VOLUME 11 | 2025
Armando Villarreal
Imperial Artist Armando Villarreal credits teachers along the way for success
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Clay Jordan
Named MPCC Distinguished Alum of the Year
MCC
President’s Award
Recipient
Rodeo
Wrap-Up
A Tradition in the Making
Klayton Rinne
Graduates College Before High School
Couple Treasures
Community College Experience
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Adams Bank & Trust
Honored with MPCC President’s Award
McCook Softball Recap
Armando Villarreal
Credits Teachers Along the Way for Success
Dual Credit
Courses Offered Tuition Free to High School Students
Leaving a Legacy
Celebrating
60 Years
Greetings Alumni & Friends of Mid-Plains Community College, I hope this alumni newsletter finds you well. It is hard to believe that five years ago this past spring, we were reeling with ever-changing adjustments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hopefully by now that experience is completely in the rearview mirror and we never have to deal with a similar situation again.
been an ambassador for McCook and Mid-Plains for nearly 75 years, first as a student, then a Board of Governor’s member and finally as a member of the McCook College Foundation. Adams Bank and Trust has been an integral supporter of Mid-Plains for many years through generous donations of time, talents, and physical and financial resources In the Fall of 2024, we welcomed Haven Smith, Director of Institutional from the campaign for a permanent home of the Ogallala Community Advancement, to MPCC. Haven Campus to several academic projects brings considerable experience in and expansions in North Platte. fundraising and event planning to MPCC. She hit the ground running This publication is designed to shine and has provided great leadership in a spotlight on the good things our completing the fundraising campaign current and former students are for the Electrical Technology Building doing. You learn about how MPCC in North Platte and assumed the role of impacted their career choices and Executive Director of the North Platte set them up for their successes. Community College Foundation. You will also see the many ways our The 2024-25 academic year was students and alumni give back to the the first year of the community communities we serve. college future fund. Established As always, thank you all for your during the 2023 legislative session, continued support of Mid-Plains this fund transitions long-standing Community College. We take pride operational support from property in serving our communities and we tax levies to state funding. The enjoy sharing the success stories of future fund provides an automatic our students and alumni. We always 3.5% annual increase, additional want your input on how we can better funding for enrollment growth beyond the 3.5% and allows colleges serve you as we desire to continue to improve in all areas to sustain and to retain dollar-for-dollar levy grow our region. authority if the future fund is not fully supported by the state. We invite you to share your story with At the 2025 commencement exercises we recognized Ken Foster in McCook and Adams Bank and Trust in North Platte. Ken Foster has
us and to consider giving back in recognition of what MPCC has meant to you, so that together, we can build a lasting legacy for tomorrow.
RYAN PURDY, MPCC President
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Hello Alumni & Friends, What an exciting time to be part of Mid-Plains Community College! As the new Director of Institutional Advancement, I’ve quickly learned what makes MPCC so special — it’s the people. From our passionate students and dedicated faculty and staff to our generous donors and proud alumni, this community is full of energy, creativity and heart. In this issue of Alumni & Friends, you’ll find stories that capture that spirit. Meet Armando Villarreal, an artist whose work reflects the creativity we strive to inspire in every student. Celebrate our Distinguished Alumni of the Year and our President’s Award honorees — Clay Jordan, Ken Foster and Adams Bank & Trust — for their extraordinary achievements and commitment to our college and communities. Relive the highlights from an incredible year in McCook and North Platte athletics and meet alumni whose
journeys remind us just how unique every student’s story can be. We’re also excited to share big updates, like the progress on the Electrical Technology Building in North Platte and our newly free dual credit program, which is opening even more doors for high school students across our region. You’ll learn about the impact of planned giving, and join us in celebrating North Platte Community College’s 60th anniversary — six decades of transforming lives and communities. As you flip through these pages, I hope you feel the same pride and optimism I do every day at MPCC. Thank you for being part of our story — for cheering us on, giving back, and helping us build opportunities that last a lifetime. I can’t wait to connect with many of you in the months ahead. With gratitude and excitement,
HAVEN SMITH, Director of Institutional Advancement
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Clay Jordan
NAMED MPCC DISTINGUISHED ALUM OF THE YEAR
hen Clay Jordan, of McCook, signed up for an EMT class his senior year of high school, he had no idea it would change the course of his life. At 12 years-old he attended an auction class and was hooked. “I was just a country bumpkin kid that thought I was going to be an auctioneer the rest of my life,” he said. But his experience with McCook Community College, a division of Mid-Plains Community College, opened unexpected doors. While in high school, Jordan took advantage of MCC’s agriculture classes. “The idea of going to a four-year school was never even a consideration,” he said. “Mid-Plains was easy, approachable and not intimidating.” On a whim, he added an EMT class to his schedule. “I fell in love with the career of EMS and what it was about. It was super interesting to me once I got into it, and the instructors were really inspiring.”
before deciding to pursue nursing for better hours and opportunities. Jordan enrolled in a paramedic-to-RN program and completed clinical rotations while traveling the state of Kansas as an educator for an air medical transport based out of McCook—an opportunity that brought his family back home. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Purdue Global and is pursuing a master’s degree from Western Governors University. “Because of my paramedic background, I fell into some opportunities as a nurse to get into leadership very early in my nursing career,” he said. Jordan’s career has included serving as a trauma nurse specialist for the State of Nebraska, ER Education Coordinator at Tri Valley Health System and eventually Chief Nursing Officer in 2019. In March 2024, he was named Chief Executive Officer of Tri Valley Health System.
