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Founders Day at Labette Community College

Celebrate Our History. Build Our Future.

Every September, the Labette Community College family comes together to celebrate the vision, leadership, and generosity that made LCC possible. Founders Day honors those who built our college while inspiring today's students to continue that legacy.

Join us as we celebrate Cardinal pride, make connections, and strengthen the traditions that make LCC special.

2026 Founders Day Celebration

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

12:30 p.m.

Cardinal Event Center

Everyone is welcome!

This Year's Celebration Includes:

  • Free Build Your Legacy Nacho Bar
  • Cookies & Drinks
  • LCC Jeopardy with prizes
  • Scholarship drawings
  • Campus spirit
  • Cardinal Historical display
  • Recognition of LCC's founders and history

$500 Founders Day Scholarships

Scholarship Drawing
Enter Now!

As part of Founders Day, the LCC Foundation is proud to award two $500 scholarships to current LCC students. These scholarships are more than financial assistance—they represent an investment in students' futures and a celebration of the opportunities that education creates. By assisting with the cost of college, the Foundation helps students stay focused on achieving their goals while honoring the original vision of leadership and generosity that helped build Labette Community College. Supporting students today is one of the most meaningful ways we carry our Founder’s legacy into the future.

Contact Information

Lindi Forbes

Lindi Forbes

Executive Director Foundation & Alumni Association

lindif@labette.edu
620-820-1212

Gaye Evans

Gaye Evans

Foundation & Alumni Associate

gabriellee@labette.edu
620-820-1281

 

Why We Celebrate

Labette Community College was founded as Parsons Junior College in 1923, after Parsons voters overwhelmingly approved the creation of a two-year junior college by a four-to-one margin on April 4th of that year. Classes began the following September on the top floor of the old high school building at 26th and Main, marking the beginning of a century-long commitment to expanding educational opportunities in Southeast Kansas. 

Enrollment continued to grow quickly. By the college’s second year, 103 freshman and 35 sophomores enrolled, and the first commencement ceremony was held in 1925, celebrating 26 graduates.  In 1926, the college moved into the newly constructed Parsons Senior High-Junior College building at 2719 Main. The institution relocated to its current campus at 14th and Broadway in 1962.

A new era began in 1965 when Labette County voters approved transferring governance from the Parsons Public School system to an elected six-person Board of Trustees. At that time, the institution became Labette Community Junior College, reflecting its expanded service. In 1978, the Board of Trustees adopted the name to Labette Community College, the name it proudly carries today.

In 2014, the college expanded its campus through the acquisition of additional property and new construction, giving LCC Main Street frontage for the first time in more than 50 years and positioning the campus for continued growth and visibility.

More than a century after its founding, Labette Community College continues to fulfill its mission of providing accessible, high-quality education. Today, the college offers transfer degrees, career and technical programs, workforce training, continuing education, and lifelong learning opportunities that prepare students and strengthen communities throughout Southeast Kansas and beyond.

Founders Day is an opportunity to reflect on this remarkable journey, celebrate the people who shaped LCC's past, and recognize that each new generation of students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors, and friends plays a role in building its future.

Meet our Founder

Rees H. Hughes

Dr. Rees H. Hughes served as the superintendent of the Parsons schools beginning in 1921. During his time in Parsons, Dr. Hughes did a great many things for the improvement of the public schools. One of the most important things was the organization of Parsons Junior College in 1923.

If it had not been for his leadership, LCC may not be here today. He later served as president of Pittsburg State University. After retirement, Dr. Hughes continued his life of service as a member of the Kansas legislature. In 1972, he was named the very first recipient of the prestigious Cardinal Citation Award from LCC. This is the highest honor the college bestows upon individuals.

Rees Hughes

LCC Through the Years

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Founders Day History