CONNECTION COMMUNITY
Central Community College - 2024
Maximizes
Student and Community Success
Travel Discounts
Hi there, CCC alumni and friends. We think you’re pretty great, which is why we’ve got some awesome travel discounts just for you. Check them out and start planning your next adventure today.
www.alumnibenefits.org/cccneb
Matt Gotschall
Central Community College College President
Welcome
I hope this edition of the Community Connection gets you as enthused 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. Positive outcomes inspired by donors and community stakeholders, like yourself, that invest in our operation. Please reach out to myself, Traci Skalberg, CCC Foundation executive director, the CCC Foundation Board, the CCC Board of Governors or any of our employees to learn more about how you can be part of this generational impact.
The Journey Behind HAPPY ANYWAYS
an interview with Christa Eschliman
What inspired you to write "Happy Anyways"?
I grew up with several invisible, undiagnosed disabilities that were written off by doctors as “growing pains” or “attention seeking.” I had a lot of insecurity about expressing my struggles or asking for help because I was often ridiculed for doing so. Shortly before I turned 18, I received my first diagnosis, which, although later revealed to be a misdiagnosis, was the first real validation that I wasn’t imagining the pain I’d been experiencing since I was five years old.
Two months later, I went across the country for college and was able to look at my life from outside the bubble I had grown up in. At this point, my health was rapidly declining, and I was missing classes frequently. I realized that I was frustrated and angry that my symptoms had been ignored my whole life.
I had a wonderful roommate during this time who always invited me to participate in activities, even though I usually declined. I remember one specific instance when she invited me to go dancing and my response was, “How would I dance when I can barely walk?”
This statement stuck in my head over the next couple of days until I found myself in front of a piano. Music has always been the way I processed my feelings or experiences, and this was no different. I funneled my anger, disappointment, and shame into the beginning of this song. It was the first time I truly said, “No. I am not okay, and you cannot make me pretend anymore.”
It was an unbelievable emotional release, and it allowed me to finally begin moving forward. Despite my family’s disapproval, I began using a wheelchair - something that had been presented as a tragedy to avoid at all costs, but in reality gave me back my freedom. For the first time in my life, I was able to move without stress and keep up with my friends at the store instead of constantly falling behind. I was able to go to class again and take my life back. This drastically improved my mental health and allowed me to write the rest of the song.
How did the collaboration with Jeff Kitson come about?
A series of coincidences and impulsive decisions led to my collaboration with Jeff, music instructor. I had not been planning on returning to college, as I knew my health wouldn’t allow me to work full-time to pay off any debt I incurred and I didn’t see the point of trying for a degree when I wasn’t sure I’d be able to use it anyway. However, one day when I was doing some cleaning, I found some cash I’d forgotten about, and it was enough for a one-credit class. I signed up for play production just so I could have something to get me out of the house and possibly make some friends.
I never thought I’d sign up for choir, as I had many negative past experiences with choir. However, everyone spoke so highly of Jeff, and Stephanie, the wonderful play production teacher, saw me sitting outside his office one day, and convinced me to go speak with him.
Jeff ended up talking to me for four hours that day, and he helped me realize that I wanted to do more with my life than sit around at home. I ended up signing up for choir and joining a few weeks into the semester.
Jeff became a mentor figure during my time there, and I would often talk to him after class about music or life. One of these times, we were talking about Christmas music, and I offhandedly mentioned I had written a Christmas song once. I didn’t say that with any sort of goal in mind, it just popped into my head. Jeff asked to hear it though, and he seemed to like it because he showed it to a couple of the other teachers in the building and we performed it for the Sounds of the Season concert. This was the beginning of him tutoring me in composition, and it led to us working on "Happy Anyways" together.
What was it like working with Jeff on the arrangement for the choir? How did it feel to hear your song performed by the whole choir for the first time?
Working with Jeff and hearing the choir sing my songs was such a surreal, amazing experience. It helped me grow so much as a person. Over the two years I was there, my confidence multiplied exponentially.
Were there any memorable moments during rehearsals or the performance itself? Have you received any feedback from others that has stood out to you?
The most rewarding part of the time we spent learning "Happy Anyways" was hearing my classmates and peers tell me how the song related to their own lives. My music was born out of painful experiences and my own search for hope, and hearing how much other people got out of the messages made it all feel worth it. It made my suffering feel less pointless, in a way.
How did the audience react to the performance?
We received a standing ovation, which was so sweet and a bit surreal. Everyone was so kind and I had many people come tell me how they enjoyed it.
How has writing and performing "Happy Anyways" affected you personally?