Two instructors in particular, Bob Molcyk and Bob Allen, played a major role in his shift toward healthcare.
In his current role, Jordan continues to value his relationship with MPCC. “It’s been very helpful to have staff trained through the nursing and nurse aide program in McCook,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to have the college available to those in our area.”
“They took me from never thinking I would ever do anything where I had to touch people, to completely changing my life choices in less than nine months,” Jordan said.
During his time at MCC Jordan said he learned good, relevant, appliable information. Today, he shares that information with other students as an MPCC adjunct EMS instructor.
His first EMT job took him to Grand Island, where he earned his paramedic license and got married. He later moved to Holdrege for work
“Mid-Plains is a very important part of why I am where I am,” he said. “I credit it all back to the first EMT class that I took.” 5
MCC PRESIDENT’S AWARD RECIPIENT
Ken Foster en Foster grew up on a ranch in Dundy County, during the Great Depression, one of five children. He graduated from Stratton High School in 1952 and was recruited by McCook College Coach Merle Confer. When he arrived on campus he was determined to be a three-sport star, but his football aspirations were halted by injuries. Outside of the football field, Foster spent an hour each day practicing his shooting and made the basketball team and ran track in the spring. As a sophomore, he was selected for the firstteam All-Empire Conference and the first-team Nebraska Five Junior College Conference. In 1954, Foster received his associate of arts degree in biology and transferred to the University of Nebraska to play basketball for Coach Jerry Bush. Realizing after a discussion with Bush that he would never make it off the bench, he transferred to Hastings College where he would letter in basketball and track. Upon graduation in 1956, he taught science at Madison High School and coached football, basketball and track before marrying Marlene (Reiners) in November. The two would return to McCook in 1959 where he taught math and physical education, before embarking on a 55year career in the banking industry.
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In addition to his work in banking, Ken served on numerous boards and leadership roles for organizations including: the McCook Elks Lodge, Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, McCook Chamber of Commerce, South Platte United Chamber of Commerce, McCook United Way/Community Chest, Community Hospital Board of Directors, Community Hospital Foundation board, McCook Economic Development Corporation and the Educational Service Unit No. 15. He served as a member of the Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors from 1977-1978 and was also an integral part in the creation of the McCook College Foundation. In 2008, that board accepted the role as campaign fundraisers for what would become the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center. Foster was named part of the Events Center Executive Committee that pledged $2 million toward the $9.5 million facility. From the McCook College classrooms he attended as a teen, Foster learned the fundamentals of science and math. Through those important characteristics it helped cultivate a strong sense of community that began at home and extended into all facets of his life.
Adams Bank & Trust
HONORED WITH MPCC PRESIDENT’S AWARD dams Bank & Trust received the 2025 President’s Award from Mid-Plains Community College. The bank was recognized at the college’s commencement ceremony May 9 in North Platte. Headquartered in Ogallala, Adams Bank & Trust has always been a strong supporter of the educational opportunities provided by MidPlains Community College. With 21 branches throughout Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado, the family owned and operated bank prioritizes being a foundation for financial success. With five generations of leadership and over 100 years of service they plan to continue their tradition of success and strategic vision for generations to come. “We’re vitally interested in the success of MidPlains Community College because we see that as a key to the success and vitality of our area,” said Adams Bank & Trust CEO Todd Adams. Since the very beginning of the inception of the Ogallala Community Campus over 25 years ago,
Adams Bank & Trust leadership was present for discussions and led the charge to make it happen. From offering their boardroom for meetings to strategize the best solution for the Ogallala Community Campus to philanthropic donations for the Ogallala Community Campus relocation and renovation, Health and Science Center building in North Platte, Imperial Community Campus expansion, and the new electrical technology building in North Platte, they have always been committed to MPCC’s mission of transforming lives. “The college has a very important role of providing education for students in our area so that we have skilled workers in our community,” Adams said. “And for adults that want to continue their professional careers and be able to stay in this area.” “It feels great to be recognized with this award,” said Adams “We have always been a supporter of the college. We’re glad to do it.”
