Sleuthing Series – Page 3 – JCCC Billington Library

Sleuthing Series — Fool Con

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!

What We Know

In his history of JCCC, The Community’s College, Charles Bishop states, “Between 1978 and 1983, the [Sword and Shield] club and Student Activities co-sponsored Fool-Con, a national convention of sci-fi enthusiasts that drew over 1,325 people to JCCC in 1982.” He also noted that Sword and Shield Club was “a science fiction and fantasy society sponsored by then Student Activities Director Jonathan Bacon.”
A 1979 announcement reads: “Join us on April Fool’s weekend just outside Kansas City in a Galaxy Far, Far Away …. Comics, science fiction, fantasy related items, films, nostalgia and fun!”
Fool-Con III (1980) and later were billed as “Home of the Balrog Award.” Official rules for the award and revisions are accessible in the College Archives. The April 11, 1980 issue of the Campus Ledger notes that the 381 Balrog ballots recieved for that year represented 40 states and the District of Columbia, as well as Italy, Canada, Japan, Korea, Belgium and the United Kingdom.
Fool-Con VI in 1983 was the last held.

What We Don’t Know

The first Fool Con was supposed to have taken place in the spring of 1978, but we are still looking for proof. Do you remember the exact dates? The College Ledger did not begin publishing on campus until the fall of that year.
Did you save a poster?
Do you have any pictures?

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…

Fool Con II (1979) — not everyone loved it.

Jonathan Bacon and … Is that a Balrog? 1980

Spring 1981. Many favorite Sci Fi/Fantasy authors autographing copies of books.

Anne McCaffrey, one of the most popular fantasy writers of the 1970s. (1980)

Lynn Abbey, computer programmer and fantasy writer. (1981)

Framed poster on display in the College Archives.

Sleuthing Series — Summer Youth Programs

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!

What We Know

The first fliers for youth summer sports clinics in our Archives files are from 1974, but the photos tell a different story.
Youth summer enrichment programs are in the non-credit listings as early as 1970, however, these programs were through Johnson County Libraries.
By 1974 youth sports clinics were securely under Community Education, later Continuing Education.
The first youth enrichment program fliers in our Archives files appeared in 1986.

What We Don’t Know

We are unable to pinpoint exact dates in the development of these programs.

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…

Sleuthing Series — Baseball at JCCC

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!

March 1974 team. Row 1: Eldon Fuel (Trainer), Sid Wise, Dick Kramer, Jeff Balter, Jon Portell, Brad Beard, and Gary Goebel. Row 2: John Dow, Rick Redmond, Bernard Hinson, Mark Balderson (Captain), Greg Dowell, Paul Provas, John Shearer. Row 3: Sonny Maynard (Coach), Bob Downs, Tim Blewitt, Gary Pickert, Tim Tiermey, Greg Perleth, Jim
Brunner, Doug Williams, and Jeff Simons (Asst. Coach).

What We Know

Athletics records show the first JCCC Baseball team was organized in the 1972-1973 academic year with R.T. “Sonny” Maynard as head coach and Sherman Jones as assistant coach. The season ended with a 16-6 win-loss record.
All-Region honors went to Mark Balderson and Bob Downs in 1973, that first year. The following year, these men won both All-District and All-American honors.
Some former Kansans turned professional. In 1977, Gary Pickert went with the San Diego Padres. In 1978, Allan Wilkinson went with the New York Mets; Lee Ice went with the KC Royals and Kirk Aadland went with the Chicago Cubs. In 1980, Jesse Vann went with the New York Mets. In 1981, Mike Sims went with the Philadelphia Phillies and Antonio Triplett went with the Texas Rangers. In 1982, Octavio “Tabby” Rojas went with the Oakland “As.”
In 1984 the school mascot became the Cavaliers.
“JCCC’s field has even graced the cover of Sports Illustrated – The July 6, 1992 issue featuring former Major League umpire Steve Palermo.” 1997-98 Media Guide, JCCC.
Cavaliers Baseball thrives today: https://www.jcccathletics.com/sports/bsb/index

What We Don’t Know

What are your favorite memories of JCCC Kansans or Cavaliers

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…

September 1974. Ariel view of campus shows the baseball field, upper left.

April 1973. Game with Longview, perhaps.

April 1974. Game thought to be with State Fair Community College, Sedalia, MO.

April 1981, Coach Sonny Maymard watches from the dugout.

Team picture, April 1984. The Uniforms have the former name, but they are now Cavaliers.

Jamie Borel closed out his career as the schools all-time season and career leader for stolen bases. He had 63 stolen bases in 1992 and 97 for his career (1991-92). – JCCC 2000 Media Guide.

“Pitcher Mike Simmons was signed to a minor league contract in the White Sox organization in 1995.” – JCCC 2000 Media Guide.

“Kevin Jones and Warre Strickland were all-conference outfielders in 1999.” – JCCC 2000 Media Guide.

2010 aerial view shows the baseball field in the same location. Dugouts and bleachers added around 1980.

Sleuthing Series — Nursing Program

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!

