Published April 23, 2024
Dodge City Community College (DC3) has named Greg Goff, of Dodge City, as the 2024 Distinguished Alumnus for its upcoming graduation activities scheduled for May 10-11.
In the public eye, Goff is known for basketball, for business, and for bettering the community of Dodge City. In his private life, he is husband to Linda Burke Goff; father to Jarod, Travis and Derek; and “Papa” to grandchildren, Gage, Mason, Parker, Ellie, Carly, Graham, Gracie and Aurora.
Goff’s family moved to Dodge City when he was in the sixth grade. He attended Central School, Dodge City Junior High, and graduated from Dodge City High School in 1967.
During Goff’s school years, he played football, but it was basketball that stole his heart. He had an outstanding high school career, garnering numerous All-League honors and was a team leader in assists and scoring. As a result, DC3 awarded him a scholarship where he had the honor of playing for Coach Dick Brown.
After graduating from DC3 in 1969, Goff attended Baker University and played for Coach Charles Mansfield. As a Baker Wildcat, Goff was team captain, led the team in assists and set a school record for free throw percentage. He was also a top-20 scorer in school history for a two-year career. In 1971, he graduated from Baker University with a degree in physical education and a minor in social science.
Goff’s four years of coaching took him to Herington, Kan., and Spearville, Kan., where his teams won two district championships. He thoroughly enjoyed his four of years of coaching and teaching. He was, and still is, a passionate proponent for young people.
Although his coaching prowess was noted, and he was offered a basketball graduate assistant position at a Division I university, Goff chose to return to Dodge City to join the family car business with his father, Don Goff, in 1974. Thus, he began his quest as a community-minded businessman and supporter of all things Dodge City and Southwest Kansas.
After Goff’s father retired in 1992, he maintained the Goff tradition for many years, before retiring himself in 2014. During his 40-year career, Goff Motors grew from its humble beginnings into G&G Supercenters with numerous transitions along the way.
All through the evolution and growth of the family business, the Goff underlying principle was to generously give back to Dodge City and the surrounding communities. This core value of small business stood at the forefront of the company’s belief system, and not once was a student, club, organization, sport, yearbook, or other fundraiser ever refused.
Among Goff’s many volunteer endeavors, he is most proud of orchestrating the Upward Sports basketball youth program for grades one through six. This faith-based activity brought together 235 girls and boys, consisting of 30 teams, and was supervised by 100 adult volunteers. Scripture was shared at halftime, and the major objective was to encourage young children and their families to attend a church of their own choice.
In 1992, Goff was the impetus for the USD 443 Academic Booster Club. Its purpose was to honor elementary, middle school and high school students for their outstanding scholastic achievements.
Another treasured memory for Goff was forming an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball team, which traveled in a 15-passenger van in a four-state area to compete. This group was comprised of young men from Dodge City, including his sons, and several from area communities. Through this program, these young men learned how to succeed with grace and how to lose with dignity.
In 2015, Goff transitioned from retirement to Major Gifts Chairman for the DC3 Foundation. Through his efforts, many area businesses and individuals were recruited to support the enhancement of the Student Activity Center. As a result, this facility is recognized as one of the top venues in the Jayhawk Conference.
“It is with sincere modesty and deep gratitude that I accept the DC3 Distinguished Alumnus Award,” Goff said. “Dodge City has been so very good to my entire family. Giving back has always been a top priority of our family, and that joy is unparalleled. As a college student, this institution gave me great confidence to pursue my goals, and I have wanted to reciprocate with my time and energy.”
In his capacity as the college’s 63rd Distinguished Alumnus, Goff will speak at 6 p.m., on Friday, May 10, at the DC3 Honors Banquet, which will be at the Boot Hill Casino and Resort Conference Center. The following day, Saturday, May 11, he will serve as the keynote speaker at the DC3 Commencement Ceremony, which will be at 3 p.m., at the United Wireless Arena.
By Lance ZieschDC3 Assistant Director of Marketing and Community Relations