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he Mid-Plains Community College rodeo team continues to dominate the Great Plains Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association since its inception as a collegiate sport over a decade ago. With a 2024-25 roster of 35 cowboys and cowgirls from across the United States and Canada, MPCC delivered its strongest season to date. The men’s team spent much of the year ranked inside the top three nationally, even climbing to No. 1 during the spring. Through all the hard work and long hours in the practice arena the rodeo team qualified eight student-athletes including standout performers Trace Scarlavai, Jackson Lunn and Kahiwa
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Augustiro for the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) held in Casper, Wyo. this past June. Scarlavai wasted no time making an impact in his freshman year, winning the average in bull riding at the Falcon Frontier Days Rodeo hosted by the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. The White Cloud, Michigan, native rode the early momentum to the top of the regional standings, where he remained throughout the season before securing his first Great Plains Region title after the Cornhusker Rodeo in May. In Casper, Scarlavai was exceptional, becoming one of only two bull riders to make three qualifying rides before the short go. His consistent performances earned him a 98.5-point lead heading into championship Saturday, where
he clinched both the national bull riding title and the Men’s Rookie of the Year award. Teammate Jackson Lunn, of Whitecourt, Alberta, returned to the roster with significant momentum and quickly rose to the top of the region standings after the first fall rodeo. He collected nine gold buckles in bareback riding over the course of the season and entered the CNFR as the nation’s top-ranked bareback rider. Lunn wasted no time in Casper, as he rode all three of his qualifying horses to reach the short round. His score of 76 in the final round placed him tenth in the national standings at the conclusion of the CNFR.
In team roping, Ryan Sheperd and his partner, Cael Hilzendeger of Bismarck State, qualified for the CNFR and logged a cumulative time of 36 seconds across their three qualifying runs. On championship Saturday, they were one of only five teams to post a time, finishing fifth in the national standings. On the women’s side, the rodeo team received strong performances from Laysha Cottrell, Madison McGee, Laynee Ohm and Maggie Underhill throughout the season.
MPCC’s impact extended beyond the arena. Head coach Auaki Kaai accepted a plaque at the CNFR Coaches’ Breakfast recognizing the MPCC Augustiro, from Hoʻolehua, Hawaii, entered the Stampede as the 2024-25 Great Plains Region year poised to build on his freshman success after Rodeo of the Year—the fourth time in five years the capturing the Great Plains Region all-around title. college has received this honor. Coach Kaai was also Despite battling early-season injuries, he rallied named the Great Plains Region Coach of the Year. to claim his second consecutive all-around title and qualified for the CNFR ranked fifth nationally.
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he McCook Community College softball team’s historic run ended in the “Elite Eight” of the 20-team DI College World Series Tournament. The unranked Lady Indians finished the year 51-11 and went 3-2 in the team’s first-ever trip to the College World Series. CWS week began for the 16th seeded Lady Indians with an openinground 4-2 loss to No. 17 Crowder Community College (Neosho, Mo.) That sent the team to the consolation round where MCC upset No. 2 McLennan Community College (Waco, Texas) 11-6. On day three, the Lady Indians topped 10th seeded Trinity Valley (Athens, Texas) 8-3 to open the day, then won 6-3 Wednesday night over No. 8 Butler Community College (El Dorado, Kan.). The season came to an end on day four with a 10-2 loss to No. 11 Wallace State Community College. “The week proved that we belong right up there with any of the top teams in the county,” said MCC Coach Mike Mendenhall. At the CWS Banquet in Yuma, Ariz
to start the week, Mendenhall was one of 16 coaches receiving regional Coach of the Year awards. In his third season at MCC, Mendenhall picked up his 100th career win on April 13. During the regular season, the Lady Indians set the school record with 48 wins and claimed the school’s second ever Region IX title. The team finished the regular season fifth in the nation in total runs (520), eighth in total bases (941) and third in stolen bases (205). MCC pitchers struck out 323 hitters, seventh best in the nation. Four players from the record-setting team, Sadie Kahl, Anna Elliott, Laila Gutierrez and Lexi Knapp, signed on to play at four-year schools. In the classroom, the team earned a 2025 designation from the NJCAA as an Academic Team of the Year with a 3.46 team grade point average. There were 11 players selected to NJCAA All-Academic teams for GPAs of 3.6 and higher and 14 players named to the 2024-2025 Academic All-Region IX women’s team.
orth Platte Community College officially adopted women’s basketball in 1975, with Teri Caswell leading the inaugural Knights team. Since then, the program has grown into a regional powerhouse and advanced to the national stage under the guidance of dedicated coaches. Over the past eight years, the Knights have experienced a surge in regional prominence, winning the Region IX Tournament five times. During that span, North Platte claimed three district titles and made three appearances in the NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Championship.
propelled them to another Region IX Championship and a berth in the North Central A District Championship. Facing adversity early in the district championship, the Knights overcame an 18-point first-quarter deficit, outscoring North Iowa Area Community College 65–33 over the final three quarters to earn a return trip to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament in Joplin, Mo., March 17-22. In the opening round of the tournament, North Platte squared off with No. 13 seeded Schoolcraft. The Knights capitalized on key buckets down the stretch to outlast the Ocelots for their first national tournament win in school history.
