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.
Stephen R. Galloway
Steve Galloway was born and raised on a diversified crop and livestock family farm. Steve’s family was actively involved in supporting FFA Activities, 4-H and Farm Bureau. The family was selected as Farm Family of Johnson County in the late 1960’s. His parents had expectations of him becoming a college-educated farmer. Steve started his formal education at Pleasant Green, a one-room country school, at the ripe old age of six years old where his first teacher, Ms. Verdie significantly impacted his academic self-discipline and thirst for learning. Her compassionate style followed him through all his college years as both a student and teacher, as well as molded his teaching style. He graduated from Windsor High School in 1968 and enrolled that fall as part of the inaugural graduating class of 1970 at “Plywood U” earning his Associate of Arts degree.
After graduation, he served in the United States Army as an infantryman and was stationed in Berlin, Germany. His Battalion was assigned to travel through the Iron Curtain in order for the United States to maintain access to Berlin, and to guard the Prisoner of War, Rudolph Hess. He quickly earned the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1972.
After serving his country, Steve enrolled at Central Missouri State University, now known as University of Central Missouri, to further his education. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education and a Master of Science in Agriculture Technology, he taught briefly at Lakeland High School completing his student teaching requirement. He then worked for the USDA as a loan officer, before being recruited to teach an agriculture class by Keith Allen, the Department Chair of Agriculture. This part time position led to a 38-year tenure at State Fair Community College. Additionally, he earned his Lifetime Teaching license through Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Steve has served at State Fair Community College under each of the college presidents, beginning with Fred Davis and lastly with Dr. Brent Bates. By the time that he had retired, he had taught the children of many of his former students. Steve’s teaching career was also highlighted by garnering the Teacher of the Year Award and the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2009.
Additionally, Steve has been a pillar of commitment to his community. He was active in 4-H serving as a Project Leader, member of the Windsor Chamber of Commerce Board, served as a Board member for the 4-County Rural Fire, served on the Henry county R-1 School board, and served on the Windsor Ambulance District, primarily as President of the Board. Steve and his wife Rena have co-parented countless individuals across multiple generations of children best described as “yours, mine, ours, and theirs, all raised as ours.” They have several grandchildren, and to date, have one great grandson.
Distinguished Alumni Recipients
| 2024 | Stephen R. Galloway | Class of 1970 |
| 2023 | Patricia Wood | Class of 1972 |
| 2022 | Dr. Rhonda Hutton Gann | Class of 1982, 1983 |
| 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 |
