A native of Independence, Richard D. Orr was one of five children born to Leon E. and Wilma C. Orr, he is a descendant of E.B. Carpenter, one of the founders of Independence in 1869.  He attended local schools and was a member of the last freshmen class to attend Independence Junior College at Old Nees Hall and a member of the first sophomore class to attend at ICC's next location with the high school on North 10th Street. He worked a variety of jobs while going to school but credits his time in the oil fields as his direct motivation to pursue additional education and enrolled at Kansas University.  There he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Nuclear Engineering in 1958.  After working several management positions in the food industry, in 1979, he was looking to buy a small company and be his own boss.  It was then with his partner he bought Marie's Quality Foods Inc.  In 1995, the business began to grow and Richard purchased the Marie's Franchise in the northwest division which included nine states, from Alaska to Arizona.  In 2003, he sold his company to Dean Foods to join the ranks of the retired.  He bought a house in Independence to be close to family and friends.  Current project is the renovation of the Miami Golf and country Club in Miami, Oklahoma.

Russell D. Canaday came to Independence Community College from Silver Lake, Kansas, in the fall of 1971 to play football, which he describes as ending shy of the pre-season alumni scrimmage.  He completed his Associate of Arts Degree in the fall of 1972 and transferring to Washburn in the spring of 1973.  He obtained his Bachelor's Degree in 1975 and Juris Doctorate in 1978 while working second shift at the Hallmark plant in Topeka during undergraduate school and the weekends as security guard during law school.  After graduating from Washburn Law School and passing the Kansas bar, Judge Canaday returned to Independence and opened a law practice while working part time collecting child support for the SRS.  He served as an assistant county attorney for four years until being elected to the bench in 1988.

John Buser, a native of Independence, attended St. Andrew's Catholic School, graduated from Independence High School and began his college education at Independence Community College .  His undergraduate work was completed at Kansas State University, where he received a B.S. in Accounting, summa cum laude, he then received his Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School.  John Buser is the Managing Director of Lehman Brothers, an innovator in global finance that serves the financial needs of corporations, governments and municipalities, institutional clients, and high net worth individuals worldwide.  His principal role is as Group Head of Lehman Brothers Fund of Funds, a private equity investment manager of nearly 100 professionals that has invested over $2.5 billion into private companies.  Previously, Mr. Buser had been a partner of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, one of the nations 10 largest law firms.  Since completing law school in 1982, he has lived in Dallas, Texas, with his wife Ann and their two children - Alyssa and Bo.

 A native of Independence, Dr. Newberry, an aerospace engineer, professor emeritus and author,  graduated from the Independence High School in the spring of 1949 and attended Independence Community College, then know as Independence Junior College, in the fall of 1949 majoring in pre-engineering, active in the Engineering Club and Debate Squad. He served as Sophomore Class Vice President and was a member of the Pirate Track Team.

“I graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree in the spring of 1951,” said Dr. Newberry.  “I had acquired 77 semester units of credit during those two years.  The University of Southern California accepted 70 of those units when I transferred to that university in the fall of 1951 - they said they didn't accept more than 70 from any junior college.” 

Outstanding Alumnus 2004
Jim Kelly

“Jim Kelly is a friend of the College,” said Dr. Judith Hansen, ICC President.  “His support of the institution has been evident as a leader on the Foundation Board, as a scholarship donor, as a Pirate sports fan and theatre audience member, Inge Festival volunteer, and as an ambassador for the College.  We are proud to recognize him with this well-deserved honor and are looking forward to publicly acknowledging him for the important work that he does for ICC.”

A native of Independence and 1967 graduate of ICC, Kelly went on to graduate from Emporia State University in 1969.  That same year he began work at Citizens National Bank, working in a variety of lending and administrative capacities.  He continued his education and graduated from the Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking in 1978 and Leadership Kansas in 1989.  Citizens National Bank became a part of the Commerce Bank family through a merger in 1999, the same year Kelly was named Community Bank President.