At the center of this success has been head coach Jeff Thurman, an Illinois native who arrived from Black Hawk East College. In his first season, Thurman guided the Knights The cinderella run ended in the to a Region IX Championship, second round with a 53–42 loss laying the foundation for years of to eventual national champion continued achievement. Johnson County Community Over the past two years, North College, sending them to the Platte has continued its dominance, consolation bracket. securing back-to-back regional crowns and establishing itself as the team to beat in DII Region IX women’s basketball.
The 2024–25 squad entered the season with high expectations. Their opening 65–50 victory over Southeast sparked a 9–2 run that
The season concluded with a loss to Illinois Central, as North Platte wrapped up another impressive campaign with a 21–14 record, a Region IX title and the North Central A District Championship.
Armando Villarreal CREDITS TEACHERS ALONG THE WAY FOR SUCCESS
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In first grade, Armando Villarreal created a Dallas Cowboys crayon drawing that went to the Nebraska State Art Show. “I knew I was going to be an artist ever since then,” said Villarreal. “There was never a plan b.” Today, after many ups and downs along the way, he is a full-time professional artist working and raising a family in the same southwest Nebraska town that he grew up in. From his first art teacher at Imperial Elementary School, to his art instructor at McCook Community College, he credits them for teaching him the skills that were needed to build a decorated career. At Chase County High School Dik Haneline, currently a Mid-Plains Community College art instructor in North Platte, taught him the rules of art.
I was born to do this. My whole life had led up to the point where it all came together to do football helmets. “He’s the one who introduced me to airbrushing and always entertained my ideas. Through this whole journey he has always been there. Even now, I can text him, ask him questions, and get his opinion to see what he thinks,” Villareal said. During his junior year of high school, Haneline brought his students to the McCook Community College Paint-In. Villarreal won best of show. A year later MCC Art Instructor Don Dernovich offered Villarreal a scholarship to attend MCC. “It was very hard because my dad was pushing me to go trade school to be a mechanic. That was a safe bet,” Villarreal shared.
But ultimately, he packed his bags and moved into the dorms at MCC, his first experience leaving home. “Mid-Plains is a natural progression from high school,” Villarreal shared. While he was there, he was able to learn what needed to be done to take his art to the next level. “Don gave me a better idea of how to be a professional artist and how to make money,” Villarreal said. “I learned how to present my art and how to sell it.” In 1997 Villarreal joined the Army Reserves with a buddy. He spent a semester at Ft. Hays State and went on to study art at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. While he was in Lincoln, he was the youngest artist to win the Nebraska Habitat Stamp, which he went on to win a handful more times. He also got a call to serve in Kosovo. Spending nine months in a war-torn country was lifechanging Villarreal recalled. “That’s where the military art started.” While overseas, he corresponded with his friend Lora from back home, whom he had worked with as a teenager at the local ice-cream shop. They would continue to correspond when he was called to serve again, this time in Iraq. During his 16-month deployment, after getting a blessing from Lora’s father to propose, they hiked to the top of Neuschwanstein Castle where she said yes to Villarreal’s proposal to marriage.
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show rebuilding cars. Unfortunately, it was short lived after the outfit was shut down for foul play. On a whim he found an ad from a sports art company in Los Angeles. He was hired as their lead artist and created masterpieces for Mohammed Ali, the NBA, NHL, MLB, NFL and Indianapolis 500. He sold his first $10,000 piece of artwork. He also had a piece of his artwork in Mohammed Ali’s house.
Before starting their family, the newlyweds continued to pursue Villarreal’s dream of becoming a full-time artist upon his return from his military service.
“It still blows my mind that I did Derek Jeter’s retirement artwork in the stadium, that’s just surreal,” said Villarreal. His rockstar moment was attending the Kansas City Royals FanFest with his family to unveil the World Series painting. After addressing the 5,000 fans there, they were flown to the Super Bowl, where Villarreal spent a week creating live artwork in the media center.
Villarreal took on various jobs “I was talking to Dan Marino every day, and I got to pay the bills. He painted to meet Troy Aikman!” motorcycles in Florida that won the But with all the excitement, he wasn’t fulfilled. most prestigious awards in the world. “I was miserable doing the thing I loved,” “The first motorcycle I ever Villarreal said. “I made the decision that I had airbrushed went to Sturgis and won Rat’s Hole, which is one of the biggest accomplished everything that I wanted to and came back to Imperial to work for my father-inbike shows in the world.” Villarreal law at the welding shop.” said. “It just went nuts.”
At the time Villarreal said it seemed like failure after failure. The motorcycle gig didn’t work out, the car adventure went south, the fine art piece was not consistent. It seemed Try it and if you fail, like he was always starting over again. get back up again.
