The five individual alumni inducted into the inaugural class come from different backgrounds, and have found success in myriad ways. We’ll be featuring each inductee in eNews. Today’s article highlights the deeply inspiring journey of CMC graduate David Allen.
David Allen demonstrated tenacity to succeed
After sustaining extensive injuries in a car accident, David Allen attended the CMC campus in Spring Valley, graduating in 1991 with an associate degree. He went on to study business at Phillips University in Oklahoma. Allen, who was named to the Alumni Hall of Fame posthumously, left a lasting impression on many of his classmates and leaves an ongoing legacy at CMC.
His family gives credit to the college’s staff and faculty for assisting him in overcoming the many challenges he faced. In his honor and through his estate, a CMC scholarship was established to support students experiencing personal or financial difficulties while endeavoring to achieve their goals in higher education.
In 2006, the college dedicated the David Allen High Ropes Course, at Spring Valley. Allen was an active participant in the college’s experiential learning program, of which the ropes course is now part.
A plaque at the rope course reads: “Despite a debilitating head injury, David pursued his education with tenacity, perseverance, his grin and a sparkle in his eye. He stubbornly overcame the odds. He graduated. He succeeded. Never give up.”
His parents, Paul and Joan Allen, who were present at the ceremony, currently reside in Enid, Okla.