Outstanding Alumnus 2003
Daniel L. Gross

Daniel L. Gross is a native of Independence and a 1975 graduate of Independence Community College.  He earned a Bachelor of Nursing Degree in 1977 from Wichita State University.  In 1988, he earned his graduate degree in Nursing Administration, Business and Leadership from the University of San Diego.  Gross is the Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Sharp Memorial Hospital, Sharp Cabrillo, Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women, Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, and Sharp Vista Pacifica Hospital.  Gross' hospital leadership includes 841 licensed hospital beds and 1,200 medical staff members.  Gross spoke at the 2003 ICC Graduation Ceremony.  Gross was accompanied by his wife, Cathy at the graduation ceremony.  Gross serves on the American Heart Association Board of Directors, American Heart Association Regional Policy Board 9 and the California HealthCare Association Board.

Outstanding Alumnus 2002
Richard Andrew Stewart

Richard Andrew Stewart, Independence Community College’s Outstanding Alumnus for 2002, has been a motivated self starter dating to his childhood in Independence, Kansas.  Richard Stewart’s first job was as  a paperboy for the Independence Daily Reporter.  Not long after, Stewart worked what was to become one of his favorite jobs,  as a clerk for the former Independence store Dancer’s Sporting Goods. Now in 2002, Stewart is the Executive Vice-President with SAP Global Consulting where he leads a $2 billion business unit of SAP Aktiengesellschaft.   After graduating from Independence High School in 1970, Stewart continued his education at ICC in 1971.  In 1974, Stewart earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, graduating cum laude, from Wichita State University.  His advanced studies were realized at the University of Southern California, Wharton School of Business, and Harvard School of Business.  Stewart is active in his Denver, Colorado community, working with the Denver Adult Literacy Program, the Denver Chapter of the American Lung Association, Junior Achievement, and the Juvenile Diabetes Association.  He is married to former Independence native Connie Michaelis.  Richard and Connie live just outside of Denver, CO in Castle Rock with their two daughters, Kate and Sarah.

Outstanding Alumnus 2001
Charlotte Wharton

Charlotte Wharton graduated from ICC in 1964. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Clark University in 1980.  While at Clark University, Ms. Wharton started a student internship in the University’s Publication Department that still benefits students today.  In 1978 during her internship, she received the Citation for Excellence for her cover design of the Clark Now magazine in the Gallery of Superb Printing competition.  After graduating from Clark University, Ms. Wharton worked as the Assistant Art Director for Worcester Polytechnic Institute and, during her three and one-half year tenure she garnered nine national awards for her designs.  Ms. Wharton is a nationally known artist who has participated in juried exhibits in Italy, France and Russia as well as throughout the United States.   Her portraits and landscapes are represented in many American and European private and corporate collections.  Her oils and pastels have garnered more than four dozen major awards, and selected works have been reproduced in three art books.  Charlotte Wharton is the daughter of Leona Bredehoft and the late Henry Bredehoft.  Her mother and two sisters reside in Independence.  Ms. Wharton resides in Worcester, Massachusetts with her husband, Thomas.  They have two children and one grandchild.

Outstanding Alumnus 2000
Russell L. Crane

Russell L. Crane, an Independence native, began his college career at Independence Community College in 1959.  He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Kansas and attended Harvard University’s Advanced Management Program.  He joined PPG Industries Inc. (formerly Pittsburgh Plate and Glass Co.) as a labor relation’s assistant in 1963 and by 1988 he was elected vice president of corporate human resources.  In 1994 he was elected to his current post and the company’s executive committee.  Crane has served on numerous boards including the advisory councils of the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh and the United Way of Allegheny County.  In 1999 he was named a Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources- the most prestigious honor within the field of human relations.

Outstanding Alumnus 1999
Dr. Jonathon Newkirk

Jonathon Newkirk was born and raised in Independence, attending local schools and graduating from Independence Community College in 1977 as salutatorian of his class with an Associate of Arts Degree.  He continued his education at the University of Kansas, graduating summa cum laude in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology before going on to earn his Medical Doctorate from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1983.  During his senior year at KUMC, he was awarded the Reader’s Digest International Fellowship and spent two months of medical service in Liberia, West Africa.  After passing his board certification exam in Family Practice in the summer of 1986, he became a diplomat of the American Board of Family Practice.  His service in underdeveloped countries of Africa during his residency has continued throughout his career.

