CONNECTION COMMUNITY
Central Community College - 2023
I hope this edition of the Community Connection gets you as energized as it does me each day I get to work with the outstanding programs and activities that Central Community College offers. The ability to offer that breadth of services is directly tied to the diverse people and communities that we serve. An engine fueled by donors and community stakeholders, like yourself, that invest in our operation. Please reach out to myself, Traci Skalberg, CCC Foundation Executive Director, our CCC Foundation Board, College Board of Governors or any of our employees to learn more about how you can be part of this generational impact. 14
Matt Gotschall
Central Community College College President
ON THE COVER Justice Silver and Zack Hollingsworth competing at nationals. Read more on page 20.
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES
December 9, 2022
Winter
Commencement
Central Community College held its second winter commencement on December 9 at CCC-Hastings.
Seventy-five graduates participated in the ceremony, which encompassed the Columbus, Grand Island, and Hastings campuses. Beth Boesch, a CCC-Columbus graduate and current member of the CCC Foundation Board of Directors, served as the keynote speaker. She began by detailing her “education safari,” which took 20 years to complete.
Amy Santos and son Jonas Marshall
May 5, 2023
Spring Commencement
Nearly 500 Central Community College graduates received their degrees during three commencement ceremonies on May 5. The Heartland Events Center hosted both the Grand Island and Hastings campus graduations while the Raider Fieldhouse hosted the Columbus campus commencement.
Keynote addresses at all three campuses were delivered by CCC’s Outstanding Alumni Award recipients, Marci Ostmeyer, Columbus; Jannelle Seim, Grand Island; and Brent and Andrea Winfield, Hastings.
Family Affair
We absolutely adore the fact that our CCC faculty and staff get to embark on this incredible journey of celebration alongside their loved ones during graduation. In this remarkable family affair, it’s not just a degree being handed over; it’s a symbolic torch of knowledge, determination, and accomplishment being passed from one generation to the next. It’s a vivid display of unwavering support, unwavering love, and unwavering belief in the incredible potential of our graduates.
Sarah Loudy and daughter Lily Asche
Amy Stuart and daughter Zaya Stuart
Dan Davidchik and daughter Julia Davidchik
Susan Hooker and daughter
Meghan Hooker
OUTSTANDING ALUMNI
Columbus Campus
Marci Ostmeyer
Marci earned an associate of arts degree from CCCColumbus before going on to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of NebraskaKearney, a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master’s degree in prekindergarten through eighthgrade administration from UNK.
She began her career as a fourth-grade teacher but later made the transition into teaching middle school and high school mathematics.
Today, Ostmeyer is the professional development director at Educational Service Unit 7 in Columbus and coordinates its efforts in supporting the 19 public schools in the ESU’s service area. As the ESU’s math specialist, she also helps school district teachers and administrators improve the teaching of mathematics and select high quality instructional materials.
She has been active at the state level as a member of the 2009 and 2015 Nebraska Math Standards revision teams and several Nebraska Department of Education committees. Since 2009, she has held numerous positions as a board member for the Nebraska Association of Teachers of Mathematics. Nationally, she was tapped to serve on committees for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and is the chair of its Membership and Affiliate Relations Committee.
She received the 2008 Pinnacle Bank Teacher of the Year at Cross County Community Schools and the 2019 Donald W. Miller Distinguished Service Award for contributions to the improvement of mathematics education in Nebraska.
She and her husband, Rance, have three children and five grandchildren.
Grand Island Campus
Jannelle Seim
Jannelle received an associate of arts degree from CCC-Grand Island in 2001. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Bellevue University in 2005 and a master’s degree in management from Doane College in 2008. Seim’s career first focused on social service work with South Central Behavioral Services, CCC-Hastings and Nebraska State Probation-District 5. In 2016, she made a change and went to work at Hamilton Telecommunications where she is the chief administrative officer. She is part of the executive team that supports the company’s strategic initiatives and works closely with its board of directors and shareholders.
