2023-24 Annual Report

Winter Commencement

Central Community College held its third all-college winter commencement ceremony on Dec. 15. A total of 372 candidates were eligible to graduate and 100 took part in the ceremony. Both are record numbers for winter graduation.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Kellie Pickett (pictured), the vice president for college access and success at the Susan T. Buffett Foundation. She is also a board member of the National Scholarship Providers Association.

“As you think about your time here at Central Community College, I’m sure you can think of lots of successes and lots of challenges to get to this point,” said Pickett. “I’m sure you can picture times when you’ve had to work really hard, made some difficult choices, and you had to make some sacrifices along the way. You probably had some great fun and I hope you made some great memories.”

Over the past two decades, Pickett has worked at such higher educational institutions as Duke University, Georgia Southern University and the University of Nebraska-Omaha. In her current role, she works with people and communities across the state to ensure that Nebraskans have clear pathways into higher education as well as the resources and support they need to reach their college goals. Pickett encouraged the graduates to use the skills they learned at CCC to make a difference in the lives of others.

“You are poised to go out and make significant and unique contributions in your communities,” Pickett said. “Share your stories. Share your experiences. Be authentic in your conversations and in your workplaces. Find people who will teach you things, tell you the honest truth, and challenge and support you to achieve the things that are important to you.”

Spring Commencement

More than 500 CCC graduates received their degrees during three commencement ceremonies on May 10. Both the Grand Island Campus and Hastings Campus graduations were held at the Heartland Events Center while the Columbus Campus commencement was held at the Raider Fieldhouse.

Keynote addresses at all three campuses were delivered by CCC’s Outstanding Alumni Award recipients: Brett Olson, Columbus; Quinn Webb, Grand Island; and Dillon Kuehn, Hastings. A recap of each ceremony follows. For complete biographical information on each Outstanding Alumni Award recipient, please see the Alumni section of this report.

Columbus

The 100 or so graduates in the Raider Fieldhouse heard Olson encourage them to find their passion. He said his two-year course of study at the Columbus Campus provided the perfect opportunity for him to explore his interests and find his passion.

“Attending class was more than just filling an academic requirement,” said Olson, who at first was unsure if he would pursue engineering or information technology (IT). “It was an experience filled with camaraderie, support and inspiration.”

After graduating, Olson stayed at CCC-Columbus and worked as an IT technician. Later, he found an opportunity in the utility industry, which helped lead him to his current role as director of information and operations technology at Cornhusker Public Power. Along the way, Olson said while learning the intricacies of the power grid system, he embraced each opportunity to expand his skills.

“It wasn’t just about mastering a job,” Olson said. “It was about embracing a passion for understanding and improving the systems that surround us.”

Olson concluded his address by saying that passion is more than having a vision. It’s about discovering what ignites your soul.

“Passion is not an input, it’s an output,” said Olson. “It’s how we feel when we are involved in something that is deeply personal to us. All I ask is that you find your passion."

Grand Island

Webb told some 216 Grand Island Campus graduates how he set out to pursue his dreams at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Chemistry was his major, criminal justice was his minor and he hoped to work in forensics. However, Webb said he made a key discovery early on.

“I quickly learned that criminal justice was much more fun than chemistry and I quickly changed my major,” said Webb. “Life had other plans and I soon found myself faced with unforeseen life changes that required me to reassess my path and I decided to start my career prior to graduating.”

Webb left UNL and enrolled at CCC-Grand Island. He also began working at the Hall County Sheriff’s office where he said he gained invaluable real-world experience as a law enforcement officer.

“From patrolling the streets to investigating crimes, I witnessed firsthand the impact that effective law enforcement can have on the lives of individuals and communities,” Webb said.

Following 20 years in law enforcement, Webb went to work for the Hall County Department of Corrections, where he remains today as assistant director. In this role, he assists CCC criminal justice students in exploring and pursuing their passion.

“I urge you to embrace this moment as a celebration of your collective achievements and a launching pad for the limitless possibilities that lie ahead,” Webb said. “Let us never forget the transformative power of education to shape our futures and change the world.”

Hastings

Hard work was the theme of Kuehn’s address to the nearly 200 CCC-Hastings graduates. He began is speech by quoting a former boss and mentor.

“History is decided by those who show up and put in the work,” said Kuehn.

Born in Grand Island, Kuehn graduated from the Hastings Campus in 2012 with a degree in agriculture sciences. Since that time, he was worked as a heavy machine operator, farm and ranch hand, agronomy salesman, livestock consultant, insurance representative, political campaigner and a congressional legislative assistant. Kuehn currently works as a legislative director for Water Strategies, LLC, a Washington, DC-based firm that specializes in water, power and agricultural issues.

“No matter the new experience or the issue I was confronted with, old-fashioned hard work was the underpinning along my route which enabled my next steps,” Kuehn said.

However, Kuehn said that hard work is not just a means to an end, but also a foundation to build the qualities necessary for higher achievement. He identified the qualities as resilience, determination and commitment.

“In an era that often celebrates instant gratification and overnight success, it can be easy to lose sight of the value of hard work,” said Kuehn. “It is often approached as a burden. However, I believe that it is in this effort, service and striving of work that we discover our meaning and purpose.”

First Rap Graduate

Central Community College’s first participant to complete its Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) received a nationally recognized certificate of completion.

Francisco Pano (pictured), a 2022 welding technology graduate, completed his apprenticeship with Standard Iron in Grand Island and received the U.S. Department of Labor certificate during a ceremony.

CCC began its RAP program in 2021. It follows the “earn while you learn” model, which provides apprentices the opportunity to further their education and skills development while supporting themselves through employment. Some 20 businesses across CCC’s 25-county service area are part of the RAP program.

“Pano's graduation as our first apprentice is a milestone for both Standard Iron and Central Community College,” said Catrina Gray, area wide apprenticeship director. “We've made significant strides since then, and we anticipate celebrating more graduates in the months to come. We are proud of Pano and his achievements through the apprenticeship program.”

Madrigal Feast, Magical Event

What began as a joking dare between Jeff Kitson, choral music instructor, and Stephanie Tschetter, theatre instructor, turned into a most memorable performance by the entire fine arts program.

“We were talking about some out-of-the-box ideas and she sort of jokingly said, ‘why don’t we do a madrigal (feast)?’ and I dared her to pick a script,” Kitson recalled. “It ended up being one of the best performances we’ve ever had.”

According to Wikipedia, “a madrigal feast is a form of dinner theatre set in the Renaissance era and is generally comedic in nature. The meal is divided into courses, each of which is heralded with a traditional song. A play is performed between the courses and a concert of choral music concludes the festivities.” Also included was a performance by the CCC concert band. The visual arts department created various works of art, primarily the boar’s head that was paraded about the Columbus Innovations Center.

“The audience, I think, enjoyed all the elements, the food, the music and the performances,” said Kitson, who added that the students also had a lot of fun. “Some of them were hesitant and some were all in. Once they saw the beautiful costumes, everybody was on board.”

Success at SkillsUSA Nationals

Central Community College was well represented at the 2024 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta in June. Multiple students and graduates finished in the top 10. Here is a list:

• Trevor Brown placed second in the nation in the heavy equipment operator competition. Brown is a 2024 graduate of the heavy equipment operator technician program at the Hastings Campus.
• Riley Mason, 2024 graduate in advanced manufacturing design technology, and Landon Nelson, 2024 graduate in drafting and design technology-manufacturing, took third nationally in the additive manufacturing competition.
• Criminal justice students Hunter Fowler, Anna Katen and Frankie Maulucci finished in 9th place in the crime scene investigation competition.

