Forbes Named LCC 2024 Van Meter Award Recipient

The Labette Community College (LCC) Alumni Association is pleased to announce that Lindi Forbes, a distinguished alumna from Altamont, has been selected as the recipient of the 24th Annual William & Allene Guthrie Van Meter Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award. This award recognizes LCC graduates who have made significant contributions both in their professional careers and through community service, reflecting the values of dedication and leadership that the Van Meter legacy embodies. Forbes' exceptional career and lifelong commitment to community engagement make her a fitting recipient of this honor.

Forbes graduated from Labette Community College in 1998 with an Associate Degree in General Studies. During her time as a student, she was actively involved in the Journalism Club and served as a writer and advertising director for The Spectrum, LCC’s student newspaper. Her experience at LCC laid the foundation for her future success. She went on to transfer to Pittsburg State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1999. With a major in Communication emphasizing Public Relations and a minor in Graphic Design, Forbes honed her skills in media, marketing, and strategic communication—skills that would later prove instrumental in her professional career.

Her professional journey began at CLASS Ltd. where she served as the Community Information Coordinator overseeing public outreach and communication strategies. However, it wasn’t long before she returned to LCC to join the college staff in 2000 as the Public Relations Specialist. Forbes quickly proved her capabilities and was promoted to Director of Public Relations within two years. In this role, she managed all aspects of public relations including overseeing publications, media relations, advertising campaigns, and institutional branding. Her work played a crucial role in enhancing the college’s public image and fostering greater community engagement.

In 2004, LCC’s then-president, Ron Fundis, approached Forbes with an unexpected opportunity that would change the trajectory of her career. He asked her to take on the role of Executive Director of the LCC Foundation and Alumni Association in addition to her PR duties. Although Forbes had no prior experience in fundraising, Fundis believed she possessed the necessary leadership qualities to succeed. Somewhat hesitant, but willing to rise to the challenge, Forbes accepted the position—and her impact was immediate. The very first Auction for Scholarships she directed saw a remarkable 51% increase in revenue setting the stage for what would become a highly successful career in fundraising.

In 2007, under the leadership of LCC’s new president, George Knox, the college embarked on an ambitious expansion plan to meet the growing needs of its students and community. Forbes was tasked with spearheading the Pathways to the Future Capital Campaign, a multi-million-dollar effort to build a new health science facility, increase scholarship endowment, and address deferred maintenance projects. The campaign raised significant early gifts including a generous $1 million lead donation from Sonny and Sophia Zetmeir.

However, just as the campaign was gaining momentum, the 2008 financial crisis hit leaving many institutions unsure about how to proceed. LCC faced a difficult decision: pause the campaign indefinitely or press forward despite the uncertain economic climate. With a clear vision and a strong belief in the importance of the project, Forbes and her team chose to move ahead and continue to engage donors and build support. Their perseverance paid off and after years of hard work, the campaign successfully concluded with the dedication of the Sonny and Sophia Zetmeir Health Science Building on March 28, 2014. The project was a milestone achievement for the college that significantly enhanced its capacity to serve students pursuing careers in health sciences. Forbes credits much of her success to her fundraising mentor, Bud Cooper, whose guidance was instrumental in her professional growth.

Following this success, Forbes took on another monumental task in 2016 when the LCC Foundation launched the next phase of the Pathways to the Future Capital Campaign. This time the goal was to raise $6.8 million to expand and renovate the college’s gymnasium creating a state-of-the-art athletic complex while also bolstering scholarship funds. In 2020, the campaign received a major boost in the form of a $500,000 challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation which incentivized donors to contribute by offering a matching funds opportunity. The campaign encountered an unexpected hurdle when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, but Forbes and her team refused to lose momentum. They adapted to the circumstances and exceeded their goal ultimately raising $7.2 million. The Zetmeir Family Athletic Complex was dedicated on September 12, 2023, a testament to Forbes' determination and leadership. During her remarks at the dedication ceremony, Forbes expressed her gratitude to the over 600 donors who made the project a reality and once again thanked her mentor, Bud Cooper, for his support throughout the campaign.

Forbes’ contributions to LCC extend far beyond fundraising. Over the years, she has served in numerous capacities across the college playing a vital role in organizing events, chairing committees, and volunteering her time for various student and community initiatives. She currently serves on the Hendershot Gallery Committee, the Aesthetics Committee, and as one of the coaches of the LCC Spirit Squad. She chaired LCC’s 100-year Celebration Committee which coordinated a year-long series of events to commemorate the college’s century of service. Highlights of the celebration included a special Founder’s Day event, a Centennial History Exhibit, and the largest Auction for Scholarships event in the college’s history. Forbes’ efforts to engage alumni, students, and the broader community in the centennial celebration demonstrated her passion for preserving the college’s rich history while looking toward the future.

In addition to her extensive involvement at LCC, Forbes is deeply committed to community service. She is a member and current President of the Parsons Soroptimist Club, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls. She’s also an active volunteer for the local Moms Demand Action organization. She has served on numerous boards, including the Parsons Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Parsons, and Labette County Youth Leadership.

Another priority for Forbes is honing her leadership skills. She is a 2002 graduate of Leadership Parsons, a 2012 graduate of Southeast Kansas Regional Leadership Academy, and a 2024 graduate of Kansas Community College Leadership Institute. Forbes has been recognized for her leadership and community involvement including being named one of the 40 Under 40 honorees by the Joplin Business Journal in 2007.

Forbes' personal life is as rich and fulfilling as her professional one. She and her husband, Charlie, are proud parents of two adult children, Caden and Darbi, both of whom live in Pittsburg. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors on her deck or in her pool, playing cards and board games, listening to live music, and tailgating with friends and family. The Forbes family has deep ties to LCC with multiple generations having attended or graduated from the college. In fact, LCC is a family tradition—Lindi’s husband, daughter, mother, and sister all graduated from the institution. Her son attended LCC, and her father taught adjunct welding courses for many years.

Forbes will formally receive the Van Meter Award at LCC’s Donor Appreciation Luncheon in November, where she will join an esteemed group of past honorees. The award is named in memory of William and Allene Guthrie Van Meter, whose generous estate gift funded the renovation of LCC’s Thiebaud Theatre. William Van Meter was a 1929 graduate of LCC, and Allene Van Meter taught at the college from 1929 to 1935 leaving a legacy of commitment to education that continues to inspire future generations.

Previous alumni who have received this award include Ben Cochran in 2023, Neil Springer in 2022, Ben McKenzie in 2021, and James Wesley in 2019. For a complete list of previous honorees, please visit www.labette.edu/foundation/vanmeter. For more information on the Van Meter Alumni Award, please contact Lorraine Evert, LCC Foundation and Alumni Board President, by email at levert34@gmail.com.