North Central Missouri College marked its 90th anniversary with an all-day celebration on Thursday, which included recognition of distinguished alumni and lead gift contributors to the “Preserving the Past, Focusing on the Future” capital campaign along with student scholarship recipients and donors.
NCMC Board of Trustees member and alumus Dr. John Holcomb served as emcee for the luncheon at the Sugg Room of the Ketcham Community Center, where five individuals were named to the latest class of NCMC Distinguished Alumni. They included Harry Bratton of Lee’s Summit, Herb Webster of Kearney and Robert Witten, Phil Hoffman and Jack Derry of Trenton. Dr. Neil Nuttall, NCMC Foundation President Cathy Bailey and NCMC women’s basketball coach Jenni Croy presented medals to the five honorees.
Also recognized were Dr. Albert and Carol Cross of Trenton along with members of the Hoover Foundation Board of Directors, both of whom provided lead gift donations for the Geyer Hall renovation project. Dr. and Mrs. Cross received a crystal bowl in recognition of their generous gift while members of the Hoover Foundation were presented with wall hangings containing a photo of Geyer Hall along with other written memorabilia.
Meredith Black, representing the Hoover Foundation, talked about Bert and Rose Hoover, for whom the foundation is named. She said their interest in the community, including education, led to the couple providing many monetary gifts that have benefitted all who live in Trenton and Grundy County as well as all who will do so in the future. The Hoover Foundation has contributed over $1 million for projects on the NCMC campus.
In addition to Mrs. Black, other board members are Mack Woodard, Phil Hoffman, Laura Sue Daniels and Tracy Utley.
Also during the luncheon, recognition was given to former distinguished alumni in attendance as well as Board of Trustee members who were present. The program ended with remarks from outgoing Board President Chris Hoffman, who recognized retiring college president Dr. Neil Nuttall, thanking him for “buying into NCMC” through his dedication and hard work over the past 11 years.
The celebration continued with a tour of the Barton Farm Campus before returning to Cross Hall, where student scholarship recipients and donors were recognized.
NCMC Foundation Scholarship Chairman Gary Black noted that the college now has over $3.5 million in endowed scholarships, which will result in the college having over $175,000 in financial help for students next year. Under the current campaign, $599,597.69 has been given to NCMC for scholarships.
Jane Ryan Stoll and Phil Hoffman talked about the scholarships their families have provided to the college and the importance of having that money available for individuals to continue their education.
Mrs. Stoll’s father, Lelan Ryan, established the Maud Ryan Nursing Scholarship in honor of her mother, who taught nursing classes at NCMC for many years. She said both of her parents recognized the importance of education and the need to help others achieve that goal. Mrs. Stoll read a quote from a former student of Mrs. Ryan, who said that Mrs. Ryan was always available to her when she needed her and pushed her to do her best.
Hoffman talked about the Jeanette Hoffman Robison Scholarship, established by her husband, Jim, in honor of Hoffman’s aunt. Hoffman said that his uncle began his life on a farm in South Dakota and, realizing the importance of an education, traveled to Minnesota and enrolled in college at the age of 16. He obtained a master’s degree from the Harvard University School of Business and, having a very successful business career, established scholarships at several schools, including NCMC. Hoffman said his uncle, too, realized the need for students to get that extra push by having money available to them to continue their post-secondary education. A “little scholarship,” Hoffman said, has provided many students with that opportunity to pursue their educational goals.
Recipients of both of those scholarships spoke during the event. Bobby Hanrahan, who received the Ryan Scholarship, said the funds were important in helping her find a way to finance her dream of going to college. She noted that as a working mother with two children, money could sometimes be tight and that the scholarship was helpful as she pursues a registered nursing degree.
Jeana Noel is a recipient of the Robison Scholarship and said that had it not been for that award, college for her would not have been possible. With an interest in agriculture, she knew NCMC would be a good fit for her and that the scholarship has been a big help. As a result, Miss Noel said she has now decided to pursue a four-year degree in ag science with plans to become a livestock specialist.
A third student, Chelsey Valentine, talked on behalf of all scholarship students and how important the assistance provided them through scholarships is. She thanked all those who have established scholarships at NCMC and encouraged those students now receiving money to consider doing the same in the future to give back for the help they have received while at the college. Miss Valentine said that while her plans had orignally been to come to NCMC and get a two-year degree, she will now be pursing a four-year degree at Northwest Missouri State University after graduation next month.
The day ended with a celebration at the KCC, where brats, hot dogs and hamburgers were served to the community and the band “Hired Gun” provided music.