Scholarship Search

Al Leckler passed away in July, 1996 and Lois (Waitley) Leckler passed away in December, 2020.  They owned and operated Leckler's Upholstery and taught the upholstery class at NJC for 20 years.  Their love of teaching included the Sunday School classes at Christ United Methodist Church in Sterling.  After Al's death, Lois spent the next 15 years as a paraprofessional at Sterling Middle School.  Both of their daughters attended NJC, where they received AA degrees in humanities, continuing on to the University of Northern Colorado to receive educational degrees.

Young people were always extremely important to both Al and Lois, and they loved the opportunities NJC offered the community, so the family chose to honor their memory with this scholarship.

This is a memorial scholarship created by family, friends and former students to honor the life of Allen Nelson who passed away on October 3, 2024. Allen H. Nelson was born January 7th, 1943 to Harvey and Mary Jane (Gardner) Nelson in Holyoke, CO. He spent his youth and high school days in Crook, CO, graduating from Crook High School in 1961. Allen then attended Colorado State University receiving his bachelors of science in agriculture then his Masters of education. Later, Allen attended Washington State University, furthering his education. 

This memorial scholarship was founded in 2004 by a fundraiser the Feeders and Friends group put on in memory of Andi Whitlock after she passed away unexpectedly at just 20 years old in a car accident. 

Andrea Lynne "Andi" Whitlock was born April 26, 1983, in Casper, Wyo., to Guy and Sandi (Tappy) Whitlock. She graduated from Prairie High School in 2001 and attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling. She played on the NJC Basketball team from 2001-2003. Andi was part of a team that won the Region IX title and made a trip to the National Tournament. Andi was a girl with outstanding character and resolve and was a friend to many and loved the game of basketball. She practiced as hard as she played in games and they said she had a smile that would light up New York. She had a demeanor that would carry the team and according to friends, family and teammates, she wasn’t always the best player in talent; she was the best player in using the talent she had.

Andi enjoyed working with horses and roping, riding motorcycles, watching football and participating in many sports. At the time of her death, she was an emergency medical technician for the Life Care Ambulance Service in Sterling. She also was a volunteer with the New Raymer-Stoneham Volunteer Fire Department. Because Andi was an EMT at the time of her death, the scholarship is focused on helping students who are majoring in emergency medical services at NJC.

This scholarship was created in the fall of 1982 in memory of two very special women. 

Anna C. Petteys was an American education activist, newspaper woman, lecturer and politician in the mid-20th century. She was inducted into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame in 2008. Anna was born in 1892. She met her husband, Alonzo, at Grinnell College. The two were married in Iowa before moving to Weldona, CO in 1914 and then eventually making Brush, Colorado home, where they raised their four children.

Anna owned the Sterling Journal-Advocate with her son Bob until they sold it in the 1950's. It was during this period, she spent quite a lof of time in Sterling writing a column for the paper. She rented an apartment so she wouldn't have to drive back and forth to Brush while working on the column. Anna's column was titled "PostScripts" and was written on a variety of topics. Often times her trips overseas were highlighted and she shared the culture of the country along with the educational methods and needs of each. She was also discuss ways to bring educational ideas that worked in other countries to incorporate into our educational system. Similarly, while in other countries, she would discuss with their educational leaders possible ways to improve their educational systems.

It was also during this period that Anna wrote a book about Dr. Portia Lubchenco, a physician who practiced medicine in Haxtun and Sterling for many years. The book, “Dr. Portia,” was published in 1964, and Anna did much of her writing in her Sterling apartment where she could collaborate with Dr. Portia as needed. Anna actively supported Northeastern Junior College and became good friends with Dorothy Corsberg. 

Her philanthropic work extended to include hospitals, libraries, women's shelters, volunteer fire departments, two newspapers, as well as a radio station and much more, throughout most of northeastern Colorado. In 1950 Anna was elected to a 6-year term of the State Board of Education.  She was elected for two more terms, the last four years of which she served as Chair. It was then she caught the attention of the White House and was appointed to the Committee for Special Education and the Committee on Education for Migrant Children. She was also active in the United Nations, first having been selected to attend the United Nations Charter Convention in San Francisco, and later on appointment to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

Dorothy Jean "Jeane" Corsberg was a longtime educator and arts patron, she was Professor Emeritus of Humanities at Northeastern Junior College (NJC) in Sterling. Ms. Corsberg taught at Northeastern in Sterling for 41 years before retiring in 1987. While at NJC, Ms. Corsberg served in many capacities, from instructor to Dean of Women to chair of the Humanities Division. While in Sterling, Ms. Corsberg worked closely with the Sterling Arts Council to bring art exhibits, music and theatre productions to Sterling. She won numerous awards for activities in the Sterling community and for excellence in teaching, including being named the Colorado Community College Teacher of the Year. 

In 1987, NJC dedicated its new theatre to her and named in her honor. Ms. Corsberg was instrumental in the planning and design of the performing arts facility. Ms. Corsberg was a member of PEO, Chapter Z, the NJC Alumni Association, the N.E.A., the National Council of Teachers of English, Friends of the UNC Libraries, Friends of the City of Greeley Museum, Friends of the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra and the Greeley Chamber Orchestra. Ms. Corsberg always brought out the best in everything she did and in everyone she met. She was a wonderful educator, a counselor for many students, a supporter of the arts and humanities and a true friend. She was very generous with her time and talents and always showed concern for her students, friends and family.

Anna C. Petteys & Dorothy J. Corsberg's scholarship was created due to their love for education. It is to support well rounded students from Logan and Morgan counties who wish to study education, humanities or journalism. 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Bank of Colorado is a community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Over time, they’ve grown from a small bank, focused on ag lending, to a full-service financial institution with a full suite of products one would expect to find at a large bank. Whether you’re opening your first checking account, getting your first small business loan, or refinancing your house, Bank of Colorado is here to help! While they are progressive in their offerings, they still understand the importance of knowing their customers by name and the value of a handshake.
Bank of Colorado's values have never wavered, and they stay true to the foundation of community. Giving back to the communities they serve, where they live and work, is always a priority. Over the years they have sponsored hundreds of local causes, including school activities, special events, children’s programs, and more.
Although the Bank of Colorado has been a proud supporter of the NJC Foundation for decades, this scholarship was formed in Spring 2023 to provide high school graduate scholarships to the 22 schools in NJC's local service area and a combined 26 scholarships to 2nd year students from Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Morgan, Yuma and Washington counties that are majoring in different areas around campus.
 

Barbara F. "Babe" Kaiser,  was born to German-Russian parents, Andrew and Barbara Appelhans in Sterling on February 6, 1929. She was the youngest of five children. Barbara's father died when she was two years old, and it was during this time forward that she developed her hard work ethic and no-nonsense approach to life. Barbara graduated from St. Anthony's Catholic High School. She married Alex Adam Kaiser at the age of twenty-three. From this union three children were born, Jerald, Alexes and Steven. Alex worked at the sugar beet factory to support his family, while Barbara worked at a meat packing plant as a bookkeeper. When the 5 o'clock whistle blew at the sugar beet factory, the kids knew to run for home to meet their father for family supper. Alex passed away after twenty-seven years of marriage. 