A passion for economic development led her to serve as president of the Aurora Housing Development Corporation (AHDC) and Aurora Construction Enterprises since 2018. She worked with Hamilton County community leaders to establish a $2 million revolving workforce housing fund, made possible
by $750,000 of local donations and $1.25 million in grants from the 2020 Rural Workforce Housing Fund and Nebraska Investment Finance Authority. To date, the fund has resulted in a 59-lot subdivision, eight townhomes and 12 singlefamily homes in Aurora, Hampton and Phillips.
In 2023, AHDC raised an
additional $500,000 in funds and applied for an additional $1 million in Rural Workforce Housing Funds, which if funded, will expand rental properties in Aurora, continue building single-family houses in Phillips, and start focusing on housing in Hordville.
Seim and her husband, Anthony, have two sons.
Hastings Campus
Brent and Andrea Winfield
Both Brent and Andrea graduated from CCCHastings in 2009 with associate of arts degrees. Andrea went on to also earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Hastings College.
They are owners of Aurora Meat Block, which they bought in January 2014. It is a custom processor and retailer of meats and specialty products. They have continued to grow the business each year they have owned it.
In June 2020, they purchased a food trailer and opened Winfield Sweets N Eats, which offers baked goods and a variety of meal options as well as catering.
Both businesses stay busy throughout the year. So do Brent and Andrea, who not only thrive as business owners but also as the parents of three daughters, 5, 3 and 11 months.
Outstanding Alumni
Calling all CCC enthusiasts and proud alumni. Get ready to unleash your excitement and nominate an extraordinary CCC graduate for the highly coveted Outstanding Alumni Award. We’re all about celebrating those outstanding individuals whose lives have been transformed by Central Community College, and who have gone on to achieve remarkable feats in their personal, professional and community endeavors.
Let us celebrate remarkable alumni who personify the very essence of CCC’s mission to “Maximize Student and Community Success.” This prestigious award recognizes the achievements of CCC graduates who have made a lasting impact in their fields, receiving recognition, overcoming challenges and making significant contributions to society.
Do you know someone who embodies the essence of an outstanding CCC alum? Don’t let this chance slip away. Nominate them for the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award using our convenient online form. Remember, all fields must be completed to qualify, so be sure to gather all the necessary information before submitting your nomination. Mark your calendars, as the deadline for nominations is February 25, 2024. Let’s celebrate the shining stars of CCC and show the world the incredible impact our alumni make.
Nebraska Community College Association Faculty Member Award
Dr. Lauren Gillespie
Biology instructor Dr. Lauren Gillespie received the Faculty Member Award from the Nebraska Community College Association at its conference in November. It marked the first time since 2011 that a CCC instructor received the award.
Awards
2023
Faculty Member Award
Nebraska Community College Association
2022
Dale P. Parnell
Distinguished Faculty Award
American Association of Community Colleges
2020
League Excellence Award League of Community Colleges
Based at CCC-Columbus, Gillespie is 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 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 integrates into her classroom and laboratory activities so that students are experiencing real science in real time. 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.
Also in 2022, Gillespie was awarded the American Association of Community Colleges Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award for service in teaching and leadership at CCC and with Project GPS. In 2020, she received the League Excellence Award by the League of Community Colleges for commitment to excellence in community college teaching and leadership.
American
Association of Community Colleges
Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award
Michael David
Michael David, a criminal justice instructor at Central Community College-Grand Island, received the 2023 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty designation from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).
The AACC established the designation in honor of its former president and CEO as a way to recognize individuals who are making a difference for students, both inside and outside of the classroom. The 41 recipients were honored during the AACC annual convention in Denver, Colorado. Since David joined the CCC staff in 2018, enrollment and graduation numbers have increased in the criminal justice program, resulting in an expansion from one to three full-time instructors.
“We have a great team, providing a dynamic program to the students,” David said. Accomplishments include receiving two CCC mini-grants, signing a 2+2 agreement with the University of Nebraska-Kearney, starting the Criminal Justice Student Association and SkillsUSA Forensic Team, participating in the Metallica scholarship program and opening an on-campus Crime House.
For most of us, getting on an airplane is a good thing. We’re going to visit family or take a vacation with friends. It’s not a matter of life and death.
But it was for Laiq Lakanwall, 34, and Fahimullah Tanai, 20.
