News
Proteus Honors CCC and Rayburn
August 22, 2024
Central Community College and one of its trainers were recognized at this week’s Nebraska Farmworker Recognition Luncheon in Hastings. The inaugural event was hosted by Proteus Inc., an Iowa-based firm that provides education assistance and job training to Midwest farmworkers.
CCC received Proteus’ Partner of the Year Award. Partners since 2012, Proteus has provided more than $104,000 to CCC in tuition, fees and books to support farmworkers in CCC training programs. Through the National Farmworkers Jobs Program, Proteus is currently supporting 31 farmworkers who are enrolled at all three campuses.
“CCC is proud to be recognized by Proteus for serving this essential group of hard-working employees,” said CCC President Dr. Matt Gotschall (right). “Helping students earn college credentials and technical skills are having positive impacts in their current lives and future generations.”
Andrew Rayburn (left), a truck driving and heavy equipment operator trainer, was given the Farmworker of the Year Award. Rayburn is a 2023 CCC graduate in the heavy equipment operator technician program and simultaneously earned his commercial driver’s license. Rayburn said Proteus provided him with school supplies such as hardhats and boots, scholarship dollars and fuel to drive each day from his home in Gibbon to the Hastings Campus and back.
“I really appreciate the opportunity and think it’s a great program,” said Rayburn, who has been a full-time instructor since graduating. “Having the college be able to be part of it is just amazing.”
Proteus CEO Daniel Zinnel spoke briefly and emphasized the importance of recognizing the efforts of farmworkers.
“Farmworkers are the backbone of our agricultural community and their efforts often go unnoticed,” Zinnel said. “We are honored to work alongside partners like Central Community College which shares our commitment to empowering farmworkers and helping them build better futures for themselves and their families.”