LCC Announces Founders Day Activities

For 100 years, Labette Community College (LCC) has provided a supportive place for students to achieve their dreams. This dedication to providing excellent education has driven our college forward transforming it from a Junior College extension of the local K-12 system with 70 students, to a comprehensive community college serving over 1,500 students today.

The college’s first day of classes was held on September 12, 1923. To honor and celebrate this milestone, the college will celebrate the first annual Founder’s Day on September 12. This will be a day for alumni, students, and community members to come together to celebrate LCC’s past and continue advancing the vision of the institution with the dedication of the new Zetmeir Family Athletic Complex.

“We are excited to share the LCC story and welcome people to see the many campus improvements,” said Dr. Mark Wakins, President of LCC. “We are grateful for the vision of Superintendent of Parsons Schools, Dr. Rees H. Hughes, and the other educational and community leaders who made it possible to establish Parsons Junior College (now known as LCC) in 1923.”

Founders Day will kick off at 10 am in front of the Zetmeir Family Athletic Complex with a dedication of the new Modern Cardinal Statue. The statue was designed by Ross Benavides when he was a student at LCC. The design was selected as the winner of the 2014 John and Bonnie Latzer Art Award for the fall semester. His design was brought to life through a gift from his grandparents, Pat and Linda McReynolds. Their generosity and a collaboration with Parsons High School instructor Bruce Rea, who assisted with details of the statue, and the LCC Welding students along with instructor, Travis Brumback, who fabricated the statue.

Next, the Parsons Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony will celebrate the construction of the Zetmeir Family Athletic Complex. Once the ribbon is cut, the building dedication will continue inside the Wiener Family Gymnasium. Speakers include Gary Wall, Campaign Co-Chair; Lindi Forbes, Executive Director of Foundation & Alumni Association; Dr. Mark Watkins, LCC President; Aaron Keal, Athletic Director; and Kenly Dixon, LCC student-athlete. The lead donor, Sophia Zetmeir, will be the featured dedication speaker.

Zetmeir has been a long-time friend and outstanding supporter of Labette Community College. She worked five-years at LCC as a recruiter and event planner prior to becoming a homemaker and later working at Grandview Cabinet Company. She graduated from LCC’s Respiratory Therapy program in 1984. She served on the LCC Board of Trustees for two terms and as chair for two years. She also provided leadership as one of the Co-Chairs of the Pathways to the Future Athletic Complex Capital Campaign.

“Sophia and her late husband, Sonny, have done as much or more than anyone to help LCC grow and thrive,” said Watkins. “Their philanthropic spirit is unmatched and LCC is a better college because of them.

Janice Reese, Public Relations Director, will close the dedication ceremony with final remarks and she will provide directions about touring the facility.

A free lunch and birthday cake will be served in the Cardinal Event Center from 11:30 am -1:30 pm. “The public is invited to join us for delicious lunch made possible by our generous sponsors Commercial Bank, King Cash Saver, Coca-Cola, Graves Menu Makers Food, and O’Brien Ready Mix,” said Forbes. “100-Year themed gifts, provided by LCC, will also be given while supplies last.”

A Tribute video featuring alumni, staff, and community members will be available for viewing in the Cardinal Event Center during lunch.

Special student activities for the day will include a Wear Red Spirit Day, a Selfie Scavenger Hunt, and a 100-year photograph opportunity.

Students are encouraged to wear red clothing to show their Cardinal Spirit on September 12. From 8 am – 6:30 pm, students will be able to follow clues to various locations around campus for the scavenger hunt. All participants will receive a free drink from the Cardinal Café and everyone completing the hunt will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card to their choice of either the Cardinal Café or the Birds Nest Bookstore.

At noon LCC’s Vice President of Academic Affairs will excuse classes early for students to participate in a group photo at the LCC Softball Field. Students will be organized into a 100 formation for an ariel photo. “It was imperative that we get the students involved in a variety of ways,” said Reese. “This photo will capture a very special moment in time and be featured as we continue our yearlong celebration.”

“Founders Day will be a significant time to reflect on the history of LCC as well as to celebrate our present,” said Watkins. “We hope everyone will be able to join us on Tuesday, September 12 for all the Founders Day festivities.”