His bikes won shows in Daytona, Leesburg, California and Dubai. The recession hit and nobody was buying bikes at the time. Villarreal remembers eating microwave popcorn for dinner because that was the only thing in the cabinets. “The whole starving artist thing was real,” Villarreal recalls.
So, he transitioned to airbrushing speed boats, cars and prosthetic legs. “You name it, they airbrush it in Florida,” Villarreal said.
“It was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. There were a few reality checks there that, looking back on it now, were good.” For Villarreal, it was so much more important to get back up.
He kept honing and learning skills from incredible “Try it and if you fail, get back up again,” he said. painters. He got his first magazine cover. He met He took a job at the City of Imperial in 2018 and product testers and producers. recalls a lifechanging moment. He was on the back of a truck dumping trash when a representative “I ended up working with all these people from Schutt called and asked if he would be who are the best in the world at what they do,” interested in painting football helmets. Villarreal said. Their adventures continued in California where Villarreal used his talents on a pilot television
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They did 220 that year. This year they will be custom painting close to 600 helmets.
“I was born to do this. My whole life had led up to put me in a position where I had opportunities I the point where it all came together to do football would never have otherwise.” helmets,” he said. That hard work has earned him a long list of Everything Villarreal learned from teachers and accolades and honors, including an Emmy Award mentors over the years came into play. for producing the documentary “Good Enough.” His meticulous drawings of Michael Jordan in high school helped him learn anatomy and emotion. He learned how to mix chemicals for the spray gun when he worked on motorcycles. His automotive background gave him the skills to know how to create artwork that doesn’t look like just a decal on a helmet. After the first year, Villarreal wasn’t sure they would call him again. However, in 2023 he was able to quit his city job and focus on creating hand-painted helmets full-time. “The UCF helmet, that’s the one that opened the doors,” Villarreal. “No one had ever seen anything like that before.” It took three to four hours per helmet, and they created 150 of them.
His advice to students is to dream big, work hard. “You have to work hard to put yourself into the position that luck can happen,” he smiled. He tells his own kids that starting out a community college is an excellent option. “I think Mid-Plains is great,” Villereal said. “It’s a wonderful thing to have locally, and if you’re not ready to take that big step you can start out small.” That’s exactly what he did. “I don’t want to be an artist; I am an artist. I am a dad, and I am a husband.” And he knows he is right where he is supposed to be.
His wife and father help with the production. Sometimes their kids will lend a hand, too. He is humbled to be a part of honoring the lives of two Utah Utes players, Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe. And he feels blessed that his family gets to have these experiences with him. Over the years he has hand-painted custom helmets for Mississippi State University, Utah, BYU, University of Central Florida, University of Maryland, University of Tennessee, University of Pittsburgh and the University of Illinois. “I want my art to mean something more than just being something pretty on the wall and I want to be able to give back somehow,” Villarreal said. Warrior Rising, a non-profit helping transform Veterans, is an opportunity for Villarreal to make a difference. Each year he provides a helmet to auction off and paints a gift for their guest speakers. He has created gifts for Marcus Luttrell, Nate Bargatze and Martha Stewart. “I’m a very firm believer in hard work. Hard work always led to the next thing and hard work
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Klayton Rinne
GRADUATES COLLEGE BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL
ince third grade, Klayton Rinne dreamed of earning an associate degree at the same time he finished high school. Last spring, that dream became reality when he walked across the Mid-Plains Community College stage to receive an Associate of Science degree just one day before graduating from Dundy County Stratton High School.
Degree of Nursing. “One of the things I love about nursing is how flexible it can be,” he said. Choosing MPCC, he added, was an easy decision. “I would argue any day that it’s one of the best community colleges in the state and even the nation because of the level of accessibility MidPlains provides.”
With community campuses in Imperial, Ogallala, Broken Bow, Valentine, and the new Learning Rinne first connected with MPCC through Center in Benkelman, Rinne is especially excited Inter-High Days, where students can earn to have a facility in summer scholarships his hometown. “It’s a by competing in various great opportunity for At Mid-Plains, there are categories. He took his community members, always people ready to help first two classes with the even if they aren’t you do your best. college the summer of pursuing a degree,” he 2022. “From there I really said. just found enjoyment in the challenge.” “It felt amazing,” Rinne said.
As a junior, he began taking MPCC courses each term and soon realized an associate degree was within reach. “If there is something I believe I can do, I will do anything I can to achieve that goal,” he said. In Abnormal Psychology with instructor Courtney Johnston, “I became fascinated with understanding the workings of the human mind,” Rinne said. That interest aligns well with his future plans. This fall Rinne returned to MPCC to pursue an Associate
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Rinne is a third-generation MPCC alum, following his grandmother, mother and aunt. An MPCC tradition is to ask alumni to stand during the commencement ceremonies. Seeing his family members recognized during commencement was a meaningful moment. He credits MPCC for giving him the support he needed to succeed. “Step out of your comfort zone,” Rinne advised. “And know that at Mid-Plains, there are always people ready to help you do your best.”
