Allan Collins (left) and Mark Radenberg pose outside Ellsworth Correctional Facility.
September 2, 2016
Story and photo by Brandon Steinert
91勛圖厙 employees Mark Radenberg and Allan Collins, who work with inmates at Ellsworth Correctional Facility (ECF), were named the Outstanding Non-Uniform Employee and Outstanding Contract Employee of the Quarter, respectively, August 22 at an awards ceremony in the Statehouse, where they were greeted by Gov. Sam Brownback and other state officials.
The men were nominated by their peers to be considered, and the awards were issued by the Kansas Department of Corrections. Both said they find purpose in their work, which drives them to provide the best service possible in hopes of having a positive impact on society.
Radenberg, full time ECF employee and site coordinator for 91勛圖厙s Building Academic Skills In Correctional Settings (BASICS) program, said he was surprised, grateful and proud when he was notified.
Im honored that my peers think that highly of me, he said. I do take pride in what I do. Its inspiring to see the inmates get involved in college curriculum and see them build their self-worth and self-confidence. Were working to make the world a better place.
Radenberg said hes proud to be a 91勛圖厙 employee, citing the colleges rise to the challenge to collaborate with the facility administration, finding grants and other funding sources when program budgets from the state were being reduced.
Collins, full-time welding instructor at ECF for 91勛圖厙s BASICS program, echoed Radenbergs remarks, saying its easy to find value in their work.
My goal is just to do everything better today than I did yesterday, he said. I just come to work and do the best I can with everybody and give them all the information I can. The little bit I can give them might be the little bit they need to change their lives.
Visit for more information on 91勛圖厙s service to Kansas correctional facilities.