MCC ALUM FINDS HIMSELF THROUGH NATURE
Justin Haag’s days are filled with wonder. From watching a rising sun cast pink and orange rays across snow-covered hills to chasing lightning bolts raging through a summer sky — Haag (’91-’93) is constantly immersed in beauty.
I live in a great part of the world to do it,” Haag said. “The landscapes, parks and wildlife of the Panhandle give me a lot of opportunities. I love bringing attention to some of Nebraska’s best places and most captivating wildlife and fostering a deeper appreciation for them from the public.”
The only other witnesses to his experiences are those of the natural world — the prairie chickens, antelope, bighorn sheep and coyotes that call Western Nebraska home.
Developing interests
Haag wouldn’t want it any other way. In fact, he’s living out his dream. As the public information officer for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Panhandle region and regional editor of, “NEBRASKAland Magazine,” Haag’s job is to capture those moments in time that most people don’t get to see. “A big part of my job is nature photography, and 6 | w w w.m p cc . e du | 8 0 0 . 3 45. 36 00
Nature has always been a big part of Haag’s life. A native of Southwest Nebraska, Haag attended elementary and high school at Beaver Valley. “I’ll be the first to admit that I was a less than ideal student,” said Haag. “Until late in high school, I didn’t think much about going to college. I was more concerned about fishing at Medicine Creek, Red Willow and Swanson reservoirs and hunting squirrels and pheasants along Beaver Creek.” It took the encouragement of his guidance
counselor to convince Haag to at least consider a postsecondary education. Haag eventually decided to enroll, as a first-generation college student, at McCook Community College where he had qualified for scholarships and financial aid. “That financial aid allowed me to study in McCook for two years without amassing any school debt, which was huge,” Haag said. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and always said I would have stayed for a four-year degree had it been offered.” He credits former instructors Rod Horst, Roger Wilson and Sue Watts with being some of his biggest academic influencers.
A persistent calling It was during his time in McCook that Haag was introduced to journalism.