Jim R. Debord Scholarship

The Jim R. DeBord Scholarship was awarded to two students in the heavy equipment operator technician program at Central Community College-Hastings.

Skyler Kent (right) and Colton Woodis (left) each received a $1,000 scholarship to assist them financially in their educational pursuits.

“I love it. This will help me with my books and paying for college,” said Kent, who became interested in the program while in high school after taking a turn on CCC’s heavy equipment simulators. “I get to test each piece of equipment. The excavator and the dump truck are my favorites so far.”

“I am very thankful for the scholarship, and it will help me pay for next year and my CDL (commercial driver’s license),” Woodis said. “This program is awesome. I love it.”

Ron and Tammy DeBord established the scholarship in 2020 in honor of Ron’s father, Jim, who worked in the heavy equipment field for more than three decades. Ron attended the scholarship presentation ceremony and spoke to the students about his father’s experience and what made him successful.

“My father always said, ‘Don’t be afraid to fail because at some point, you’ll look back and wish you had taken a chance,’” Ron said. “My father also said, ‘Be dependable. If you say you’re going to do something, then do it. If you say you’re going to be some place, show up.’”

PTK All-State Academic Team

Three Central Community College students were named to the 2024 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Nebraska All-State Academic Team at a ceremony at the State Capitol in Lincoln.

The all-state academic team is an effort sponsored by PTK, an international honor society for two-year colleges, and the Nebraska Community College Association to honor students for academic achievement, leadership and community service.

The team included the following CCC students:

Nevaeh Boulton (left) of Columbus is a business administration major at the Columbus Campus. She has been an active member of the Peace Lutheran Church Midwest Teachers for six years. After graduation from CCC, she plans to transfer to Wayne State College to complete a bachelor’s degree in business management.

Stoney Straatmann (not pictured) of Hastings is working toward an associate of arts degree at the Hastings Campus. In addition to school, she helps plan educational training for home child care providers through ESU 10 and provides a home child care setting for CCC practicum students. She is a member of the Early Childhood Nebraska Apprenticeship core team, Nebraska Child Care Licensing Advisory Committee and the Sixpence/Hastings Public Schools partnership. After graduation from CCC, she plans to transfer to the University of Nebraska-Kearney to complete an early childhood inclusive degree. She will take classes online so she can continue to run her licensed home child care business.

Niklas Thiel (right) of Enger, Germany, is a business administration major at the Columbus Campus where he is a member of the soccer team, a tutor in math and business, and a library worker. He has been named an All-Athletic Rookie of the Year, was an All-Region 9 selection, and has been named to the President’s and Dean’s honors lists. After his graduation from CCC, he plans to transfer to Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas, to complete his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Spring Play

The theater department at CCC-Columbus presented "The Diary of Anne Frank" during the spring semester.

Click on each photo to see a larger version.

Mixed Media Art Show

The 2024 Mixed Media Art Show was held at the Hastings Campus in March. Fifteen media arts students displayed their works. Each student artist is pictured while standing next to one of their works.

Click on each photo to see a larger version.

Aspen Institute Selects CCC

The Aspen Institute named Central Community College as one of the 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation's signature recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The institutions selected for this honor stand out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high and improving levels of student success as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students and those from lower-income backgrounds.

“I am once again proud that Central Community College faculty, staff and administration has been recognized as a top 150 community college out of over a thousand in the United States,” said CCC President Dr. Matt Gotschall. “It demonstrates our commitment to student success, especially in terms of transfer, completion of an award, and equity for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. A great reminder of how we can earn national recognition through fulfilling our area mission of maximizing community and student success.”

The Aspen Prize spotlights exemplary community colleges in order to drive attention to colleges achieving post-graduate success for all students, and is a central way Aspen researches highly effective student success strategies that are shared with the field. The 150 eligible colleges have been invited to submit student success data and narratives about strategies to achieve better and more equitable student outcomes as the next step in an intensive review process that culminates in the naming of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2025. The eligible colleges represent the diversity and depth of the community college sector. Located in urban, rural, and suburban areas across 30 states, these colleges serve as few as 169 students and as many as 49,619. 

“The Aspen Prize is rooted first and foremost in an assessment of whether colleges are walking the walk,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “As community colleges face enrollment variations, enroll students with pandemic-related learning loss, and graduate students into a rapidly changing labor market, it is easy to lose track of what matters most.  The best community colleges are continuing to focus on advancing the core mission: making sure as many students as possible graduate with credentials that lead to fulfilling careers and reflect the development of diverse talent that communities, states, and our nation need.” 

While community colleges are an essential contributor to our nation’s success, student outcomes vary substantially among institutions.  Aspen measures those variances using multiple data sources and honors colleges with outstanding achievement in six critical areas: teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce success, equitable access to the college, and equitable outcomes for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.

“These 150 colleges have achieved high and improving levels of student success for all students, including those who are often failed by our institutions,” Wyner said. “We’re excited to learn over the coming months how they achieved that success so we can share the most impressive practices with others in the field.” 

Bellwether Award

Central Community College was a top 10 finalist for the prestigious Bellwether Award, which was presented at the 2024 Community College Futures Assembly in San Antonio, Texas. Pictured receiving the award at the event (l-r): Dr. Matt Gotschall, CCC President; Doug Pauley, associate dean for training development; Jerry Muller, industrial technology coordinator and trainer; and Joe Haschke, former iMEC instructor at Lakeview High School.

The Bellwether Award focuses on innovative programs, efficiencies or practices worthy of replication at other community colleges across the country. Annually, only 10 community colleges are selected as finalists in the workforce development category.

CCC competed with its project, Hands-On Independent Mechatronics Education Curriculum, which focuses on training future workforce in areas such as bioscience, automation and instrumentation. The project consisted of CCC offering four courses from its mechatronics associate of applied science degree program in secondary schools. CCC designed the program to be supported online with local hands-on labs, which allows flexible scheduling for the students, schools and adjunct mechatronics instructors from industry. Thirteen area high schools participated during the 2023-24 academic year.

The program began in fall 2021 and since then, 275 students have enrolled and some 30 percent went on to attend CCC, with nearly 60 percent continuing in the mechatronics degree program.

Metallica Scholars Initiative

Central Community College has been invited to return for a third consecutive year with the All Within My Hands’ (AWMH) Metallica Scholars Initiative. CCC will continue to receive funding to enhance career and technical education programs.

Now in its fifth year, the Metallica Scholars Initiative is currently supporting 42 community colleges across 33 states. By the end of this year, it will have helped over 6,000 students pursuing careers in the trades. To date, Metallica and AWMH have invested over $6 million in the American workforce.

“The Metallica Scholars Initiative is so important to us because we are seeing results,” said Lars Ulrich, Metallica member. “Five years in, with the help of community colleges across the country, we are helping people fill these essential jobs which require skills and training. We are so proud and grateful that we can facilitate this program.”

CCC is one of 31 returning Metallica Initiative institutions, which have been joined by 11 newly selected schools.