Dual Credit
COURSES OFFERED TUITION FREE TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
he Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors approved a new initiative to provide free tuition for dual credit and early entry courses beginning in the fall of the 2025-26 academic year.
According to an April report by the Nebraska Statewide Workforce & Educational Reporting System, 87.6% of students who participate in dual enrollment go on to pursue college after high school. Among those who enroll in a twoyear institution, dual enrollment students are significantly more likely to persist, with 81% continuing into their second year compared to just 67% of their non-dual enrollment peers.
“MPCC is proud to offer high-quality coursework to high school students inside and outside our service area,” said Kayla Thurman director of early entry and program development. “Making dual 87.6% of students who credit courses free removes “Early entry opportunities participate in dual barriers and opens doors provide students many enrollment go on to pursue advantages,” President Ryan allowing all students to college after high school. participate, build confidence Purdy stated. “It can provide and get a head start on their direction on career choices, college and career goals.” boost student’s confidence in furthering their education, give them a jumpstart on their higher Early entry allows Nebraska high school and education or help get them in the workforce homeschool students to take college level earlier in high need jobs.” courses without first obtaining a high school diploma. Classes may be taken as dual credit, meaning they count toward high school and college credit at the same time, or as a separate course load.
The impact was immediate and dramatic during the 2025-26 fall semester as enrollment jumped more than 20%, with total student credit hours soaring by over 1,400.
The Nebraska Legislature began to provide dual enrollment funding to the six community colleges at the end of the 2020-21 academic year.
Although early entry classes will be offered for free tuition, students will still be responsible for tools, textbooks or any other associated course fees.
To learn more contact Kayla Thurman earlyentry@mpcc.edu | 308-535-3607
COUPLE TREASURES COMMUNITY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE mily and Reese Dellevoet of Elm Creek loved their Mid-Plains Community College experience. The high school sweethearts, both graduates of McCook High School, attended McCook Community College, a division of MPCC, as education majors. Emily began classes in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The way it worked out was too perfect,” she said. “I was still having class when all my friends at the university were stuck in their dorm rooms.” Reese took a gap year for an internship in Kearney and joined her at MCC the following year. “The quality of education isn’t any less because you pay less,” Reese added. “Education is education.” They enjoyed sharing a campus, often walking to class together. “It was fun when we had classes together because the teachers thought we were siblings,” Emily laughed. Though they lived off campus after marrying in 2021, they never felt disconnected. Emily loved studying in the library with free hot chocolate, participating in PTK and being part of the Homecoming court. “I made lifelong friends. Even though it’s a small school, you meet people from all over the world,” she said.
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Reese stayed busy with intramural sports—sand volleyball, ultimate Frisbee and basketball. As vice president of student senate, he helped organize events like trunk-or-treat and participated in a campus leadership group. “You’re not going to miss out on anything at a community college,” he said. “If you want to be supported by a community, go to MCC.” Both credit their instructors for shaping their college experience. “You get a personal relationship with every professor,” Reese said. Emily felt especially influenced by instructors Loretta Hauxwell and Tyler Esch. “I still have my notes from Loretta’s classes,” she said. Learning her own style helped shape her career in special education. “Every kid learns differently.” Emily earned her associate of science in 2022, transferred to UNK, and is now a preschool special education teacher at Lexington Public Schools. “It’s nice that I can be their safe space,” she said. Reese completed his degree at UNK in December 2024 and is a 7th grade math teacher at Holdrege Middle School. He credits MCC for strengthening his communication skills and confidence. “The number of opportunities at MCC are invaluable. It prepared us for life.”
Keeping Nebraska’s Wealth Close to Home ebraska is approaching one of the largest transfers of wealth in its history. In the coming decades, billions of dollars will pass from one generation to the next. According to the Nebraska Community Foundation, directing even a small portion of those funds toward local causes can have a lasting impact, particularly when invested in education. At Mid-Plains Community College, planned giving continues to demonstrate its power to change lives. Two estate gifts — the WalshBrady and Durbin scholarships — have provided support to thousands of students.
BEQUESTS Include MPCC in your will or living trust to make a lasting impact without affecting your finances today.
CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES Receive dependable income for life while supporting MPCC students.
•Walsh-Brady Scholarship: 3,435 scholarships awarded since 2004, totaling $1,814,940 in assistance.
CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUSTS
•Durbin Scholarship: 580 awards since 2010, totaling $995,668 in aid. These funds illustrate how one individual’s generosity can open doors to higher education and create a lasting impact locally. Marilyn McGahan, a longtime supporter of MPCC, recently established a bequest through the North Platte Community College Foundation. She noted that the process was straightforward and rewarding.
Provide income for yourself or loved ones, with the remainder benefiting MPCC.
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS Name MPCC as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, life insurance policy, or investment account.
“You just meet with your attorney and decide what matters to you. It doesn’t have to be complicated or large, but it can make a lasting difference.”