Barbara began working part-time at the Logan County Courthouse in the treasurer's office. She discovered that she loved this new career, and would later determine that she would run for Logan County Treasurer. Barbara was elected and would serve three terms as the Logan County Treasurer, thoroughly enjoying her job at the court house. After retirement, she enjoyed daily coffee at McDonalds with friends, playing cards and Bunco, and keeping up on her grandchildren's activities. 

During her life Barbara was a member of the Saint Anthony's Catholic Church and the St. Joan of Arc Circle. She followed closely, with pride, the activities, especially academics, which her children and later grandchildren were involved in. She was a great model for her family and many others as she never saw herself as a victim during times of struggle, but rather always pulled herself up by her bootstraps and expected nothing less of those around her. She believed in stepping out of your comfort zone and pushing yourself to reach goals.

This memorial scholarship was established by Barbara's daughter, Alexis Ertle in 2016 and aims to assist a local student from an underrepresented class who is majoring in business.

This scholarship is established in 2022 by Big Iron to honor of Calvin West, long-time supporter of Northeastern Junior College. 

Calvin "Cal " Leroy West had a large personality and enjoyed an exciting life. Cal had an adventurous spirit and love riding motorcycles, snowmobiles, and ATVs. Cal was a collector of coins, John Deere memorabilia, belt buckles, and antique tractors.

Cal moved to Sterling, CO in 1977 and enjoyed a successful business career as an owner and general manager of Valley Implement/MV Equipment John Deere dealerships and numerous other local investments in the northeast Colorado area. He was known for his belief in the importance of developing people. He frequently spoke at national conferences on workforce development, and he actively supported agriculture career programs at NJC.  During his retirement years, Cal kept himself busy helping Big Iron Auctions with business development. Cal's passion for hard work and keen business insights will be remembered by all who worked with him through the years.

This scholarship was established in 2022 with the purpose to provide support for students majoring in Agriculture Production, Agriculture Business or Diesel Mechanics.

This scholarship is established in 2022 by BigIron to honor of Calvin West, long-time supporter of Northeastern Junior College. 

Calvin "Cal " Leroy West had a large personality and enjoyed an exciting life. Cal had an adventurous spirit and love riding motorcycles, snowmobiles, and ATVs. Cal was a collector of coins, John Deere memorabilia, belt buckles, and antique tractors.

Cal moved to Sterling, CO in 1977 and enjoyed a successful business career as an owner and general manager of Valley Implement/MV Equipment John Deere dealerships and numerous other local investments in the northeast Colorado area. He was known for his belief in the importance of developing people. He frequently spoke at national conferences on workforce development, and he actively supported agriculture career programs at NJC.  During his retirement years, Cal kept himself busy helping Big Iron Auctions with business development. Cal's passion for hard work and keen business insights will be remembered by all who worked with him through the years.

This scholarship was established in 2022 with the purpose to provide support for students majoring in Agriculture Production, Agriculture Business or Diesel Mechanics.

Langdon was born in 1937, in Haxtun. Her family lived in Paoli until 1942, the oldest of four children, Langdon helped her dad with farming, operated farm equipment and helped milk the cows. Langdon attended Fairfield School and Haxtun High School. She graduated from HHS in 1955. After high school, she went on to graduate from Swedish Covenant School of Nursing, in Chicago, in 1960. In September of that year, she married Don Langdon and began work as a charge nurse on the pediatric wing at the Sterling hospital. Then in 1961, they bought a farm one mile from Fleming. Langdon helped with the farming and ranching.

In the fall of 1962, the practical nursing program was started at NJC. Langdon was the main clinical instructor the first year.

Over the years, from 1962 until 1998, when Langdon retired, she taught every class in the program. She originated the Introduction to Gerontology class, which assisted students who worked in nursing homes. For many years, she worked a few hours each week in a clinical setting, while teaching, to keep her nursing skills current.

Being a diploma graduate, after she began teaching at NJC, she attended NJC and Colorado State University to obtain a bachelor’s degree and eventually a master’s. Later, she attended the University of Northern Colorado at night for one year to do graduate course work in gerontology.

Langdon served as chairperson of the NJC Faculty Organization for two years. Langdon recalls telling the college she would stay for one year, when they first asked her to start teaching, and she ended up staying 35 years.

Since retiring from NJC, she has worked part time as a home care nurse, a nurse consultant in an Alzheimer’s facility and as a substitute teacher in the Fleming school. She remains an avid supporter of the NJC Nursing Department.

This scholarship was created in 2024 by Bob and Norma Plank although their support for NJC has been lifelong. 

Bob Plank is well known on campus.  When anyone sits down to have a conversation with him about NJC, you can and will get a good history lesson, as Bob worked side by side with all of the greats on NJC’s campus at one time or another, either as a student or employee. Seventy-three years Bob and Norma have been supporting students and promoting NJC through the state.

Bob was raised in Fleming and graduated high school in 1950, then went on to NJC from 1950-1952, where he played basketball under Coach Roy Edwards. He was also the student body president and the sponsor of the program at that time was Ervin French; a member of the Phi Beta Kappa under advisor Dorothy Corsberg; and a business major with Zane Hays serving as his dean. He was recruited to be the registrar for NJC in 1961 by then-President Erv French and Zane Hays, French thought that Bob could get the enrollment up and Hays knew he could keep accurate records. At the time, the registrar’s office and the college presidents met once a month at the state capitol; it was a great opportunity for contacts to be made for the NJC programs and transferring credits. While Bob was the registrar, he started the elementary education program, working with Dorothy Corsberg.

In addition, Bob helped get NJC’s accreditation, working with the North Central Accreditation Committee. The records department held a key role in this process; at the time there were no backup records, so Bob had to microfilm all of the records that NJC had from 1941-1965. He completed this job and it was big for NJC when it became an accredited school.

Next, Bob served NJC in the capacity of business faculty with 12 full-time business instructors. They created a transfer program for accounting, vocational secretary science and marketing management programs, and he also sponsored a PBL (Professional Business Leaders) Club. They were an active club and respected by other clubs, both at two and four-year colleges and they were also very competitive at the state and national conventions, with one NJC student named the national convention winner one year. Their club took pride in always paying for all the members’ expenses for the conventions; they were amazing fundraisers, Bob recalls. While he was faculty at NJC, Bob won the Joel E. Mack Award, given in special recognition for outstanding instruction, a special award to him because it is selected by the students. He has also been the recipient of the NJC Agriculture’s Friend of the Department Award, in recognition of his dedication and service to the NJC students. When asked what one of his favorite parts of working for NJC was, he says helping the students to transfer, find jobs and find scholarships.

Bob was also on several special committees to the college over the years. He helped create the LPN program and still helps fund them today; he helped start the baseball program and assistant coached tennis. He ran an officiating clinic at NJC as well, to service the area with good officials. Some of the graduates in his class went on to big-time officiating, including an NCAA playoff game. Officiating is another very large chapter in Bob’s life, he officiated football and basketball for 28 years and has been at all levels, high school, junior college and four-year universities. For basketball, he officiated the state tournament for 24 years and several state championship games, and for football, he has refereed numerous playoff games and championship games at all levels from 6- and 8-man to 5A. At the last 5A state championship game he officiated in Longmont, he found out that he had been requested by the players to ref the game, which meant so much to him.