The two Afghans’ lives were thrown into turmoil by the withdrawal of U.S. armed forces from Afghanistan, which ended a war that began in 2001 but led to the collapse of the Afghan national security forces and the takeover of the country by the Taliban.
That withdrawal set Lakanwall and Tanai on their journeys to Lexington, Nebraska. They took different routes, but for them both, leaving Afghanistan meant a single destination: Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul.
Central Community College-Lexington is where Angela Elfgren, adult education coordinator, helps Afghans like Fahimullah Tanai and Laiq Lakanwall who are moving into the community.
Afghans find a home in Lexington
Lakanwall’s short hair and shaved face easily identified him as a member of the Afghan military where he had served as an interpreter and trainer in a joint operation with U.S. special forces. The Taliban was searching for people just like him.
“It was a difficult moment, but the Taliban was looking in every car and at every person,” he said about his decision to walk for two to three hours from his home to the airport. “It was better to walk.”
From there, Lakanwall flew to Qatar, where he spent 15 or 16 days before leaving for the U.S. He landed in Washington, D.C., and then was sent to a military base in Indiana. During the several months he was there, he became a leader to his 600 fellow building mates.
“I tried to help them with their problems, their issues,” he said. “If they were sick, needed clothes, I helped as much as I could.”
He moved to Nebraska because a colonel living in Mason City found him a job at the Eaton Corporation in Kearney and even booked his tickets. Lakanwall worked there for several months before moving to Lexington where he now processes knives for Tyson Foods.
Tanai’s ticket out of Afghanistan was his father, who also worked for the Afghan military. When the withdrawal happened, his father told him to leave their home in a coastal city and come to Kabul. When he got to the airport, he had to wait outside with many other people seeking to leave Afghanistan.
“I had to wait my turn,” said Tanai, who was admitted into the airport on the last day. Like Lakanwall, he went to Qatar first but also spent a few days in Germany before flying to Washington, D.C. He spent six months in Wisconsin and one month in Kansas before moving to Lexington where he works as an interpreter at Tyson Foods.
“There wasn’t a national plan, so we didn’t know they (Afghan asylum seekers and refugees) were making their way to Lexington but we’re a welcoming place,” said Angela Elfgren, adult education coordinator at CCC-Lexington.
Elfgren has often been the first point of contact for the 50 or more Afghans who began arriving in April, and not just for education. She directs them to the appropriate agencies who can help them with food assistance, housing and other needs. These agencies include the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, workforce development, the housing authority and other community partners.
Elfgren also helps translate forms so they can understand their content.
She said Lakanwall and Tanai are in the minority of Afghans who are educated.
Sometimes acclimation needs to be even more basic. The Afghans who lived in remote villages, for example, may not have had electricity or indoor plumbing, so they must be shown how to use a washer and dryer.
“Some of villages are so deep in the mountains that it’s impossible for kids to go to school,” she said. “They aren’t even reading and writing in their own language.” That language would be Pashto or Dari, depending on where they lived in Afghanistan.
“We start with ESL (English as a Second Language) and GED classes,” Elfgren said. “Once they get their GED, we get them into college. They’re excited to be here, to be learning.”
Lakanwall, who was a medical technician in the army, wants to continue improving his English. His goal is to continue the occupation he had in Afghanistan and work in medical science.
“I wanted to come to college so I can be something in the future,” Tanai said. That something may be in the science or computer field.
They also are working to bring family members still living in Afghanistan to the U.S. Tanai’s father and brother are both in the U.S., but his mother and two sisters remain in their home country. So do Lakanwall’s wife and five children. In the meantime, they keep in touch through Facebook.
Their feelings about Afghanistan are as deep and complex as the
country’s history and culture.
Tanai spoke with pride about Afghanistan being rich in its natural resources. “Allah made it very good with mountains and water,” he said. “A lot of countries have tried to come in, but our people are very brave. They don’t want to be beaten.”
Still, in the waning days of America’s presence in Afghanistan, Tanai began to fear that he would be killed on his way to school. “The Taliban doesn’t want people to live in peace,” he said.