"It is encouraging to know of a national foundation and band, like AWMH and Metallica, supporting such essential careers like law enforcement and criminal justice during times of great regional and national need,” said
CCC President Dr. Matt Gotschall.

In the first two years of being a Metallica Scholars Initiative institution, CCC gave out 100 scholarships to criminal justice students.

“The Metallica Scholars have become leaders in CCC’s criminal justice program,” said Michael David, criminal justice program director. “They have also become role models to other students.”

The Metallica Scholars Initiative was launched in 2019 in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

New Diplomas/Certificates

Central Community College will begin offering one new diploma and four new certificates in three programs in the 2024 fall semester.

An addiction studies diploma and a behavior technician certificate will be offered by the human services program while the medical laboratory technician program has added a phlebotomy certificate. Additionally, the pharmacy technician program will provide certificates in retail pharmacy and sterile compounding.

The human services diploma has two specializations, generalist and drug and alcohol counseling. Paige Denman, human services instructor, said the diploma was geared toward generalist students. Previously, students who pursued the drug and alcohol counseling specialization had to take extra classes and pay for them on their own.

“That didn’t seem right to us, so we took out some of the generalist requirements and added the addiction studies’ requirements so that students could still get this award,” Denman said. “There is a huge need for drug and alcohol counselors in Nebraska, especially bilingual counselors.”

Denman said the behavior technician certificate is significant because while there are behavior analyst programs at the bachelor level in Nebraska, there are no associate-level programs. Once the 12-credit-hour course of study is complete, behavior technicians will be prepared to assist the analysts. Denman said the goal of the program is two-fold.

“We want to offer a well-rounded education about behavior change and qualify the students for the certification tests,” Denman said. “We also hope to help people have a better quality of life.”

The phlebotomy certificate comes at a critical time as there is a shortage of qualified workers. That’s according to Kerri Dey, association dean of health sciences, who also said the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted the need for phlebotomists would grow by 17 percent from 2019 to 2029.

“And we are finding that as we listen to our industry partners, they are having less time to train on the job, so they are looking for people to help train employees for this field,” Dey said. “This certificate would be the stepping stone into the medical laboratory technician program. Most med lab techs are going to be phlebotomists as well.”

The retail pharmacy certificate will provide the hands-on experience and basic skills required in a retail pharmacy setting. Dey said this certificate is well suited, for example, for students in the Grand Island Public Schools pathways program, which has a partnership with CCC, and for those who currently work in a retail setting.

The sterile compounding certificate focuses on the necessary training in preparing medications with the use of appropriate equipment, calculating medication dosages and learning the laws related to pharmacy practice.

“One of the reasons we started the sterile compounding certificate is because there might be people working in retail who would like to work in a hospital pharmacy but do not know where to find the necessary training,” said Dey. “Another reason is that hospitals could hire retail pharmacy technicians and have them earn certification through CCC’s program.”

Faculty Survey

Central Community College students are quite pleased with the performance of the faculty. That’s according to the results of a student survey of instruction given at the conclusion of the 2023 fall semester.

The faculty performance survey comprised 12 questions relating to such things as the instructor’s knowledge of the subject matter, student engagement, enhanced learning through course activities, timeliness of instructor response to questions and posting of grades and feedback. Nearly 1,350 CCC students at all locations participated in the survey.

Of the 12 questions, 11 received an “agree” or “strongly agree” response from 90 percent or higher of the respondents.

“Our faculty is dedicated to providing CCC students with high-quality instruction and compassionate care,” said Dr. Candace Walton, vice president and chief academic officer. “It’s great to see that students appreciate the hard work of their instructors.”

One of the questions was, "The instructor's feedback, comments and explanations helped to improve my overall performance." Melissa Kosch, mathematics instructor at CCC-Columbus, said she wasn’t surprised that more than half of the respondents strongly agreed.

“Faculty at CCC use feedback to aid in the learning process and improve a student's performance,” Kosch said. “Feedback can identify where a student excels and what areas need refinement. CCC faculty also use this feedback to foster a positive classroom culture with open communication.”

Troy Davis, advanced manufacturing design technology instructor at the Hastings Campus, said he paid particular attention to the area of CCC instructors demonstrating strong knowledge of the subject matter through class discussion and answering questions. He said believes one reason why CCC faculty are so knowledgeable stems from collaboration with industry partners. However, Davis said that’s just the beginning.

“CCC’s faculty family goes beyond the classroom to mentor our students to be successful in career and life because we truly care about our students and want them to be the best version of themselves,” said Davis. “This mantra isn’t held only with faculty. Each employee of Central Community College cares and wants our students and graduates to excel.”

Two of the questions that garnered positive feedback focused on instructors engaging students to solicit their input and the instructors feedback helping to improve overall performance. Jeff Schulz, sociology instructor at the Grand Island Campus, said he believes it all comes down to gaining the trust of the students. Schulz said building trust should begin on the first day of classes with instructors laying out course objectives and setting expectations.

“When the instructors gain the trust of the students, I think it makes the students want to work harder,” said Schulz. “It makes them feel better and maybe more comfortable with the instructor of the courses they are taking.”

Pirnie Playground Ribbon Cutting

A large crowd turned out for the ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the Pirnie Inclusive Playground at Ryder Park on May 1.

The idea for the park originated with students in the occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program at Central Community College-Grand Island. Construction on the 27,000-square-foot, $2.8 million facility was completed earlier this year.

In her welcome address, CCC-Grand Island Campus President Dr. Marcie Kemnitz said the project is an example of how Central Community College meets its mission of maximizing student and community success.

“Yes, we are about supporting students, our core, but the community is also our strength. It’s in our middle name,” said Kemnitz. “This playground exemplifies our shared values of access, inclusion and partnership.”

Kemnitz also recognized CCC Board of Governors member Tom Pirnie (pictured right) and his wife, Sue (pictured second from right), for being the lead donors of the project. Overall, the CCC Foundation raised $1.6 million from more than 260 donors.

“We stand here together to emphasize that in Grand Island, we get things done,” said Traci Skalberg, CCC Foundation executive director. “It’s our way, but we never do it alone. It takes a village and, in this case, it takes a community.”

Big Idea Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings

CCC's Entrepreneurship Centers in Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings hosted a Big Idea competition. Big Idea is a business pitch competition patterned after the popular television show “Shark Tank.” Would-be entrepreneurs will each have two minutes to make a business pitch before a panel of judges and a live audience. Finalists compete to win cash and resources to make their idea a reality. Below is a list of the top three winners in each location and photos.

Columbus: 1st Place, Leo Dan Oliva and Tina Oliva (center), Pizza Food Truck; 2nd Place, Macey Johannes (left), Macey's Snow Cones; and 3rd Place, Oscar Vasquez Medrano and Krista Vasquez-Connelly (right), Vasquez Music Studio.

Grand Island: 1st Place, Danielle Helzer (center), Rooted Books; 2nd Place, Michelle Simmons (left), Simmons Sweet Mobile Treats; and 3rd Place, Enny Ellison (right), Indo-Archipelago.

Hastings: 1st Place, Michael Consbruck (center), The Cheese and Wine Shop; 2nd Place, Danielle Kostner (left), Razzberry Beret Threads & Goods; and 3rd Place, Wendy Gwennap (right) – SWAP App.

Click on each photo to see a larger version.