Bob has been chosen to represent Colorado at numerous out-of-state conventions, he helped write basketball rules for officials and once in Chicago he presented on crowd control. He was on the committee to approve girls basketball for the state of Colorado in 1976; he was also the state basketball officials president for five years. Bob was given the CHSAA Hall of Fame Award in 2013 and was also the recipient of a special memorial award for officials, an honor because he was nominated and voted on by all of Colorado officials.

Bob is currently 92 years old and he is still one of Northeastern’s hardest workers and fundraisers for the student community. Around 2015, he started helping out the NJC Foundation office and has worked with many different directors and coordinators through the years, but one thing is for sure, this man is relentless when it comes to raising money for student scholarships. The Foundation had to create an entirely new category of scholarship, called the Pathway Scholarship, solely to match the funds that this one man brings in annually.

“I could go another 73 years and never pay back NJC for all they have done for me. I struggled, I came here and they turned my life around,” said an emotional Bob upon accepting the award. “NJC is special; it’s not an ordinary junior college.”

This scholarship was created in 2024 by Bob and Norma Plank although their support for NJC has been lifelong. 

Bob Plank is well known on campus.  When anyone sits down to have a conversation with him about NJC, you can and will get a good history lesson, as Bob worked side by side with all of the greats on NJC’s campus at one time or another, either as a student or employee. Seventy-three years Bob and Norma have been supporting students and promoting NJC through the state.

Bob was raised in Fleming and graduated high school in 1950, then went on to NJC from 1950-1952, where he played basketball under Coach Roy Edwards. He was also the student body president and the sponsor of the program at that time was Ervin French; a member of the Phi Beta Kappa under advisor Dorothy Corsberg; and a business major with Zane Hays serving as his dean. He was recruited to be the registrar for NJC in 1961 by then-President Erv French and Zane Hays, French thought that Bob could get the enrollment up and Hays knew he could keep accurate records. At the time, the registrar’s office and the college presidents met once a month at the state capitol; it was a great opportunity for contacts to be made for the NJC programs and transferring credits. While Bob was the registrar, he started the elementary education program, working with Dorothy Corsberg.

In addition, Bob helped get NJC’s accreditation, working with the North Central Accreditation Committee. The records department held a key role in this process; at the time there were no backup records, so Bob had to microfilm all of the records that NJC had from 1941-1965. He completed this job and it was big for NJC when it became an accredited school.

Next, Bob served NJC in the capacity of business faculty with 12 full-time business instructors. They created a transfer program for accounting, vocational secretary science and marketing management programs, and he also sponsored a PBL (Professional Business Leaders) Club. They were an active club and respected by other clubs, both at two and four-year colleges and they were also very competitive at the state and national conventions, with one NJC student named the national convention winner one year. Their club took pride in always paying for all the members’ expenses for the conventions; they were amazing fundraisers, Bob recalls. While he was faculty at NJC, Bob won the Joel E. Mack Award, given in special recognition for outstanding instruction, a special award to him because it is selected by the students. He has also been the recipient of the NJC Agriculture’s Friend of the Department Award, in recognition of his dedication and service to the NJC students. When asked what one of his favorite parts of working for NJC was, he says helping the students to transfer, find jobs and find scholarships.

Bob was also on several special committees to the college over the years. He helped create the LPN program and still helps fund them today; he helped start the baseball program and assistant coached tennis. He ran an officiating clinic at NJC as well, to service the area with good officials. Some of the graduates in his class went on to big-time officiating, including an NCAA playoff game. Officiating is another very large chapter in Bob’s life, he officiated football and basketball for 28 years and has been at all levels, high school, junior college and four-year universities. For basketball, he officiated the state tournament for 24 years and several state championship games, and for football, he has refereed numerous playoff games and championship games at all levels from 6- and 8-man to 5A. At the last 5A state championship game he officiated in Longmont, he found out that he had been requested by the players to ref the game, which meant so much to him.

Bob has been chosen to represent Colorado at numerous out-of-state conventions, he helped write basketball rules for officials and once in Chicago he presented on crowd control. He was on the committee to approve girls basketball for the state of Colorado in 1976; he was also the state basketball officials president for five years. Bob was given the CHSAA Hall of Fame Award in 2013 and was also the recipient of a special memorial award for officials, an honor because he was nominated and voted on by all of Colorado officials.

Bob is currently 92 years old and he is still one of Northeastern’s hardest workers and fundraisers for the student community. Around 2015, he started helping out the NJC Foundation office and has worked with many different directors and coordinators through the years, but one thing is for sure, this man is relentless when it comes to raising money for student scholarships. The Foundation had to create an entirely new category of scholarship, called the Pathway Scholarship, solely to match the funds that this one man brings in annually.

“I could go another 73 years and never pay back NJC for all they have done for me. I struggled, I came here and they turned my life around,” said an emotional Bob upon accepting the award. “NJC is special; it’s not an ordinary junior college.”

This scholarship was created in 2024 by Bob and Norma Plank although their support for NJC has been lifelong. 

Bob Plank is well known on campus.  When anyone sits down to have a conversation with him about NJC, you can and will get a good history lesson, as Bob worked side by side with all of the greats on NJC’s campus at one time or another, either as a student or employee. Seventy-three years Bob and Norma have been supporting students and promoting NJC through the state.

Bob was raised in Fleming and graduated high school in 1950, then went on to NJC from 1950-1952, where he played basketball under Coach Roy Edwards. He was also the student body president and the sponsor of the program at that time was Ervin French; a member of the Phi Beta Kappa under advisor Dorothy Corsberg; and a business major with Zane Hays serving as his dean. He was recruited to be the registrar for NJC in 1961 by then-President Erv French and Zane Hays, French thought that Bob could get the enrollment up and Hays knew he could keep accurate records. At the time, the registrar’s office and the college presidents met once a month at the state capitol; it was a great opportunity for contacts to be made for the NJC programs and transferring credits. While Bob was the registrar, he started the elementary education program, working with Dorothy Corsberg.

In addition, Bob helped get NJC’s accreditation, working with the North Central Accreditation Committee. The records department held a key role in this process; at the time there were no backup records, so Bob had to microfilm all of the records that NJC had from 1941-1965. He completed this job and it was big for NJC when it became an accredited school.

Next, Bob served NJC in the capacity of business faculty with 12 full-time business instructors. They created a transfer program for accounting, vocational secretary science and marketing management programs, and he also sponsored a PBL (Professional Business Leaders) Club. They were an active club and respected by other clubs, both at two and four-year colleges and they were also very competitive at the state and national conventions, with one NJC student named the national convention winner one year. Their club took pride in always paying for all the members’ expenses for the conventions; they were amazing fundraisers, Bob recalls. While he was faculty at NJC, Bob won the Joel E. Mack Award, given in special recognition for outstanding instruction, a special award to him because it is selected by the students. He has also been the recipient of the NJC Agriculture’s Friend of the Department Award, in recognition of his dedication and service to the NJC students. When asked what one of his favorite parts of working for NJC was, he says helping the students to transfer, find jobs and find scholarships.

