by Kelly Rogge
Toni Saunders spent more than 21 years at Kansas City Kansas Community College, so the decision to retire was not an easy one. However, it was her husband that helped her take that final leap.
“My husband has been retired for eight years,” she said. “I need to be home to make him complete his projects.”
Saunders has served as either a secretary or an administrative assistant during her time at KCKCC, most recently in the business and continuing education department. Prior to coming to the community college, she worked for the Lawrence Traffic Bureau in the KC Stockyards. She said what she will miss most about leaving KCKCC is most certainly the people.
“I will miss the people I work with on a daily basis,” she said. “I will also miss all of the other friends I have made here.”
During her time at KCKCC, Saunders was named the Staff Employee of the Year in 2012, one of her most memorable accomplishments. She said she also remembers winning several gold medals for volleyball when the college participated in the Corporate Challenge.
“I think what I have enjoyed the most is being able to work with division personnel that really care about the students and the division itself,” she said. “That applies to the BITAC staff, the Business and Technology group and my current group – Business and Continuing Education.”
As for what she plans to do with her retirement, Saunders has made no specific plans. However, a visit to obedience school might be in the future for one of her new rescue dogs.”
“I am thinking about taking our girl Nellie for obedience lessons. She is quite sassy,” she said. “I hope KCKCC continues to provide a quality education that is affordable for our students and to continue to be a great resource for the community.”
Kelly Rogge is the public information supervisor for Kansas City Kansas Community College.