Lakanwall agreed. He joined the military in high school after witnessing a bomb blast by an enemy of Afghanistan. He supported the Afghan government because it was trying “to make everything better for everyone,” whether it concerned schools, businesses or hospitals.
That was changed by the Taliban, which wants to dictate what makes a Muslim. “Don’t wear modern dress; otherwise, you’re not Muslim,” Lakanwall said. “But Muslim is in your heart and mind, not by power, not by killing.”
But Lakanwall and Tanai have found a new home in Lexington.
Tanai likes the fact it’s a smaller town. “It’s not so hard to find a clinic or things you need,” he said.
For Lakanwall, Lexington provides a lot of opportunity for working and studying. “Our skin, our ideas are a little different,” he said. “But we are human, not something different.”
Afghans in one class (top) learn their ABCs while others in a different class (bottom) learn when to use “There isn’t” and “There aren’t.”
Jack Gutierrez
Gutierrez joined CCC on July 1, 1980, as the men’s basketball and golf coach as well as the financial aid director. In 1992, he accepted the role as athletic director and retained his role as men’s basketball coach. Gutierrez led the Raiders to five national tournament appearances, including a fourth place finish at the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II tournament. In 1983, the Raiders were the runners-up in the National Little College Athletic Association championship game. He stepped down as men’s basketball coach following the 2006-07 season with a career mark of 418-386.
The next season, Gutierrez started up and became the head coach of the CCC softball program. Under his direction, the Raiders won Region IX titles in 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2018.
As athletic director, Gutierrez oversaw the addition of men’s and women’s soccer and softball and the return of golf and women’s basketball. During his service, the CCC Athletic Hall of Fame ceremonies were established, and all-star games were implemented. Gutierrez was also instrumental in facilities improvements including the remodel of the Raider Fieldhouse and the addition of the turf soccer and softball complex.
Lindsay Larson
An outfielder on the CCC softball team, Larson had a stellar career in 2013 and 2014. As a freshman, she led the Raiders in stolen bases (35) and slugging percentage (.766). As a sophomore, Larson led CCC in runs (45), hits (48) stolen bases (46) and slugging percentage (.730). Her 81 career stolen bases stood as a CCC record until 2022.
Larson was twice named AllRegion 9, All-Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference (NCCAC), Academic All-Region 9, Academic All-NCCAC, and Region 9 All-Tournament Team.
An early childhood education major at CCC Larson sported a 4.0 GPA. She had planned on transferring to Concordia University to earn a bachelor’s degree and play softball but died in a car accident in July 2014. In memory of Larson, funds given to the CCC Foundation are being utilized for book scholarships for CCC softball players.
Riley Callan Smith
An outside hitter for the Raiders in 2008 and 2009, Smith was CCC’s first twotime National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-American. As a freshman, she led the Raiders to the NJCAA national volleyball tournament. Smith is a previous CCC volleyball record holder with 1,028 kills.
Smith was named NJCAA Second Team All-American as a freshman and NJCAA First Team All-American as a sophomore. She was twice named All-Region 9, All-NCCAC, Academic AllRegion 9 and Academic AllNCCAC. She was also named as the Sertoma Athlete of the Year.
Smith transferred to Morningside College where she played volleyball for two more years. Today, she is a licensed mental health practitioner in Ord and is the head volleyball coach at Ord High School.
1999-2000 Men’s Basketball Team
Under the direction of Jack Gutierrez, the 1999-00 CCC men’s basketball squad posted a record of 21-13 and won the Region 9 and district championships. At the NJCAA Division II National Tournament, the Raiders took fourth place and finished fourth in the final rankings. Team members were Beau Brown, Gayle Carey, Jeron Epting, Jesse Hart, Andy Johnson, Vernon Johnson, Jeff Kopecky, JJ Oberg, Bill Parker, Travis Ratzlaff, TJ Rickert, Ted Standing Soldier, and Justin Vogt. Brian Doke was the student manager and Saul Soltero served as assistant coach.
Heartwell Renewables brings energy through generosity
Heartwell Renewables is bringing their renewable energy alternative as well as their heart to the neighborhood. Prior to the first shovel of dirt, Heartwell Renewables looked to partner with the community of Hastings as well as Central Community College Hastings campus.