Bob was also on several special committees to the college over the years. He helped create the LPN program and still helps fund them today; he helped start the baseball program and assistant coached tennis. He ran an officiating clinic at NJC as well, to service the area with good officials. Some of the graduates in his class went on to big-time officiating, including an NCAA playoff game. Officiating is another very large chapter in Bob’s life, he officiated football and basketball for 28 years and has been at all levels, high school, junior college and four-year universities. For basketball, he officiated the state tournament for 24 years and several state championship games, and for football, he has refereed numerous playoff games and championship games at all levels from 6- and 8-man to 5A. At the last 5A state championship game he officiated in Longmont, he found out that he had been requested by the players to ref the game, which meant so much to him.

Bob has been chosen to represent Colorado at numerous out-of-state conventions, he helped write basketball rules for officials and once in Chicago he presented on crowd control. He was on the committee to approve girls basketball for the state of Colorado in 1976; he was also the state basketball officials president for five years. Bob was given the CHSAA Hall of Fame Award in 2013 and was also the recipient of a special memorial award for officials, an honor because he was nominated and voted on by all of Colorado officials.

Bob is currently 92 years old and he is still one of Northeatern’s hardest workers and fundraisers for the student community. Around 2015, he started helping out the NJC Foundation office and has worked with many different directors and coordinators through the years, but one thing is for sure, this man is relentless when it comes to raising money for student scholarships. The Foundation had to create an entirely new category of scholarship, called the Pathway Scholarship, solely to match the funds that this one man brings in annually.

“I could go another 73 years and never pay back NJC for all they have done for me. I struggled, I came here and they turned my life around,” said an emotional Bob upon accepting the award. “NJC is special; it’s not an ordinary junior college.”

This scholarship was created in 2024 by Bob and Norma Plank although their support for NJC has been lifelong. 

Bob Plank is well known on campus.  When anyone sits down to have a conversation with him about NJC, you can and will get a good history lesson, as Bob worked side by side with all of the greats on NJC’s campus at one time or another, either as a student or employee. Seventy-three years Bob and Norma have been supporting students and promoting NJC through the state.

Bob was raised in Fleming and graduated high school in 1950, then went on to NJC from 1950-1952, where he played basketball under Coach Roy Edwards. He was also the student body president and the sponsor of the program at that time was Ervin French; a member of the Phi Beta Kappa under advisor Dorothy Corsberg; and a business major with Zane Hays serving as his dean. He was recruited to be the registrar for NJC in 1961 by then-President Erv French and Zane Hays, French thought that Bob could get the enrollment up and Hays knew he could keep accurate records. At the time, the registrar’s office and the college presidents met once a month at the state capitol; it was a great opportunity for contacts to be made for the NJC programs and transferring credits. While Bob was the registrar, he started the elementary education program, working with Dorothy Corsberg.

In addition, Bob helped get NJC’s accreditation, working with the North Central Accreditation Committee. The records department held a key role in this process; at the time there were no backup records, so Bob had to microfilm all of the records that NJC had from 1941-1965. He completed this job and it was big for NJC when it became an accredited school.

Next, Bob served NJC in the capacity of business faculty with 12 full-time business instructors. They created a transfer program for accounting, vocational secretary science and marketing management programs, and he also sponsored a PBL (Professional Business Leaders) Club. They were an active club and respected by other clubs, both at two and four-year colleges and they were also very competitive at the state and national conventions, with one NJC student named the national convention winner one year. Their club took pride in always paying for all the members’ expenses for the conventions; they were amazing fundraisers, Bob recalls. While he was faculty at NJC, Bob won the Joel E. Mack Award, given in special recognition for outstanding instruction, a special award to him because it is selected by the students. He has also been the recipient of the NJC Agriculture’s Friend of the Department Award, in recognition of his dedication and service to the NJC students. When asked what one of his favorite parts of working for NJC was, he says helping the students to transfer, find jobs and find scholarships.

Bob was also on several special committees to the college over the years. He helped create the LPN program and still helps fund them today; he helped start the baseball program and assistant coached tennis. He ran an officiating clinic at NJC as well, to service the area with good officials. Some of the graduates in his class went on to big-time officiating, including an NCAA playoff game. Officiating is another very large chapter in Bob’s life, he officiated football and basketball for 28 years and has been at all levels, high school, junior college and four-year universities. For basketball, he officiated the state tournament for 24 years and several state championship games, and for football, he has refereed numerous playoff games and championship games at all levels from 6- and 8-man to 5A. At the last 5A state championship game he officiated in Longmont, he found out that he had been requested by the players to ref the game, which meant so much to him.

Bob has been chosen to represent Colorado at numerous out-of-state conventions, he helped write basketball rules for officials and once in Chicago he presented on crowd control. He was on the committee to approve girls basketball for the state of Colorado in 1976; he was also the state basketball officials president for five years. Bob was given the CHSAA Hall of Fame Award in 2013 and was also the recipient of a special memorial award for officials, an honor because he was nominated and voted on by all of Colorado officials.

Bob is currently 92 years old and he is still one of Northeastern’s hardest workers and fundraisers for the student community. Around 2015, he started helping out the NJC Foundation office and has worked with many different directors and coordinators through the years, but one thing is for sure, this man is relentless when it comes to raising money for student scholarships. The Foundation had to create an entirely new category of scholarship, called the Pathway Scholarship, solely to match the funds that this one man brings in annually.

“I could go another 73 years and never pay back NJC for all they have done for me. I struggled, I came here and they turned my life around,” said an emotional Bob upon accepting the award. “NJC is special; it’s not an ordinary junior college.”

This scholarship was created in 2024 by Bob and Norma Plank although their support for NJC has been lifelong. 

Bob Plank is well known on campus.  When anyone sits down to have a conversation with him about NJC, you can and will get a good history lesson, as Bob worked side by side with all of the greats on NJC’s campus at one time or another, either as a student or employee. Seventy-three years Bob and Norma have been supporting students and promoting NJC through the state.

Bob was raised in Fleming and graduated high school in 1950, then went on to NJC from 1950-1952, where he played basketball under Coach Roy Edwards. He was also the student body president and the sponsor of the program at that time was Ervin French; a member of the Phi Beta Kappa under advisor Dorothy Corsberg; and a business major with Zane Hays serving as his dean. He was recruited to be the registrar for NJC in 1961 by then-President Erv French and Zane Hays, French thought that Bob could get the enrollment up and Hays knew he could keep accurate records. At the time, the registrar’s office and the college presidents met once a month at the state capitol; it was a great opportunity for contacts to be made for the NJC programs and transferring credits. While Bob was the registrar, he started the elementary education program, working with Dorothy Corsberg.

In addition, Bob helped get NJC’s accreditation, working with the North Central Accreditation Committee. The records department held a key role in this process; at the time there were no backup records, so Bob had to microfilm all of the records that NJC had from 1941-1965. He completed this job and it was big for NJC when it became an accredited school.

Next, Bob served NJC in the capacity of business faculty with 12 full-time business instructors. They created a transfer program for accounting, vocational secretary science and marketing management programs, and he also sponsored a PBL (Professional Business Leaders) Club. They were an active club and respected by other clubs, both at two and four-year colleges and they were also very competitive at the state and national conventions, with one NJC student named the national convention winner one year. Their club took pride in always paying for all the members’ expenses for the conventions; they were amazing fundraisers, Bob recalls. While he was faculty at NJC, Bob won the Joel E. Mack Award, given in special recognition for outstanding instruction, a special award to him because it is selected by the students. He has also been the recipient of the NJC Agriculture’s Friend of the Department Award, in recognition of his dedication and service to the NJC students. When asked what one of his favorite parts of working for NJC was, he says helping the students to transfer, find jobs and find scholarships.