Tool Donation at Hastings and Kearney High Schools

The Carriage House Foundation funded a scholarship that will benefit CCC for many years. For the first year, the scholarship dollars were used to purchase tools for students in the automotive technology pathway programs at Hastings High School (pictured), Kearney High School and Janssen Ford in Holdrege. Students were presented with high-quality tools and equipment such as digital torque wrenches, measuring tapes, gauge blocks, outside micrometers and a tire spreader. The latest tools will go a long way in preparing the students for careers in the automotive industry. A huge thank you to the Carriage House Foundation, Janssen Ford in Holdrege, Hastings High School and Kearney High School.

CCC - Arizona State University Partnership

A new alliance between Central Community College and Arizona State University will provide students with a seamless transfer experience through the university’s MyPath2ASU program.

The program allows students to take the steps needed at the start of their college experience to successfully plan their transfer to ASU, ensuring a smooth transition process and student success.

MyPath2ASU is a set of customized tools available to transfer students from accredited U.S. regional institutions. These tools ensure a seamless transfer to ASU after earning credits or an associate degree from a U.S. community college or university and shortening the time to degree completion.

“I am pleased CCC students have another option for pursuing their degrees through a leader in online and in-person degree programs,” said CCC President Dr. Matt Gotschall. “Their recent expansion into artificial intelligence-enhanced offerings is innovative and already creating exciting opportunities for learners and educators alike.”

Through this partnership, students will have access to personalized benefits, including:

• Assistance with choosing courses that apply to their ASU bachelor’s degree.
• Guaranteed general admission to ASU and admission into MyPath2ASU major choice if all requirements are satisfied.
• More than 400 course-by-course guided pathways into on-campus and online ASU degree programs.
• Self-service, degree-progress tracking to minimize loss of credit.
• Connected experience through personalized ASU communications to prepare academically and build a connection to ASU.

Dale P. Parnell Faculty Recognition

Nick Kelley, automotive technology instructor at the Hastings Campus, received the Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty designation from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). He and 35 other recipients were honored during the AACC annual convention April 5-9 in Louisville, Ky.

Named in honor of former AACC President and CEO Dale P. Parnell, this designation was established to recognize individuals making a difference in the classroom.

The recipients demonstrate passion for and support students inside and outside the classroom, participate in college committees, and go above and beyond what is required to ensure students are successful in their academic endeavors.

League Excellence Awards

Nine Central Community College employees received the 2023-24 League Excellence Award from The League for Innovation in the Community College:

Michelle Bentz (top row, left), sociology instructor at the Columbus Campus, is a faculty leader for Early College statewide recruitment efforts with high schools and advising and a strong advocate for international students, making sure they understand the process for online learning. She was an early adopter of e-textbooks and open educational resources to reduce cost and increase access for all students.

Luz Colon-Rodriguez (top row, center), student counseling and prevention education services director, led efforts for CCC to be recognized as an exemplary member of the Nebraska Collegiate Prevention Alliance (NECPA), earning a bronze-level designation for CCC. She has joined the NECPA State Advisory Board and has presented workshops at the Siembra Nebraska Conference and at the Nebraska Hispanic Latino Youth Summit.

Kimberly Danehey-Nibbe (top row, right), clinic assistant for the dental hygiene program at CCC-Hastings, has moved the patient charts from paper to digital format and updated the patient software to include the latest coding for treatments performed by the dental hygiene students. She also regularly assists in researching needed supplies, including those involving infection control.

Kyle Finecy (middle row, left), an automotive technology instructor at CCC-Hastings, has taken the lead on bringing NC3 (National Coalition of Certification Centers) membership to CCC, which allows students to earn over 20 NC3 industry certifications. He regularly attends NC3 and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Train-the-Trainer events and is an active member of CCC’s Faculty-lead Assessment of Student Learning committee.

Barry Horner (middle row, center), director of veteran and military services, has continued to expand involvement of veteran students and their families at CCC and grow support for veterans and their organizations across the state. He coordinates the Nebraska State Fair's recognition of veterans and has received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award. Under his leadership, CCC has continued to receive national recognition for its service to the military community.

Grand Island Campus President Dr. Marcie Kemnitz (middle row, right) has shown innovation and leadership in every position she's held at CCC. She has supported national accreditations for the allied health and nursing programs; assisted with federal and local grants; and overseen the addition of the Center for Health and Technology and the renovation and expansion of business, information technology, welding, criminal justice and student service facilities. She also is a Higher Learning Commission reviewer.

Matt McCann (bottom row, left), heavy equipment program director and instructor, was instrumental in establishing the only heavy equipment operator program in Nebraska and getting scholarship and equipment support from state associations and companies. As truck driving program supervisor, he helped create unique and flexible CDL training to meet federal regulatory changes and new bus driver certification requirements. He also introduced simulation software and devices for recruiting and teaching students.

Scott Miller (bottom row, center), college communications senior director, has increased CCC's visibility through local, state and national media outlets and digital and social media platforms. The college has been featured by the Guinness Book of World Records and the World Wildlife Fund. Interviews of CCC employees and students have appeared in manufacturing publications and chamber and community college outlets.

Mike Sobota (bottom row, right), an environmental health and safety coordinator and trainer, has taught hundreds of workshops for industry employees on confined spaces, forklifts, OSHA regulations, hazardous materials, arc flash and industry-level state recertifications.  He conducts training throughout CCC's service area that draw students from across the state and midwestern region.  His programming supports Nebraska Worker Training grants for local industry.

NCCA Awards Recipient - Yunteng He (Faculty)

Dr. Yunteng He, chemistry instructor at the Kearney Center, received the Faculty Member Award from the Nebraska Community College Association during its annual conference in November.

In addition to a full-time teaching load, He is committed to developing innovative teaching strategies to enhance the student experience and improve learning. One of his favorites, published in the journal “College Teaching,” is his traffic light card that gauges his students’ understanding of what he teaches. At the end of each class session, the students rank the given topics on a notecard with a green, yellow or red light. Green means they have a good understanding. Yellow means they have a partial understanding and they need additional explanations or practice. Red means that they got confused or lost. He said if more than 50 percent mark the yellow, he will spend the a few minutes at the beginning of the next class session reviewing the material.

Another project is one he calls the “Constructive Error Climate,” in which he uses common student misconceptions as learning opportunities for them to learn and grow.

He has published three articles on the Teaching Professor website and one article each for Faculty Focus and College Teaching. These publications offer postsecondary educators advice on developing effective activities, techniques for addressing common problems in college classrooms, and increasing student engagement. He has also presented multiple workshops and oral presentations at national and international conferences.

ACCT Faculty Award Recipient - Dr. Lauren Gillespie

Former CCC biology instructor Dr. Lauren Gillespie was named as the recipient of 2023 Western Region Faculty Member of the Year Award by the Association of Community Colleges Trustees (ACCT). The award recognizes excellence in teaching at the community college.

Gillespie began teaching biology at CCC-Columbus in 2017. She left CCC to accept an associate professor position at Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland.

While at CCC-Columbus, Gillespie was the co-project director of the National Science Foundation-funded scholarship program ‘Growing Pathways to STEM” (Project GPS), which uses a cohort model, undergraduate research experiences and industry relationships to further student success. She also established a framework for the research program known as the Bluebird Project, where students helped establish nest-box trails both on campus and in the local community and collected data from the local bluebird population.