Writing "Happy Anyways" in 2019 gave me my life back, in a way. It was me taking the reins of my life away from outside influences and choosing to accept who I was and the life I was living.
Performing "Happy Anyways" helped me get my life back in a different way. The process helped me find real, true friends who cared about me for me, disability and all. They, along with Jeff, helped me learn that it was okay to take care of myself and ask for help. They taught me that I was allowed to take up space and that my voice mattered.
Do you have any plans for more songwriting or performances in the future?
I am still working on my songwriting, and I plan to continue working with and learning from Jeff in our free time.
What
message
or feelings
do you hope people take away from "Happy Anyways"?
"Happy Anyways" describes three stages and frames of mind: one of pain and anger, one of hope, and one of peace and acceptance. The message of "Happy Anyways" is that each of those mindsets is valid and okay. I cycle through all three frequently. It’s a part of living with burdens such as disability.
Ultimately, "Happy Anyways" is a song about letting go of the ableist expectations of others and living for yourself, not for them. Being disabled is hard. It’s so hard. It’s okay to be upset, and it’s also okay to find happiness where you can.
Big John Scholarship
The Central Community College Foundation announced the establishment of the Big John Scholarship Fund.
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. The area includes the counties of Adams, Buffalo, Dawson, Franklin, Harlan, Kearney and Phelps.
Saathoff presented an initial $25,000 check on Dec. 7, 2023, to the CCC Foundation at a ceremony at the Hastings Campus. The Big John Scholarship assisted more than 25 students in the first year.
To learn more about the Big John Scholarship fund or the Central Community College Foundation, go to www.theCCCFoundation.org or contact the foundation at 402-460-2151.
Automotive technology students shake hands with John Saathoff.
COMMENCEMENT ceremonies
Winter COMMENCEMENT
Central Community College-Columbus hosted the allcollege winter commencement ceremony on Dec. 15, 2023. A total of 372 candidates were eligible to graduate and 100 took part in the ceremony. Both were record numbers for winter graduation.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Kellie Pickett (at podium), vice president for college access and success at the Susan T. Buffett Foundation. She encouraged the graduates to use the skills they learned at CCC to make a difference in the lives of
Spring COMMENCEMENT
More than 500 Central Community College 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.
Outstanding Alumni
Nominate an OUTSTANDING ALUMNI
Calling all CCC enthusiasts and proud alumni! Nominate an extraordinary CCC graduate for the 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award. Celebrate those whose lives have been transformed by Central Community College and who have excelled in their personal, professional, and community endeavors. Recognize CCC graduates who embody the mission to “Maximize Student and Community Success” with their achievements, resilience, and contributions to their community. Nominate using our online form and ensure all fields are completed. The deadline is February 25, 2025. Let’s showcase the incredible impact of our alumni.
Nominate an Outstanding Alumni thecccfoundation.org/alumni/ outstanding-alumni-award.html
Brett Olson 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 also holds certifications in various areas, including business, cybersecurity and financial analysis. He is now 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 has long been a distinguished professional and 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.
Brett Olson
Columbus Campus
Quinn Webb
Grand Island Campus
Quinn Webb 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. Many of these students began their careers in the department.
He has worked with such community organizations as 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.
Dillon Kuehn graduated 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, who represents Nebraska’s Third District. 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. He also has a deep background in farming, irrigating, and ranching.
Dillon Kuehn
Hastings Campus
Scott Scholars
The Walter Scott, Jr. Career Pathway Scholarship program supports career and technical education students by covering full tuition, fees, and room and board for up to four semesters. The program also offers additional funds for books, tools and fees. Career development support and special enrichment opportunities, including a summer bridge program, is also available. Brett Wells is the Scott Pathway director at the Hastings Campus. Pictured below are the first Scott Scholars who graduated in May.
Front row (l-r): Shyanne Beer, diesel technology; Brandon Heusel, advanced manufacturing design technology; Gabriel Gonzalez Perez, autobody technology; Aaron Sandoval, autobody technology; Joseph White, drafting and design technology; Connor Liable, drafting and design technology; Zoe Wurdinger-Hille, diesel technology; and Dana Hobbs, electrical technology.
Back Row (l-r): Tynan Degroff, construction technology; Gavend Cole, welding technology; Enoch Dixon, construction technology; Brody Fischer, welding technology; Mario Garza, welding technology; Morgan Wagener, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration; Cole Gerdes, diesel technology; and Jesus Flores, autobody technology.
