May 2025 Central Connection
May 1, 2025
Mach receives distinguished faculty honor
Emily Mach, a psychology instructor at Central Community College-Columbus, has received the Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty designation from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).
The Parnell recipients were recognized at a luncheon held in their honor during the AACC annual convention April 12-16 in Nashville.
Mach earned an associate’s degree from Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Ill.; a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston; and a master’s degree in higher education and psychology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Prior to joining the CCC staff in 2015, she worked at the Community Resource Center in Centralia, Ill., as a prevention specialist and school counselor, and at Rend Lake College in Ina, Ill., and at Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Ill., as an adjunct psychology instructor.
She has served as Phi Theta Kappa Honor’s Society adviser and been involved with a wide variety of college committees.
Mach is a member of the American Psychological Association, Society for the Teaching of Psychology and Hopeful Horizons community coalition.
She is trained in the American Foundations for Suicide Prevention programs of Talks Saves Lives, It’s Real, and Healing Conversations. She’s also undergoing training to provide QPR (suicide prevention/intervention).
Community activities include the American Heart Association-Go Red Planning Committee, Platte Valley Playhouse Board, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention-Out of the Darkness Walk chair and St. Bonaventure Church. She also is a swim coach and fitness instructor at the Columbus YMCA.
She and her husband, Ross, have two sons.
CCC ranks second on two military-friendly lists
Central Community College placed second in two categories – Military Friendly Schools and Military Spouse Friendly Schools– in the 2025-26 Military Friendly School rankings for small community colleges.
Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. The Military Spouse Friendly School list was created with data from federal agencies and proprietary survey information from participating organizations.
Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with its ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
“The survey results reflect this team’s unwavering support for and the educational successes achieved by our military connected students here at CCC,” Barry Horner, director of veterans and military services, said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our fellow veterans and service members in their continued success.”
CCC’s Veterans and Military Resource Center has offices in Columbus, Grand Island, Hastings and Kearney. The VMRC staff provides support to active duty, reservist and National Guard members; veterans; and their family members.
Spring commencement set for May 9
Central Community College will hold commencement ceremonies on May 9.
The Heartland Events Center in Grand Island will serve as the setting for the Grand Island Campus commencement at 10 a.m. and the Hastings Campus commencement at 2:30 p.m. The Columbus commencement will be held at 7 p.m. in the campus’ Physical Education Center.
The keynote speakers will be this year’s Outstanding Alumni Award recipients. They are:
Paulina Ortega
Grand Island Campus
Paulina Ortega of Grand Island graduated from CCC-Grand Island in 2021 with an associate of applied science degree in human services.
After graduation, she was an AmeriCorps, volunteer, supporting the Salvation Army, Goodwill and the Zone after-school program for middle schoolers. She also packed meals for the homeless as a Hastings YWCA volunteer.
In 2023, Ortega returned to CCC as an apprenticeship coordinator for the Grand Island area. She works with instructors, students and companies to facilitate on-the-job learning experiences that benefit the local community.
In addition to her professional and volunteer work, she is owner of Los Forasteros Snacks LLC, which offers customized mobile bar services featuring mini pancakes, strawberries and cream cups, and corn and nachos. She manages the Facebook page for her and two other businesses and handles private messages and event bookings.
She and her husband, Michael, provide a loving and supportive environment to foster children.
Alex Kemnitz
Hastings Campus
Alex Kemnitz is a 2018 graduate of CCC-Hastings with an associate of applied science degree in advanced manufacturing and design technology. While there, he served as a tutor and resident assistant, experiences he contributes to his personal and career success.
After CCC, he studied skilled and technical science education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and earned a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Nebraska-Kearney.
He is employed by The Academies of Grand Island Senior High School where he is known as “King Nerd” and has a reputation for creating positive learning environments and running a rigorous but fun robotics and engineering program for students.
Kemnitz is involved in the VEX Robotics organization, for which he serves as head coach for the 8151 Islander Robotics Team. He also is a state officer adviser and board member for SkillsUSA Nebraska, a career and technical student organization.
He and his wife, Bethany, make their home in Grand Island.
Quelbin Izaguirre
Columbus Campus
Quelbin Izaguirre of Columbus graduated from CCC-Columbus with an associate of arts degree and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Wayne State College and a master’s degree in economics from the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
He credits his educational background for the skills necessary for driving sustainable development and economic empowerment. This includes his current position as chief operating officer for NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska, which plays a pivotal role in expanding access to safe and affordable housing.
