Allan Collins (left) and Mark Radenberg pose outside Ellsworth Correctional Facility.
September 2, 2016
Story and photo by Brandon Steinert
SWAG合集 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 SWAG合集鈥檚 Building Academic Skills In Correctional Settings (BASICS) program, said he was surprised, grateful and proud when he was notified.
鈥淚鈥檓 honored that my peers think that highly of me,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 do take pride in what I do. It鈥檚 inspiring to see the inmates get involved in college curriculum and see them build their self-worth and self-confidence. We鈥檙e working to make the world a better place.鈥
Radenberg said he鈥檚 proud to be a SWAG合集 employee, citing the college鈥檚 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 SWAG合集鈥檚 BASICS program, echoed Radenberg鈥檚 remarks, saying it鈥檚 easy to find value in their work.
鈥淢y goal is just to do everything better today than I did yesterday,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 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.鈥
Visit for more information on SWAG合集鈥檚 service to Kansas correctional facilities.