Outstanding Alumnus 1998
Tim Emert

Tim Emert is a native of Independence and a 1960 graduate of Independence Community College.  He earned a Bachelor of Journalism Degree from the University of Kansas and later a Juris Doctorate from the KU School of Law.    Following graduation, Emert returned to Independence to practice law and continue his interest and support in ICC.  In 1992, Mr. Emert was elected to represent the 15^th Senatorial District where he served on numerous legislative committees and as majority leader.  He also served on the State Board of Education from 1987 to 1992 acting as Chairman of the board for two years.  He was responsible for incorporating the ICC Foundation and served as its secretary for 15 years and as president for approximately 10 years.  Emert has also supported the William Inge Theatre Festival at ICC since its inception and currently serves as the Inge Festival Foundation president.

Outstanding Alumnus 1997
Toby Cook

Toby Cook graduated from Independence High School in 1986, Independence Community College in 1988, and Pittsburg State University in 1990.  Cook started his broadcast career at the age of 16, working as a board operator and disc jockey for Independence radio station KIND and writing news and sports for the Independence Daily Reporter.  After earning his degree from PSU, he started working as a sports director for a television station in Junction City.  Shortly thereafter, he began producing educational videos for a company in Pittsburg, KS, before accepting a job at KOAM-TV (serving Pittsburg, KS/ Joplin, MO) as a news anchor on the area’s first TV morning show.  In 1995, after 3 years with the station, Cook joined the news team at WSET-TV (serving Lynchburg/ Roanoke, VA) where he co-hosted and produced “Good Morning Virginia.”  Currently he is a weekday morning’s news anchor at WDAF-TV in Kansas City, MO.  He also reports for the stations Special Projects department and does media consulting for various organizations.

Outstanding Alumnus 1996
Jerry Hiatt

Jerry Hiatt, an Independence native, graduated from Independence Community College in 1976 with an Associate of Arts Degree.  He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration at Emporia State University in 1978.  In addition to continuing education credits earned at Wichita State University, he earned numerous certifications including: PHR (Professional in Human Resources); Occupational Health, Safety and Security; Employee and Labor Relations, and Employment; and others.  As the Director of Human Resources at Cessna Aircraft Company, Hiatt was instrumental in Cessna’s new start-up facility in Independence, working in all areas of employee recruitment and selection.

Outstanding Alumnus 1995
Mark Fankhauser

Mark Fankhauser, a 1970 graduate of Independence High School, attended Independence Community College from 1970 – 1971.  He received his Undergraduate Degree from Pittsburg State University in 1974, and his Law Degree, cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 1978.  He served in the U.S. Air Force as well as the Air National Guard.  The number of law committees he has served on for the State Bar of Texas is quite extensive.  Among his many accomplishments, Frankhauser established a partnership in a Texas law firm to represent clients in estate planning, probate, and general tax matters, as well as the representation of tax-exempt charitable organizations and state agencies. 

Outstanding Alumnus 1994
Derek Schmidt

Derek Schmidt graduated from Independence High School and attended Independence Community College during 1986–87.  He continued his education at the University of Kansas, serving as editor of the University Daily Kansan and earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism in 1990, graduating Phi Beta Kappa.  Schmidt went on to study history at Cambridge University, law at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and the Latin American legal systems in Sao Paolo, Brazil.  In 1996, he graduated from Georgetown University with a Juris Doctorate.  Throughout college, he served as legislative assistant to Sen. Nancy Kassebaum, advising her on federal budget, foreign relations, and environmental issues.  A former assistant attorney general for the State of Kansas and former special counsel to Kansas Governor Bill Graves, Mr. Schmidt’s commitment to government continues today as the Republican nominee to represent the 15^th district in the Kansas Senate.  He is currently practicing law with the Independence firm Scovel, Emert, Heasty and Chubb and serving on the board of directors for the Eastern Kansas Branch of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and for the Leadership Kansas program. 

Outstanding Alumnus 1993
Jim Halsey

Jim Halsey graduated from Independence Community College in 1950.  His career spans over 50 years as artist manager, agent and impresario, discovering and/or guiding the careers of such illustrious personalities as Roy Clark, The Oak Ridge Boys, Waylon Jennings, The Judds, Reba McEntire, Minnie Pearl, Clint Black, Dwight Yoakum, Tammy Wynette, and many others.  He has organized and presented country music performances all over the world.  As an agent, Halsy’s expertise has also enabled him to represent such diverse artists as Woody Herman, James Brown, Roy Orbison, Leon Russell, The Glenn Miller Band and others.  Through his efforts, Halsey expanded the horizons of country music while maintaining one of the most highly skilled and motivated booking and management companies in the world.  He is president and chief operating officer of The Jim Halsey Institute in Tulsa, Oklahoma where his focus is education.

