MCC Legends to honor alumnus Max Alan Collins
by Margaret Hurlbert
March 14, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa–An opportunity to celebrate the promise of current Muscatine Community College students as well as the achievements of graduates, Muscatine Community College Legends will come back to the Merrill Hotel (119 West Mississippi Drive in Muscatine) March 30 at 5:30 p.m. A chance for supporters of Muscatine Community College to come together annually and learn about some of the college’s most distinguished alumni, this year’s program will honor the prolific creative career of alumnus Max Alan Collins.

Growing up, Collins had many ties to Muscatine Community College. His father taught as one of the college’s professors. When Collins got older, he, and his wife, Barb Collins, both attended Muscatine Community College. Several years later, Collins returned as a professor himself and taught at the time he got his first book published. When his son, Nathan Collins, graduated from high school, he attended Muscatine Community College too.

Outside of the classroom, Collins put many of the creative skills he developed throughout his childhood and young adulthood to good use. A graphic novelist, his work provided the inspiration for the blockbuster movie “Road to Perdition” with a cast full of a-list actors, including Daniel Craig, Tom Hanks, Jude Law, and Paul Newman. A prolific writer, Collins also continued the famous Dick Tracy series, completed the unfinished works of Mickey Spilane, who he collaborated closely with before his death, novelized several movies and TV series, and even worked on several independent films as well. A talented musician, he has found his way into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, first for his band the Day Breakers and later for Crusin’. As Muscatine Community College President Naomi DeWinter summed it up, “his drive, focus, and entrepreneurism as a freelance writer is why he was selected as a Legend.”

Guests enjoying the 2022 Muscatine Community College Legends event at the Merrill Hotel. Photo courtesy Muscatine Community College.

A full evening, guests will get to enjoy a grand salon style dinner including delicious food offerings from more than eight local restaurants, including favorites such as A Guy and a Grill,  Bobby’s Asian Cuisine, and Port City Underground. Culinary students from Muscatine Community College will make mouthwatering desserts to conclude the meal with. A documentary Muscatine Community College produced highlighting Collins’ achievements will play after dinner, giving guests a better understanding of the vastness of his work and the richness of his ingenuity. Members of Crusin’ will provide musical entertainment for the night as a fitting tribute to Collins.

Anyone wanting to attend this year’s Muscatine Community College Legends events may purchase tickets for $75 a piece online. All of the funds raised from the evening will go to the MCC Foundation, which provides scholarships for students, as well as the MJC/MCC Alumni Association, which provides funding to the college’s many student organizations.

A gala no one will want to miss, DeWinter invites everyone wanting to learn more about Collins and give current and future Muscatine Community College students positive experiences to attend Legends: “The atmosphere will be great — the food will be great – the music will be great – the program will be great – Max’s story is another entrepreneur success story for Muscatine. You will learn so much more about his life and creative contributions and be amazed at what he has accomplished,” she emphasized.

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