FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Bethany Kendrick
Director Public Relations
Labette Community College
(620) 820-1280

LCC 11^th Annual William & Allene Guthrie Van Meter Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award Announced

The Labette Community College Alumni Association announces the 11^th Annual William & Allene Guthrie Van Meter Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award. The 2010 recipient of this prestigious award is Dr. Jerry C. Bouman.

Jerry C. Bouman was born in Chanute, Kansas, and grew up in Fredonia, Kansas. After graduating from Fredonia Senior High school he attended Labette Community College and wrestled for legendary coach Jody Thompson. He graduated with honors in 1977. He then went on to Pittsburg State University and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in 1979. He continued with graduate work and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education the following year. During his time in Pittsburg he served as a counselor at the Children’s Court Center, counseling troubled youth. After graduation he became the biology and physiology instructor, and wrestling coach at Chanute Senior High School. During his coaching career at Chanute he coached three individual state wrestling champions, two runners up, and two third place finishers. His team placed as high as fifth on the state level.

Leaving education in 1986, he became a medical student at the University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, Missouri. Graduating with honors in 1990, Dr. Bouman did his rotating internship at Lakeside Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. After completing his internship he completed his surgical training at Oklahoma State University Medical Center, then Tulsa Regional Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. During this time he served as a weekend emergency room physician in his hometown of Fredonia, Kansas. After finishing residency, Dr. Bouman was employed by Cancer Treatment Centers of American in Tulsa for over 10 years. While at Cancer Treatment Center, Dr. Bouman served as chief of surgical oncology and chairman of the cancer committee. He helped develop nationally recognized breast and colon treatment programs. His most extensive work was in extending the quality and lifespan of stage four colon cancer patients. He also served as associate clinical professor of surgery at Oklahoma State University during this time and was on staff at Hillcrest Medical Center, Southcrest Medical Center, St. Johns Sapulpa Hospital, and Muskogee Regional Medical Center. Dr. Bouman is board certified and a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons.

In 2008 Dr. Bouman returned to Parsons, Kansas after a 31 year hiatus. He established S.E.K. General Surgery and now has the privilege of taking care of the great patients of Southeast Kansas. Currently he performs general surgery including breast, colon, gynecologic, advanced laparoscopic surgeries, and endoscopy. Dr. Bouman is a member of the Kansas and Oklahoma Osteopathic Associations, as well as the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. Currently he serves on the Medical Executive Committee at Labette Health, and is treasurer of the LCC Foundation and Alumni Board.

Dr. Bouman is at home in Parsons with wife Cydni, and son Tyler. They have two grown children Kayla and Kenton and five grandchildren. They are also blessed with two Chihahuas, Chia and Bear, who are a vital part of their family. His hobbies include reading, politics, tae kwon do, boating, attending local sporting events, and supporting the LCC Cardinals.

This award will be presented at the 13^th Annual Donor Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, November 19th at the Parsons Municipal Auditorium. The award was named in memory of the Van Meters for their generous estate gift that funded renovation of Thiebaud Theatre at LCC. William was a 1929 graduate of the college and Allene taught romance languages at the college from 1929 to 1935. Previous Alumni who have received this award include; Sandra K. Willsie in 2009, William “Pat” Haley in 2008, Jeffery J. Quirin in 2007, and Roch Switlik in 2006. For a complete list of recipients or for more information on the William and Allene Guthrie Van Meter Outstanding Alumni Award, please contact Lindi Forbes, LCC Foundation and Alumni Director, at (620) 820-1212 or by e-mail at lindif@labette.edu.