LCC Alumni Association Seeks Nominations for Prestigious Alumni Achievement Award


July 9, 2025

 
Van Meter Nominations

The Labette Community College (LCC) Alumni Association is now accepting nominations for the 25th annual William and Allene Guthrie Van Meter Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award. This milestone year offers a special opportunity to honor an LCC graduate who is making an extraordinary impact in their career, community, or beyond.

Each year, this award celebrates a former Cardinal who exemplifies excellence, leadership, and service—someone whose story inspires others and reflects the values of Labette Community College. As we commemorate 25 years of honoring exceptional alumni, we invite the community to help us shine a light on the next remarkable individual.

Eligible nominees must be LCC graduates for at least five years and ideally 50 years of age or younger at the time of the award presentation. Candidates should demonstrate significant achievements in their profession and/or outstanding service that benefits their community, state, or nation. The Van Meter award will be presented at the annual Donor Appreciation Luncheon this fall, a signature event that brings together alumni, donors, and friends to celebrate the spirit of LCC.

Past recipients have included leaders in healthcare, business, education, skilled trades, broadcasting, government, and more. Notable alumni such as Ben Cochran, Neil Springer, Ben McKenzie, and country music artist James Wesley have all received this honor. Their stories, along with those of all past honorees, can be viewed at www.labette.edu/foundation/vanmeter.

“This award is about more than just career accomplishments,” said Lindi Forbes, Executive Director of Alumni & Foundation. “It’s about honoring those who use their success to make a difference. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this award, we hope to receive nominations that reflect the wide range of talent, heart, and leadership that LCC alumni bring to their communities every day.”

The LCC Alumni Association encourages nominations from all academic and technical programs.

Anyone can submit a nomination, and the process is simple. Visit www.labette.edu/foundation/vanmeter to complete the online nomination form, or send a letter and brief account of why your nominee deserves recognition to: LCC Alumni Association, 200 South 14th Street, Parsons, KS 67357.

Nominations must be received by Friday, August 1, 2025 for consideration for this year. Nominations will be kept on file for consideration in future years.

For more information, please contact Lindi Forbes, Executive Director of Alumni & Foundation, at 620-820-1212 or lindif@labette.edu.

PR Contacts

Hannah Kennedy

Director of Public Relations
(620) 820-1280
hannahk@labette.edu