Since 1987 SFCC has recognized an outstanding alumnus at spring commencement. Read about the latest award winner and nominate a graduate for the next year’s award.
Lana Kay Kelly
State Fair Community College is pleased to recognize nursing professional Lana Kay Kelly as the 2021 Distinguished Alumni.
Kelly graduated from SFCC in 1980 with a Certificate in Practical Nursing and in 1983 with an Associate of Arts. She also was a student-athlete and played on SFCC’s volleyball team. Kelly earned a Bachelor’s in Nursing from the University of Central Missouri in 1986 and a Master’s in Business Administration from William Woods University.
For more than 40 years, Kelly has provided exemplary nursing care to thousands of patients in the Sedalia and Pettis County area. She worked at Bothwell Regional Health Center where she became the Director of Women’s Health and Nursery. Kelly taught childbirth classes and provided encouragement and instruction to SFCC nursing students who were completing rotations in Labor and Delivery.
Kelly also has served as Director of Nursing for the Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center in Sedalia. Currently, she is the Care Coordinator for the Harry S. Truman Veteran’s Hospital Sedalia Clinic.
A nurse who worked with Kelly for more than 30 years said, “She was always there to guide me as my boss and listen to me as a good friend. I have never worked with anyone who was more fair to every employee, no matter their status. Lana loved seeing new, young and mature nurses grow and succeed in their field. She was always their biggest supporter.”
In addition to her successful career, Kelly is very involved in her church and community. She is active at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School volunteering at the church’s monthly soup kitchen and serving on the school’s Board of Education. As a talented cook, she has used her skills to help the Wear Red for Women fundraising luncheons.
Distinguished Alumni Recipients
| 2021 | Lana Kay Kelly | Class of 1980, 1983 |
| 2020 | Lenny Freund | Class of 1980 |
| 2019 | Celso Doria | Class of 1992 |
| 2018 | Lt. Col. Justin Secrest | Class of 1993 |
| 2017 | Dr. Kristee Lorenz | Class of 1986 |
| 2016 | Jorge R. Guevara | Classes of 2005, 2006, 2009 |
| 2015 | Dr. Jennifer Hargrave | Class of 1998 |
| 2014 | Roger C. Austin | Class of 1986 |
| 2013 | Dr. Dean Dohrman | Class of 1987 |
| 2012 | Tom Gerke | Class of 1976 |
| 2011 | James Trujillo, Jr. | Class of 2004 |
| 2010 | Saundra Overton | Classes of 1984, 1989 |
| 2009 | Debbie Noland | Class of 1972 |
| 2008 | Nellie K. Owen, DVM | Class of 1991 |
| 2007 | Marlin G. Hammond | Class of 1972 |
| 2006 | David C. Furnell | Class of 1981 |
| 2005 | Peggy Richardson | Class of 1977 |
| 2004 | Susan Horton | Classes of 1979, 1980, 1994 |
| 2003 | Elaine Paxton | Class of 1971 |
| 2002 | Dennis Shull | Class of 1980 |
| 2001 | Eric Yazell | Class of 1987 |
| 2000 | Brad Schnackenberg | Class of 1989 |
| 1999 | Brad Dittmer | Class of 1979 |
| 1998 | James Rennison | Class of 1974 |
| 1997 | Jane Luper | Class of 1975 |
| 1996 | Patricia Gillman | Class of 1988 |
| 1995 | Evelyn Jorgenson | Class of 1972 |
| 1994 | Tony Claxton | Class of 1980 |
| 1993 | Barry Guier | Class of 1977 |
| 1992 | Leonard Dixon | Class of 1977 |
| 1991 | Ruth Elmore | Class of 1982 |
| 1990 | Cam Jennings | Class of 1974 |
| 1989 | Thomas Deuschle | Class of 1978 |
| 1988 | Josephine Dey | Class of 1979 |
| 1987 | Debbie Biermann | Class of 1973 |
