JCCC Billington Library

Sleuthing Series — Basketball

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!

1. A gift from Sheree L. (Wingo) Downs, former JCCC Kansan’s cheerleader. This one piece of memorabilia is a page from the 1975-76 NJCAA Tournament program. As Region VI Champions, they had a spot at the NJCAA Tournament that year.

What We Know

JCCC Men’s Basketball was a big thing from the start. They began in 1969-70 with coach Orville Gregory, and were in the Kansas Jayhawk Conference. That year the had only a 3-11 win-loss standing in the conference, but by the next year, Coach Gregory brought them to 11-5 win-loss conference standing. The college took pride from the start. That first year, the staff newsletter invited staff to sign up for a bus ride to games.
In 1975-76, the team went to the NJCAA Tournament, as noted above. The fact that they did not place did not dampen their mood. In 2000-2001, the men’s basketball team (now, the Cavaliers) won a second trip to the national tournament. This time, they returned as national champions.
The coaches were: Orville Gregory, 1969-1973; Jeff Simons, 1973-1978; Don Wilhelm, 1978-1982; Lafayette Norwood, 1982-1991; Mike Jeffers, 1991-the present.
The first Women’s Basketball team played in 1974-75 with coach Nancy Smith. They played non-conference until 1979.
They went to their first NJCAA tournament in 1999-2000, and returned as national champions (one year before the men’s team). In 2014-2015, they became national champions once more.
The women’s coaches were: Nancy Smith, 1974-1976; Vic Casitillo, 1976-1977; Barb Gill, 1977-1986; Sonny Maynard, 1986-1988; Toby McCammon, 1988-1992 (Sonny Maynard finished the 1991-1992 season upon McCammon’s departure); Betsy Sloan-Meeks, 1992-1996; Debbie Carrier, 1996-2008; Ben Conrad, 2008-the present.

What We Don’t Know

Not only was the women’s team non-conference until 1979, we have no statistics for the first two years, and no listing of team members.
Can you identify anyone that we did not?
Tell us if anything needs to be corrected!

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…

Most of the information above came from sections on Men’s Basketball history and Women’s Basketball history https://www.jcccathletics.com

2. August 31, 1972, Men’s team grouping.

3. Basketball action, November 16, 1972.

4. Basketball action, November 16, 1972. Probably the opening game in the new JCCC gymnasium.

5. Basketball action, November 16, 1972.

6. Women’s Basketball group, December 20, 1974. Back row, center, is probably coach Nancy Smith, but there is no record of names on the team.

7. Women’s basketball action, December 20, 1974,

8. March 1976, Region VI Champions. Front row: Henry Hylton, David Kohl, Kevin Fouse, Danny Howard, Amos Willingham, and Stark Nelson. Second row: Sonny Maynard (asst. coach), Eldon Fuel (trainer), Clint Cordry, Raymond Hoefler, Danny Jenson, John Revels, Jeff Simons (head coach), and Mark Wright (manager).

Sleuthing Series — Fashion

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!

1. Joan McCrillis awards a scholarship at Fashion Career Day in March of 1986.

What We Know

Fashion Merchandising was first listed in the 1971-1972 College Catalog with little more than a listing of required courses.
In the 1972-1973 catalog, the following description was provided: ” The fashion Merchandising Program offers a career opportunity for men and women having imagination and interest in promoting new fashion ideas and products. Theoretical course work is reinforced through on-the-job experience at approved retailing establishments in the community. Students may be required to be bonded.”
Fashion Merchandising remained the program name until 2001 when “and Design” was added. The catalog stated: “At JCCC, the fashion curriculum is designed to prepare you for a career in retail mamagement, retail sales, apparel and textile design, promotion, display, illustration, and representative positions.” The 2001-2002 catalog adds: “With an associate’s degree or certificate, you’ll be ready to apply your energy and creativity in an industy that rewards both. Or, if you prefer to continue your education, you can complete a bachelor’s degree through a transfer program to a college or university.”

What We Don’t Know

Further investigation would be needed to reveal all of the changes along the way.
See if you can identify any of the people that we did not.

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…

2. At the beginning of the school year, clothing retailers were anxious to show their latest fall merchandise. September 1972

3. A fashion show was one popular activity during the Campus Dedication on September 24, 1972.

4. Students were able to gain experience with area retailers. November 1972

8. Music added to the holiday theme. December 1973

10. Fashion history display, December 1975.

11. This appears to be an interview with a professional in the field. August 27, 1976. Per Marilyn Gairns (Marketing Communications) the person seated facing the camera, may well be Gloria Vanderbilt, well-known fashion designer. See comments below.

13. Fashion illustration, September 1984.

14. Fashion careers class with Joan McCrillis, November 1985.

15. Joan McCrillis, professor in Fashion Merchandising & Design, identified the title image (first in this article) and these next three photos as from the same Fashion Career Day event in March of 1986. The fourth person from the camera (above) is Susan Vargo who graduated from JCCC.