“As neighbors, not only do we share a property line, but we also share a commitment to advancing innovation and knowledge in the Hastings community and beyond,” said Rocky DeMello, Heartwell senior operations advisor. “We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to continued collaboration in the weeks, months and years ahead.”
Heartwell Renewables, a partnership between Cargill and the Love’s Family of Companies, is constructing a processing facility adjacent to CCC Hastings campus, which is expected to produce 80 million gallons of renewable diesel fuel each year. The plant expects to be operational by summer of 2024 and will employ nearly 100.
Leadership from both sides have found innovative ways to partner as Heartwell Renewables gears up. Offices for Heartwell Renewables are located on the CCC Hastings campus until theirs are built. The CCC Hastings campus will also be utilized as a training facility for onboarding Heartwell Renewable employees.
Heartwell Renewables commitment goes beyond space and training for the Hastings campus. They have showed a desire to impact the local workforce through their generosity.
More than 50 career and technical science students on the Hastings campus will benefit from a $100,000 scholarship gift from Heartwell Renewables over the next three years.
Through this investment in CCC students, Heartwell Renewables has shown a commitment to the future of the skilled workforce in the local area. During the gift presentation, Rocky DeMellow expressed how deep and meaningful this gift is for the organization and him personally. He expressed his hopes to bring even more individuals to the skilled workforce and the desire for this gift to make an impact on those who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to advance in the workforce.
“We are excited about how this scholarship will directly impact the lives of our students in our career and technical science programs,” said CCC-Hastings President Dr. Chris Waddle. “With a preference for students in financial need, or who are first generation students or single parents, this scholarship will allow CCC to provide more opportunities for those looking to advance their skills. Heartwell Renewables has been a great partner to work with and we are looking forward to a collaborative relationship for many years to come.”
Reaching for her potential
Brooke Draskovic’s eyes light up when she talks about working with kids and getting her hands dirty, whether it’s painting with them inside or playing in the dirt outside.
The Lexington native, who is working toward an associate of applied science degree in early childhood education at CCC-Hastings, is one of only 12 students in Nebraska to receive a Reaching Your Potential Scholarship from the EducationQuest Foundation. She’s the only one attending a community college and the only one who’s not enrolled in a college or the university in Lincoln or Omaha.
All 12 students who received a portion of the more than $72,000 in EducationQuest scholarship money have overcome obstacles to make college possible.
For Draskovic, her childhood was defined by her mom, Martha, working two jobs to make ends meet. Draskovic helped by taking care of her younger brother, Jesse Jr.
Helping is something she loves to do, and children have long been her focus. Before graduating from Lexington High School in 2022, she served as a physical education, math and classroom aide at an elementary school and taught a food and nutrition class at the middle school.
As a CCC student living on campus and serving as a student ambassador has given her new opportunities. “The campus is very inclusive and I’ve gotten to know a lot of different types of people,” she said.
She also has enjoyed her classes, especially one taught by early childhood education instructor Jackie Zeckser that explored how children see things. A class assignment had her writing her own book, something she didn’t think she could do when she first started. The finished book features illustrations of a bear family with two parents and one baby and explores separation anxiety.
Draskovic plans to graduate from CCC in spring 2024 and then transfer to the University of Nebraska-Kearney to earn a bachelor’s degree. She wants to be a social studies teacher so she “can use my experiences to be a positive resource for my students.”
Always a part of the family
Central Community College owes its success to the invaluable contributions of our dedicated faculty and staff. They are the driving force behind the transformational impact we have on our students’ lives. With unwavering passion and expertise, these exceptional individuals stationed across all our campuses and centers inspire and empower students to achieve their goals.
What sets our CCC employees apart is their unique perspective. Many of them, denoted with an asterisk (*), are not just employees but also proud alumni of CCC. Even before joining the campus community, they recognize the profound influence they can have on students’ journeys. Together with their colleagues, they tirelessly strive to create a positive and enriching student experience at CCC.
Ask any of our alumni, and they will tell you that there was always someone who made a remarkable difference in their lives during their time as students. These extraordinary individuals provided the necessary encouragement during challenging times, infused learning with excitement, demonstrated understanding, facilitated academic progress, listened attentively, and genuinely cared for their well-being.
