Richard Greer Named Recipient of Central Christian College’s Academe of Achiever Award

In March of 1971, the Central Christian College Board of Trustees and Central Christian College Alumni Board approved the creation the Central Academe of Achievers. Those elected to honorary membership are designated as a “Fellow” of the Academe, and the recognition is awarded during the annual commencement ceremony. There are 4 essential attributes that a member must possess:

An honoree must be an individual…

1. Whose life demonstrates one or more of the ideals of Central Christian College
2. Who has achieved prominence in his/her profession
3. Who has gained recognition in the “larger” society
4. Whose life portrays service

The 2022 recipient of the Academe of Achiever award is Richard Greer. Richard graduated from Central Academy in 1961, and from Central College in 1963 with an Associate of Arts Degree. He met, fell in love with, and married Anne Andrews in June of 1964. Following their marriage, Richard and Anne moved to Greenville, IL where Richard continued his education at Greenville College receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Currently there is a CCCK scholarship named the Robert Opal Greer scholarship that has benefited many alumni, including several in the class of 2022.

After graduating from Greenville, Richard fulfilled his military obligation serving in the U. S. Airforce and Air National Guard. Upon completion of his duties he attended Oklahoma City University where he earned a Master of Arts in Teaching and later earned a Master of Science in Political Science/Public Administration from Indiana State University. He eventually found his way to Costa Mesa, California to serve in the capacity of the Budget and Research Officer for the City of Costa Mesa where he served for seventeen years. Richard then went on to become a Division Commander in the Costa Mesa Police Department for twelve years before retiring in December 2001.

Richard was an active member and involved in several professional and community organizations. He is still very active in his church, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, in Newport Beach as a choir member as well as serving in other capacities there.

While a student here at CCCK, Richard competed in basketball and track, and was also a part of the Music department and sang in the Concert Choir. His college roommate, Bob Burns, reflected on his friendship with Richard “Dick” Greer: Dick Greer was an excellent Christian role model and student leader in our two years together at Central College. It was because of these two character traits that I wanted him to be my roommate upon moving on to Greenville College to finish our undergraduate years.

Richard and his wife Anne, have been members of the President’s Circle since 2015, are Stoll Society Members and Historical Society Members, and they have contributed generously to Central over the years in support of scholarships, alumni gifts, campaigns, telethons, and mass mailings.

The mission of Central Christian College is to provide Christ-Centered Education for Character. Richard Greer has embodied this mission his entire life and has utilized his degree from Central to serve the Kingdom of God. Richard should stand as an inspiration to all Central students and young alum as they too have the ability to transform the world.

To watch his presentation click here.

ABOUT CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE OF KANSAS

Central Christian College of Kansas is a regionally accredited institution offering undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Central strives to offer Christ-centered education for the whole person – heart, mind, soul, and strength. Its history dates back to 1884, and it is located in the friendly town of McPherson, Kansas. Central is a strategically small college that offers over forty areas of residential study and a thriving online program for non-traditional students. To learn more about Central go to centralchristian.edu/about. Visit the Foundation of Central Christian College to see what projects and events are coming up.