BACK TO
Hi, my name is Skye Wendt,
a GED graduate from CCC adult education and I’m excited to share my story with you all. As a kid, we moved in motels a lot, we were poor. I didn’t have great access to education which is a kid’s worst nightmare. I had a 7th grade social studies teacher who was one of the only adults in my life that was positive and supportive. It made school a little better and she made being a teacher look so fun. She always said I would make a great teacher too. I ended up sticking with it through 8th grade but dropped out in 9th grade. Even though I wanted to go back to school, I ended up being pregnant with my daughter at 17. I decided to focus on her instead. Even as my daughter got older, I was too anxious and scared to go back and get my GED.
When I moved back here, I saw my daughter struggling at school and wanted to give her a reason to keep trying, so I decided to get my GED. CCC was super welcoming even though I was very nervous. They took away all the barriers. I didn’t have to pay for anything and I had all the resources to study. Everything was flexible so I could even study from home. I was honestly so supported that I couldn’t believe how quickly I finished all of the tests. After taking my graduation picture, we walked over to talk with admissions and before I knew it, I was enrolled in classes. I will be starting school to become a teacher in May.
I am so proud of myself for setting an example for my daughter. It is hard to believe that I went from being homeless to getting my GED. I can honestly say it was from the support of a teacher who believed in a little struggling 7th grader, and again, the support of teachers who saw my potential in doing better for myself as an adult.
Recap SPORTS National Champs
Central Community College esports won a pair of national championships to close out 2023-24. The Raiders had a shot at a third national title but fell short.
The first trophy was earned following a 3-1 win over Blinn College of Texas in Call of Duty: 4v4. Team members were Ethan Bryant, Jackson Peabody, Caleb Smith and Ayden Veik.
The Raiders took the first map of the match for a 1-0 lead before the Buccaneers evened the bestof-five series, 1-1, with a victory in the second map. CCC bounced back with a dominant 3-0 performance on the Karachi Control map. The Raiders won the national title with a commanding 250-143 win in the fourth map.
The second national championship was secured with a 3-1 victory over Iowa Western Community College (IWCC) in Call of Duty: Cold War Gunfight (2v2). Peabody and Veik were the CCC players.
New Sport
The Raiders got off to a strong start in the first two maps, besting the Reivers 6-3 and 6-5, respectively. IWCC bounced back in the third map with a 6-2 victory and took a 5-3 advantage in the fifth map. CCC posted a strong round win followed by a 1v2 win by Veik, which brought the Raiders back to an even 5-5 round score in the fourth map. A favorable weapon loadout in the 11th round of the map provided the necessary boost to win the map, 6-5, which secured the national title.
Hopes for a national title hat trick were dashed when the Raiders lost to Laramie County (Wyo.) Community College, 3-1, in Call of Duty: 2v2 Warzone.
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.”
CCC athletics has announced the addition of shotgun sports at the Hastings Campus.
Sanctioned by the National Junior College Athletic Association, clay target will begin competition in the 2024-25 academic year. The team’s formation taps into the existing interest in the sport among current and potential students. The initiative also expands CCC’s nontraditional sports such as esports, which has been in existence for two years.
“The addition of clay target-shooting sports to CCC’s athletic program is an exciting opportunity to engage a new group of student-athletes and potentially enhance persistence, retention and recruitment,” said Mary Young, director of athletics. “We believe that by embracing nontraditional sports, we can enhance the overall student experience and further establish CCC as a leader in collegiate athletics.”
Initially, CCC aims to establish a squad of 10 student-athletes divided into two teams of five for the 2024-25 academic year. By year two or three, the squad size could reach a maximum of 16 scholarship members, with walk-on opportunities available. The Hastings Campus will provide the infrastructure to support the team with governance provided by the athletic offices at the Columbus Campus.
MANUFACTURING NEBRASKA’S FUTURE3.0
For the third consecutive year, the Columbus Campus hosted Manufacturing Nebraska’s Future on May 16.
Along with CCC, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Rensenhouse presented the event which aims to provide support to manufacturing leaders and expedite understanding and implementation of industry. According to the Nebraska Chamber, the “initiative intends to safeguard the Nebraska manufacturing community from present-day risks and the progressively intensified competition of the future.”
CCC-Columbus President Dr. Kathy Fuchser gave an update on the opportunities available at Nebraska’s community colleges, and tours of CCC’s manufacturing programs were given.
The Columbus Campus mechatronics program was featured at a Women in Manufacturing gathering as Schuyler High School students discussed their experiences.
“Nebraska community colleges provide a pipeline to high-demand, high-skill, high-wage jobs for the state’s most critical industries including health care and manufacturing,” Fuchser said. “Central Community College's involvement with Manufacturing Nebraska's Future is one of many valuable partnerships to support workforce needs in Nebraska.”