RETAINED LIFE ESTATES
By designating a planned gift to one of the MidPlains Community College foundations, alumni and friends can ensure their resources remain in Nebraska, supporting education, opportunity and the communities we call home.
Donate your home or property to MPCC but continue living there during your lifetime.
Each gift type offers unique financial and tax benefits, allowing you to leave a meaningful legacy for future students.
DONOR ADVISED FUNDS Recommend grants to MPCC through your existing donor advised fund.
Leave a legacy through a bequest or planned gift alumni@mpcc.edu | 308-535-3754
orth Platte Community College will mark its 60th anniversary with a series of yearlong celebrations throughout the 2025–26 academic year, honoring six decades of growth, innovation and service to students and the community. The journey began in the summer of 1964, when momentum for establishing a junior college in North Platte increased alongside the construction of a new post office and federal courthouse. The federal government transferred ownership of the former post office at Fifth and Jeffers to the Junior College District, and by August 31, 1965, North Platte College officially opened its doors under the leadership of President Otto Oakes. In September 1968, the college expanded with the opening of the Mid-Plains Vocational Technical College, located in the old North Platte City Library and the Children’s Museum and warehouse. As student demand continued to grow, plans for a larger
facility took shape. Thanks to a land donation from Victor Halligan and the vision of Wendell Wood, the campus now known as North Campus was completed in January 1971. Further expansion followed in 1972 when North Platte Junior College received a generous bequest from the estate of the late Janet McDonald. This gift enabled the development of the current campus at 601 West State Farm Road. Over the past five decades, the college has continually evolved to meet the needs of its students and the region. It has added modern facilities for programs such as auto body repair, diesel technology and health occupations. In the last 30 years, the college has introduced dedicated student housing, expanded student activity spaces and redeveloped its South Campus to include a pavilion to enhance student safety from one side of campus to the other. The institution is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the community and the contributions of board members, students, faculty and staff—past and present—whose dedication has shaped the college’s mission and success over the last 60 years.
JOIN US
for a ribbon cutting ceremony & tours of our new facility
Electrical Technology Ribbon Cutting February 18 | 4pm 1101 Halligan Drive North Platte, NE 69101
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HONORED DONORS The following Honor Roll recognizes gifts to Mid-Plains Community College through the North Platte Community College Foundation and the McCook College Foundation between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. We are deeply grateful to the individuals, businesses and organizations whose generosity advances opportunities for all our MPCC students. Donations made to MPCC through booster clubs or other independent entities may not be reflected.
Up to $249 Jessica Abbott* Becky Lynn Barner Gigi Berol Kristin K. Borman Mandy Brandes Rachel Conroy* Bridget L. Correll Gregg Cudzilo Jon Dinkel Mindy Fisher Penny Gonzales*
$500 - 999
Tad & Jennifer Pfeifer Dr. Dave Potter Alyssa Rippe* Amy Sabatka Gigi Sattler* Erika Schmidt
Oakeson Steiner Wealth & Retirement
Danielski Harvesting & Farming
Parker Hannifin Foundation
First Nebraska Financial Services
Priority Medical Transport LLC
Keplr Vision
Ryan & Leah Purdy**
Pushkar & Shreya Agrawal Kanade
Eric & Kim Seacrest
Gail M. Knott
$10,000 - 19,999
Jessie Spencer*
Tara L. Naughtin
Carriage House Foundation
Brantleigh Taylor*
Kelly K. Rippen*
Alan & Cheri Erickson
Katie Wheeler*
Grant & Wendy Schramm
Imperial Community Foundation
Rebecca Wrage
Daniel Stinman
Johnny Carson Foundation
Western Nebraska Bank
Nebraska Community Foundation NebraskaLand Bank
$250 - 499
Wilk Builders
Rodney Gordine*
Holly Andrews
Jessica Lynn Grasmick
Susi Bolt*
$1,000 - 4,999
Karen Haller
Jimi Ann Cole
Acklie Charitable Foundation
$20,000 - 99,999
Mark Hardiman
Darwin L. Ehlers
Roger & Susan Eggleston
Krista Heiss
Tyler Sue Esch*
Jake Elmshaeuser
Mike & Linda Boesen
Jessica N. Hernandez
Carol J. Garrison
Susan Furrow
Tammy M. Higgins
Heather L. Harvie*
Dr. Kathy A. Harrison
Calvin Clinger in honor of Patricia Clinger
Shelby Hills
Jason Johnson
Home Instead Senior Care
Community Hospital-McCook*
Patrick Jacobson
Kaci Jo Johnson
Allyn Kemp
Sharon Kircher*
Evan Kemp
Brenda L. Ledall
Rex & Jeanine Kemp
Kim Maciejewski
Eric Gonzalez
Tamela Laurie* Dustia A. Lawrence Kristi Leibhart Becky Meyers* Terra Michaelis* Jennifer Morgan* Ronna Morse
Farra Morgan Lorrie Mowry*
Ted & Misty Klug, Jr.* Randy & Kim Korgan* Kwik Stop Food Stores Nebraska Public Power District
