Panhandle State Alumni Association Announces 2023 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees

The Panhandle State Alumni Association is proud to announce the induction of three outstanding individuals into the 2023 Alumni Hall of Fame: Bryant Riffe and Wayne and Gin Manning. The induction ceremony will take place on April 22, at 5 PM in the Student Union Ballroom. The event is open to the public with free admission. RSVP to Shawn Joy at opsu.alumni@opsu.edu.

“Mr. Riffe and Dr. and Mrs. Manning are exceptional alumni, and I am so pleased we are honoring them this year. Mr. Riffe is a leader in our community and has always supported Panhandle State and our students,” Dr. Dinger, University President, continued. “With 50 years of combined service to OPSU, Dr. and Mrs. Manning laid the groundwork for our success today. We are grateful to them for their leadership and dedication to Panhandle State.”

The Alumni Association each year recognizes alumni who have significantly contributed to their profession, community, and alma mater at their Hall of Fame Induction during the spring semester. This year’s inductees exemplify the spirit of Oklahoma Panhandle State University by making a positive impact in their respective fields and serving as role models for future generations.

Bryant Riffe is a 1998 graduate of OPSU, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness. Riffe is a successful farmer and businessman known for his dedication to the agricultural industry and his community. He has served on several boards and has been recognized for his leadership and service to the industry.

Wayne and Gin Manning are both 1980 graduates of Panhandle State, where they met and fell in love. The Mannings are known for their outstanding contributions to the education field, having served as teachers and administrators in several schools across the country. They have also been active in their community, volunteering for various causes and organizations.

Mr. Riffe has owned and operated the Goodwell car wash since its beginning thirty years ago and has directed nearly all profits from the business to scholarships for OPSU students. His recognition of the importance of education leads him to devote these profits to education and make a tradition of hiring college students to work. He engages these students during their college years at the Goodwell Elevator, which he has managed for forty years. Bryant encourages these students in every way and always prioritizes the students’ educational needs over demands at work. Bryant has been involved in the city and community, giving in many ways. He has served on the Goodwell city council for many years and served numerous terms as Mayor. His servant’s attitude and his appreciation of OPSU make him a true ambassador to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Dr. and Mrs. Manning spent their time in Goodwell, involved in as many activities as possible. Mrs. Manning started at OPSU, where she served as a recruiter. She worked in different departments during her 19 years of service and ended up serving as the nursing department’s administrative assistant. Dr. Manning started with OPSU in 1985 with the ROTC program. Later, he served as Dean of the School of Business, Interim Athletic Director, and Interim President. He ended his 31 years of service at OPSU as the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Outreach. They were always a couple to count on when the time came to buy tickets for drawings or events to support OPSU and its students. Dr. Manning has a heart for keeping tabs on his former student’s success. He formed an email list to get updates from them and inform them of news about the university.

“We are honored to recognize Bryant Riffe and Wayne and Gin Manning as this year’s Alumni Hall of Fame inductees,” said Shawn Joy, Director of Alumni Relations. “Their achievements and dedication to their professions and communities are truly inspiring. We are proud to call them Panhandle State alumni.”

The Alumni Association looks forward to celebrating this year’s inductees in April. They are always looking for alumni and members of the community to recognize throughout their year. If you have someone in mind, contact Shawn Joy or a board member to make a nomination.