16. Many area professionals presented at Fashion Career Day. Above is Kathy Lucas who worked with special events for JC Penney.

17. “Career Day brought 250 studios from Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, 12 universities and colleges,” as noted by Joan McCrillis. Jick Corzine (pictured above) taught until the age of 79.

21. Fashion breakfast, May 1994. Keynote speaker was the man on the left side, at the near table.

Sleuthing Series — Suzuki method violin

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

This picture is from December 1982. The log calls this “Suzuki Method Violin,” and, because the students are all children, we might assume that this is a Community Education class. Suzuki violin classes for children 3-12 years of age were offered through Community Education the following spring. Those classes were taught by Hilary D. Kolmas, an experienced instructor and musician.

What We Don’t Know

Is this connected to a particular event?
Who are these children?
Who is teaching this class?

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…

The College Archives holds college catalogs and class schedules dating back to some of the earliest programs and classes.
The College Archives also has pamphlets for the variety of Community Education offerings in the 1970s and 1980s.

Sleuthing Series — Campus Dedication (Sept. 24, 1972)

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!

1. The formal invitation to the Open House.

What We Know

The first semester of classes at the “Campus on the Boulevard” began on August 24, 1972. This is according to the Fall 1972 schedule of classes. Many were still trying to arrange office space. The Commons was still under construction and was not, yet, open to the public. Guests were warned, “Please observe caution signs.”
With 3,600 students enrolled in credit courses and another 2,500 in adult continuing education classes, JCCC was the largest public two-year college in the state and the third largest college in the Kansas City area.

What We Don’t Know

See if you can identify any of the college or community people in the photos below. Please add a comment if you recognize anyone that we did not.
The small announcement (below) folded to just less than 3″x4″ with the face on front and the information and seal inside. How or where it was distributed is not clear, but it informed the students and community about the anticipated move.
2. From early 1972.

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…

3. Poster distributed on campus and probably throughout the community.

4. At this time, there was enough open space on campus to easily land a small plane. On the morning of the Dedication, this small plane came in from the north and taxied to a spot directly in fromt of EMC. What a perfect ad for the aviation program!

5. People began to gather, hoping to find a spot on the baved area, as there was no general seating, no grass and lots of muddy areas.

6. According to the program, the Shawnee Mission North bsnd played the National Anthem and the JCCC Marine Corps sutdents did the flag raising.

8. The Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Ben Craig.

9. The keynote address was given by U.S. Representative Larry Winn, Jr.

10. Greetings were given by Dr. O. Dale Smith representing the Board of Trustees.

11. Ms. Jan Meyers gave greetings from the City of Overland Park.

12. Ms. Rebecca Frenkel, gave greetings from the community.

13. Tom Vaughn gave greetings representing the JCCC Alumni.

14. Keith Lyman gave greetings representing the students.

15. Dr. Kathleen McKinzie gave greetings representing the JCCC Staff. (She later became Kathleen Xidis.)

16. Dr. Robert G. Harris gave greetings as the President of JCCC.

17. Special guest, U.S. Senator James B. Pearson of Kansas, also greeted the guests.

18. Following the program, guests were invited to a reception in the gym and to explore the new campus.

19. Reception in the GYM following the dedication program.

20. Fashion show in the GEB auditorium by the Fashion Merchandising students.

21. Staff wearing the welcome hats gave directions and answered questions.

24. Tom Barnett, science instructor, does a demonstration.

25. Can someone identify what is going on in this picture and any of the people in it?

Sleuthing Series — The JCCC Presidents

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!

Founder’s Day, September 14, 1989,. The celebration of JCCC’s 20th Anniversary, brought together current and former presidents: (left to right) Dr. John Cleek, Dr. Charles Carlsen, Dr. Robert Harris .

What We Know

JCCC has known five presidents and one interim president:
Dr. Robert Harris, 1968-1974
Dr. John Cleek, 1975-1980
Dr. Charles J. Carlsen, 1981-2006
Dr. Larry W. Tyree (interim), 2006-2007
Dr. Terry Calaway, 2007-2013
Dr. Joe Sopcich, 2013-present

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…

Dr. Harris was hired in 1968 with a charge to be ready to begin classes in September 1969. That he did.

Dr. Harris greets a visitor, Robert Docking who was the current Governor of Kansas.

September 1988, Dr. Carlsen takes his turn behind the plow in the groundbreaking for the Cultural Education Center. Trustee Hugh Speer handles the horses.

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.

Sleuthing Series — Moving in, Moving on

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!

A daily occurrence! That’s what it is all about.

What We Know

As soon as classes were over in the spring of 1972, files, media, equipment and everything movable, was boxed and packed for the move to the new “College on the Boulevard!”
A major goal was to get everyone working at the new facility and to get everyone and everything connected and communicating.

What We Don’t Know

Do you know or have you heard accounts of adventures in moving offices, departments, labs, etc.?
Use the comments space below to let us know. Get the conversation started!