What We Know

The first Course Catalog was printed early in 1969. It contained only Programs and Course Descriptions. One program was Health Professions: “Objective: To provide the student with the basic liberal arts instruction and the necessary clinical experience required of a student to sit for licensing or certifying examinations in those allied health programs indicated.” The listing included: Cytotechnology, Medical Records Technician, Dental Assisting, Medical Secretary, Emergency Medical Technician, Radiologic Technology, Inhalation Therapy.
By the time the 71-72 catalog came out in the spring of 1971, the same information appeared under “Health Occupations.” However, a separate Nursing program was described. “The successful graduate will be eligible to take the state licensing examinations for registration (R.N.)”
The 1972-73 catalog listed, not only a Nursing program, but separate programs for Dental Assistant, Dental Hygiene, and Inhalation Therapy.
Mary Lou Taylor, was listed in the 1970-71 staff directory as Coordinator of Nursing Education, and the following year as Coordinator of Natural Sciences. In the following directories, she is listed as Coordinator of Nursing until 1984, when she was named Dean of Instruction. From 1991-1994 she was a member of the Board of Trustees.
From Mary Lou Taylor in Visionary Voices: An Oral History of Johnson County Community College, the Early Years. JCCC, c1994:
“I remember telling my students that I can’t think of anything more exciting than starting from the beginning and developing something new and different. I liked the idea of being involved in an institution in which there were not so many dyed-in-the-wool traditions that you couldn’t do something exciting and creative.”

What We Don’t Know

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…

Mary Lou Taylor and an unnamed person, November 1973

Sleuthing Series — Fun Day Sunday

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!

The Red Barn was a popular spot on Fun Day Sunday.

What We Know

These photos were taken April 1, 1984.
The barn was standing on the present site long before the land was selected for the JCCC facilities. It still sits adjacent to the Horticultural Science Center.
An article in the March 30, 1984 Campus Ledger discusses the variety of activities planned. All were free to the public.

What We Don’t Know

How was the barn used then versus now?
Was this activity repeated in later years? When?
If Fun Day Sunday were repeated today, what might be included?

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…

Details of the plans and activities are covered in the March 30 and April 13, 1984 issues of the Campus Ledger.

Equine Studies Instructor, Rosemary Bates and another, lead horses as children ride.

Sleuthing Series — Graduation 1987

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!

What We Know

The date is May 22, 1987.
At graduation, the diversity of our student body is celebrated.
1971 graduates (the first JCCC graduation) chose not to wear traditional regalia. Faculty and those seated on the dais dressed according to academic tradition.

What We Don’t Know

Do you see someone you remember?
Is this a companion dog with the student above?

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…

Zohreh Behbehani, Instr. in Business Administration ,congratulates two students. May 22, 1987

Faculty lining up for the first JCCC graduation.

Probably from May 19, 1971, First JCCC graduation.

Sleuthing Series — BNSF Partners

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!

Burlington Northern executives meeting with Dr. Carlsen and Don Goldenbaum in February 1987. A model of the Industrial Technical Center, dedicated in 1988 is on the table in front of them. Dr Carlsen is standing second from the left. Don Goldenbaum,, executive director of the Business and Industry Institute, is on the far right. Mike Voelker, dir. of training for Burlington Northern is between them.

What We Know

A conversation in 1985 between Mike Voelker, director of training for Burlington Northern, and Dr. Don Goldenbaum, director of JCCC’s Business and Industry Institute, grew far beyond what they imagined.
Thousands of Burlington Northern employees are trained annually through the National Academy of Railroad Sciences.
The Burlington Northern Foundation established faculty awards for research and teaching excellence at JCCC in 1986
In 1987, the partnership was awarded a presidential citation by Vice President George Bush, calling it a model of “cooperation between industry and education.”
The ITC building was completed in 1988 as the primary home of this program.
The National Academy of Railroad Sciences was established at JCCC in 1993-94. The nation’s first associate degree program in railroad operations was born thru NARS.

What We Don’t Know

We were unable to identify one person in the picture above, but assume he is a Burlington Northern executive. Do you know?
Who can you identify below?

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…

Information above was taken almost entirely from:
Bishop, Charles C. The Community’s College: A History of Johnson County Commuity College, 1969-1999 (Overland Park, 2002).

Bob Burdick. “Training for the Long Haul: BN’s Mike Voelker Brings State-of-art Program to JCCC.” Transcript, April 1988, 2-3.

Burlington Northern awards presentation, May 1987. Dr. Dan Radakovich is at the podium.

Charles Forbes, Instructor in the Metal Fabrication Lab, May 1990.

William Hickerson, Kevin Gratton and Sandy Calvin-Law are the 1993 Burlington Northern award winners. Oct. 1993 Transcript cover.

August 1994, NARS is official. Left to right, Dr. Hugh Speer, Dr. Dan Radakovich, and (probably) Charles Forbes.

Women encouraged to apply, February 2000.

Sleuthing Series — Brown & Gold Club

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!