During a routine lab session, Gillespie discovered a population of barn swallows exhibiting partial albinism leading to several local and international research collaborations, elements of which she integrated into her classroom and laboratory activities. In 2022, she was published in a top journal, “Molecular Biology and Evolution,” as part of an international collaboration of researchers studying the mitochondrial genomes of all barn swallow subspecies.

CCC-Columbus Employee of the Year

Brenda Smejkal was selected as the Employee of the Year.

The award is presented annually to a Columbus Campus employee who demonstrates dedication, enthusiasm and innovation as well as a rapport with students and other staff members and a willingness to go the extra mile.

Smejkal joined the CCC-Columbus staff in 2014 as a registration technician. In 2017, she accepted her current position of administrative assistant in the community and workforce education division.

Nominators praised her behind-the-scenes work with the Early College Program, especially her kindness and patience with the students in the program.

“She has an excellent working relationship with both internal and external customers,” one nominator said. “I hear nothing but praises from high school counselors about all the assistance and wonderful follow-up Brenda consistently provides. Our program is successful because of her attention to details.”

Smejkal also was cited for her strong work ethic, leadership and problem-solving skills, positive attitude, resourcefulness, ability to explain policies and directions to students and counselors when problems arise, and timeliness in responding to requests.

Her previous work experience includes serving as a registration specialist in the registration office at Northeast Community College and as a secretary at Columbus Middle School.

Smejkal is a graduate of Northeast Community College with an associate of applied science degree in data processing and computer programming.

She and her husband, Scott, have four children and three grandchildren.

CCC-Columbus Faculty Member of the Year

English instructor Kim Ostdiek was awarded the Faculty Member of the Year Award.

The award is given annually to a Columbus Campus faculty member who displays excellence and innovation in teaching; rapport with students; and institutional, professional and community involvement.

She began work at CCC in 1995 as an adjunct instructor who taught basic writing through the Academic Success Center and worked with distance learning and Early College students. She became a full-time English instructor in 2008 and held that position until this past May when she retired.

Nominators cited her concern for both students and fellow employees, her dedication to doing and improving her job, and her support and encouragement in helping students overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

“Kim is gifted at seeing and bringing out the potential in others. Her kindness spans from the patience shown to struggling students, many of whom frequent her office, to sharing donuts with peers,” one nominator said. “Her example sets a standard that elevates all of those around her and is worthy of recognition and emulation by the college collectively.”

“I have observed Kim working with individual students,” another nominator said. “Her kindness and encouragement soothe their frustration and propel them to complete assignments that seemed daunting in the beginning. She respects her students and treats them as individuals and, in turn, they respect her as well.”

Prior to joining the CCC staff, Ostdiek was a junior high school English teacher in Dallas for three years. After moving back to Nebraska, she worked with adult basic education (ABE) students and English as a second language (ESL) students through Southeast Community College in Lincoln. She continued teaching ABE, ESL and GED classes for CCC when she moved to Columbus. In 2019, she received the Nebraska Developmental Education Consortium’s Teacher of the Year Award.

Ostdiek holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

She and her husband, Duane, have five children and four grandchildren.

Grand Island Campus Spirit Award

John Willmes received the 2024 Spirit Award at CCC-Grand Island.

The award recognizes employees who make a significant contribution to CCC, focusing on service above and beyond what is considered a normal part of their job description.

John Willmes, welding technology instructor, is described as one who “ignites a flame of curiosity and excellence within each student day in and day out, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their growth and development.”

Outside the classroom, Willmes shares his time in judging and assisting with multiple community skills events hosted by CCC, SkillsUSA, FFA district competitions and local boy scout organizations.

One nominator said: ‘[He] is a mentor in the truest sense. He is always willing to offer guidance or a helping hand whenever students need it. His dedication knows no bounds.”

Willmes has been teaching full-time at CCC since 2019.

Hastings Campus Outstanding Service Award

Jackie Zeckser of Hastings received the 40th Annual Outstanding Service Award at Central Community College-Hastings.

The award is presented annually to a Hastings Campus employee who demonstrates exemplary service to the college.

Zeckser first worked as a part-time early childhood education instructor at CCC before moving into the full-time position in 2011.

Nominators cited her work ethic, pleasant personality and incomparable professionalism and dedication.

She’s known to arrive early and stay late on workdays and come in on her days off for special events. She also uses her own money to provide supplies for student activities in her classroom.

“She does an exceptional job of both communicating with the public and enhancing the image of Central Community College,” one nominator said.

Zeckser was still employed at Head Start in Hastings when she took the part-time position at CCC-Hastings. She worked there for almost 25 years, starting as a van driver and then doing a variety of jobs that included teacher’s assistant, lead teacher, home visitor and coordinator for the Infant/Toddler Quality Care Initiative.

She is a graduate of Hastings High School who earned an associate of applied science degree in early childhood education from CCC, a bachelor’s degree in human services administration from Bellevue University and a master's degree in early childhood education from Concordia University.

Zeckser is a member of Head Start executive board, Adams County UNL Extension advisory board and her church board.

Peseks Receive NCCA Distinguished Alumni Award

CCC alumni Ross and Karen Pesek received the Nebraska Community College Association (NCCA) Distinguished Alumni Award. The award was presented at the NCCA conference in North Platte.

Ross and Karen Pesek both graduated from Central Community College-Columbus in 2005 with associate of arts degrees. Ross was from Omaha and he came to CCC on a basketball scholarship and earned All-America honors as a freshman. Karen’s family had moved to Columbus from Chihuahua, Mexico. They each earned a Phi Theta Kappa scholarship to attend Wayne State College where Ross graduated with a political science degree and Karen earned a degree in public accounting, both in 2007.

Following graduation, Ross (pictured, left, with CCC President Dr. Matt Gotschall) enrolled in law school at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln while Karen went to work as a consultant for Deloitte LLP in Omaha. While the couple was working in Mexico, they returned to Omaha in December 2008 to get married and returned to Mexico City, where Ross learned Spanish.

In 2012, the couple opened Pesek Law LLC which specializes in personal injury cases, in particular, immigrant families. That same year, the Peseks founded the True Potential Scholarship which began to help young immigrants who were Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or who held Temporary Protective Immigration Status (TPS) attend college. DACA and TPS individuals are excluded from federal financial aid and many scholarships. Since that first year, True Potential has expanded to include all immigrants, all Nebraska community colleges and Iowa Western Community College, and the Nebraska State College System. In all, about 230 students have received scholarships.

At the awards ceremony, Ross expressed gratitude to all community college administrators, faculty and staff for the work they do. “I want to say thank you to all of you for maintaining the fire for the community college system throughout our state and keeping those doors open for everybody in our communities,” said Ross.

The Peseks are the parents of three children.

2024 Outstanding Alumni

Columbus Campus – Brett Olson

Brett Olson of Columbus received an associate of applied science degree in information technology from CCC-Columbus. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in software engineering and master’s degrees in business administration and computer information systems management. He is pursuing a doctorate in business administration at Bellevue University.

Olson is director of information and operations technology at Cornhusker Public Power District where he oversees all aspects of technology, strategy, regulatory compliance and internal auditing and works toward enhancing operational excellence and security.

He is a leader in the energy sector known for his strategic acumen and innovative contributions. With roles such as research designer at the Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory and the lead customer designer and developer for Landis+Gyr’s smart irrigation technology, Olson has driven advancements in technology integration and energy reliability. He founded Nebraska’s first IT/Cyber and Strategic Planning Community, which has enhanced collaboration across 28 wholesale public power districts.

