On Thursday, Oct. 31, Allen Community College will host its 20th annual Endowment Association Scholarship luncheon. This event is hosted for scholarship donors and student recipients of the awards, as well as the Board of Trustees, alumni, coaches and activities sponsors, with about 400 people in attendance.

This year Dallas Masoner will be the keynote speaker. He attended Allen from 1985 to 1987 and was a thrower on the track team, was a member of the homecoming court, and was part of Student Senate. Today, Masoner is an instructor and head boys track coach at Royster Middle School in Chanute.

A special presentation will be made by Allen President John Masterson to Bob Barclay, recipient of the Award of Excellence for Donor Support. Barclay was a longtime educator at Allen and is featured in the accompanying video.

Dr. Jeffery Anderson and the music and theatre departments will be entertaining the guests. Great Western Dining will cater the meal.

The Endowment Association will use the occasion of the Scholarship Luncheon to kick off its five-year capital campaign. The goal is to raise $5 million within the next five years. In years past the donations have been used strictly for scholarships, but this capital campaign will raise money for the college to build. This will also allow donors to donate to activities and sports teams.

“We are really excited to have the opportunity to add to the campus and programs that make up our college,” Aimee Thompson, development director, said.