2022-23 Retirees
Saying goodbye is never easy, especially for those who have bid farewell to countless students throughout their illustrious careers at CCC. This year, we honor and bid farewell to several cherished members of the CCC family as they embark on their well-deserved retirement. Among them are instructors, librarians, deans, production directors, advisors, and specialists in data, financial aid, and accounts. Their contributions have left an unforgettable mark on CCC, and they will forever be a part of our Central community.
If you have had the privilege of knowing any of these remarkable individuals, we encourage you to come back and visit as a CCC alumnus/alumna. Take the opportunity to reconnect and ensure that they recognize the profound impact they had on your life. Alternatively, you can share your experience with the CCC Foundation, allowing us to celebrate, acknowledge, and express gratitude for the exceptional contributions these retirees have made.
Let us come together to pay tribute to these outstanding individuals and express our heartfelt appreciation for their enduring dedication to CCC.
While at CCC, I was part of every student organization that would have me. At the center of all of those organizations was Nick Freelend.
I feared I would miss out on something being a commuting student, but quite the opposite happened. Nick made sure every student felt included, involved, and right where they were supposed to be.
Jannelle Seim
A GIFT MADE FROM THE LAND
Jim DeBord spent his life playing in the dirt. As a small child, he watched his father move dirt with horses in the early days of what would become the heavy equipment industry. DeBord followed in his father’s footsteps and continued to play in the dirt, making a lifelong career as a heavy equipment operator.
After more than three decades, DeBord gained a high level of hands-on proficiency with several types of machinery, such as motor graders, dozers, and frontend loaders. Operating heavy equipment allowed him to perfect his craft while basking in his love for the outdoors.
It has been nearly 100 years since Jim DeBord’s father was in the heavy equipment field, and Jim acknowledges that the industry has changed since his time operating machines. However, the need for skilled, hard-working individuals remains constant. It is this industry need that drove Central Community College to establish the only heavy equipment operator technician (HEOT) program in Nebraska.
Heavy equipment operators are highly skilled technicians who operate large industrial moving equipment designed to construct roads, level land, lay pipe, and perform other activities. Thanks to the support from industry and donors, students in the HEOT program have the opportunity to learn on stateof-the-art simulators and operate heavy equipment machinery in an outdoor classroom.
Support for students in the program also comes in the form of scholarships. In 2020, Ron (Jim’s son) and Tammy DeBord established a scholarship in Jim’s honor through the CCC Foundation. Each year, two scholarships are awarded to students in the CCC heavy equipment operator technician program. Jim expressed his appreciation, stating, “I think it’s wonderful” in regard to the scholarship that bears his name.
Scholarships not only provide monetary support but also honor and remember the legacies of the donors, lifelong careers, and a belief in others. They encourage recipients to dream, pursue their passions, and give back to their industry.
It’s the kind of work that you and other people can see that you have completed and it’s really satisfying. – Taylor Marie Leveau, 2021 recipient of the Jim DeBord scholarship.
Proceeds from events during Alumni Weekend go towards the Alumni Heritage Scholarship?
The Alumni Heritage Scholarship was initially set up as an area-wide scholarship and with the addition of Alumni Weekend there have been scholarships set up for each campus location, here is a little more about it:
Criteria:
• Established in 1991
• Returning students in any field of study Scholarships paid out thru 2023 and awarded for 2023/24:
Alumni Weekend 2023
Central Community College- Columbus held Alumni Weekend 2023 from Friday, Feb. 24, through Sunday, Feb. 26, with everyone welcome to a wide range of events.
Campus tours were conducted both Friday and Saturday, allowing visitors to explore the new building and updated facilities, guided by current students, faculty, and staff.
The Business After Hours at the Columbus Innovation Center on Friday was sponsored by CCC and the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. It was a great success with more than 150 people enjoying refreshments and networking.
On Saturday, visitors enjoyed Family Fun Day and complimentary burger lunch. Interactive activities included the virtual reality lab, nursing demonstrations, fire safety, birthing cow, caricature artist, military and veterans’ resources, welding simulator, mechatronics simulation, a variety of community education activities and more.