Bob was also on several special committees to the college over the years. He helped create the LPN program and still helps fund them today; he helped start the baseball program and assistant coached tennis. He ran an officiating clinic at NJC as well, to service the area with good officials. Some of the graduates in his class went on to big-time officiating, including an NCAA playoff game. Officiating is another very large chapter in Bob’s life, he officiated football and basketball for 28 years and has been at all levels, high school, junior college and four-year universities. For basketball, he officiated the state tournament for 24 years and several state championship games, and for football, he has refereed numerous playoff games and championship games at all levels from 6- and 8-man to 5A. At the last 5A state championship game he officiated in Longmont, he found out that he had been requested by the players to ref the game, which meant so much to him.

Bob has been chosen to represent Colorado at numerous out-of-state conventions, he helped write basketball rules for officials and once in Chicago he presented on crowd control. He was on the committee to approve girls basketball for the state of Colorado in 1976; he was also the state basketball officials president for five years. Bob was given the CHSAA Hall of Fame Award in 2013 and was also the recipient of a special memorial award for officials, an honor because he was nominated and voted on by all of Colorado officials.

Bob is currently 92 years old and he is still one of Northeastern’s hardest workers and fundraisers for the student community. Around 2015, he started helping out the NJC Foundation office and has worked with many different directors and coordinators through the years, but one thing is for sure, this man is relentless when it comes to raising money for student scholarships. The Foundation had to create an entirely new category of scholarship, called the Pathway Scholarship, solely to match the funds that this one man brings in annually.

“I could go another 73 years and never pay back NJC for all they have done for me. I struggled, I came here and they turned my life around,” said an emotional Bob upon accepting the award. “NJC is special; it’s not an ordinary junior college.”

This Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 by Bradley's family.

Bradley Joseph Samber was born April 23, 1982 in Sterling CO. Brad was the beloved son of Sue (Kent) Mueller and Johnnie Samber.

Brad graduated from Sterling High School in 2001 and then attended Northeastern Junior College where he graduated in 2003. He then transferred to Colorado College in Colorado Springs and earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry 2005. After graduation he worked as a Research Analyst at CU and CSU in the Cancer Research Laboratory until 2008. 

Brad then decided to take a leap of faith and travel to the east coast in 2008. He always wanted to explore "The City".  Brad loved the diversity of the people in the New York and New Jersey area. He graduated from Temple University in May 2018, with a Masters of Science Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance. Prior to passing, Brad was excited for a new opportunity, he accepted a new position with BAYER Pharmaceuticals as Manager of Regulatory Affairs. 

Brad was always looking for a new challenge. Brad had a love for travel and especially scuba diving which he did at many tropical locations including Hawaii, The Blue Hole in Belize, and Mexico. He loved to snow ski especially at Vail Resort. 

Because of Brad's love for science, this scholarship aims to assist a sophomore student majoring in Mathematics, Life or Physical Sciences and is chosen by his mother.

Bren Dee Rogers grew up in the Peetz area and attended NJC during the 1985-86 and 1986-87 school years. She graduated with an Associate Degree in Business and then proceeded to attend Colorado State University from 1988–1990, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She then later received her Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the Army War College in 2017.

After moving to Fort Collins to attend CSU, Rogers enlisted in the Colorado Army National Guard in February 1987. She began her career as an enlisted soldier in Bravo Company, 140th Signal Battalion, as a tactical teletype operator. She graduated from the Colorado Military Academy in 1992 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Military Police Corps. Rogers is a graduate of the Military Police Officer Basic Course, the Military Police Officer Advanced Course, the Signal Corps Advanced Course, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the Joint Forces Staff Course, and the Advance Joint Professional Military Education Course.

Rogers has served in numerous leadership and staff roles throughout her career including assignments from, Platoon Leader with the 220th Military Police Company to the Deputy Commander of the Colorado Army National Guard and culminating as the Commanding General for the Colorado Army National Guard.

She also served as a TAC (Teach, Advise, & Counsel) Officer for the Officer Candidate School at the Colorado Military Academy, Brigade S6, Force Protection/Mission Assurance Division (J34) at USNORTHCOM as a Plans/Policy/Training Officer, J7 for the Colorado National Guard Joint Staff, and Brigade S3.

During the time in the Army National Guard that she went from Rogers to Brigadier General, she also started up another career, as a firefighter, for the Fort Collins area in 1995. She served as a professional firefighter and emergency medical technician. After completing a 28-year career, she retired as a Captain for the Poudre Fire Authority.
 

Combining all of her areas of expertise made her able to lead and be involved in some of the most prolific events and situations.

Rogers deployed with the 220th Military Police Company in support of Operation Joint Forge in 2000 and was mobilized in support of the airport security mission after the 9/11 attacks and for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. She supported numerous domestic operation missions including the Coal Seam and Hayman Wildland fires and was the Task Force-Security Commander for the High Park, Waldo Canyon, and Black Forest Wildland Fires.

Brigadier General Rogers has been awarded numerous federal awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. She has also been awarded the Joint Meritorious Unit Award and the German Armed Forces Military Efficiency Badge (Bronze) and several state awards.

Rogers moved back to the area in 2008. She loves being back in this great community again and loves living on the ranch. She is a fifth-generation Coloradan. Rogers currently is a member of the National Guard Association of Colorado, the National Guard Association of the United States, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

“Without this community, without NJC I couldn’t have gotten here.” Brigadier General Bren Dee Rogers

Bruce Perryman served as President at Northeastern Junior College from 1995-2004.

While at NJC, some say that what he accomplished here during his tenure has never since, been duplicated by any one president. A very long and impressive list follows: In 1997 NJC entered the State System of Community Colleges; in 1998 the college had its grand opening of the NJC Event Center; the new residence hall, Guenzi-Read-Breidenbach (GRB) was completed; 75 acres for the ag farm was purchased; he clock tower was constructed in the center of campus; the greenhouse was constructed for the horticulture program; the men’s baseball program was added and the field constructed on the North Campus; the women’s softball program was added; NJC purchased the Landrum apartments across from campus, to renovate for the new parking lot; the Prairie Odyssey bronze sculpture was added in front of the event center; several tree sculptures on campus were relocated and restored; the Mr. NJC bronze sculpture of Jack Annan was added; NJC renamed and dedicated space housing the Sanderson Art collection for Peter Youngers and placed a bronze bust sculpture as the center-piece of that gallery; the Honors Program house was acquired; the Comprehensive Learning Center was established at the Monahan Library; NJC’s ten-year accreditation was approved in 1999; the cafeteria had a one-million-dollar renovation; he added an NJC activity bus and upgraded technology infrastructure throughout campus; he hired two full-time support staff and added wireless connectivity to all five resident halls in the fall of 2003; and he upgraded the old Fireside Lounge to the Tennant Art Gallery.

Perryman and his wife Sharon also continue to keep NJC in their philanthropic sights as well. They established the Bruce C. and Sharon L. Perryman NJC Presidential Emeritus Scholarship in 2004, which is awarded annually to an NJC student majoring in business education.

Carl Werner, of Sterling, Colorado, passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2017.  

He was born on June 28, 1946 in Illinois to Floyd and Juanita Werner.  He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1968.