He and his wife, Bobby, have three children.

Grand Island Campus – Quinn Webb

Quinn Webb of Boelus earned an associate of applied science degree in criminal justice in 2003; graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., in 2010; and completed a bachelor of science degree at Wayne State College in 2021.

Webb has been assistant director of the Hall County Department of Corrections since 2020 and is responsible for overseeing its 80,000-square-foot facility, which houses 321 inmates and has 88 full-time employees. Before accepting his current position, his 20-year career with the department included serving as a captain and chief deputy. Under his leadership, the department has worked with CCC to implement programs that promote criminal justice careers and, through its internship program, has certified several CCC students in corrections.

He has worked with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), County Organization for Prevention and Education (COPE) and Habitat for Humanity and served as a member of the Grand Island Substance Abuse Coalition, Central Nebraska Council on Alcohol on Addiction Board and the Crisis Center Board.

He received the 2020 MADD Outstanding Education and Awareness Award, 2016 Mr. Habitat Award and the Red Cross Lifesaving and Heroes of the Central Plains awards.

Hastings Campus – Dillon Kuehn

Dillon Kuehn of Alexandria, Va., graduated from CCC-Hastings with an associate of science degree in 2012 and then transferred to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he earned a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness.

Kuehn is employed as the legislative director for Water Strategies, LLC, a government relations, publishing and marketing firm located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., that specializes in water, power and agricultural issues.

Prior to joining Water Strategies, he served as a congressional aide for Rep. Adrian Smith. He covered issues related to appropriations, environmental protection, finance, government operations, immigration, labor, law, public lands and natural resources, science and telecommunications, transportation and public works, and water resources development.

Kuehn has an extensive background in agricultural and natural resource issues from his former employment as a sales agronomist for a cooperative and as a regional manager for a livestock system engineering and environmental compliance firm. He became aware of the importance of secure water resources and water quality while working for his father’s well drilling business, installing monitoring wells throughout Nebraska and parts of Kansas and Colorado.

Community Connection

If you would like to keep up on what other CCC alumni are doing and how they are making a difference in their community, please take a look at the Community Connection. The magazine is published each year and an electronic version is always available here.

CCC Officially Bicycle Friendly

Central Community College was one of 39 institutes of higher education certified as a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists. CCC earned the Bronze Award, along with two other community colleges. The 2023 cohort represented a broad range of campus sizes.The smallest school evaluated has a student population of just 402 while the largest totals 74,829 students. 

Bicycle Friendly University awards reflect local leaders’ ongoing work to build better places to bike and evaluate those efforts as part of a national movement. Each of the five levels of the Bicycle Friendly University award – diamond, platinum, gold, silver, and bronze, plus an honorable mention category – provide a clear path for businesses to continuously improve.

“Institutes of higher education are key to unlocking the future of safe streets for everyone,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “Today’s students are the next generation of leaders, advocates, engineers, scholars, and innovators. By fostering an environment that promotes safe and accessible cycling, and not only for students, but also staff and faculty, we’re investing in a future that is more welcoming to all people who bike.”

NRC Names CCC Member of the Year

The Nebraska Recycling Council named Central Community College as its 2023 Member of the Year. CCC received the honor for its composting food waste from the cafeterias on the Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings campuses. The compost is used in the polinator gardens at all three campuses. The sustainability office has been composting since fall 2020. 

"Central Community College has a big impact with everybody doing smaller projects and smaller reduction of waste every day," said Ben Newton, CCC sustainability director. "Our mission as a sustainability office is to first reduce, the reuse and recyle. We also are doing that with (things like) energy and water."

Administrative Office Makeover

The administrative office walkway underwent a planting update. A thoughtful selection of Nebraskan native plants, shrubs, and trees now adorn the adjacent landscaping bed. Some of the plants include the Dwarf Chinkapin Oak, the Snowflurry Aster and the Husker Red Penstemon. 

The project was a joint effort between the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum and the environmental sustainability office to expand pollinator habitats at all CCC campuses. 

Earth Month at CCC

Earth Day is a month-long celebration at each CCC campus in April with a wide range of activities, including sustainable craft making, student sustainability projects and composting demonstrations. Here's a sample:

• The Hastings Campus kicked things off with a bike ride to the wind turbine and tour. The option to climb to the top of the wind turbine was available to students who completed the training. The event wrapped up with a plant-and-take activity which allowed students to take home a variety of herbs and native plants.
• Kearney Center conducted tours highlighting the facility’s sustainable features followed by a sustainability expo in main entrance. Students 4 sustainability conducted a microgreen giveaway for students.
• The Grand Island Campus held a community resource and repair fair and a candle making event. The event was combined with the annual free spring picnic for students.
• The Columbus Campus hosted a simple terrarium build and a bird/plant tour of nearby Lake Babcock.

Esports Wins National Championships

It’s often said that the third time is the charm. For the CCC Esports team, such was the case when after two national runner-up finishes in 2023.

The first national title was secured on April 23 when CCC’s Call of Duty: 4x4 squad defeated Blinn (Tex.) College, 3-1. The best-of-five match was tied at 1-1 following the first two maps before the Raiders went up, 2-1. CCC’s team of Ethan Bryant, Jackson Peabody, Caleb Smith and Ayden Veik made it look easy in the fourth map with a 250-143 final to take the match and secure the national championship.

Two days later, the Raiders won their second national title This time, the Call of Duty: Cold War Gunfight (2x2) team, Peabody and Veik, defeated Iowa Western Community College, 3-1. CCC was in position for a 3-0 sweep before the Reivers muscled a 6-2 win in the third map, followed by two consecutive wins by the Raiders to secure another national championship.

CCC was in position for a national title hat trick with a meeting against Laramie County (Wyo.) Community College in Call of Duty: 2v2 Warzone. The showdown was a rematch between the Raiders and the Golden Eagles from earlier in the season, which was won by CCC.

The Raiders had a solid lead throughout the first game, but an unfortunate team fight resulted in both players, Jackson Peabody and Ayden Veik, being eliminated. That allowed LCCC to catch up and eventually take the lead and secure a 17-11 win. The second game was very quick as CCC went down, 5-4, and the Golden Eagles were up, 2-0. The Raiders won the third map, 5-3. However, Jackson and Veik were again eliminated in the fourth map, allowing the Golden Eagles to post a 14-4 win, to earn the national championship.

CCC head coach Lucas Lumbra was quite pleased with his team’s performance during the national championship games and for the road that led to the titles.

“This has been a culmination of hard work for many of these young athletes,” Lumbra said. “We started out two years ago with a young team that had immense amounts of potential. Knowing all along that the sky was the limit, we demonstrated exactly how good we know we could be.”

Young Receives Prestigious NJCAA Award

CCC athletic director and head volleyball coach Mary Young was named a recipient of the 2024 George E. Killian Award of Excellence. The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) annually presents the award to individuals who have demonstrated the ideals of volunteerism, achievement, service, leadership and excellence.

Young is the current NJCAA senior women's administrator and serves on several of the organization’s committees, including the championship events, sports governance and eligibility committees. She is a past president of the NJCAA Volleyball Coaches Association, Region 9 director and assistant director, and was an inaugural NJCAA Board of Regents member. Young was instrumental in the addition of beach volleyball as an NJCAA sport. She played a key role in negotiating the dual membership between the NJCAA and American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) for volleyball coaches.

