Graduation at HutchCC

ALUMNI

Alumni Recognition

Alumnus of the Year

ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR: 2022
Frederick A. Bichet II

Frederick A. Bichet II was born in 1934 in New Orleans at Hôtel-Dieu (which is French for a Catholic hospital). His father worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, therefore they moved often. Fred spent part of his childhood in Jamaica, attending a British elementary school. Then moving to Jacksonville, Florida and back to New Orleans before coming to Florence, Kansas in 1947 where his grandparents lived. The Claude Francis Bichet farmstead is still located outside Florence and was established in 1858 by Fred’s great grandfather, who moved to the United States from France after his service in the French Navy. The farmstead is registered as part of the Kansas State Historical Society and was also home to a limestone schoolhouse, known as the Bichet School. It is still farmed and occupied by his granddaughter and her family.

Fred attended Florence High School where he was involved in many activities such as basketball, baseball, track and music. In 1953, he received a draft notice and served in the United States Army until 1955. He was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado as the company clerk for the intelligence unit and was extremely proud to serve his country. After serving his time in the military, Bichet returned to Kansas and decided to continue his education. In the fall of 1956, Fred moved to Hutchinson to attend Hutchinson Junior College, but was unsure what major to choose. With the advice from one of his favorite instructors, Mrs. Margaret Randles, she convinced him he would make the perfect teacher. Her guidance and structure helped him find a path to his future in education. While at HJC he was a member of the Student National Education Association. He and three of his friends rented the basement of a house on Plum Street to stay close to campus and its activities.

Following graduation in 1958. Fred transferred to Emporia State University where he not only received his Bachelors in Education, but a Master’s in Psychology and Business Administration. He then returned to Hutchinson as an educator for the USD 308 school district. In 1962, he married fellow educator, Carol (Smith) Bichet. Throughout his career he worked at Faris Elementary for two years and was transferred to Morgan Elementary where he later became principal and worked a total of 35 years for the district. “I thoroughly enjoyed my career with Hutchinson Public Schools. It was very rewarding to be a part of so many children’s lives over the years.” said Bichet.

Fred and Carol had two children; Stewart Bichet and Shauna Bichet. They have three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. After retirement, the Bichet’s enjoyed traveling. Many of their vacations were voyages on cruise ships to wonderful and interesting places. They were married for 57 years. Carol, who passed in April of 2020 was a Hutchinson High School graduate. She then attended the University of Central Arkansas where her dream was to become a physician. Because of the lack of financial assistance for women in medical school at that time, she could not afford the educational costs, so her dream had to change. She transferred to Emporia State University, receiving her Master’s in Education and returned home to Hutchinson to teach. She was a grade school teacher for Buhler USD 313 for 35 years.

Due to Carol’s experience and financial need in college, the Bichet’s began to dream about how they could provide scholarships to Reno County High School graduates attending Hutchinson Community College. In 2011, they created the Fred & Carol Bichet Scholarship and give annually to the Hutchinson Community College Endowment Scholarship Program. These scholarships are intended for those students that have the desire to continue their education and have financial need.  Fred stated, “Being an educator for so many years made Carol and I aware of the financial struggles many students have in college. Sometimes a student just needs a little push in the right direction. I am honored to help provide opportunities for Hutchinson Community College students for years to come.”

Past Alumnus of the Year

2022           Frederick A. Bichet II

2021           Charles V. Rees

2020           No award due to Covid-19

2019           Dr. Edward Berger

2018           Harley Macklin

2017           Kevin Bowen

2016           Tom Elliott

2015           Robert Glover

2014           Tony Dyer

2013           John H. Shaffer

2012           Diane K. Steed

2011           Jack V. Parker

2010           George “Bud” Janner

2009           Dr. Konrad Rock

2008           Dr. Michael Wamsley

2007           Charles Brown

2006           Ron Sellers

2005           Dallas Crable

2004           Frances Garcia

2003           Jake Clark

2002           Leo A. Rogers

2001           Delos V. Smith Jr.

2000           Robert J. Gilliland

1999           Merl Sellers

1998           Stewart Oswalt

1997           Jack Campbell

1996           Dick Parker

1995           John Crutcher

1994           Helen Week Stone

1993           John Baldwin

1992           Barbara “Skip” Patton

1991           Al Wagler

1990           Guy Holt

1989           Jack Caton

1988           Norman Krause

Current Student Stories

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Contact Information

Endowment Association
keastc@hutchcc.edu
620-665-3565
1-888-GO-HUTCH ext. 3565