Photo by Hannah Bolte, Women in Manufacturing
Photo by Nebraska Chamber of Commerce Facebook page
Ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the Pirnie Inclusive Playground at Ryder Park were held on May 1 in Grand Island. The 27,000-squarefoot facility was conceptualized by occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program students at CCC-Grand Island. Campaign co-chair Katie Soto (holding scissors) cuts the ribbon while Melissa DeLaet (holding ribbon, left) and Sue (second from right) and Tom (right) Pirnie join in. Tom and Sue Pirnie were the lead donors of the project.
LEAGUE EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Nine Central Community College employees received the 2023-24 League Excellence Award from The League for Innovation in the Community College.
The honorees, who were nominated by College President Dr. Matt Gotschall, are:
Michelle Bentz
SOCIOLOGY INSTRUCTOR
Michelle Bentz, 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
STUDENT COUNSELING AND PREVENTION EDUCATION SERVICES DIRECTOR
Luz Colon-Rodriguez, 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
DENTAL HYGIENE CLINIC ASSISTANT
Kimberly Danehey-Nibbe, clinic assistant for the dental hygiene program at CCCHastings, 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
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTOR
Kyle Finecy, 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
DIRECTOR OF VETERAN AND MILITARY SERVICES
Barry Horner, 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.
Marcie Kemnitz
GRAND ISLAND CAMPUS PRESIDENT
Grand Island Campus President Dr. Marcie Kemnitz 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
HEAVY EQUIPMENT
PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND INSTRUCTOR
Matt McCann, 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
COLLEGE COMMUNICATIONS SENIOR DIRECTOR
Scott Miller, 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
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY COORDINATOR AND TRAINER
Mike Sobota, 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.
Nebraska
Community College Association
Faculty Member Award
Dr. Yunteng He
Dr. Yunteng He, chemistry instructor at the Kearney Center, received the Faculty Member Award from the Nebraska Community College Association (NCCA). The award was presented at the NCCA’s annual conference.
“I’m very glad for the feeling like it’s a big family at CCC and I enjoy teaching and learning with everyone,” said He. “Being selected for this award is very exciting.”
In addition to a full-time teaching load, He is committed to developing innovative teaching strategies to enhance the student experience and improve learning. 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.
Share your Story
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.
thecccfoundation.org/alumni/share-your-story.html
American Association of Community Colleges
Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award
Nick
Kelley
Nick Kelley, automotive technology instructor at the Hastings Campus, received the Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Award from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).
Named in honor of former AACC president and CEO Dale P. Parnell, the award is given to community college educators who demonstrate passion for the student and the classroom and go above and beyond what is required to ensure that students are successful in their academic endeavors.
Kelley is an ASE Master Certified Technician and a certified NC3 instructor and has been teaching at CCC-Hastings since 2016. He previously worked for Union Pacific Railroad, Hastings Utilities and CCC facilities before moving into the classroom.
“I was very humbled to be selected for the award and honored to have received it,” said Kelley, who spoke of the little things he does to help his students. “A lot of times it’s staying late, picking up the phone when somebody calls and things like that. It’s about taking care of students. Hopefully, someday when my kids are in college, somebody will do the same thing for them.”
Angie Balcom
Class of 2017
How was your life transformed as a result of attending CCC?
I graduated with the occupational therapy assistant (OTA) class of 2017. As graduation approached, I received an email from CCC about a study abroad opportunity in New Zealand with the indigenous Maori community. Little did I know, this journey would lead me to meet my future husband.
I traveled to New Zealand for a month in June, which is winter there. I was the only American in the program, alongside 12 Canadians. This was CCC’s first partnership with Otago Polytechnic in Dunedin, NZ. I took courses in bi-culturalism and sustainability. In my biculturalism class, I deeply immersed myself in Māori culture. Inspired by what we learned, a Canadian friend and I decided to get tattoos representing our experience. Our instructor connected us with his cousin, a Māori tattoo artist, and we both got tattoos. This experience profoundly impacted me, and I returned to the states as a better person.
Fast forward to 2022, I posted Facebook memories of my 2017 trip. Terry Lee, a retired CCC instructor, reached out, expressing her desire to return to New Zealand, having participated in the program in 2018. We planned a trip together for January 2023. During this trip, I reconnected with James York, the Māori carver who did my tattoo. Our paths crossed unexpectedly before our scheduled appointment, and everything shifted.
After returning home, James and I stayed connected via video chat. I got my affairs in order and returned to New Zealand in July 2023. James and I got married on Feb. 24, 2024.
Tell us about any significant, influential encounters with a professor, staff member, or other student.