Izaguirre is a passionate advocate for community engagement. He serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including the Central Community College Foundation, Discover Hope International Church, the Nebraska Housing Developers Association, Centro Hispano, and the Columbus Area Children’s Museum. He also contributes to business and civic engagement as a member of the Commodores in Columbus.
He and his wife, Danica, have three children.
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| CCC's Nebraska All-State Team members are (left to right): Steven Esquivel, Raegan Ferraro, Anastazia Hickman and Olivia Swanson. |
Students earn PTK, Aksarben recognition
Central Community College students were among the honorees at the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and Aksarben Scholars Recognition Ceremony April 23 at the Nebraska State Capitol.
Phi Theta Kappa
The 2025 Nebraska All-State Academic Team, which is sponsored by PTK and the Nebraska Community College Association, honors students for their academic achievement, leadership and community service.
The team includes the following CCC students:
Steven Esquivel is a Columbus Campus student who has demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and service. He plans to continue his education at the University of Nebraska-Omaha to complete an accounting degree. His long-term goal is to serve as a mentor and advocate who uplifts future generations and makes a lasting impact in Nebraska’s communities.
Raegan Ferraro is working toward an associate degree in business administration at the Grand Island Campus. She also owns and operates a custom leather and footwear business, creating handcrafted boots for veterans, amputees and other clients. She plans to grow her company into a global brand.
Anastazia Hickman is enrolled in the associate degree program at the Grand Island Campus with the goal of becoming a labor and delivery nurse or working in a neonatal intensive care unit. She is a dedicated student and member of PTK and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Olivia Swanson is a student at the Columbus Campus where she is studying radiology. She plans to continue her education at Nebraska Methodist College and become a radiologic technician.
Aksarben Scholars
The Aksarben Foundation supports Nebraska’s community college students through scholarships linked to high-demand career and technical education pathways.
Each Aksarben Scholar is required to register for an internship to help bridge the gap between education and employment and to create stronger ties to local employers. Aksarben is committed to keeping skilled graduates in Nebraska, strengthening local economies and meeting workforce demands.
The Aksarben Scholars include these CCC students:
- Ella Broberg and Keenen Jeffcoat of Columbus.
- Emma Largent of Franklin.
- Trevor Bank, Rachel Lambert, Cianna Lane and Hayden Cunningham of Hastings.
- Kira Ahlers of Juniata.
- Kinley Gifstad of Kearney.
- Carlos Tena Juarez of Lexington.
- Alivia Rodriquez of Ogallala.
- Tye Ward of Superior.
Employee news
Administrative Office
Paige Cline is shifting positions from college accountant to payroll manager.
Columbus Campus
Susan Dudley, associate dean of students, was one of 33 graduates of this year’s Leadership Columbus class.
Bree Spenner has joined the staff as head volleyball coach.
Grand Island Campus
Bruce Broberg, 76, of West Des Moines, Iowa, died April 15. Services were April 23 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Grand Island.
He was born in Holdrege on Oct. 30, 1948, to Quinton and Marna (Hoglund) Broberg. After graduating from Loomis High School. he studied education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
He taught at high schools throughout Nebraska before spending 33 years at Central Community College as a teacher and then an associate dean of general instruction.
In 1972, he married Loretta Varah, with whom he had two sons, Bryan and Brad. In 1989, he married Alice Cordes and welcomed her son, Andy, into his life. They were married for 24 years before her death.
Memorials are suggested to Donate Life or the Central Community College Foundation.
Hastings Campus
Angela Kolbet has shifted positions from career and technical sciences administrative assistant to administrative analyst at the CCC Foundation.
Jeremiah Williams has resigned as transportation lab assistant.
June Cameron, 92, of Hastings died March 26 at Mary Lanning Healthcare.
She was born June 27, 1932, in Wilcox to Wesley and Lillian (Danielsen) Farm. She graduated from Wilcox High School and Kearney State Teachers College.
She taught in the Loup County Public Schools, Hastings Public Schools, and Central Community College and was co-owner of Cameron’s Campers for many years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Cameron.
Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church in Hastings.
Kearney Center
Emalee Glendy has joined the staff as a student services technician.