Alumni

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The Alumni Association is proud to distribute two esteemed awards annually.  Individuals receiving these awards are chosen through an extensive nomination process and are recognized for their support of Neosho County Community College, the Mission & Vision and the future of our community.  

The Neosho County Community College Distinguished Alumni is an award given to a single individual that has paved the way for future alumni.  This individual has supported the college after graduating from NCCC and has become and leader in their respective profession and community.  The Distinguished Alumni award is an exceptional honor and is generally the Key Note Speaker at our Commencement ceremony at the end of the academic year.  

2022 Distinguished Alumnus

Anita Cooper

Anita Cooper, Class of 1992 , is a Licensed Master Level Social Worker and Certified Public Manager.

Currently she serves Kansans as the Southeast Regional Director for the Kansas Department for Children and Families focused on providing community resources and meaningful supports for 18 counties across Kansas.

During her more than 20 years in the social services field, Anita has been a strong advocate for prevention services and support believing that every individual and family can live their best lives when supported and encouraged by their communities.

In addition to her work at DCF, Anita has served on various boards including Faith House Homeless Shelter, Vision Chanute, and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill.  She currently serves on the Chanute Regional Development Authority board.  

Anita has also provided poverty awareness and education training in southeast Kansas for the organization Bridges Out of Poverty.

Past Distinguished Alumni Recipients

The Neosho County Community College Heritage Family is an award given to a family who has shown great support of the college through multiple means.  This distinguished awarded has been given since 2011 and honors some of the amazing individuals who have helped grow the foundation NCCC prides itself on. 

2023 Heritage Family

The Hole Family

The NCCC Heritage Family award is bestowed annually since 2011 to a family that has shown great support to the college through multiple means and honors families who have helped grow the foundation NCCC prides itself on. 

Families who receive this distinguished award must have at least one individual who has graduated from Neosho County Community College along with family members who have attended or graduated from NCCC.

This year, we are honored to award the 2023 Heritage Family award to the Hole Family. 

Both Beverly and Charles attended NCCC. Charles attended briefly in 1954 before joining the Air Force. Beverly attended from 1979-1980 and received her Journeyman Certificate in Carpentry. Beverly’s Uncle, Elva (Elvie) Uthmann worked for 9 years at NCCC in the maintenance department. He and his wife Evelyn established the Elva and Evelyn Uthmann scholarship fund at NCCC.

Beverly and Charles have 5 children, 4 of which attended NCCC. Their eldest daughter, Charlotte earned her Postal Administration Certificate in 1994. Her husband Ed Stout attended from 1976-1977. The Stouts have supported the college for years, including being big basketball supporters. At one time they did host basketball students at their house so these students could attend NCCC. Their other children John (1985), Mike (1990s), and Mindy (1987-1989) attended as well but did not graduate. Their daughter-in-laws Michelle (2019) and Emma (2010) did graduate from NCCC. Emma Hole received her nursing degree in 2010. She is also a member of the NCCC Alumni Association. 

Beverly and Charles have 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Out of these, 5 grandchildren attended with 3 graduating. Anne Winters (Stout) graduated in 2001. During her time at NCCC, she was a cheerleader. Crystal Poovey (Hole) graduated in 2011 and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa. Melissa Churning graduated in 2011 and was a member of the Academic Excellence Challenge Team. Melissa is also the current NCCC Alumni Association President.

Beverly and Charles are active in their community. They volunteer at their local church. Beverly, years ago, would create and coordinate craft activities with the senior citizens at the Tioga. She also at one time made stuffed panthers for the NCCC bookstore. While they used to square dance, they now frequent the Altoona Senior Center for weekly dances. They always help those in need and have never met a stranger.

Congratulations to the Hole family!  

Past Heritage Families

*The Neosho County Community College Foundation is a 501c3 non-for-profit organization.