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…

A conveyor belt was used to load boxes through a second floor window on the east side of EMC (now LIB, the library building). August 1972

Rural scenery into the distance is the view across Quivira Rd. August 1972

New materials labeled and added to the inventory. August 1972

Matereials make their way to new spaces. August 1972

Clearly, some spaces are still under construction. Few people are out and about on campus. August 1972

In the midst of it all, the business of the college continues. August 1972

The business to taking care of students continues. August 1972

Staff meetings are held in spaces available. August 1972

Some areas, clearly, still under construction. August 1972

Temporary walls to shelter office spaces. September 1972

Dedication of the new campus is being planned for September 24. September 1972

Still, others work where there is space. September 1972

PBX Operator connects calls across campus. October 1972

Facilities in area high schools are used for special classes. October 1972

Other classes still seek space wherever it is available. October 1972

Finishing in COM continues. November 1972

Pulling of communications cables is a time consuming task, but a must, especially for Audio-Visual services. March 1973

New computer equipment is unloaded. March 1973

Sleuthing Series – Enrollment on the new JCCC campus

27JCCC 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!

Director of Admissions. Linda Dayton, greets students at the first enrollment on the new JCCC campus.

What We Know

This photo and those below are dated August 17, 1972.
The first six buildings on the brand new campus were being readied for classes to begin within weeks.
In his history of JCCC, historian Charles Bishop notes (page 39) that “There was no electricity in the Admissions and Records offices, so Director of Admissions Linda Dayton and her staff used camp lanterns to register students at night, hand tallied enrollments during the day and then drove over to the old campus four or five times a day to enter the data into the computer.”

What We Don’t Know

Where, and in which building, is this located?
Besides Linda Dayton, who are the other people in this and the photos below?
What details are significant to students in how this process is different today?

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 enrollment process are recorded in course catalogs and class schedules of previous years, and in other announcements/publications from the Admissions Office.
Admissions process.
Enroll in the classes you need.

During the fall 1972 enrollment, there was not, yet, any electricity in Admissions and Records offices.

Sleuthing Series — When We Were New

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 Merriam campus, according to Charles Bishop, “… consisted of leased facilities ….”

What We Know

According to Charles Bishop’s history of the college, “The buildings consisted of the former Merriam Elementary School (that JCCC instructor Fred Krebs had attended as child), five classrooms in the educational wing of Merriam Christian Church, several storefronts in downtown Merriam that bordered the railroad tracks, night-time usage of district high school classrooms and laboratories and also space at the Johnson County Airport for the Aviation Institute.”
The Merriam Elementary Building later became the Irene B. French Community Center.
It was about a six-minute walk from the old Merriam Elementary School to the Merriam Christian Church. Many facilities are identified below.
Some of the buildings where classes were held, such as the Shawnee Grade School, no longer stand. That particular building stood on Johnson Drive, more than a mile west of Merriam Drive.
Quoting, again from Charles Bishop’s The Community’s College: a history of Johnson County Community College, 1969-1999: “Nearly fourteen hundred students enrolled that first semester. The full-time equivalent (F.T.E.) students numbered 925 ….”

What We Don’t Know

How many of these buildings still stand? What are they, now?
How could a student build a schedule with any assurance that they could move to the next class in the allotted time?
Were you there? Do you have any memories to share?

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…

Read more about JCCC’s 50th year
View aerial shots of the JCCC campus

At the right on Johnson Drive near the railroad tracks is a keystone shaped building that housed data processing classes. At one point, the book store was located here.

An old health food store, the third building north of Johnson Drive, was converted into the Art Department.

The sign, read “Temporary home of Johnson County Community College.” It was placed in front of the former Merriam Elementary School. Pres. Harris is handed the keys to Merriam Elementary School by Harold Lowe (sp?), Superintendent of Merriam Scools. Also pictured (L-R) are Board of Trustees members Wilbur Billington and O. Dale Smith; Merriam City Council members Garland McCormick (?) and Wayne Neal; and JCCC Deans, Bill Lozano, Donald Meyer and Al Cerne. The school housed classrooms and administration offices when JCCC opened its doors for the first time.

Map from the Spring 1972 class schedule.

One of many spaces leased for offices. The sign indicates that this is a bookstore.

Interior of Merriam Elementary building.

The facilities in the Merriam Elementary building were created for 6 to 11-year-old children. This surely created challenges for college students and staff.

Sleuthing Series — Campus Traffic, Conversations, and Contemplation

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 m0re.

A time to stop, chat, and catch up with friends, somewhere on a shded sidewalk. Mid-campus, 1995.

What we Know…

When JCCC offices and staff moved to the new campus at 111th St. and Quivira Rd. in 1972, it was already a rural oasis. As the campus grew, it became more urban and more attractive. On lovely, temperate days, most folks simply found it difficult to stay inside.
These pictures show people out and about on campus. They also show the development of campus outside spaces.

What We Don’t Know…

We don’t know exactly where all of these shots were taken, however, we can (and you can) look for little details that may start to bring the scene into focus.

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!