Both the women’s and men’s Raider basketball games had free admission and popcorn. The CCC Athletic Hall of Fame induction rounded out the evening on Saturday.
The weekend concluded with a band concert and fine arts showcase on Sunday, featuring musical performances by the concert band and student art from the visual art and design department.
Alumni Weekend is a multi-day event that rotates to each campus, allowing each campus to showcase its programs and activities.
To find out more about donating and helping students fulfill their dreams visit
www.cccneb.edu/events
Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023
Community Appreciation Hastings Campus
Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023
Ram Run & Walk
Hastings Campus • 8 a.m. www.cccneb.edu/ramrun
CCC-Hastings Car Show Hastings Campus • 12–4 p.m.
Who is a Central Community College alum?
At Central Community College, we believe that completing a class toward a degree, diploma or certificate is a huge accomplishment. Even if you took a class or two for professional or personal development, you are a CCC alum.
Monday, Sept. 18, 2023
Pro-Am Golf Tournament Riverside Golf Club • Grand Island www.cccneb.edu/proam
Friday, Dec. 15, 2023
Mid-Year Commencement www.cccneb.edu/graduation
Alumni Weekend 2024
More info to come Grand Island Campus www.cccneb.edu/alumniweekend
Friday, May 10, 2024
Spring Commencement www.cccneb.edu/graduation
NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
Both the CCC esports and men’s basketball teams advanced to their respective National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) national tournaments, with the esports team reaching the title match.
The esports team
was the #2 seed in the Call of Duty: Cold War Gunfight national tournament and received a first-round bye. In the semi-final, the Raiders defeated Glen Oaks (Mich.) Community College, 3-1. That set up a meeting with topseed Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs.
In the opening map, the Raiders, led by Justice Silver and Zack Hollingsworth, built an early 2-1 lead before the Reivers took off and posted a 6-4 win.
IWCC scored first in the second map and CCC answered right back to make it 1-1. The Reivers rattle off three in a row to take a 4-1 advantage before posting a 6-2 victory.
In the third map, IWCC again took a commanding 4-1 lead when the Raiders responded with two points to cut the Reivers’ lead to 4-3. However, that’s as close as the Raiders would get as Iowa Western claimed the national title with a 6-3 win to close out the best-of-five match.
“Obviously, we were hoping for a different result, but Iowa Western came out strong and they knew the maps and the matchups,” said CCC head coach Lucas Lumbra. “We were making some mistakes and they were forcing our hand a little bit. I’m super proud of our team. They did everything they could, played well and did their best.”
Two other CCC Call of Duty team members played prominent roles during the match. Jackson Peabody served as an advisor throughout each map and Ayden Veik served as one of the commentators for the online telecast.
CCC’s men’s basketball team
returned to the NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball National Tournament for the first time since 2014. After winning the Region 9 and the NJCAA North District championships, the Raiders were the 15th seed matched against the second-seed Niagara County (N.Y.) Community College.
The game was close throughout and NCCC tied the game at 57-57 at the 7:48 mark of the second half, and from that point on, neither team led by more than three points. The Thunderwolves held on for the win, 72-70, after Blake Daberkow’s three-point attempt from backcourt fell short.
The Raiders moved on to the consolation round of the national tournament, meeting Mott (Mich.) Community College. With 32 seconds to play, Daberkow gave CCC a 57-56 lead as he made one-of-two free throws. The Bears passed the ball for the entire 30 seconds of the shot clock before Nate Brown sank a jump shot to take a one-point lead. CCC’s inbound pass was stolen away, and the Bears prevailed, 58-57.
“To lose two games by a combined three points at the national tournament is heartbreaking, but I can never ever fault the fight of our guys” said CCC head coach John Ritzdorf, whose team finished 22-11.
Following the season, Trey Deveaux was named to the NJCAA Division II All-America First Team, the first CCC player to do so in program history. Deveaux started all 33 games and led the Raiders in scoring with 18.9 points per game. He scored 20 or more points in 14 games.