Carl worked for Farmhand and for Martin Marietta as well as numerous machine shops.  He was a life long member of the National Rifle Association and enjoyed shooting sports, race cars and fishing.

One of his final wishes was to encourage higher education for STEM students and now that wish will come true though the Carl Werner Memorial STEM Scholarship. 

Cloudbreak Energy is accelerating the adoption of renewable energy via the development, construction, and operation of distributed, community, and utility-scale solar and storage projects across the United States.

Cloudbreak was founded by Zach Brammer, who grew up in Sterling and took classes at Northeastern Junior College through the concurrent enrollment program with Sterling High School. 

Since the company launched in 2019, Cloudbreak has been awarded nearly 100 MW of distributed and community solar projects across multiple utilities and is actively developing more than 756 MWs of solar and storage projects in key markets across the United States.

This scholarship fund was formed in 2024 to support students in the wind energy, industrial automation and electrical programs.

In 1968, Coach Roumph found his new home in the town of Sterling, Colorado at Northeastern Junior College where he became the assistant men's basketball coach under NCJAA Hall of Famer Roy Edwards. The coaching duo amassed 545 victories and a national tournament appearance before Coach Roumph took over the reins of the program in 1981. Coach Roumph coached the Plainsmen until he retired in 2002.

Many players wore the Plainsmen jersey under Coach Roumph. All of his players knew what kind of coach he was and were grateful for the opportunity to play for him.  He knew that giving a player respect meant that you "tell it like it is." That motto helped his players become decorated student-athletes.

The greatest gauge of his success was not the wins and losses, but the number of people he touched. He was a fixture and legend at NJC even after his retirement and filled the hearts of many with wisdom, guidance and kindness. His mark on this life will always be that he touched the lives of countless students, student-athletes and community members in a very positive way.

The Windsong Chorus of Sweet Adelines International has been singing those words and harmonizing the Sterling community for over 50 years now.

Noted for their artistic presentation of barbershop singing, the group, which includes members from Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas, has been a mainstay of the Sterling community since they received their charter in 1971. When Judy and Dr. Curt Kimball came to Sterling from Phoenix that year, they brought with them their love of barbershop and soon began a group here. Judy served as the first president of the chorus, and today is the only remaining charter member, and Curt was musical director.

“It’s great fellowship of women and we met with a purpose, we are friends and we also had a purpose,” Judy said about what’s made Windsong so successful. She also credits the audience, “we couldn’t do it without the people.”

The chorus has been under the leadership of four different directors. Dr. Kimball, who had never directed before but had plenty of barbershop experience, served as director from 1971 to 1982 and Neala Carmichael, who had been assistant director for a number of years, began directing in 1982 and after 27 years she retired in 2009. In Jan. 2010, Susan Brown (Gunnels) stepped down off the risers after singing in the chorus for 22 years to direct and in 2013, Annette Lambrecht took over as director.

Windsong’s annual show is a source of pride to each and every member. Every member is involved in the show – from selling program ads, to designing props and constructing those props, to writing the script and planning the costumes, the chorus members each have an important part to play even before they get on stage.

In 1993, Windsong Chorus and Centennial State Chorus joined together to give their first Christmas show. This beautiful tradition invites members from the community to share their talents during the Christmas season, even if they are not able to be members of the chorus. Over the years this show has raised thousands of dollars and tons of food items that are donated to Cooperating Ministry of Logan County and scholarships to Northeastern Junior College students.

Dr. Dale McCall was raised on a farm south of Yuma, the second youngest of nine children born to Arthur and Alice. The children all assisted on the farm as they were growing up. McCall attended the two-room Albarr School through the eighth grade.

When he entered Yuma High School, he enrolled in the vocational agriculture program and became a member of the FFA Chapter. He excelled in the program, as he was Star Greenhand, Star Chapter Farmer, received the State Farmer degree and was chapter vice president and president. Dr. McCall was a member of the livestock judging and crops judging team that received gold at the state contest, and the range and soil judging team that won a gold award on the district level. He was chairman of the state parliamentary procedure champion team, and received the Chapter Livestock Proficiency Award and the Dekalb Award as the outstanding senior.

Dr. McCall was a leader at NJC. He excelled as a member of the livestock judging team and was named Livestock Judge of the Year in 1966. During his sophomore year, he served as president of the Associated Student Government. He graduated in 1966.

Dale and Judy Korf were married on June 26, 1966.

He transferred to Colorado State University and was involved in campus activities. He received the Bachelor’s Degree and was an Honor Graduate in the College of Agriculture in 1968.

After three years of teaching, Dr. McCall returned to CSU on an assistantship and earned a Master’s in Education in Vocational Education Administration and Supervision in 1972. After additional experience, Dr. McCall earned the Doctorate Degree in Vocational Administration and Supervision in 1982 from CSU.

Dr. McCall has had a diversified 51 year employment career including:  agricultural education instructor at McClare High School from 1968 to 1971; graduate teaching assistant at CSU 1971-1972; agriculture education Instructor at Larimer County Vocational Technical Center 1972-1974; animal science instructor and livestock judging coach at NJC 1974-1975; assistant supervisor – Colorado Young Farmers Educational Association 1974-1982; graduate teacher assistant at CSU 1981-1982. From 1978 to 1979 he was acting supervisor Agriculture Education; assistant supervisor Agriculture Education and FFA executive secretary 1975-1978 and 1979 – 1982. Dr. McCall served as executive director for the Colorado State Council on Vocational Education 1982-1989 and the assistant director and executive director of occupational education at Pickens Technical Center in Aurora from 1989-1994. He was the superintendent of Woodlin School 1994-1996. Dr. McCall has served as the executive director of the Colorado BOCES Association from 2007-2019.

After serving as vice president of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union from 2011 to 2016, he served as president from 2016 to 2019.

Dr. McCall has been involved in many community service activities including: United Power Roundup Committee 2002-2019, United Power Elections Committee 2002-2019, Weld County Work Force Board 1996-2019, member of Greeley/Weld Chamber of Commerce 1996-2019, member of CSU College of Teacher Education 1994-2019, member of Colorado Association of School Executives Legislative Committee 1996-2019, member of Northern Colorado Superintendents Council 1994-2019, vice president and president of the St. Vrain Valley School District Board of Education, member of CSU College of Agricultural Sciences Advisory Committee 1984-1992 and many others.

Dr. McCall is the recipient of numerous awards and honors including:  Roy Brubacher Award – Colorado BOCES Association 2001 and 2006, NJC Agriculture Hall of Fame – 2001, Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame, CSU Agriculture and Resource Economics Hall of Fame and Honored Alumnus, Honorary Chapter – State and American FFA Degree, Outstanding Service Award – Colorado State Council on Vocational Education and numerous others.

For 25 years, Judy served as administrative assistant for the vocational student organizations at the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education. She received numerous recognition awards from the organizations and was named Classified Employee of the Year in 1999.

Three generations of the McCall family have graduated from NJC, including Dr. McCall, his son Tim and late wife Liz, grandson Robert and his wife Kelsey and granddaughter Mary Kate.

The Dale and Judy McCall family have owned and operated 320 acres of irrigated farmland and 1650 acres of dryland near Yuma since 1975. Their son Tim and grandson Robert and his wife, Kelsey, manage the daily operations.

