The Pratt Community College Outstanding Alumnus award was established to honor outstanding alumni who have made contributions to career and community. Alumni who have completed at least 30 hours at PCC are eligible for this award, previous honorees are not eligible. The selection criteria are based on the following:

1. Exhibits outstanding leadership and character.
2. Achieved significant accomplishments in career area.
3. Exhibits outstanding service.
4. Evidence of support to PCC.
5. Other pertinent information.

Nominations may be submitted by completing a printed nomination form below or submitting this online form.

2023 Outstanding Alumnus

Dwane DeWeese

Pratt Community College Foundation is pleased to announce that Dwane DeWeese is the recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Alumni Award. Dwane has been an invaluable pillar of support and service the Pratt area, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of its residents.  

Dwane earned an Associate's Degree in Vocational Education from PCC in 1961. He then attended Emporia State University, completing his Bachelor's Degree 1963. Subsequently, in 1969, he obtained his Master's Degree, also from Emporia State University. 

Dwane served Pratt Community College for over 30 years as an automotive technology and diesel mechanic instructor. His passion for teaching and sharing his knowledge with the next generation of technicians has been the key to success of students in their career paths. Another of Dwane’s significant contributions was his 20 plus years as a member of the Pratt Community College Board of Trustees. Serving in this capacity, he has been instrumental in guiding the college towards excellence, implementing strategic initiatives, and ensuring that the institution meets the evolving needs of its students and the community at large. His dedication to promoting accessible and quality education has had a profound impact on numerous aspiring individuals seeking to advance their careers through PCC's programs. Additionally, Dwane and his wife Sue have been generous financial supporters of PCC’s Annual Scholarship Auction. Dwane has been an active leader in the foundation’s Build Our Future comprehensive fundraising campaign. 

Dwane and Sue have been married for 59 years. They have three children, Jenny, Jerry and Julie. They have 7 grandchildren and 2 greatgrandchildren with one on the way. In the early 1970s, Dwane and Sue used their savings to purchase their farm. They now raise corn, soybeans and cotton in addition to managing a small cattle operation. In 2019 they were honored one of Kansas Farm Bureau’s Farm Families of the Year. They were recognized as one of ten outstanding families who have distinguished themselves through participation in Farm Bureau programs and leadership, family activities, community and civic service, as well as displaying good farm operation management. 

Beyond his role at the college and in farming, Dwane has been actively involved in community outreach initiatives. A longtime member of the Pratt Optimist Club, Dwane has lived his life as an example of the club’s stated mission, “To aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one's self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world.”  

His service to this community is second to none. For many years he served as a presenter at the annual Kids' Day on the Farm, giving children an opportunity to experience the joys of farm life and fostering a sense of connection to nature and agriculture. His work has been instrumental to the success of 4-H activities at the Pratt County Fair. Dwane was one of the founders of the Township 12 Fire Department in Pratt County. He served as a dedicated firefighter for over 25 years. Dwane has been instrumental in organizing and serving the annual Thanksgiving meal for those in need. This heartwarming event brings the community together, emphasizing the spirit of giving and fostering a sense of belonging. For years, this initiative has ensured that no one in Pratt spends Thanksgiving alone or hungry, reflecting his compassionate and selfless nature. 

Dwane DeWeese's service to his community can be described as nothing short of exemplary. His contributions through Pratt Community College, his dedication to educational growth, and his active involvement in community events have left a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come as we work towards building a stronger, more connected, and caring community

2022 Outstanding Alumnus

Aaron Murphy

Aaron Murphy was born and raised in Cunningham Kansas and graduated from Cunningham High School in 1994. He graduated from PCC in 1996 with an Associates of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology. 

While attending PCC he moved to Pratt and worked part time for Iuka Coop then moving on to a fulltime position as an Applicator. After a year running a sprayer, Aaron was promoted to Location Manager and served in that role for 5 years. He had the opportunity to move back to his hometown where he was the Location Manager for Cairo Coop in Cunningham for 10 years and then promoted to Assistant Manager of the Coop. 

In 2015, he began working for Skyland Grain and held a couple different positions before landing in his current role as the Relationship Manager. This position gives him the opportunity to promote agriculture and rural communities to young people in our schools. 

Aaron has served on the Cunningham Fire Department, Pride, Cunningham City Council and is currently serving as the Mayor of Cunningham. He is a member of the Chief Elected Officials Board of the Workforce Alliance in Wichita, Kansas and the Kingman County Kansas Economic Development Advisory Board. 

Aaron has been married to his wife Angela for 25 years and they have two children, Bryce 23 and Lauren 21. Bryce graduated from Cunningham High in 2017 and received his AAS in Farm and Ranch Management and the Skyland Grain Applicator Program Certificate from PCC. Lauren graduated from 

Cunningham High School in 2019 and is attending Ft. Hays University. 

Congratulations to the 2022 PCC Outstanding Alumni Award Winner Aaron Murphy!