Colby Community College announced that long-time supporter and current board of trustees member Arlen Leiker is the recipient of the 2020 honorary associate degree. The recognition is scheduled during the college's virtual commencement at 6 p.m. Friday, on OpenSpacesSports.com

College personnel nominate individuals for the honorary degree, which recognizes distinguished contributions to Colby Community College and northwest Kansas.

Leiker was elected to the board in 2007 and served as chair multiple times. He is the CCC delegate for the Kansas Association of Community College Trustees and the only trustee in Kansas to represent the state at a national level in the Association of Community College Trustees. His dedication as an employee of United Parcel Service spans 44 years, and when not working, he is active in Rotary.

"I am so happy to see Arlen receive this honor," said CCC President Dr. Seth Carter. "He and his family have done so much for the college. I know the honorary degree means a tremendous amount to him, and I am glad to see his contributions recognized in this manner."

A lifetime resident of Thomas County, Leiker graduated from Colby High School and attended CCC when his father, Cyril, taught math at the college. Arlen and wife Joni Clark-Leiker have a daughter, Jessica, and son, Karlton.