Outstanding Alumnus 1992
Dr. Fay Bradley

Fay Bradley graduated from Independence High School and began his college education at Independence Community College graduating in 1958.  From 1958 to 1975, Bradley continued his studies obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Pittsburg State University, Graduate Studies in Education from Wichita State University, a Juris Doctorate from Howard University Law School, and a Medical Doctorate from Howard University Medical School.  Before he became a primary care physician, Bradley had served as a lab technician in the U.S. Army and had even taught junior high school science for a year.  After more than 20 years of practicing governmental medicine, Dr. Bradley retired from the United States Public Health Service.  His commitment to higher learning is apparent not only through his education, but also through his efforts in establishing the Irene and Henry Bradley Memorial Scholarship at ICC. 

Outstanding Alumnus 1991
Philip D. Griffith

Philip D. Griffith, a Neodesha native, attended Independence Community College from 1963 to 1965, before earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Wichita State University in 1967.  Upon graduation, Griffith worked for Southwestern Bell and Deloitte & Touche as a certified public accountant in St. Louis, MO.  In 1970, he transferred to the Deloitte & Touche office in Las Vegas, NV.  From 1973 to 1984, Mr. Griffith held several executive positions including President of Harold’s Club Casino in Reno and the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.  He founded his own company in 1984 with the purchase of Fitzgeralds Casino and Hotel in Reno, NV.  During the next 10 years he was involved in various acquisitions and start-ups of new casino developments and by 1994 combined his various gaming interests to become Fitzgeralds Gaming Corporation.  He is the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and majority shareholder of the company, a diversified multi-jurisdictional gaming holding Company that currently owns and operates four Fitzgeralds-brand casino-hotels, in Las Vegas and Reno, NV, Tunica, MS, and Black Hawk, CO.  Mr. Griffith has continued his dedication to Neodesha by providing scholarships and other community assistance through the Lewis, Philip, and Andrew Griffith Foundation.

Outstanding Alumnus 1990
Ellen Brandon Goheen

Ellen Brandon Goheen is a former Independence resident, and a 1962–63 alumna of Independence Community College.  Goheen continued her education at the University of Kansas earning her Bachelor’s Degree with honors in French and Art History in 1965 and her Master’s Degree in Art History in 1967.  Her career accomplishments include several curatorial positions at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, MO., serving on the Kansas Arts Commission Advisory Council, and serving as president of the Historic Kansas City Foundation.  She has been active with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and with Young Audiences, was a founding member of the Missouri Citizens for the Arts, and has served as president of the Kansas Chapter of the Archaeological Institute of America.  She has organized various exhibitions, some of which traveled the nation.  Goheen is also a member of the National Advisory Board for ICC’s William Inge Theatre Festival.

Outstanding Alumnus 1989
Bill Kurtis

Bill Kurtis attended Independence Community College before transferring to the University of Kansas where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism in 1962.  In 1966, he received a Juris Doctor from Washburn University School of Law and passed the Kansas Bar later that same year.  While at law school, he was a television reporter in Topeka and saw the power of broadcasting firsthand as he reported an incoming tornado.  A defining moment for Kurtis, he continued his career by working at CBS in Chicago where he earned the respect of viewers, colleagues, and competitors nation wide.  After anchoring the “CBS Morning News” in New York, Kurtis returned to Chicago to become one of the leading documentary producers in the country for the Arts and Entertainment (A & E) Network.  Mr. Kurtis is the producer and anchor of several multi-awarded television programs including American Justice, Inside Story and The New Explorers with Bill Kurtis.  He is best known for the Emmy Award-winning Investigative Reports with Bill Kurtis.