Diana Watson and I connected over my initial trip to New Zealand. We always planned to grab a coffee someday and became Facebook friends. However, it wasn’t until 2023, when Diana and her partner came to New Zealand, that we finally met for that coffee. It was an incredible experience, and she encouraged me to share my story with CCC, highlighting the impact the program had on my life.
How have your CCC experiences prepared you for the life you lead today?
My OTA degree has been instrumental in shaping my career and will continue to support my future endeavors, including making an impact in New Zealand. The study abroad experience broadened my perspective, showing me that there is so much more to the world than our limited view.
What message would you like to share with a prospective student?
Work hard with integrity and remain open to new opportunities. Don’t be discouraged if others don’t recognize or appreciate your value – recognize it in yourself and share it with those who will appreciate it.
In Remembrance
Deborah "Deb" Quirk (Hardin), 72 Hastings | June 19, 2023
Esther Ambrose (Jonak), 91 St. Paul | September 27, 2023
Marilyn Gerritsen (Albers), 92 Hastings | October 8, 2023
Adriana Alvarez, 32 Grand Island | October 13, 2023
Gary Allison, 71 Lincoln | October 18, 2023
Gary Freeland, 69 Shelton | October 25, 2023
Holly Kolm, 66 Norfolk | October 27, 2023
Connie Schnieder, 69 Columbus | October 28, 2023
H. John Putnam, 86 Columbus | November 16, 2023
Dennis "Doc" Washburn, 71 Fairfield | November 20, 2023
Donald Zimmer, 73 Ravenna | November 26, 2023
Susan "Suzie" Korth (Lange), 67 Columbus | November 27, 2023
Jeffrey Tremblay, 70 Crete | December 2, 2023
Marilyn Menke (Janulewicz), 74 Grand Island | December 3, 2023
Davis Keim, 66 Sutton | December 4, 2023
Jamie Ekstein, 43 Guide Rock | December 17, 2023
Stephen "Steve" Larsen, 70 Kearney | December 19, 2023
June Hill, 86 Aurora | December 22, 2023
Marilyn Punko (Tiede), 80 North Bend | December 29, 2023
Dylan Moellenberndt, 29 Central City | December 30, 2023
Wade Meyer, 33 Grand Island | January 2, 2024
Janice "Jan" Johnson (Leth), 66 Fremont | January 12, 2024
Cynthia "Cindy" Willey, 60 Grand Island | January 19, 2024
Patricia Christensen, 59 Grand Island | January 21, 2024
John Graczyk, 70 Ravenna | January 23, 2024
Michael Smith, 79 Grand Island | January 28, 2024
Dave Casper, 69 Columbus | January 29, 2024
Judith Bryan, 84 Osceola | February 1, 2024
Cori Bennett, 57 McPhearson, KS | February 7, 2024
Larry Mason, 77 Kearney | February 25, 2024
R. Joe Kranz, 88 Grand Island | February 29, 2024
Teresa West, 67 Grand Island | March 15, 2024
Cathern "Cathy" Wiehn, 74 Columbus | March 18, 2024
Barbara Thornton, 81 Phillips | March 19, 2024
Jeffrey "Jeff" Jaeger, 55 Doniphan | March 27, 2024
Ann Davis, 75 Inman | March 28, 2024
Leah Clark, 73 Grand Island | April 5, 2024
Jeremy Malone, 45 North Platte | April 7, 2024
Lynne (Hartman) Schroeder, 62 Lincoln | April 8, 2024
Derlin "Woody" Wooden, 83 Grand Island | April 20, 2024
William "Bill" Mitchell, 63 Kearney | April 21, 2024
Ronald "Ron" Sawyer, 60 Grand Island | April 25, 2024
Jeffrey Nantkes, 66 Holdrege | April 27, 2024
Mildred "Millie" Hladky (Kral), 88 Perry Hall, MD | April 29, 2024
Shelby Schwartz (Parks), 87 Lexington | May 2, 2024
Hannah Peterson (Horak), 39 Grand Island | May 5, 2024
Rosemarie (Rosie) Heinisch, 68 Columbus | May 22, 2024
Mary Lou Elder, 95 Wichita, KS | May 22, 2024
Debra Stertz, 65 Edgar | June 11, 2024
Jim Strayer, 74 Littleton, CO | June 20, 2024
Mary Lou Holmberg, 93 Omaha | July 4, 2024
Alumni Updates
Stay connected with Central Community College! We want to hear about your exciting milestones – whether it’s a new job, a recent promotion, or the birth of a child. Share your news and let us celebrate with 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, 402562-1284, 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.
