August 11, 2020

For Immediate

Office of Public Information
Crowder College

Neosho, MO – Crowder College Foundation has named Peggy Payne the 2020 Distinguished Service Award honoree. Peggy has devoted 70 years of her life to educating students. She spent nearly 50 of those years working in education. Long after retirement, she continues to touch students through gifts of her time and resources to Crowder College.

Her longtime relationship with Crowder began in 1965 when the college hired her late husband, James, to serve as head of the English Department. James became known as one of Crowder’s most beloved and respected instructors because of his vast knowledge and enthusiasm in the classroom.

Peggy served on the Crowder College Foundation Board from 1999-2008 under the leadership of former college president Alan Marble. In 2011, she founded the James T. & Peggy Payne Scholarship to assist Crowder College students majoring in education. In addition to funding a scholarship, Peggy has supported Festival of Wreaths every year since the inaugural event took place in 2003, as well as fundraising events such as Evening of Jazz and Suspects & Sleuths.

“We can always count on Peggy faithfully supporting our efforts,” said Haley Reardon, Assistant Director of Resource Development & Alumni Relations. “Whether she is purchasing auction items at Festival of Wreaths or reserving a table for a spring fundraising event, Peggy plays a significant role in our success. In her humility, she minimizes the tremendous impact she has had on our students over the years. Her gifts have made a meaningful, lasting difference and her generosity will continue to touch lives well into the future.”

Please join us in congratulating Peggy Payne on this well-deserved honor!

Last Updated on August 11, 2020 by Cindy