Brown & Gold Executive Council, May 1990. Seated on the first row, far left, is Reuben “Jake” Jacobson. Jake developed and conducted several programs and served as v.p. of Brown & Gold. He stepped down from B&G duties in 2000, at the age of 91.

What We Know

“In the early 1970s, Community Services began providing programs to people over 60 and the Brown& Gold Club was established. Members could attend credit and noncredit classes free on a space-available basis.” Virginia Krebs in Visionary Voices: An Oral History of Johnson County Community College, JCCC, c1994.
The club was formed in November 1973. Dane Lonborg, Asst. Dean of Instruction, launched the idea after hearing similar programs discussed at conferences. First called the Gold Card Club, it soon changed its name to Brown & Gold Club. In 1975, the club had just over 500 members. By spring membership was more than 2,000 Johnson County Seniors. Clearly it was filling a need. By the mid 1980s, the membership list contained nearly 15,000 members.
In addition to free tuition (on a space-available basis), members could attend free (on a general admission basis) College-sponsored public events.
In addition to annual holiday parties, the club co-sponsored events with both college and county groups. Some of these were: Brown & Gold Club Potpourri Series, Windows on the World Travelogues, Senior Quest, Saluting the Century, Candidate Forums, Elderhostel, Great Decisions, Gold Diggers (gardening), Gold Links (Mentoring/Tutoring/Networking), G.O.L.D. trips (Go Out Look Dine), SeniorNet chapter (computer/Internet learning for seniors)
In October of 2013, the college announced that the Brown & Gold Club would merge with an off-campus organization to take over administration of the organization. Coming of Age/Shepherd’s Center Central (SCC), which served Johnson County and the Kansas City metropolitan area could grow and develop services beyond the county.

What We Don’t Know

We don’t know if people in early pictures were actually Brown & Gold members.

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…

February 1975. Community Education lists a workshop on puppetry lead by Mr. George Latshaw.

Brown and Gold member honored, February 1983.

February 24, 1985. Senior’s Night at basketball game.

February 24, 1985. Seniors Night, 7,000th Brown & Gold member honored.

Check presentation from Brown & Gold Club to President Carlsen and Dr. Sopcich, August 1995.

Brown & Gold executive board with Santa, December 1997.

Much of the information above is from Historical Information gathered by Karen Conklin 2003, printed 9/9/2006 from the old web http://web.jccc.net/…
Changes announced for Brown & Gold, Campus Ledger, October 10, 2013.
Article erroneously states that the club was established in the late 1980’s. Several other sources note that it was established in 1973.
For more information on Jake Jacobson, see Charles Bishop’s The Community’s College, c2002.

Sleuthing Series — Aviation

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!

This photo was taken on September 24, 1972, the day of the new College Blvd. Campus Dedication. This is directly in front of the EMC building, facing North. The OCB and CEC buildings were built more than a decade later.

What We Know

The first course catalog, released in January 1969, listed the Aviation Institute. The objective of the institute was “To provide career programs for students seeking jobs as: 1. general aviation pilots, 2. managers in aviation, 3. aircraft maintenance technicians, 4. airline hostesses, 5. air traffic controllers.” (pp. C3-C5) On pages C14-C16, a total of 18 individual classes are described.
Space was leased at Johnson County Airport for instruction and flight training. Other classes were held in the Central Services Building at 5538 Merriam Drive, the Shawnee Campus Building at 11310 Johnson Drive, as well as other classroom locations on the Merriam Campus.
Due to the nature of these classes, students would pay class fees ranging from $450 to $930 in addition to tuition.
In the summer of 1974, there was a tragic accident involving a student who was hit and killed by a taxiing plane. The accident happened at a St. Joseph, Missouri airport, and the student was judged not at fault. Nevertheless, the aviation program was discontinued the following May. Selected aviation classes were (and are) still taught thru Community and Continuing Education. The account is given in Charles C. Bishop’s 2002 history of JCCC.

What We Don’t Know

One of the instructors is identified below. Do you know the names of other flying instructors? Can you identify them in photos below?
Can you tell us about other aviation people and places not identified?

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…

February 1973. The person on the right, above, **may** be Jack Alvers, Instructor of Aviation.

Asst. Chief Pilot John Clark gives instruction regarding the flight deck of a small plane. February 1973.

Sign on door: “Johnson County Community College Flight Section,” May 1974.

Sleuthing Series — Celebrating Spring!

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!

Spring Fever week (April 24-28, 1978) featured a Gong Show. The judging team is pictured here. Details of the show and other activities are recorded in issues of “Add One …” (Student Activities newsletter).

What We Know

During the fall term students have Campus Craze, which allows student organizations to introduce themselves to students and invite participation.
It is a chance to find others with like interests. Spring activities also connect people with like interests, however, it is more recreational and celebratory. In other words, it’s fun.
These spring celebrations have had several different names: Spring Fling, Spring Fever, Campus Craze (Spring edition?).
From 1978 thru 1983, Student Activities partnered with Sword and Shield (a science fiction and fantasy club), to present Fool-Con. This was a national convention of sci-fi enthusiasts that drew large numbers of people to campus. Fool-Con deserves its own story.