Five Retire from HCC in 2010 Spring brings new growth, and new changes to Hutchinson Community College. One of the most important changes that comes to the college is the retirement of faculty and staff after long and distinguished careers at Hutchinson Community College. Five individuals will conclude their service to HCC this spring with their retirements. The group has combined for an impressive 97 years of service to HCC. The group will be honored at HCC’s graduation ceremonies in May.
David M. Horning
David M. Horning retired in the fall of 2009, after serving 30 years as the general manager and founder of Radio Kansas, the Public Radio station of Hutchinson Community College. Horning came to HCC in the spring of 1979, and guided the station, KHCC, to the first broadcast on July 1, 1979. Since that time, the station has grown and broadcasts throughout much of the state on three frequencies. Horning was also instrumental in helping develop one of the strongest and most generous public membership programs in National Public Radio. Radio Kansas, which is largely supported by individual donations, has continued to enjoy an increased growth in annual giving. “I can not say enough about Dave Horning’s commitment to excellence at Radio Kansas,” said HCC President Dr. Edward Berger. “He has created an outstanding public radio station that has grown from one station to a three-station operation that serves most of our state.” Horning will not entirely be leaving Radio Kansas, as he will continue to serve as a consultant to the station management, and assist with grant writing, database development, and even the occasional on-air announcement. Besides his work with Radio Kansas, Horning hopes to spend more time watching his daughter, Katie, compete with Hutchinson High’s golf team, and enjoy more time with his son, Matt, who lives in Wichita. He and his wife, Sondra, will continue to reside in Hutchinson, where she is employed as an elementary art teacher with USD 308.
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Gene Allton
Gene Allton, Director of Plant Facilities, will retire from HCC in June. Gene has served the college for 23 years, starting in 1987. Allton, a 1966 graduate of HCC, came to the college after a career in private industry, including a position at the former Farmland Steel Products of Hutchinson. Allton has seen tremendous growth on campus, including a major expansion of facilities and buildings on campus. Allton has been involved with the renovation and construction of Rimmer Learning Resource Center, Gowans Stadium, Kent Hall, Ade-Wifco RCIC, Industrial Technology Center and Shears Technology Center. In addition, Allton has supervised the upgrade of many plant facilities to respond to this growth, including the recent environmental upgrades to HVAC/electrical and physical systems to increase energy savings. Allton also spent a brief stint as an instructor in the Manufacturing Management and Drafting areas, and enjoyed his time in the classroom. Ultimately, his “day” job took more of his time, and Allton left the classroom a few years later. “Replacing someone with Gene’s experience is going to be difficult.” said Carter File, Dean of Finance. “Gene cares a great deal about the college, and his pride in HCC definitely shows in our outstanding grounds and facilities. He is a hard worker who makes the most of every opportunity to make the college better.” Allton, along with his wife, Carol, plan to travel throughout the United States, and are also planning a trip to Europe. Allton also plans to visit Spain and Italy, where he was stationed during his days with the United States Navy. He also plans to spend more time with his grandchildren that live in Lawrence and Kansas City.
Larry Carver
Larry Carver, Director of Virtual Learning and Instructional Technology, will retire from the college with 10 years of service this June.
When Carver came on campus in 2000, there were less than 100 students enrolled in online courses, with only a few programs even beginning to move toward online degrees. Since that time, enrollment in online courses has grown to be almost 40% of the total enrollment at HCC, and enrollment figures continue to climb each year. Carver has been instrumental in the development of complete online Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees at HCC and has also helped develop several Associate of Applied Science degrees as well. He has spearheaded the development of state-ofthe-art online delivery methods, and was instrumental in the adoption of the Angel software system for online education. In Carver’s 10 years at HCC, the department has grown from two full-time positions to more than eight positions providing support to more than 2,500 students who are enrolled in more than 14,000 credit hours per semester. “Larry is a pioneer,” said Dr. Sue Darby, Dean of Instruction. “He was instrumental in moving HCC into delivery of online courses, programs and degrees. It’s hard to imagine that 11 years ago, we had less than 100 students enrolled in distance education courses, and now almost 40% of the total college enrollment comes from distance education. He will be missed, and his shoes are going to be very hard to fill.” Carver plans to remain active in his retirement, and continue to teach online at HCC, along with online teaching positions at several other universities and colleges. He is also planning to spend more time on the golf course. He will continue to reside in Hutchinson with his wife, Joyce.
Anita Friesen
Anita Friesen, Network Analyst Trainer, will retire from HCC with 11 years of service working as a networking instructor in the Department of Computer and Industrial Technology, and as a network analyst with the Office of Information Technology Services.
Story Cont.’d on Page 10 HCC Now, Spring 2010