[Coffeyville, KS]—Coffeyville Community College (CCC) is proud to announce that Barry Feaker, a distinguished leader in nonprofit innovation and advocacy, will deliver the keynote address at the College’s 100th Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Nellis Hall on the Coffeyville Community College campus.
Mr. Feaker, the founder and CEO of Compassion Strategies and CCT Strategies LLC, brings a lifetime of service and leadership to the historic occasion. Recognized as CCC’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni, Barry has dedicated his career to creating sustainable, strategic solutions for vulnerable populations. His visionary leadership has
spanned decades, including 36 years as Executive Director of the Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries, where he oversaw life-changing programs for the homeless and impoverished without reliance on government funding.
Under Barry's leadership, nearly 60,000 individuals received shelter, millions of meals were served, and innovative initiatives like NET-Reach, Freedom Now USA, and Operation Food Secure were launched. His impact reaches beyond direct services to the development of community-wide strategies addressing homelessness, human trafficking, education, and neighborhood stabilization. Barry has been honored nationally, receiving accolades including United States Presidential letters, the Citygate Network’s Citygate Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition.
In addition to his leadership work, Barry is the author of In Darkness, a Light Still Shines and the host of two podcasts, Our Community, Our Mission and Collaborative Solutions, addressing issues of homelessness both locally and nationally.
"Barry Feaker exemplifies the spirit of service, resilience, and leadership that Coffeyville Community College hopes to inspire in every graduate," said Dr. Marlon Thornburg, President of Coffeyville Community College.
"As we celebrate our 100th graduating class, we are honored to welcome one of our most distinguished alumni back to campus to share his wisdom and vision for the future."
The CCC 2025 Commencement Ceremony is open to the public, and all are invited to join in celebrating this landmark achievement in the college’s history.
For more information about Commencement 2025, please visit www.coffeyville.edu.