Kristin Nichole Simpson
The Graff Charitable Foundation*
Donald Staroska Mike Steele Dr. Jody Tomanek
Haven Smith
National High School Rodeo Foundation
Lana Stewart*
Jo Etta Brown
Sheri J. Hink-Wagner*
Cathy Nutt
Daren Wilkinson
Equitable Bank
Jamie Peters
Emily Wurl
Crystal L. Peterson
Robert E. & Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation Union Pacific Railroad Foundation
$5,000 - 9,999
Scott Mustion
Great Plains Health Prataria Ventures-North Platte, LLC
Patricia Schaffer
Brian Obert* Brenda Peters*
Bullseye Electric
Kevin M. O’Connor
Bobbi Lynn Muehlenkamp* Chris Gould
Wilkins Architecture Design Plng, L.L.C.*
Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation Midwest Door & Hardware
*Denotes donors to the McCook College Foundation **Denotes donors to both the McCook College Foundation and the North Platte Community College Foundation
$100,000 - Above Robert B. Daugherty Foundation Roy & Gloria Dinsdale Foundation* Peter Kiewit Foundation The Ivy Trust c/o Adams Bank & Trust The Sherwood Foundation William & Ruth Scott Foundation**
Senko Pecarevic
Rian Good
After graduating in 2014, Senko spent several years working as an electrician in Rochester, New York, before moving into railroad signal maintenance in Northern California. He is currently employed with Canadian National in Illinois.
Good graduated from the MLT program in May and is now working as a lab technician with Eurofins, where she helps test a wide range of products—including meats, spices, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and beverages—to ensure public safety. She will also be tutoring for the MPCC MLT program while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in biotechnology. Good recently celebrated another milestone: moving into her first home.
Jeffrey Olson
Jason Baker
Following his time at MPCC, Olson completed his bachelor’s degree at UNK in 2015. He began his career with GIX Logistics in Grand Island where he has progressed from a junior sales role to senior and now major account sales. Olson is also a photographer specializing in weddings, seniors and couples. A recent graduate of Leadership Tomorrow Class #38, Olson now serves on its board. A first-generation college student, he credits MPCC for providing the foundation and encouragement he needed to pursue a four-year degree. He remembers the speech at his graduation, given by a single mother raising her kids while going to school and entering the automotive field, as the most impactful one he has ever heard.
Christie Copper Copper attended MPCC as a non-traditional student while balancing marriage, two teenagers and a full-time job. A proud PTK member, she graduated in 1996 before earning her bachelor’s degree from UNK in 1998 and her master’s degree from Doane College in 2004. Copper began teaching in North Platte in 2000, where she served in both elementary and special education roles for more than two decades. After several years at Hershey Public Schools and a brief retirement, she returned to MPCC in 2025—first as a substitute in adult education and now as the disability services specialist on the South Campus. She loves being back “home” at MPCC and working alongside some of the same staff who were there when she was a student.
Baker was recently elected to the board of directors for the NAPE/AFSCME union for the 2025–2027 term. Baker works as a vocational rehabilitation counselor with the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Bryce Grothman After graduating with honors from UNK in May, Grothman joined Dan Osborn’s U.S. Senate campaign as a full-time regional organizer. In this role, he works closely with volunteers, helping coordinate door-knocking and phonebanking efforts. It has been a fast-paced and exciting year, and Grothman said he is loving every minute of it.
Obituaries Gregg Mitchell Todd att. ’03, Died January 12, 2024 Joy Elaine Osborne att. ’70s, Died March 29, 2024 Rosetta Judd att. ’16, Died June 20, 2024 Wayne Cook att. 2000s, Died July 18, 2024 Nola Elaine Straub att. 2000s, Died August 19, 2024 Michael Dean Leibrandt att. ’80s, Died August 23, 2024 Nicole Lynn Gaona att. ’90s, Died October 5, 2024 Matt Greenwood att. ’12, Died October 5, 2024 Teresa May Pratt att. ’60s, Died October 20, 2024 Sue J. Eskew att. ’18, Died December 7, 2024 Phillip DeLoss ‘Phil’ Smith att. 2000s, Died May 5, 2025 Mary Ann Hlavinka att. ’60s, Died May 14, 2025 Margaret Ann Kirkland att. 2010s, Died May 20, 2025
Judy McClellen McClellen graduated from MPCC in 1985 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in mild to moderate special education. She currently teaches 7th-grade special education math at Wilson Middle School in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Jack G. Lytle att. ’50s, Died May 23, 2025 Gary Joe Hastings att. ’60s, Died July 5, 2025 Christopher Wade Kemp att. ’12, Died July 12, 2025 Taffy Hastings att. ’70s, Died July 12, 2025
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