Allen Alumni Magazine - Spring 2023, Issue 2

allenalumni

ISSUE 2 | SPRING 2023

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Theatre & Music Update

Masterpieces from our own Allen Students Outstanding Student

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Meet our Titilope Oyelami 23rd Annual Endowment Gala Hear about our fun & fundraising Forever Remembered Hugh Haire & T.C. Brown

Endowment Board of Directors

Leanne Trabuc | Nikki Peters | Angel Kaufman | Brett Lisher | Karen Emerson | Blake Mueller | Kim Ensminger | Kay Lewis | Hannah Brown | Rebecca Nilges | Mark Larson | Kristin Ballard | Jessica McGinnis| Kylee Geffert| Toni Manbeck

Administration

Dr. Bruce Moses

Allen Community College President

Roberta Nickell

Vice President of Finance & Operations

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9 Allen Reunions Catching up with Allen Alum 13 Red Devils Athletics Latest updates from spring sports 17 Red Devil Relations Learn updates from other Allen Alum

Cynthia Jacobson Vice President of Student Affairs @allenalumni

@AllenCCEndowment

ENDOWMENT STAFF:

Lauren Maisberger

Director of Development

O: (620) 901-6218

C: (785) 806-9105

maisberger@allencc.edu

Alison Fees

Administrative Assistant of Development & Student Life

O: (620) 901-6270 fees@allencc.edu

Allen Alumni Newsletter is published twice a year and maintains the copyright of the materials contained with in these pages. All rights are reserved. Send feedback, updates or questions to Allen Community College 1801 N Cottonwood St, Iola, KS 66749. Or by emailing maisberger@allencc.edu or calling 620-901-6218.

THEATRE & MUSIC

This performance that Allen Theatre put on this spring was phenomenal.

New theatre instructor Tricia Stogsdill, Allen Alum ‘06, directed the show tick, tick... BOOM! which was set in New York City in 1990. The main character, Jonathan Larson spent the last 8 years writing a rock musical with no success. With his career going nowhere, Jonathan is eager to find someone to believe in him before his 30th birthday. Over 12 students were involved as actors, understudies and ran all technical elements.

Three students starred in main roles. Austin Morris played Jon, Nautianna Goforth played Susan and others, and Krais Baker played Michael and others. Krais is graduating and received a theatre scholarship to Emporia State University. Austin and Nautianna will be returning next year to Allen. We can’t wait for the next show!

A COMBINED CONCERT

This year, hosted at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center in Fort Scott, KS the combined music concert was a resounding success. This combined concert is produced from the efforts of bands and choirs of Allen Community College, Neosho Community College and Fort Scott Community College.

This concept began in 2019 and after the hiatus from COVID, the band and choir groups have bounced back with even more success.

Dr. Jeffrey Anderson, Allen’s Music Instructor mentioned how valuable this experience is for Allen students and the other schools as well. Allen had both band and choir students participate. He spoke about how the team effort is “the truest sense of the word. Our students get to work with other conductors at one time or throughout the concert providing a learning experience for students and conductors alike.”

Look for their next performance in Spring 2024, location to be announced at a later time. We love seeing the new opportunities Allen can give our students!

Once a Red Devil. Forever a Red Devil.

BANK WITH ALLEN PRIDE

Invest in a custom Allen Community College Debit Card and support Allen at the same time. They are now available through Community National Bank & Trust. Learn more at:

https://www.mybankcnb.com

STAY CONNECTED

Allen Endowment sends a newsletter each semester of the academic year.

It’s filled with features from campus, alumni recognitions, special announcements, events, student involvements and what’s to come!

Subscribe by visiting www.allencc. edu/ alumni-endowment to update your information and get your newsletter delivered right to your mailbox.

Allen Endowment & Alumni is also active on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter at:

@AllenCCEndowment

@allenccalumni

@allenalumni

GATHER & CELEBRATE

Allen Endowment is excitedly planning Centennial Celebration activities and events for 2023 and 2024.

For a complete list of upcoming events, visit allencc.edu/alumni-endowment/allen-centennial PAGE 4

CAMPUS NEWS

Going Keyless!

