graduating from Parsons High School, Smith joined the Navy to see the world. In 1972 Smith obtained his Associate of Art Degree from Labette Community College. He then went on to Pittsburg State University where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 1974 and his Master of Science Degree in Graphic Illustration in 1975.

He then spent several years traveling from city to city and eventually settled in Atlanta, GA. In the 1980s, Smith emerged as a professional artist. His versatile and exuberant graphite depictions of the African-American genre and his paintings captured the imagination of many across the nation.