Outstanding Alumnus 1988
Merle R. Blair

Merle R. Blair attended Independence Community College from 1953–55 before graduating from Washburn University in 1957.  He entered the broadcasting business in 1954, working at KIND Radio in Independence.  Blair continued his career in radio until 1983.  Over the years, he held different positions including Executive Vice President of KTOP and General Manager of KTOP-KDVV in Topeka, KS.  He was the radio voice of Washburn sports from 1967-81.  He has served as president of the Topeka Sales and Marketing Executives, Phi Delta Theta Alumni Association, the Washburn Ichabod Club, Washburn University Alumni Association, and as chairman of the Washburn University Regents.  Blair’s honors include the 1999 Kansas Association of Broadcasters Distinguished Service Award, induction in the Washburn Athletic Hall of Fame, Topeka’s Advertising Man of the Year, and Phi Delta Theta Alumni Man of the year.  Since 1983, he has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce and will continue to do so until 2001. 

Outstanding Alumnus 1987
Michael A. Wood

Mike Wood graduated from Independence Community College in 1967 and was active in theatre, earning a Best Director “Anna Award” that year.  He continued his education at Kansas State University, earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.  He completed his Master of Fine Arts in Cinema Production from the University of Southern California.  Wood is currently the Executive Director of the Media Resources Center, WSU-TV, and KMUW-FM at Wichita State University.  He has been actively involved with ICC’s William Inge Theatre Festival starting with writing and directing the 1981 documentary on William Inge, Penn Avenue to Broadway.  He has continued his involvement over the past 15 years by writing and directing the festival’s playwright tribute programs.  

Outstanding Alumnus 1986
Margaret Goheen (1921-1990)

Margaret Goheen graduated from Independence High School as valedictorian of her class, completing her studies in just three years.  After high school graduation, she attended Independence Junior College and Pittsburg State Teachers College.  She continued her education at the University of Denver, obtaining her Master of Arts Degree.  She began her teaching career as an instructor at Belle Plaine Rural High School from 1942 – 1944.  In 1946, she joined the staff of Independence High School, teaching at both high school and junior college levels.  In 1963, she became a full-time speech and drama instructor at Independence Community College until she retired in 1984.  Mrs. Goheen’s contributions to the college extended far beyond teaching.  In 1981, she founded the William Inge Festival at ICC and served as its artistic director until her death in 1990.

Outstanding Alumnus 1985
R.J. Osborn

R.J. Osborn graduated from Independence High School in 1941 and Independence Junior College in 1943.  While attending the Junior College, he was involved in Phi Theta Kappa, Sock and Buskin Club (Dramatics), Editor of the Inkanquill yearbook, and President of the Student Council.  Mr. Osborn continued his education at Kansas State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1948.  Upon graduating, Osborn began his career with Sinclair Pipe Line Company.  Over the years he worked for the company as an Engineer, Assistant Chief Electrical Engineer, Project Manager of Bayport Olefins Project, and Mid-continent Regional Manager before retiring in 1985.  Throughout his career he was a Registered Professional Engineer in Kansas, a member of the AIEE Industry Committee, and a member of the API Pipe Line Automation Committee.  He has also served in the U.S. Navy.  Mr. Osborn’s interest in the community of Independence is apparent through past service on the Independence Public Library Board, the Independence Board of Education, and the Independence Community College Board of Trustees.  

Outstanding Alumnus 1984
Donald E. Aitken

Don Aitken graduated from Independence Junior College in 1948 and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 1950 from the University of Kansas.  He also did some postgraduate work at Emporia State Teachers College.  Aitken served in the U.S. Navy for 2 years in WWII.  In 1950 his career began as an assistant purchasing agent for Platte Pipe Line Company and three years later he went to work for Sinclair Pipe Line Company in the Valuation Department.  After 2 years with Sinclair Pipe Line Co., he took the position of Purchasing Manager for Electra Manufacturing Company where he remained for 13 years.  The last 29 years of Mr. Aitken’s career was spent working as the Business Manager and General Manager of City Publishing Company before retiring in 1996.  While employed at City Publishing, he was the President of the International Association of Cross Reference Directories for two terms.  His involvement with the Independence community includes service on the Independence Chamber of Commerce Board (President 1970); First Federal Savings and Loan Board of Directors (Vice-Chairman and then Chairman); member of the Independence Lions Club, Rotary Club, Country Club; and the Independence Community College Board of Trustees.  Mr. Aitken served as Chairman of the Independence Community College Board of Trustees when the new college was built at its present location.