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.

2025 MCC Distinguished Alumni Award recipient

The MCC Foundation is proud to honor this year’s Distinguished Alumni, Angie McElhaney. Angie currently serves as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance and Accounting for Mark One Electric, one of Kansas City’s leading electrical contractors. But her journey started right here, at Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley, where she earned her associate degree in 1995 before going on to complete her bachelor’s in accounting at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

A proud sixth-generation Missourian and a lifelong learner, Angie has carved out an impressive career rooted in hard work, relationships, and a passion for making a difference. With more than 25 years of success in public accounting, construction, and privately held businesses, she knows that at the heart of good business—and good leadership—are authentic, meaningful connections.

She credits MCC-Penn Valley for not only setting her career on the right path but also opening her eyes—and her heart—to the power of diversity, empathy, and social awareness.

“Growing up in Moberly, Missouri, all my teachers looked like me,” Angie recalls. “At Penn Valley, I learned alongside people from all walks of life. I heard different perspectives. I saw a different version of American history. That experience shaped how I show up for others to this day.”

That spirit of openness and curiosity continues to fuel her work and community involvement. Angie has served on numerous boards within the construction industry, including as Board Chair for The Builders, the local chapter of the Association of General Contractors. She’s been recognized as a Woman of Influence by the Kansas City Business Journal and a Woman to Watch by the Missouri Society of CPAs.

When she’s not making an impact at work or in the community, Angie enjoys life at Lake Waukomis, Missouri, with her husband, Tim. You’ll often find them out on the boat, enjoying time with their kids, grandson, and their beloved dogs. She also loves scrapbooking, genealogy, and curling up with a good book.

As she reflects on her journey, Angie leaves the MCC Class of 2025 with this advice:

“Be humble. Be kind. Be curious. Just keep learning. Every single day, learn something new. Don’t ever let that light go out—that curiosity is what makes life truly meaningful.”

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.