Gearing up for next year, over summer break, Allen will have a new keyless entry system installed throughout the entire campus. This was a decision approved by the Board of Trustees in October of 2022 to use INAalert for installation. INAalert installed keyless entry access to all outside doors on campus to increase security and safety for students, staff, faculty and visitors.

Entrepreneurship Series Part II - Business Venture

Part two of Allen’s Entrepreneurship Series, put together by Student Life focused on a business venture idea. Students were instructed to write an executive summary for their business idea. A mock board was created from various business professionals in our community to act as judges for these pitches. Over 14 students particpiated in both events.

Winner Paulia Ard, of Moran, Kansas, pictured above, had the unique venture of a new Plant Cafe. Second place was Lungelo Masisi from Johannesburg, South Africa. Coming in third was Bailey Cravens from Verdigris, Oklahoma.

All three students received cash prizes and received assistance in participating at the Kansas Entrepreneurial Challenge at K-State this past April.

Collins Returned Home

Brandon Collins, Allen Alum ‘13, returned to Allen to perform his comedy show for students. Brandon goes by the stage name of Blake Green and has been performing his act for over 10 years.

Blake clicked quickly with the students, getting laughs going early on and it didn’t seize until the show ended. Blake contributes his suc-cess in the comedy scene and in life to his experiences he learned at Allen. We loved having Blake back on campus to see all the changes and help inspire a new wave of students.

Aggie Days

A longtime tradition, Allen has hosted Aggie Days for over 15 years. Aggie Days is targeted for junior high and high school students to partipate in, which this year we hosted almost 700 total students. There were over 15 FFA clubs from Kansas schools participating in this years event. The event had eight agricultural fields for students to compete in.

Awards are given to top teams and top individuals in each of the eight fields. We are so proud to continue to host this event and look forward to more involvement in the upcoming years.

Happy Earth Day!

Allen hosted Earth Day on April 21 with the assistance of the Allen County Farm Bureau, Allen County Soil Conservation Office and the Iola & Marmaton Valley FFA Chapters. Over 35 4th grade students from Iola attended to hear about Forestry, Rangeland, Soil Conservation, Rain & Water Conservation and Recycling and how this impacts our planet.

The kids throughly enjoyed this event and were able to hear from over 6 guest speakers who kept the presentation lively and engaging. Plus there were 4 Allen Alumni at Earth Day which we love to see.

OUTSTANDING STUDENT: Titilope Oyelami

Titilope “Titi” Oyelami who hailed from Nigeria to attend Allen this school year didn’t waste any time getting involved in campus activities and events. Titilope first joined the Allen Theatre group and really fell into place. She loved the teacher and the accepting nature of the group. As she became more involved, she began working as a stage manager for their performances and has throughly enjoyed it.

In fact, Titilope won the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region V Award for First Time Stage Management. It was her work on the “Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson, Apt #2B” performance that secured her the award. Which is pictured to the right.

Such an amazing award for a newcomer who hadn’t worked in the realm of theatre before. Add in the fact that she beat out college and university students from seven other states.

Titilope is also a standout in the classroom with a 3.8 GPA and majoring in Nursing. Her plans after she finishes her sophomore year at Allen is to transfer on to a four-year university with an excellent nursing program. While currently she is not sure that means staying in Kansas, she says there is a “good possibility.” She also mentioned that wherever she ends up, she aspires to continue working with the theatre group there.

As Titilope enters into her sophomore year at Allen, we asked her what excites her the most and she said “ on the theatre side, it would be learning new stage management techniques. Such as design, lighting and so much more. As for school related, I am excited about graduating and taking my next steps in my nursing degree.”

We are excited to watch Titilope excel next year at Allen and will follow her journey after. Be sure to look for her work in next year’s performances and make sure not to miss one in person! Thank you Titilope, you make Allen, Proud!

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Roberta Nickell

For over 35 years, Roberta Nickell has called Allen Community College home. Throughout her tenure here, Roberta has managed to impact countless lives ranging from students, faculty, staff and administrators. Her unwaivering work ethic has propelled Allen through several decades of technology changes, funding challenges and most importantly the ever dynamic student needs.