Dr. McCall was on the NJC Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2003 to 2009 and served as vice president and president. He was the recipient of the Pathfinder Award in 1989 and the Service Award in 2010.

“I had a great experience here, what a great institution NJC is.”- Dale McCall

This scholarship was created in 2012 to show gratitude to Darryl William Rhodes, the President and CEO of U.S. AgBank, following almost 40 years of service to the Farm Credit System.

On Saturday, August 12, 2023, Darryl William Rhodes, 72, of Wichita, Kansas passed away surrounded by family.  Darryl was born on November 15, 1950, to William M. and Darlene (Davis) Rhodes in Denver, Colorado. Darryl grew up near Deer Trail, CO on a family farm. The farm was a cash grain and livestock operation. Darryl spent many cold winters on a tractor with no cab and realized that it was a life he didn’t want to pursue as a working adult. Instead, Darryl wanted to help farmers improve their economic well-being.

Darryl studied agriculture at Northeastern Junior College in Colorado and graduated in 1970. While there, he played on the varsity basketball team and was elected to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. In 2008 Darryl was honored with the Alumni Association's Pathfinder Award. Darryl was also honored by banking colleagues with a scholarship established in his name. 

In 1972 Darryl graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agri-Business.  That same year, he began his career with the U.S. Ag Bank in Wichita, KS as a loan officer trainee.  He consistently advanced in responsibility and in influence through many mergers and reorganizations until his retirement as Chief Executive Officer of U.S. AgBank, FCB in January of 2012. Darryl’s service included local, regional, and national responsibilities. Through his 40-year career, Darryl’s talent and work ethic provided a positive example for all.

On October 3, 1980, Darryl married Susan Ast. They lived together in Wichita and in 1982 had a son, Jared.  Along with his stepdaughter, Amy, the four of them enjoyed many good times together on Caddy Court where they raised their children. They traveled together, shared many experiences, and created many lasting memories. Darryl included his family in everything he did.

Shortly before his retirement from the bank, Darryl fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning his own cattle ranch. In 2010 he bought his first commercial Red Angus cows and with that Rhodes Red Angus Ranch was created.  The ranch is in the beautiful western Flint Hills of Kansas near Florence, KS. It is dedicated to raising registered Red Angus and commercial cattle. The ranch brought Darryl much enjoyment. He particularly loved it when his children and grandchildren spent time there.

Darryl loved his family, his ranch, the Denver Broncos, and his recliner. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren fiercely. He was proud of his family and the life he created. He believed in giving people a chance and in giving back anytime he could. He was dependable and fair. He had a laugh that was contagious, and he would never pass on the opportunity for a good dad joke. He enjoyed landscaping and keeping his yard looking tip top. He respected Veterans and supported them any chance he could. He will be truly missed by many as his reach here on earth was far. He was a good friend who deeply cared about people, agriculture, and his family.

Dean and Vay Lousberg both come from farming families.  Dean’s dad farmed land south of Fleming, CO and Vay’s dad farmed land around Haxtun.  

Dean and his brother, Leroy, eventually bought the grain elevator in the center of Sterling and it was known as Lousberg Grain and Feed, Inc.  After 30 years they sold the business but Dean continued to buy and sell grain commodities.  Vay taught and substituted in the RE-1 School District for several years and worked part-time for Lousberg Grain, Yetter Well Service and Sterling Regional Medcenter.

The purpose of this Fund is to provide scholarships for students who are members of the NJC Livestock Judging Team and to support recruiting efforts for the NJC Livestock Judging Team.
 

This memorial scholarship was founded in 2019 by Bob Hessler in memory of his wife, Debbie, when she passed away in after a courageous battle with multiple health conditions.

Debbie was born to Carl and Dorothy (Buxbaum) Nuss in Scottsbluff, NE on January 23, 1954.  She was the oldest of three girls.  The family relocated to Sterling, CO where Debbie graduated from Sterling High School and Northeastern Junior College.  Besides spending time with her family and friends, Debbie had a passion for ministry, reading, working out, scrapbooking/crafts and volunteering.

Debbie spent countless hours supporting families through difficult times as a lay pastor assistant at First Presbyterian Church in Sterling.  She had a bright and energetic personality and was known for her ability to sense when people needed her help.

Bob and Debbie were together 43 loving years. They had two children and four grandchildren.

The scholarship is designated to assist a single parent at Northeastern who has declared a major in nursing or another health science program.

Denise Dennington-Calkins was born in Denver, Colorado on March 20, 1989, to Gregg and LeeAnn Dennington.

She attended Sterling elementary, middle school and graduated from Sterling High School. She attended UNC and earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. She continued on at UNC and received a master’s degree in Sports Administration. In 2014, she began working at NJC as the Assistant Athletic Director and while there created the Student Athletic Council, an organization she took great pride in.

Denise was a staunch supporter of student mental health. She worked with Centennial Mental Health on workshops and counseled and mentored a number of students.

Denise was always a big sports fan and loved participating in High School basketball and softball. She played on intramural teams in college. She won the State Rockies Skill Challenge at Coors Field twice, once at age 6 and again at age 12. She loved to play golf and do water sports. Denise was a huge fan of OU women’s softball and loved anything “Harry Potter”.

On April 17, 2020, she and Wallace “Acie” Calkins were married in her parents backyard following strict covid restrictions. They were married again on August 10, 2020, in their “dream wedding”. Denise passed away on June 4, 2022, at her home in Sterling as a result of an unforeseeable and tragic accident.

The DDC Memorial scholarship was established by the family of Denise Dennington. The Dennington family runs the DDC Memorial golf tournament annually in memory of Denise with the proceeds going to fund athletic scholarships A total of 10 scholarships are awarded to each of the 10 sports that Denise was in charge of overseeing their events.

Dennis was born on May 3, 1938, in Bushnell, NE, to Elmer Everhart and Glenna Atkinson Everhart. He grew up in New Raymer, CO, and joined the Marines in 1961 as an electronics Technician, earning the rank of sergeant. He married Evelyn Anderson on September 10, 1966, in Arlington, VA. He graduated from Northeastern Junior College in 1968 and from Colorado State University in 1970 with a degree in Vocational Agriculture. Dennis was a high school agriculture teacher for 26 years at Woodlin High School. Following his retirement from teaching, he served as a county commissioner for ten years in Washington County, CO. Dennis and Evelyn also owned a convenience store in Last Chance, CO.

Dennis received numerous awards and accolades, including induction to the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2007 and Region II Outstanding Agricultural Education Teacher 1997-98.  He was active in Lions Club and his church, enjoyed woodworking, supporting his grandchildren, and most of all, loved spending time with family.

Dennis Eugene Everhart, 84, passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, in Sterling, CO. 

This scholarship was created in 2021 to support Ag Production or Ag Education majors at Northeastern.

The Denver Agricultural and Livestock Club (DALC) seeks to promote the importance of agriculture, especially in urban areas, in order to create awareness of the significance of agriculture in Colorado, and functions as a forum for discussion and education about current issues in American and world agriculture. The Club cooperates with state, city, and regional agricultural organizations and has joined with the Denver Chamber of Commerce, Colorado State University, and other agencies in several cooperative endeavors for the promotion of agriculture in Colorado communities. The organization is open to farmers, ranchers, educators, business people, government officials, and others who are interested in occupations which contribute to the agricultural economy of Colorado.

