NCMC Alumni Honored at Foundation’s Pirates Ball

The North Central Missouri College Foundation held its annual Pirates Ball Saturday, March 25 at the Ketcham Community Center on the campus of NCMC to honor three Distinguished Alumni. There were over 120 in attendance to honor the three and to celebrate all NCMC investors, alumni, and friends.

Current NCMC Student and Foundation Scholarship Recipient Abner Neill was the emcee for the evening and read a welcome letter from NCMC President Dr. Lenny Klaver, who was unable to attend.

NCMC Foundation Executive Director Alicia Endicott welcomed guests and introduced a short video to promote the Foundation's “Transforming Lives, Empowering People” major gifts campaign. The video highlighted community members, NCMC faculty, student, trustee, and Foundation members' responses to the question, "What is one word you would use to describe NCMC?" Responses included community, family, opportunity, compassion, relationships and future. During the meal, catered by Great Western Dining, a slide show honoring all Distinguished Alumni

Honorees and Foundation events was shown, and guests were then entertained by Soca Jukebox. Soca Jukebox is well known for their fun and familiar music, diverse musical genres, and high-energy percussion showdowns. NCMC student-athletes helped with meal service, and guests were encouraged to tip their servers.

Mr. Neill introduced each alumna who was escorted to the stage by NCMC Foundation President Allan Seidel. Mr. Seidel also presented each honoree with their TJC/NCMC Distinguished Alumni medallion. Honoree Dr. Jennifer Blacksmith thanked her cousin, Lesli Collins, for the nomination and shared a story about Coach Max Mothersbaugh. Mrs. Jackie Soptic thanked the Foundation and Alumni Association for this honor and shared how important NCMC is to the region. Mrs. Barb Spencer shared her experiences at NCMC and how she enjoyed coming back to teach and tutor students, as well as enjoying her time as a member of the Pirates Booster Club.

New to the event this year was a reverse raffle, with the grand prize being $600. Table sponsors re- ceived a ticket, and additional tickets were sold before the event began. All tickets were drawn throughout the evening; the final three ticket holders could decide to split the winnings or keep drawing for one final winner. The unanimous decision was made to split the winnings, and the evening ended with Soca Jukebox playing another set.

Nominations for NCMC Distinguished Alumni are accepted by the Foundation at any time, and all nominations are considered. The class of 2023 will be honored at the Pirates Ball scheduled for March 23, 2024. To be eligible for nomination, the former student must have successfully completed at least one semester at TJC/NCMC and agree to be nominated. The NCMC Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works with North Central Missouri College to transform lives and empower people. For more information about the NCMC Foundation and Alumni Association, contact Alicia Endicott, NCMC Director of Development, at 660-357-6403, aendicott@mail.ncmissouri.edu, or at www.ncmissouri.edu/alum ni.