Distinguished Alumni

MCC Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest award presented to an alumnus by the Metropolitan Community College Foundation. The award recognizes an alumnus who has brought honor to the College through professional achievements, leadership and community impact.

Nominations can be made by current MCC students and employees as well as community members. A nominee's name remains in status for three years, after which the nomination may be resubmitted. Acknowledgment of nominations will be sent to the nominators. Nominations will be accepted until selections are made.

The Distinguished Alumni honoree will receive the award at MCC's commencement ceremony. A formal invitation will be sent to the honoree; attendance is mandatory. If the honoree is deceased, someone may accept the award posthumously.

2024 MCC Distinguished Alumni Award recipient

Danan Hughes is an inspiring individual who has achieved remarkable success in both his athletic and professional careers. His journey from a high school baseball player to a professional athlete and respected analyst exemplifies the power of hard work, resilience, and leadership.

Danan played both baseball and football at the University of Iowa, where his athletic talents flourished. Drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers, Hughes spent two years in professional baseball before making the tough decision to pivot to football. Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs, Hughes played from 1993-1998, alongside Hall of Famers Joe Montana, Marcus Allen, and Derrick Thomas.

Today, Danan Hughes is a color analyst for the Kansas City Chiefs Radio Broadcast, host of the “Players Only” radio show, and the only color analyst for college baseball, football, and basketball across Big 10 Network, ESPN, and Fox Sports. Additionally, he is a Mortgage Originator at CommunityAmerica Credit Union.

Hughes resides in Lee’s Summit with his wife of 28 years, Tifanni. They have five children (Jessicah, Joey, Taurin, Savvy, and Talyn) and three grandchildren (Darrien, Daryn, and Daxton).

How to nominate

Any member of the MCC community may nominate a Metropolitan Community College alumnus by completing a nomination form. Please note that nominees remain nominated for three years after receipt of their nomination.

Are you ready to nominate?

Provide the following:

1. Completed Distinguished Alumni Nomination Form (PDF)
2. A cover letter nominating the alumnus to be honored
3. A vita or professional resume of the nominee
4. Two letters of support for the nominee from individuals other than the nominator
5. A list of awards and/or honors

Send completed nomination form and documents to:

MCC Foundation
ATTN: Distinguished Alumni Nomination
3200 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64111

MCC alumni

Since the first graduating class in 1916, our alumni have distinguished themselves in many fields. These are just a few of the many stars launched from MCC during the last century-plus.