“Receiving the George Killian award is a tremendous honor and I am grateful to the administration at Central Community College for allowing me to serve the NJCAA in multiple capacities,” said Young. “The leadership experiences and relationships I’ve gained through my involvement in the NJCAA have been invaluable. It has been the utmost privilege to serve student-athletes at the local, regional and national levels, and I look forward to continuing this meaningful work.”

In 2019. Young relinquished her role as CCC head volleyball coach after 24 years and assumed the role of athletic director. She returned to the coaching bench in 2021 while retaining her athletic director title.

USMC and AVCA Recognize Raiders Volleyball

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) and the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced that Central Community College volleyball earned the USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award for 2022-23. It’s the 13^th consecutive year that the Raiders have earned the award and the 19^th time overall, more than any other two-year institution.

CCC is one of 1,332 collegiate and high school teams to earn the award, which is an all-time record. The award honors volleyball teams that maintain a year-long grade-point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale or a 4.1 on a 5.0 scale. The Raiders posted a team GPA of 3.42.

“We are extremely proud of the effort our team puts into academics,” said CCC head coach Mary Young. “Our school has definitely built a culture of producing champions in the classroom and on the court. It’s a winning combination that transfers directly into life success far beyond playing days.”

CCC volleyball was one of only nine NJCAA Division II squads to earn the USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award for 2022-23.

NJCAA All-Academic Honors

The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) recognized a record 42 Central Community College student-athletes for academic achievement during 2023-24. The 42 CCC honorees surpasses the previous record of 37 in 2020-21.

Student-athletes who earned a 4.0 GPA were named NJCAA All-Academic First team, while those who posted a GPA of 3.80-3.99 were named NJCAA All-Academic Second Team. The NJCAA All-Academic Third Team is comprised of student-athletes who finished with a GPA of 3.60-3.79.

The Raiders had five teams that earned NJCAA Academic Team of the Year honors for posting a combined 3.0 GPA or better. Volleyball posted a 3.63 GPA while women’s soccer sported a 3.52 GPA. Softball posted a 3.47 GPA and women’s basketball posted a 3.31 GPA. Men’s soccer rounded out the list with a 3.25 GPA.

“I am incredibly proud of our student-athletes who have earned NJCAA academic awards,” said Mary Young, CCC athletics director. “Their dedication and hard work, both on the field and in the classroom, exemplify the true spirit of being a Raider.”

The following is a list of each sport and each team member’s specific honor:

Golf

• Carter Murphy, 2nd team;
• Jude Elgert, 3rd team.

Men’s basketball

• Turner Halvorsen, 2nd team;
• Ashton LaPointe, 2nd team.

Men’s Soccer

• Steven Esquivel, 1st team;
• Arlo Stone, 1st team;
• Camilo Herrera, 1st team;
• Amin Rahmoune, 1st team;
• Jesse Wubs, 1st team;
• Moritz Mauerhofer, 1st team;
• Tobias Sereinig, 1st team;
• Ernesto Vargas, 2nd team;
• Paco Barajas, 2nd team;
• Tomas Estrada, 2nd team;
• Niklas Thiel, 2nd team;
• Miguel Raymundo, 3rd team;
• Joseba Zabala, 3rd team;
• Jaime Zani, 3rd team.

Softball

• Addison Heule, 1st team;
• Myah Essman, 1st team;
• Gracie Herman, 1st team;
• Sasha Perrin, 1st team;
• Haley Johnson, 1st team;
• McKinna Moats, 2nd team;
• Tabitha Cooney, 3rd team.

Volleyball

• Olivia Swanson, 1st team;
• Josie Bentz, 1st team;
• Katee Korte, 1st team;
• Lauryn Scott, 1st team;
• Ali Miller, 1st team;
• Chelsea Fisher, 1st team;
• Ajae McKimmey, 2nd team;
• Libbie Ball, 3rd team.

Women’s Basketball

• MaKenna Pelster, 1st team;
• Emily Hebenstreit, 1st team;
• Ajae McKimmey, 2nd team.

Women’s Soccer

• Lily Krajewski, 1st team;
• Eagan Clark, 1st team;
• Lilli Reiser, 1st team;
• Mathilde Holm-Kristensen, 1st team;
• Thalia Tenny, 3rd team;
• Jade Thompson, 3rd team;
• Jada Cohn, 3rd team.

CCC: Best for Vets

Central Community College is the top two-year school in the U.S. for veterans. That’s according to the Military Times Best for Vets: College Rankings for 2023. The list is comprised of both four-year universities and two-year colleges nationwide and focuses on each institution’s efforts to support the military community. CCC placed 27^th nationally among all institutions and fourth in the central region.

“I’m very pleased because this shows how much CCC is committed to the success of veterans and other military-connected student success,” said Barry Horner, CCC director of veterans and military services. “It says a lot about what CCC does for students as a whole, but specifically for those who are militarily connected.”

CCC’s Veterans and Military Resource Centers (VMRC) are located at the Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings campuses and at the Kearney Center. Each VMRC assists veterans and their family members with benefits, academic advising, referrals and support with disability services, and mental health resources. A tuition waiver program provides 100-percent tuition for spouses and children of eligible veterans paid by the college, and the Central Community College Foundation provides veteran-specific scholarships.

“Central Community College is honored to provide educational opportunities and services for the men and women who have selflessly served our state and nation as part of the armed forces as well as the family members who sacrifice with them,” said Elizabeth Klitz, VP of student success and enrollment management. “Our veteran and military resource centers are dedicated to providing the highest quality support to military-connected students, and we are proud of the diligent efforts by the students and the VRMC staff who have received this national recognition.”

CCC Moves Up in Military Friendly Rankings

Central Community College placed second in the 2024-25 Military Friendly School rankings for small community colleges. The second-place ranking moves CCC up from sixth place a year ago.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2024-25 survey with 537 earning special awards for going above the standard.

“As a veteran, I’m thrilled to be a member of such a determined and talented team which takes care of those who served our country as they transition from military to civilian life,” said Barry Horner, CCC director of veterans and military services. “Veterans have specific education programs available that are not offered to other students, and it takes dedication to ensure veterans are matched properly with their earned benefits so they too can be a college graduate.”

Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of its ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer) and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

CCC’s veterans and military resource centers – located at the Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings campuses and the Kearney Center – provide support to active duty, reservist and National Guard members; veterans; and their family members. In addition to military education benefits, the VMRC assists with transferring military credit, scholarships, career planning and registration as well as access to military-related resources and programs.

“We are pleased with this recognition and most honored to support the educational needs of those individuals and family members who have selflessly served our state and nation,” said Dr. Beth Klitz, vice president of student services and enrollment management. “Our veterans and military resource centers have highly experienced staff, many of whom are veteran or active duty, committed to helping others who have served to pursue and achieve their educational goals.”

“Central Community College is proud of its second-place finish on the Military Friendly Schools rankings and to be nationally recognized for this effort and its positive impact on students,” said CCC President Dr. Matt Gotschall. “CCC is equally proud of its longstanding commitment to assisting veteran students in earning degrees and moving on to successful endeavors.”