Bryan McIntosh
Business Administration
I would like to express my gratitude and extend my heartfelt thanks for the funding I have received through scholarships, which has allowed me the opportunity to be where I am today. Allow me to provide a brief background about myself to demonstrate how genuinely grateful I am to be where I am today.
A backstory on my life, similar to many others, I grew up in a broken home and ultimately dropped out of high school at the age of 16. However, I enrolled in Job Corps, where I obtained my GED and received my first bit of business education. Shortly after completing Job Corps, I met my wife and together, we started a family. We successfully raised one son and three daughters, all of whom are grown up and have their own lives, and have even given my wife and I a granddaughter.
Throughout my life, I held various jobs until I found employment at Pall FSI, where I dedicated 15 years of my career. Unfortunately, due to the impact of COVID, FSI experienced a slowdown, prompting the owners to make the difficult decision to close the division I worked for. Fortunately, even though this closed a door that has been a big part of my life it also opened the door for me to be able to go to college.
Share your Story
When I started college, I was nervous about going back to school and worried about my finances and how I was going to be able to afford to pay my bills. Thankfully Carrielynn Peace in student services informed me about the CCC award spring program to apply for scholarships that are offered by CCC. Through my hard work and the kind support of CCC faculty, staff and the CCC Foundation, I have been awarded multiple scholarships over the past two years. These scholarships have not only provided me with necessary school supplies, but also helped cover my transportation costs to and from college, as well as my internet expenses. Overall, they have eased the financial burden of my bills, so I was able to concentrate on my schooling.
Thanks to the financial support, I have maintained a GPA of over 3.9, setting a positive example for my children and granddaughter. It has also opened doors to opportunities, such as joining PTK (Phi Theta Kappa), the Presidents Quality Action Council, and assuming the role of student president in the National Society of Leadership and Success. I have also been privileged to serve as a student tutor. As a tutor, one of my main goals is to pay forward the support I have received and promote the amazing scholarship opportunities available among as many students as I possibly can.
Again, I want to express gratitude for believing in me and supporting my achievements in pursuing my educational goals.
We want to hear all about how Central Community College has made a difference in your life and career. We want to share your story with other CCC alumni, staff, faculty, and community members. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and scan the QR code or follow the link to let us know what CCC means to you.
INVESTING IN PEOPLE
Building a Legacy
DALLAS WEGNER 1943-2023
Dallas Wegner approached everything in life with a hard-working, “do things the right way” attitude. He extended this belief to those he worked with, and in his support and passion for his community.
He believed in people. He believed in what they could do. He believed in helping them achieve their goals.
It was with this mindset that Dallas grew his business and invested in the community. Dallas was a strong supporter of Central Community College, even serving on the executive leadership team for the new Kearney Center. He was visionary as he saw the potential and need for a construction program in Kearney, as well as a heavy equipment operator technician program in Nebraska. He partnered with CCC to make these a reality. Dallas passed in April 2023, but his friendship and partnership are still felt by students at CCC. He left a legacy gift with the CCC Foundation to build and support the hard-working skilled workforce in the area. Dallas continues to lead the way.
What’s your legacy?
ALUMNI UPDATES
If you would like to share what has been happening in your life, we would love to hear from you.
Central Community College (CCC) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color ethnicity, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, or other factors prohibited by law, in matters of employment, admissions, financial aid, or other activities and opportunities as set forth in compliance with federal and state statutes and regulations.
Any person having inquiries concerning Central Community College compliance with Title II, Title IV, Title VI, Title IX, the Age Discrimination Act, and/or Section 504 should contact:
Vice President of Student Success and Enrollment Services 4500 63rd St., PO Box 1027, Columbus, NE 68602, 402-562-1284, titleixcoordinator@cccneb.edu.
Persons seeking further Information concerning career and technical education offerings at Central Community College and any specific pre-requisite criteria for the various programs of study should contact:
Senior Director of College Communications 3134 W Highway 34, PO Box 4903 Grand Island, NE 68802-4903 308-398-7355, collegecommunications@cccneb.edu.
To obtain this information in a language other than English or in an alternative format, email collegecommunications@ cccneb.edu or call 308-398-7355.
Central Community College
PO Box 4903
Grand Island, NE 68802-4903
