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Montcalm Community College presented its 2025 MCC Stanley and Blanche Ash Distinguished Service Award to Ransom Leppink during the June 24 Centurion Awards Banquet.

MCC Board Chairperson Kurt Peterson, Senator Rick Outman and Representative Pat Outman recognized Leppink for his achievements during a gathering of former award recipients and college dignitaries in the Beatrice E. Doser Building on the college’s Sidney campus.

“Tonight, we are honored to recognize someone whose life’s work beautifully reflects the mission and spirit of Montcalm Community College,” Peterson said. “Ransom Leppink, a proud MCC alumnus and graduate of Lakeview High School, has dedicated his life not just to business – but to building community.”

After attending MCC, Ransom went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in food distribution from Western Michigan University and began his career in 1977 at Leppink’s Food Center in Lakeview.

“Since then, Ransom has continued the legacy of providing fresh, high-quality products with a hometown feel. He owns and operates the Lakeview and Stanton Leppink’s locations, offering more than groceries — he offers connection, care, and consistency,” Peterson said.

Ransom’s dedication goes far beyond business. He has served on the MCC Foundation Board of Directors since 2002 and has made a lasting mark in his role as Vice President since 2016. His leadership, insight, and generosity have helped shape countless opportunities for our students and community members.

He’s also the force behind one of the college’s very popular events — the annual MCC Foundation Pancake Breakfast — which brings together students, families, faculty, and friends in celebration and support of education. And his impact doesn’t stop there. Ransom is actively involved in several organizations including the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan, the Lakeview Downtown Development Authority, and the Lakeview Lions Club, just to name a few.

Through it all, he has remained grounded in family. Ransom and his wife, Kelly, have been married for 44 years, and together they’ve raised three wonderful children — Brooke, Roshea, and Colton—and are proud grandparents to six grandchildren.

In recognition of his service, Ransom also received a Legislative Citation from Sen. Outman and Rep. Outman.

“Through his professional leadership, community involvement and steadfast service to the College, Ransom embodies the spirit of Montcalm Community College’s mission,” the citation stated. “His contributions have made a lasting impact on both the institution and the community it serves.”

Rep. Outman and Sen. Outman expressed their gratitude for Ransom and his family.

“I have known Ransom since I was a kid,” Rep. Outman said. “There is no one more deserving of this award.”

Sen. Outman agreed, adding, “Ransom and I grew up together and I graduated with his wife, Kelly. He is very supportive of the community and a true community leader.”

The MCC Board of Trustees established the Distinguished Service Award in 1973 to recognize people who and organizations that – through a sense of purpose, community concern and leadership – have helped the college serve its community.

Former recipients of the MCC Stanley and Blanche Ash Distinguished Service Award include:
The“Transforming Lives, Empowering People” Campaign Committee - Linda Stafford, Amy Homich, Julie Stafford, Jane Anderson Beach and Kurt Peterson, 2024; Jane Anderson Beach, 2023; Linda Stafford and Roger Coles, 2022; Karen Carbonelli, 2021; Carol Deuling-Ravell and Dr. Gary Hauck, 2019; Wayne Korson and Miriam Zimmerman, 2018; Karalyn Simon, William Ham and Mike Williams, 2017; Dr. Scott Koenigsknecht, 2016; Leslie K. Morford, 2015; the Creating Futures, Strengthening Partnerships Capital Campaign Leadership Team, 2014; Martha Jean Brundage, 2013; Dick Ellafrits, 2012; Bill and Harriette Cook, 2011; Steve Foster, 2010; United Solar Ovonic, 2009; Blanche Ash, 2008; Central Area Michigan Works Consortium, 2006; State Representative Judy Emmons and State Senator Alan Cropsey, 2005; Franz Mogdis and Dr. Robert Painter, 2004; Thomas Kohn and Jean Southward, 2003; M-TEC Board of Overseers, 2002; M-TEC Fundraising Campaign Leadership Team, 2001; State Representative Larry DeVuyst, Judith Riessen and Charles Halterman, 2000; Lemont Renterghem, 1999; Beatrice Doser and EightCAP, Inc., 1998; Montcalm Alliance and State Senator Joanne Emmons, 1997; Panhandle Coalition and Coalition of Greater Greenville, 1996; U.S. Representative David Camp and David Roslund, 1995; Bob Marston, 1994; Orville Trebian and Bob Braman, 1993; Wayne Omillian and Edmore Woman’s Club, 1991; L. Charles Mulholland and Montcalm Heritage Village Committee, 1990; C. Homer Miel and Women’s Festival Council, 1989; The Daily News and John Stafford, and Eric L. Halvorsen, 1988; George M. Showers and Gordon L. Stauffer, 1987; Paul Warnshuis and David Mayes, 1986; State Senator Robert A. Welborn and State Representative Donald Van Singel, 1985; Donald McKenna, 1984; Sydney S. Swainston and Vernon R. Johnson, 1983; Francis L. Rivard, 1982; Harold A. Springsteen and Einer Thorlund, Jr., 1981; Margery Wilson, Stanton Development and Lester J. Sitts V.F.W. Post 5065, 1980; Michael Salisbury and Arthur Kurtze, M.D., 1979; Michael Slentz, 1978; Ahmad Younis, M.D., 1977; Larry Disher, D.V.M., 1976; Grace Greenhoe and Willard Braman, 1975; Harold O. Steele, D.D.S., and Maurice D. Swift, 1974; and Stanley P. Ash, W. Bruce Bennett, M.D., Joseph E. Cook, James L. Crosby, L. Stanley Kemp, Marian E. Kemp, Kenneth J. Lehman, and Dr. William J. Seiter, 1973.