VMRC Hosts Tuition Assistance Events

The veterans and military resource center (VMRC) in Grand Island began hosting events to assist current service members in requesting tuition assistance to pay for college courses. At the inaugural event, Dr. Grizelda MacDonald, director of education support programs for the Nebraska National Guard, was brought in to help the six active-duty Army Reserve and National Guard members complete the necessary paperwork. Barry Horner, director of veterans services for CCC, said the good news was that all six were successful.

“That’s the beauty of having her come out,” Horner said. “She gives them the briefing they require along with stepping them through the entire process. She is able to approve them on the spot.”

Horner said the VMRC hosts similar events twice per year because of the limited window of opportunity to submit requests for tuition assistance. Requests can be made no earlier than 60 days before the start of classes and no later than 10 days before.

Veterans Day

Veterans Day ceremonies were held at the Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings campuses and the Kearney Center.

Click on each photo to see a larger version.

Hornady Makes Significant Donation to CCC

Hornady Manufacturing made a $750,000 donation to CCC.

The gift establishes the Hornady Criminal Justice Fund at CCC and was given as a special project to celebrate the company’s 75^th year in business. The fund supports criminal justice program scholarships and grants that enhance the student experience.

“Donating to the Central Community College Foundation and creating the Hornady Criminal Justice Fund demonstrates our commitment to the college and the community,” said Steve Hornady, company president. “It shows the pride we have in Central Community College and reflects our desire to support CCC and its programs.”

Following the donation announcement, the crime house at CCC-Grand Island was renamed as the Hornady Crime House at an official naming ceremony and sign unveiling.

Opened in 2023, the crime house provides real-life scenarios in crime scene investigations and other law enforcement practices in a simulated environment. While the crime house is primarily used by CCC’s criminal justice students, area law enforcement agencies, schools and other community groups also utilize it. The law enforcement agencies include police departments from Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings and Columbus, as well the Hall County Sheriff’s office and the Nebraska State Patrol. More than a dozen schools have toured the crime house with Grand Island Senior High School, Northwest High School, Lexington High School and Giltner High School students completing workshops. Last year, boy scout troops from throughout the region earned merit badges at the crime house as part of Merit Badge University.

Big John Scholarship Established

The Central Community College Foundation announced the establishment of the Big John Scholarship Fund in December.

Named for John Saathoff, past owner of Big John’s Ford in Minden, the need-based scholarship is for CCC students in the career and technical sciences or health sciences programs who maintain a C average and preferably come from the area that supported Saathoff and his businesses. These include the counties of Adams, Buffalo, Dawson, Franklin, Harlan, Kearney and Phelps.

Saathoff’s beginnings were humble as he learned the value of hard work on his father’s farm. He took these lessons with him when he left the farm and continually built his knowledge and skillset through a variety of jobs. He worked as a farm hand, garbage collector and mechanic prior to owning his own automobile dealership and rebuilding other dealerships in central Nebraska. Saathoff did not grow up knowing that he wanted to enter the automotive world. What he did know was that hard work and determination were essential in everything he did.

It is with this mindset that he set out to invest in the communities who backed him for almost 50 years.

“I know there is a tremendous demand for technical and vocational workers such as welders, truck drivers, dental assistants, mechanics and computer techs,” said John. “I firmly believe that these blue-collar jobs are the backbone of our society and I want to help encourage those who pursue these careers.”

Saathoff presented an initial $25,000 check to the CCC Foundation at a ceremony at the Hastings Campus. It was anticipated that the initial gift assisted more than 25 students in the first year.

AMDT Receives $50,000 Grant

The advanced manufacturing design technology (AMDT) program at Central Community College-Hastings received a $50,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation. The funds support student scholarships and other program needs.

Since 2015, the AMDT program at the Hastings Campus has received annual scholarship grants from the Gene Haas Foundation totaling $273,000. In recent years, CCC-Hastings was also awarded a $250,000 naming rights grant, designating it as a Gene Haas Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence.

“The opportunities we have from the Gene Haas Foundation is a real shot in the arm for our program,” said AMDT instructor Troy Davis. “The scholarships are a motivator for the students and help them pay for tuition to come to class. They can buy books, tools or anything that helps them be successful. Because of the naming grant, we were able to greatly improve the quality of our lab.”

The Gene Haas Foundation was established in 1999 by Haas Automation Inc. founder and CEO Gene Haas to support the needs of the local community through grants to a variety of organizations. The foundation’s primary goal is to build skills in the manufacturing industry by providing scholarships for CNC machine technology students. Since 1999, the Gene Haas Foundation has provided more than $150 million in grants and sponsorships.

2024 Board of Governors Officers

Roger Davis (Kearney) Treasurer	Diane Keller (Harvard) NCCA Representative	Dan Quick (Grand Island) NCCA Representative	Rita Skiles (Huntley) NCCA Representative

VP Appointments

Two CCC deans were elevated to vice president roles in 2023. Dr. Kelly Christensen was named vice president of community and workforce education while Dr. Beth Klitz was named vice president of student success and enrollment management.

Christensen previously served as the dean of training and the Kearney Center administrator. He began his tenure with CCC in 1998 when he was appointed director of educational support services. He then served for 14 years as associate dean for skilled and technical sciences, followed by four years as associate dean of extended learning services.

Christensen earned a doctorate in educational leadership and higher education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He previously earned master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Christensen is also a graduate of Leadership Nebraska, Leadership Hastings and Leadership Kearney.

Active in the community, Christensen is a board member of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, an advisory council member for both the UNK Center for Entrepreneurship and Rural Development and the Nebraska Safety Center Advisory Board. He is a past board member and chairperson of Kearney Works.

Klitz was serving as the collegewide dean of student success at the time of her appointment. She has been with CCC for more than 25 years and has supervised multiple aspects of student services, including enrollment management, financial aid, residence life and athletics. She worked for six years as the regional director for extended learning services working with early college programming and emergency medical technician/nursing assistant/medication aide coordination. Klitz also served as associate dean of instruction and associate dean of students.

Klitz earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Klitz is certified by the Association of Title IX Administrators in multiple levels of civil rights regulations, incident management systems, student conduct administration and higher education risk management. In the community, she has served as a board member for Columbus Community Hospital, president of the Platte County Convention and Visitors Bureau and on numerous Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce committees.

Budget Approved

The Central Community College Board of Governors approved the operating budget for 2023-24, which included a fifth straight decrease in the property tax levy for the 25 counties served by CCC.

The property tax levy was set at 8.5391 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, down from 9.0273 cents in 2022-23.

The total operating budget for 2023-24 is $65,023,525, which is an increase of $2,494,535 from the 2022-23 budget. The college planned on drawing $1,000,000 from reserves. 

In addition to local property taxes, other revenues include state aid, tuition and those tied to the bookstores and food services affiliated with CCC.

Additionally, the college budgeted $10,885,109 in the capital improvement fund, a $422,131 increase from 2022-23, and $415,000 in a fund for removal of hazardous materials and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a $2,263,762 decrease from 2022-23.

Property taxes are based on property valuations for the 25 counties served by CCC, which reported an increase in total valuation of $5,175,189,504, or an increase of 8.97 percent.

Total budgeted disbursements and transfers for Central Community College in 2023-2024 were expected to exceed $128 million.

CCC President Dr. Matt Gotschall credited the Grand Island City Council for approving up to $500,000 of its American Rescue Plan Act funds for infrastructure improvements to CCC-Grand Island.