Student Spotlight

Meet Morgan Baska, a current sophomore at Allen Community College. Morgan is a part of many aspects on campus and in her community. Originally from Wellsville, Kansas, Morgan decided she wanted to pursue her athletic career. After several visits to other colleges, she landed on her home, Allen. We asked Morgan if making this decision was hard, she said “not really, once I visited Allen I knew I was coming here. The facillities and atmosphere really set it apart from everywhere else I visited.”

Sure seems like Morgan has made the right choice, she is an impactful player on Allen’s softball team, Student Senate President and a volunteer firefighter for Allen County Rural. With her hands full of extracurricular activities Morgan still manages to stay on top of her academics.

Morgan is majoring in criminal justice and plans on pursuing a career in the police force after school. While her plans aren’t confirmed where she will go after Allen, she wants to continue playing softball and earn her Bachelors in Criminal Justice then enrolling in the police academy.

When talking to Morgan how her experiences at Allen are, she had plenty to say. What she enjoys the most about Allen is “ the structure and dynamic of her coaches, instructors and others.” Mentioning that they “always help with any schedule conflicts, allowed her to feel safe to open up to them about anything she is going through or needs”.

We wish Morgan all the best after she finishes her sophomore year up this spring but make sure you come out to a game before she leaves! She gave us her final takeaway so far from her time at Allen, which is “ I have learned that you are your own greatest barrier to success”.

Thank you Morgan for representing Allen so well, hats off to you!

For the first time in almost 3 years, the Endowment Association hosted the 23rd Annual Scholarship Luncheon on October 12th, 2022. This unique event brings together donors and the students who benefit from their generosity in the form of a scholarship. It is so special to see the connections unfold.

We graciously hosted over 250 attendees at the event. The keynote speaker was Allen Alumus of 1989, Dr. Phil Cook. Dr. Cook is currently the Superintendent of Carl Junction School District in Carl Junction, Missouri. Dr. Cook was a member of the Red Devils baseball team during his time at Allen. After Allen, he went on to Pittsburg State to continue his athletic and academic career. Serving as team captain on the baseball team, Dr. Cook graduated with his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education in 1992. Later he went on to earn his Masters and Doctorate in Education.

Dr. Cook spoke about his cherished time at Allen and how now he reflected upon just how big of an impact the college, teachers, coaches and community made on him. Also, to not take the time at Allen forgranted and continue to give back when you can. We were thrilled to have Dr. Cook back on campus after a long overdue visit. This trip down memory lane for Dr. Cook was emotional but as he put it “this part of my life made me who I am today”.

The Endowment celebrated new scholarships that were awarded this year. The Orville & Nina Hawk Scholarship and the Gary Hawk Scholarship for the Visual Arts.

Donors Bob & Ginny Hawk, Beverly Hawk and her daughters, Deborah Smail, Susan Hawk and Lori Obermueller are pictured in the next page. We thank them for continuing the legacy of their loved ones. But also for investing in a gift that will impact students for years to come.

Pictured left to right are Lauren Maisberger the Director of Development and keynote speaker, Dr. Phil Cook.

Pictured left to right are Lauren Maisberger, Susan Hawk, Beverly Hawk, Deborah Smail & Lori Obermueller.

For students, at first a lunch with someone they don’t know sounds terrifying. But after meeting their donors whose scholarship they recieved, their perception changed. We spoke to a several students after the luncheon about their experience at the event and they all had positive comments to say. To sum it up best, we heard from Lacey Stamper, sophomore on the Allen Softball team. She said “ I loved the speaker. His story was really inspirational and made me want to achieve more now and after Allen!”

Pictured left to right are donors Bob Hawk & Ginny Hawk. Also, Lauren Maisberger the Director of Development.

We wanted to take a moment to say thank you to all the individuals and businesses that were part of our Athletic and Fine Arts Booster Clubs. If you or someone you know is interested on becoming a booster club supporter, contact the Endowment office today!

ATHLETIC FINE ARTS

All Star - $1,000

John & Georgia Masterson

Champion - $750

Larry Manes & Nelda Cuppy BVD Inc Sonic Drive-In of Iola

Captain - $500

Pete’s Community National Bank Peerless Products Allen Regional Hospital Vince Degrado Ash Grove Cement McGinnis & Demarteau Families

Partner -$250

Earl Walter A&W Family Resturant Humboldt Fitness Iola Pharmacy Craig & Georgia Abbott

Sponsor -$100 Patron - $750

Cynthia Jacobson

Lover - $500

John & Georgia Masterson

Enthusaist - $250

Larry Manes & Nelda Cuppy Linda Johnson

Supporter - $100

Lonnie & Stephanie Larson Alan Weber Ken & Kit McGuffin Stanley & Donna Grigsby Donna Houser Brian & Shellie Regehr Walter & Karin Wulf Personal Service Insurance Jim Bauer Family Sharon Whitworth Carol Chrisenberry Larry Ross & Family

Nickey Barr Piqua State Bank The Family Physicians Lonnie & Stephanie Larson Terry Sparks Ken & Kit McGuffin Spencer & Helen Ambler Larry Ross & Family PrairieLand Partners Iola Elks Lodge BPOE #569 Personal Service Insurance Aaron & Josie Kalhoff

The Gift of Giving

As we near the end of the year, we are reminded of all the people, places and experiences we love. When you reflect upon those memories, don’t forget about us at Allen!

Gifts of stocks and other securities (bonds, mutual funds, etc.) can allow you to support Allen without depleting your liquid cash reserves. This is such a great way to share your love while giving you a tax break. Your broker can assist you in making a gift of stock via direct transaction to Allen Community College Endowment.

To donate securities, contact the Endowment Office today to get started. Your impact today will live on forever!

History in the making as Allen

will celebrate 100 years of education. Taking a look back on how far the college has come brings more nogtaslia of our humble beginnings and inspiration for a radiant future.

From transitioning from the third floor of Iola High School to establishing and building a stand alone campus. Celebrating the increasing enrollment, high and lows of sports teams and the opening of the Burlingame campus. Each of the events in our tenured history has shaped Allen to the college it is today.

So many fond memories, experiences and advancements have happened and we continue to celebrate our past and look onward into our next centennial. We encourage friends, family and especially alumni to come out to our cenntennial celebration events. To join us in remebering and celebrating Allen and all of its glory.

1923 1923

Iola Junior College, 1923

Snapshot of an article from the Iola Register of when the land for campus was designated

Second part of the article, viewing Allen’s campus after construction

Join us at the following upcoming events as we build up to our celebration of 100 years!!

NOV FALL PLAY BY ALLEN THEATRE

FEB ALLEN HOMECOMING

MAR ENDOWMENT ANNUAL GALA

JUL CENTENNIAL KICKOFF PARTY

2023 2023

New Allen sign outside of the newly constructed student center, dining area and outdoor pergola

ALLEN SEEKS TO BE A NATIONAL LEADER IN RURAL, TWO-YEAR COLLEGE EDUCATION BY PROVIDING OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC PROGRAMS, CO-CURRICULAR LEARNING EXPERIENCES, INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS AND CAMPUS LIFE