Academics
Accolades
For the first 15 years of her life, she lived just two blocks from campus on land once owned by the university’s first president, Russell Russ, with her mom DeeAnn (BA '97) and dad Terry.
Alongside her two brothers, Joshua and Jonathan, Allen spent countless hours riding bicycles around the Oval, playing games with cousins and friends, attending performances and recitals, and building memories that connected her family to the university in ways that extended far beyond the classroom.
"The campus was our backyard, our gathering place, our stomping ground," she said.
Those childhood experiences became the foundation of a lifelong relationship with the university.
This fall came the icing on the cake: The Allens were chosen as this year’s Honorary Family, an award sponsored by the PSU Foundation and Advancement Ambassadors.
On Homecoming morning for many years, her family has always gathered before sunrise along the parade route on Broadway, armed with lawn chairs, blankets, hot cocoa, and donuts, and took a family photograph before heading to Carnie Smith Stadium.
On Saturday, Sept. 5, her family will gather on the field of the stadium to receive their award at halftime as part of the university's Family Day activities.
“We felt so honored,” Allen said. “Pitt State has been part of our family for so long.”
“Autumn afternoons spent watching leaves blanket the campus, spring days photographing tulips in bloom, and summer evenings playing games on the Oval remain among my favorite memories,” she said. “Family outings regularly included concerts and events at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, piano recitals in McCray Hall, and Saturdays in the fall were filled with Game Day spirit.”
Even when her family could not attend games in person, they listened for the unmistakable sounds of Pittsburg State football. The strains of "Welcome to the Jungle" and the boom of the cannon after every touchdown became familiar milestones.
The family's Gorilla roots trace back to the 1960s, when Allen's grandparents, Doug (BST ‘66, MS ‘67) and Rosie Borchardt (BSEd ‘67), chose Pittsburg State for their education. The pair met on a blind date. Her mom and two aunts followed in their footsteps and were active on campus and in charitable causes in the community. Allen, in turn, has done the same.
Today, the family includes eight Pitt State graduates, two current students including Allen and her cousin, Business Finance major Lemmie Stone, and Allen's younger brother, who plans to become a Gorilla next year.
Allen’s uncle, David Hogard, first arrived at Pitt State in 1989 and has remained ever since. After serving in multiple roles, he now serves as director of admissions, helping guide future Gorillas as they begin their own Pitt State journeys.
Hannah’s mom works for Webb City (Missouri) School District, and her dad works for Kansas Teachers Community Credit Union. Her grandma was a longtime teacher in Frontenac and her grandpa worked for Pitsco Education; together they owned BJ’s Suzuki for many years on East Fourth Street in Pittsburg.
Allen credits her family for encouraging her educational journey, particularly as she navigated the challenges of dyslexia. That encouragement has shaped the way she approached her education.
“They have continually encouraged me to become involved on campus, embrace opportunities beyond the classroom, and grow both personally and academically. Whether I am stepping outside my comfort zone, overcoming challenges, or simply persevering through difficult semesters, I can still hear their voices reminding me to make the day count,” Allen said.
“Because of their encouragement, attending Pittsburg State has never been just about earning a degree. It has been an opportunity to continue a family legacy while becoming the best version of myself,” she added. "I believe my family should be chosen as the Honorary Family because Pittsburg State is not just a university to us. It is part of our identity and our story.”
