Our Leadership & Legacy
The Garden City Community College Endowment Association history is rooted in the belief that education transforms lives, and thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we continue to make a meaningful impact.
Guided by dedicated leaders, the Endowment Association is committed to supporting students and strengthening our community. Through scholarships and educational opportunities, we help students achieve their goals and build brighter futures.
Your gifts—whether financial contributions, time, or in-kind support—directly invest in students, empowering them to grow, succeed, and thrive.
Our Board of Directors
Endowment Association
Chip Bradshaw, Iron Insurance Partners
Gita Chase, Financial Avenues, Inc.
Rebekah Fitzpatrick, Community Volunteer
Vanessa Gaytan, Genesis Family Health
Robert Gonzales, Steckline Communications
Beth Koksal, LiveWell Finney County
Jacque Porter, J&J Autoplex
Erin Stillwagon, GC Fire Department
Beth Tedrow, Community Volunteer
Cindy Unger, Bod Vice President, Crockett & Co. Real Estate
Keith Venjohn, BoD President, Walmart Rx
Karla Armstrong, Vice President Administrative Services; CFO, GCCC
Dr. Ryan Ruda, President, GCCC
Mindy Russell, Acct. Services & Grant Compliance Manager, GCCC
Shanda Smith, Chair of Trustees, GCCC
Ex-Officio Representatives
Our Team
Endowment Association
Lenzy Kuebler, Executive Director
Scott Kedrowski, Dean of Advancement & Alumni Relations
Barb Wells, Office & Event Manager
The Garden City Community College Endowment Association was established in 1967 with a modest treasury of $681. The first meeting was held on March 7 in the basement of Calkins Hall on the college’s original campus at Eighth and Jones. Edwin Hooper, then chairman of the college’s board of trustees, led the 12-member endowment board, composed entirely of Garden City residents.
As the association gained momentum, the board expanded in 1969 to include representatives from a broader service area. With each success, more individuals were eager to contribute, leading to continued growth. Today, the board consists of 20 dedicated volunteers representing Finney County and surrounding communities.
Fundraising efforts have evolved significantly over the years. The first fundraising campaign, launched in 1969, was a month-long drive kicked off with an invitational dinner. To support the association’s expanding operations, the first full-time director was hired in 1978, followed by a secretary in 1980 to manage the increasing administrative responsibilities.
Two milestone fundraising events soon followed. The first Scholarship Auction was held during the 1978-79 school year at the Hilton Inn, raising $4,142. Shortly after, the inaugural Phonathon took place in 1980-81, where 40 volunteers successfully raised $10,000 from alumni and friends.
These early initiatives laid the foundation for the Endowment Association’s ongoing commitment to supporting GCCC students, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of educational success.