Roberta was born and raised in Colony, KS, and decided to stay close to home when it came time for her to go to college. She attended Allen for two years, receiving her Associates of Applied Science then began working at Allen shortly after in the Business Office.

Since her time in the Business Office, Roberta has deligently worked her way up the ladder. Roberta now holds the position of Vice President for Finance and Operations. Many people on campus refer to her as the “engine” that keeps Allen running. Which in many ways is true.

Roberta oversees several state and federal funds, prepares audits for the entire college, sets all of the college budgets, runs payroll and a myriad of other responsibilities.

Roberta is looking forward to her retirement for several reasons but most importantly to enjoy more time with her family. She mentions that she will still be actively informed about what’s happening at Allen and support the college whenever she can.

We want to thank Roberta for her dedication to Allen and playing a role in it’s success and growth. Although we will miss her dearly, we are thrilled at the new roles she gets to experience and enjoy!

Basketball & Volleyball Alumni Weekend

Men’s Basketball & Women’s Volleyball hosted an Alumni weekend which was filled with lots of laughs, new memories and probably several sore bodies. Over 30 total alumni joined in the weekend festivities. Coaches Andy Shaw & Whitney Shaw expressed how grateful they were to reconnect with former players. Also, it shows how strong our connections are as a community and college.

Homecoming Alumni Social

Hosted at the 110 Lounge & Event Space in Downtown Iola, over 20 alumni and supporting members gathered to enjoy an evening of remincing. As a community and Endowment we aim to build on these events to gather and reconnect.

Visiting or Mailing Address:

Be on the lookout for upcoming Allen Alumni events near you! If you haven’t updated your information, do so by scanning the QR Code below. Other questions or ways to get involved in Allen activities contact the Endowment Office today!

CAPITOL IMPROVEMENT TAX CREDIT

WHO: Kansas Income, Premium and Privledge Taxpayers.

WHEN: Effective for the 2023 year, January 1st - December 31st. But the overall incentive plan rewnews each year through year 2025.

PURPOSE: A tax credit shall be allowed for any taxpayer that makes a contribution to Allen over $1,000 for capital improvements, deferred maintenance or purchase of technology and equipment.

HOW: Any donation amount above $1,000 toward guidelines listed above will recieve a 60 percent credit of the total amount contributed during each taxable year. The total amount of credit for a single taxpayer who has contributed to Allen, cannot exceed $250,000 in any one tax-year.

Once a contribution is made, Allen Endowment will filfull the proper paperwork to the State of Kansas, Department of Revenue. Then upon approval of the State, The Endowment will issue your “Tax Credit Certificate” for tax purposes.

Below are a few areas to select from that qualify for the Tax Credit Incentive and will greatly benefit the students at Allen Community College!

• Update & Modernize Mr. Barclay Lecture Hall

• New Electronic Main Entrance Sign for Campus

• Scantron Machine for Ag Department

• New Allen Gym Bleachers

• Residence Hall Renovations & Maintenance

• Room Naming Opportunities

23rd ANNUAL ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIP GALA

S miles were in no shortage during the 23rd Annual Scholarship Gala hosted by Allen Endowment on Saturday, March 18th, 2023. The Gala is a guest favorite because of the variety of auction items, raffle prizes, socializing with a wide network, and mingling with the Kansas City Chiefs Ambassadors.

This year the Endowment hosted over 170 guests, with special keynote speaker David Holloway. David is a renowned opera singer, who originally from Gas, Kansas never thought this would be his career path. David spoke about his connections to Allen County, he is a graduate of Iola HS but did not attend Allen. He did go on to articulate the importance of education and scholarships. He and his wife, Deborah generously donate to support the Seabury Foundation scholarship. This scholarship is specific to those individuals who are non-traditional and need a little extra support, similar to his mother, David mentioned. The crowd enjoyed a live performance of “The Hippopotamus Song” where David was able to showcase his talents. We thank David and his family for joining us that evening and supporting Allen Endowment.

