Fall 2020 Community Connection

Fall 2020 Community Connection magazine cover with collage of students with overlay text that reads We Are HereWelcome

Cheri Beda, CCC Alumni Director

Working at the Central Community College Foundation allows me to connect with a diverse population of students, staff, faculty and community partners. We are all working towards the goal of creating opportunity, whether that be through obtaining a degree, reaching out to a potential student, teaching a class or funding a scholarship. Being resilient and adapting is always part of reaching a goal. Each of us had to adapt in some way when Covid-19 changed our way of life as we knew it. Resiliency and adaptation became a way of life as we navigated uncharted territory and found a way to connect and celebrate achievement. In this issue of the community connection you will find stories that highlight diversity, resiliency and achievement. We welcome your story too, please let us know how Central Community College has impacted you: Share Your Story. Do you know someone who graduated from Central Community College and is doing amazing things in their community? Please nominate them for the outstanding alumni award

Cheri Beda standing in front of CCC exterior signage.

Valuable Venture

When the COVID-19 pandemic broke, the world watched as the number of cases reached epic proportions. New York City was the epicenter of the pandemic in the United States. Three CCC paramedicine students – Ava Arlt, Desiree Lutes and Cheyenne Massey – traveled to New York City as part of a Federal Emergency Management Agency deployment through their employer. The trio assisted the New York Fire Department in responding to the high numbers of 911 calls. 

Taking Action

Following the events in Minneapolis and the protests and riots that followed, CCC President Dr. Matt Gotschall determined that the college must have avenues for conversations and action ideas about topics of equity and inclusion. Gotschall also said that these opportunities should exist for not only employees, but with CCC students and community partners.

Welcome Back

One of the first graduates of the occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program has returned to the Grand Island Campus.

Disability Services

Disability Services is an integral part of the campus community but how do they serve our students? Currently there are three directors, one at each of our three campus locations who also serve students at our centers in Holdrege, Kearney, Lexington and Ord. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment substantially limiting one or more major life activities. The ADA is an equal opportunity law for people with disabilities. There are many disabilities that are invisible that may impair the ability of a person to learn in a traditional classroom requiring accommodations for that person to be successful.

Fungi Fascination

Katy Ayers is not one to let a pandemic get her down. In fact, you might say the pandemic actually gave her a spark to keep her fascination with fungi moving at full speed ahead.

Heeding the Call

The three campuses of Central Community College served the community in a big way during the COVID pandemic by supplying headgear frames for face shields. 

Community Minded

When it comes to CCC athletics, it’s not all about practice, conditioning, games and the win-loss column. There is also community involvement and giving back.

Coming Together to Celebrate at a Distance

Virtual Graduation, this is a concept you might not have thought about before the year 2020. Graduation is a time to celebrate all the accomplishments and sacrifices that have taken place throughout ones educational journey. With the onset of the pandemic it became clear that an in-person graduation would not go on as normal.

Involved

"I like to help others enjoy their time here on earth as well and I can only do that if I am involved in things. I would say that started day one at CCC."

- Cassie Seckel

Camps To Go!

Summer camps are a staple at CCC-Columbus with hundreds of young people coming from throughout Nebraska to take part. However, the COVID pandemic put a halt to the traditional summer camps.

Showing Their Support

CCC Employee Alumni

Alumni Special Notices

Engagements, weddings and in remembrance

Help create a foundation for life

Your support is critical to helping students complete their journey and go on to fill in-demand jobs throughout our 25 county service area. Make your gift today!