Sleuthing Series — Leading Lady

JCCC Archives presents the Sleuthing Series, where every Tuesday, we bring you an image from our past and ask you to help us find out more!

 

Virginia Krebs and Dr. Wil Billington at a 1995 reception.

 

What We Know

  •  Virginia Krebs is remembered at JCCC for her leadership.  She was dedicated, resourceful, imaginative, interested in the needs of others, a life-long learner, an active member of the community, and so much more.
  • Virginia Krebs was the first employee hired at JCCC.  On November 16, 1967, the Board hired her as a part-time secretary.  Some had encouraged her to run for a Board position, but she had two young sons at home.  She was busy working in the community, especially with groups important to the college/community connection.
  • She had already worked for three years with Dr. Billington on the feasibility study committee. She also worked tirelessly with the citizens’ committee that ran the successful campaign that brought about the creation of the college.
  • Mrs. Krebs worked as an assistant to the president and with John Pearce in community cooperation, while still secretary to the Board.
  • In the early 1970s, she took the lead in developing a series of community outreach programs, “VIEWS on the Changing Roles of Women – Volunteering, Identity, Exploring, Work, School.  She was assisted in development of the program by Dr. Betty Barker Smith and Dr. Grace Ketterman.
  • She was instrumental in establishing the Arts Council of Johnson County, which partnered with the college in countless events.
  • Other successful endeavors included cooperation with the League of Women Voters on numerous community forums, the Great Decisions Group discussions, programs for gifted children, and much more.
  • Mrs. Krebs became a full-time employee in 1969.  When she retired in 1984, she was Director of Community Services.
  • In 1985, she was elected to the Board of Trustees and served six consecutive terms before her retirement in 2008.  She was the first to be named Trustee Emeritus.
  • Virginia Krebs died on February 8, 2014, at the age of 94.

What We Don’t Know

  • What did her work mean to you?
  • Do you know more about the Virginia Krebs Award/

If You Know More…

Contact  librarians: Anita Gordon Gilmore (agordong@jccc.edu, ext. 4369) or John Russell (jrussell@jccc.edu, ext. 3284).  You may also comment below!

For More Information…

Virginia Krebs, Coordinator of Community Services, speaks to a group, January 17, 1973. On her right is Dane Lonborg, Asst. Dean of Instruction.. To her left appears to be John Pearce, Director of Community Cooperation.
Mrs Virginia Krebs, JCCC coordinator of community services, left, presents Mr. Thelma Shipman the 1000th membership card in JCCC’s Brown and Gold Club. – JCCC Communique, September 1975.
Virginia Krebs at her desk, February 1978.
Luncheon at the Glenwood, March 3, 1981. Virginia Krebs with unidentified guest.
From May of 1981 – Virginia Krebs Award. Pictured are Virginia Krebs and Linda Dayton.
Virginia Krebs views groundbreaking for the Cultural Education Center, September 1988.
Virginia Krebs views a 1997 display commemorating the bond issue, for which she worked diligently.
Virginia Krebs and President Carlsen, date unknown.