Other highlights of the night were Kansas City Chiefs Ambassadors David Lindstrom, Ted McKnight and John Lohmeyer. Each of these men were former Chiefs players and were hand-picked to serve in this organization. They attend several outreach events and we are very lucky and honored to have them attend ours. Guests enjoyed taking photos with them and even wearing a Super Bowl ring!

Pictured above is keynote speaker, David Holloway.

Pictured above is Development Director, Lauren Maisberger delivering the opening welcome.

Overall, the night was very successful. Totaling over $42,000 raised from the silent auction, raffle prizes, the live auction and corporate sponsors. This was the largest profit that the Gala has raised in over 7 years. The live auction was big this year, raising over $18,000 alone. The biggest item being the exclusive Super Bowl LVII helmet signed by Super Bowl MVP Quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

We want to thank all of the local businesses who donated items for the Gala, our corporate sponsors of the event, the Endowment Board members, Great Western Dining catering staff and student volunteers who came together to make this event prosperous. The Endowment wouldn’t be able to do the good work without the support of our community near and far, we thank you!!

Pictured upper left, Allen coaches and guests are enjoying the festivities.

Pictured upper right, several Endowment Board members with Chiefs Ambassdors.

WINTER & SPRINGS SPORTS RECAP

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Head Coach Andy Shaw and his team put together another successful season. With several veteran players, the team hoped to make a further post-season run. Nonetheless, it was impressive. Ending with an overall record of 23-10 and conference record of 10-4.

The men’s season ended in the KJCCC Tournament finals where they lost to Johnson County Community College, 80-56. The team had just bounced back the night before beating Kansas City Community College 74-63, whom the team had lost both regular season match-ups. The team has 6 players that have recieved offers to play on after Allen.

Both Head Coach, Andy Shaw and Assistant Coach, DeQuaan Haggerty resigned from Allen. They secured new opportunities at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Although we are extremely sad they are leaving, we wish them nothing but the best to come in their new program.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Lady Red Devils ended their season with an overall record of 19-12 and a conference record of 7-7. This was the first winning season put together by the Lady Red Devils in over 6 years. This is largely credited to Allen native, Head Coach Leslie Crane.

We look foward to seeing the Lady Red Devils back on the court next season. The team also have 2 players going on to compete at the next level. We are so proud!

BASEBALL

The Red Devil team opened the season against Pratt Community College, where they split the series. The team finished the season slightly under .500 with a record of 24-27 overall and a 13-19 conference record.

Key newcomers are Jack James, Noe Stroer and Brandon Harper. With top returners for the Red Devils including Rhett Jaggers, Brett Buchanan and Jack Bland. The team made strides, unfortunately their season ended early in the first round of Region IV playoffs.

Head Coach Vince DeGrado led the Allen Track & Field team this year to some impressive results. Most notable performer is Devan Crow, who stood out in Cross Country but has excelled in the 5000m event as well this year.

Recently, Crow broke his own school record in the 5000m with a time of 14:20.47 finishing 10th overall out of 40 in the 113th Annual Drake Relays. Crow is currently ranked 6th in the nation for the 5000m. Crow is ranked 6th in the nation in the 5000m and 1st in the 1500m.

The team competed in the Track & Field Nationals in Hobbs, New Mexico. Prince Ntozo finished 7th in the 10k race, earning him All American honors. Congrats to the whole team who competed and to the coaches who helped them get there.

SOFTBALL

On the field the Lady Red Devils opened with a sweep against Northeastern Oklahoma AM College. The team has been competitive all season and finished with an overall 15-26 record and are 7-15 in conference.

Primary returners from last year are Lacey Stamper, Haley Gedrose and Skyler Jackson. These players were very instrumental to the team last year and are serving as leaders this year. The Lady Red Devils missed out on post-season play, but we look forward to cheering them on next season.

At the end of 2022, former Allen President, John Masterson and wife, Georgia made an everlasting decision. John and Georgia donated a gift that enabled them to name two conference rooms in honor of Masterson’s two biggest mentors, Hugh Haire and T. Clarence Brown.

Both John and Georgia spoke highly of these two men, remembering how impactful they were not only to them personally but to Allen Community College as a whole. Their efforts to engage students, support athletic and student programs, and demonstrate leadership that provided others to excel around them will forever be remembered.

Hugh Haire served Allen for over 30 years. During his time Hugh served as Men’s Basketball Coach, Track & Cross Country Coach, Director of Housing, Physical Education and Anatomy Instructor, Athletic Director, Director of Financial Aid, Vice President of Student Affairs and even Interim President of Allen. With this vast work experience, needless to say Hugh truly believed in Allen and wanted to help see it succeed at the highest level. Pictured below is the new plaque that hangs outside of the Athletic Conference Room.

T.C. Brown as he was more commonly known was also employed at Allen for over 30 years. T.C. similar to Hugh had several hats throughout his career at Allen. He was an instructor for mathematics and electricity. He was the Assistant Dean of Academics, then became Dean of Students, Student Council Sponsor, and President for a short term. His leadership is a clear demonstration of his duty to serve Allen to the best of his ability. T.C. Brown’s plaque that was mounted outside of the Administrative Conference Room is pictured above.

We hosted an unveiling event for both of these newly named rooms in which several members of our local community came out to support, as well as members from each of the Brown and Haire families. Below are a few moments that were captured from that day.

Pictured

Enjoying a laugh together to the right are direct relatives of both honorees. Son of Hugh, Patrick Haire Daughter of T.C., Na-tha Gae Williams and Daughter in Law of Hugh, Nancy Haire.

You can see the joy, and shared memories being had by the groups here. It was such a special day for all to gather and celebrate this moment.

to the left are John & Georgia Master-son, donors of both the T.Clarence Brown Administrative Conference Room & Hugh Haire Athletic Conference Room.

RED DEVIL RELATIONS

1960s

Lowell Graham, ‘61, passed away on April 2, 2023. ,

Bernard Blevins ‘64, passed away on October 3, 2022.

1970s

Loretta (Frank) Kitley, ‘78, daughter, Elizabeth Kitley reached the Women’s Basketball Final Four with Virginia Tech. Elizabeth is also an All American for the Hokies.

1980s

Teresa Clounch, ‘85, joined Washburn University as the new Associate Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students.

Roberta Nickell, ‘88, is retiring from Allen Community College after 35 years of service.

1990s

Vona Parker, ‘90, passed away on January 23, 2022.

Tavis Desormies, ‘93, was named Superintendent of Schools at Nemaha Central.

Melanie Wallace, ‘99, was promoted to Dean of Instruction Onsite at Allen Community College.

2000s

Tricia Stogsdill, ‘06, started as the new Theatre Instructor at Allen Community College.

Whitney Shaw, ‘08, joined Iowa Western Community College as an advisor after being the Head Volleyball Coach at Allen for over 8 years.

Seth Dutton, ‘09, joined Southeastern Athletics as the Associate Athletics Director for External Operations.

2010s

Zachary Wagers, ‘12, began as Franchise Owner of CoolVu of Northeast Kansas.

Kattia Thompson, ‘12, was promoted to Director of Instructional Technology at Allen Community College.

Anthony Miele, ‘15, started a new position as Assistant Athletic Director for Development at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

De’Quaan Haggerty, ‘16, joined Iowa Western Community College as the new Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach.

Kyle Hultgren, ‘17, was promoted to Assistant Superindentent at Clayco

Michaela Forkenbrock, ‘18, was promoted to Donor Experience Officer at Emporia State Foundation

Conner Darnell, ‘18, became Assistant Sports Information Director at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

Friends of Allen

DeWayne Vance, Iola, passed away on October 2, 2022.

Larry Manes, Moran, passed away on May 3, 2023.

SHARE YOUR NEWS!

WHERE HAS ALLEN TAKEN YOU?

Share your news, life updates, accomplishments, and any celebrations to be included in the next issue of the Allen Alumni Magazine. Submit your highlights to: https://www.allencc.edu/alumni-endowment/alumni-update-form

We look forward to hearing from you!