The Club was founded in 1946 under the name of the Denver Agricultural Club as the result of an informal meeting called by A.K. "Ace" Hepperly, an agricultural agent for the CB&Q Railroad. World War II had brought considerable attention to food as a war commodity and as a key factor influencing the terms of postwar peace. This attention illuminated the importance of American agriculture, particularly its social and economic value. Increasing awareness of the role of agriculture created a perfect situation for creating an organization that would meet regularly to discuss problems and exchange ideas concerning agriculture. The informal meeting called by Mr. Hepperly was attended by Jim White, P.K. Yonge, Harley Renollet, Willard Simms, and Jim Godard, and the first official meeting of the Denver Agricultural Club occurred on February 3, 1947. Jim White, editor of Western Farm Life, became the first president of the organization in 1947. In 1949, the Club underwent a name change to become the Denver Agricultural and Livestock Club. On April 29, 1958, the Club was incorporated under the laws of the State of Colorado.

Early objectives of the Club included fostering programs such as 4-H Club, Future Farmers of America (FFA), vocational agricultural projects, and the National Western Stock Show, including the Catch-It-Calf contest and FFA heifer wrangle for local youth interested in agriculture. In later years, the Club provided scholarships for agricultural students and, in conjunction with Colorado State University, has given awards for outstanding sugar beet growers and corn producers. The Club continues to support such endeavors, as well as discuss current agriculture issues and problems.

When she passed away in 1998, Mary Jane Hagemeier left a generous donation to Northeastern Junior College for the purpose of establishing three scholarships: one in her memory, another in memory of her late husband, Don Hagemeier; and one in memory their son Don Hagemeier, Jr.  

These scholarships are designated to assist Northeastern students who plan to major in any of the the areas of study: practical nursing, auto mechanics, cosmetology, or agricultural diesel equipment.

When she passed away in 1998, Mary Jane Hagemeier left a generous donation to Northeastern Junior College for the purpose of establishing three scholarships: one in her memory, another in memory of her late husband, Don Hagemeier; and one in memory their son Don Hagemeier, Jr.  

These scholarships are designated to assist Northeastern students who plan to major in any of the the areas of study: practical nursing, auto mechanics, cosmetology, or agricultural diesel equipment.

Donald E. Harley was one of eight Harley children who attended Northeastern Junior College. He was a Plainsman from 1959-1961 and spent his time on campus studying engineering. He was also a member of Student Council, Sophomore Class President, a member of the Basketball team, Brown and Gold Club, Newman Club, Choir, Pep Club, Smythe's General Store Nominee and was named Plainsman Top Hand.

After his time at NJC, Don went on to the University of Colorado where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. While working for the Federal Highway Administration in Austin, Texas, he attended the University of Texas at Austin where he obtained a Master of Science in Engineering. He worked for the Federal High Administration for 30 years and retired on June 1st 2001. He passed away on April 19th 2018, at the age of 76. His wife of 47 years, Emma R. Harley established, The Donald E. Harley Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund in his honor.

Doug and Shelly Stumpf are locals of Sterling, CO, where they attribute their shared values of community and relationships from. Doug has been in the insurance industry since 1978 and is currently agency co-owner of the Leavitt Group. Doug's journey first began at a bank insurance agency right after he graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley with a BA in finance. He and Shelly have a natural ability to build lasting relationships and are both trusted and valued by our community. Shelly is a retired teacher who dedicated 32 years to educating elementary students. They find joy in the simple pleasures of life, are both active members of their church, enjoy sports and traveling. They are blessed with three grown daughters, their families, six grandchildren and a great granddaughter. 

Founders Spencer and Julie Penrose were visionary community stewards who invested in the well-being of the people of Colorado. Speck’s proclivity for promotion and Julie’s empathetic altruism uniquely positioned them to improve the lives of Coloradans. They created El Pomar Foundation to ensure their commitment to community would endure.

El Pomar honors their vision by supporting and working alongside nonprofits, and directing programs focused on leadership development and community engagement. We preserve and share the Penrose legacy to inspire future generations.

In 2020, the Logan County Childcare Collaborative approached Northeastern Junior College (NJC) to address the childcare desert in Logan County. As an institution committed to Early Childhood Education, NJC partnered with the collaborative to support their mission. NJC provided an in-kind lease for a building on its campus, which the collaborative transformed from a former adult education center into a fully licensed infant and toddler childcare facility.

In 2021, Sunshine Childcare Center officially opened, increasing the county's infant and toddler childcare capacity by 42 slots. It remains the only center-based childcare provider in Logan County. The building remodel was made possible through NJC's donation of the facility, as well as grant funding from the Buell Foundation, El Pomar Foundation, and the Early Childhood Council.


 

This History Scholarship was created in 2016 by Dr. Robert and Deborah Fillion.  

This scholarship aims to help support a local, sophomore NJC student who is majoring in History Education.

This scholarship was created in 1987 by Ida Sneath in memory of her late husband, Fred. 

Fred Sneath was born Sept. 18, 1932 at Santa Maria, Calif., the son of Frederick W. and Arline Perry Sneath and raised in Manzanola. He graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor's degree in Vocational Agriculture in 1955, earning his master's of education degree in Vocational Agriculture in 1962. He taught vocational agriculture and farm management at Merino High School from 1957 until 1963 when he became employed Northeast Colorado Farm Counseling Association, a cooperative farm management and accounting service. In 1966 Mr. Sneath was appointed by CSU as Area Farm Management Specialist engaged in agricultural business management and accounting, headquartered in Sterling. Four years later, April 1, 1970, he formed his own company, Northeast Agri-Service, a farm and ranch accounting, income tax and general agri-business consulting firm. His expertise is many phases of agriculture was well known throughout northeast Colorado.

Mr. Sneath married Ida Thomas, Dec.21, 1958 in Delta and together they had two daughters: Nancy and Karla. 

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as the Ruling Elder; Sigma Nu, social fraternity; Northeastern Junior College Foundation Board, Sterling Country Club, Sterling B.P.O. Elks Lodge No. 1336, and National Society of Public Accountants.

The Ft. Morgan Retired School Employees Association contains retired school employees who live throughout the northeast quadrant of the State of Colorado.  Members contribute dues to the association and those dues are given back in the form of scholarships to support local students pursuing a career in education.

This scholarship was founded in 2001 by GN and Katherine Hurst to support students in the Licensed Practical Nursing Program at NJC. Katherine "Kay" was born on March 19, 1931 to Arthur R. and Hazel Marie (Harpham) Todenhoft in Sterling. She grew up riding horses down the South Platte River and working hard on her father's hog farm. She graduated in 1949 from Sterling High School. Kay met a handsome young man, G.N. Hurst, and they were married on April 30, 1957 in Lawton, Oklahoma with $5.00, a wing and a prayer. They lived in Oklahoma for sometime before moving back to Sterling with 5 children and $11.00 to work for Sterling Construction.

GN and Kay were avid supporters of 4-H and spent many years involved with her children when they lived in Padroni. Kay worked at Greenhouse County Hospital and was a secretary at Padroni School. Kay and G.N. were a good team. They built and owned several businesses including Hurst Construction, which built flood control dams in Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. They also built roads in Beaver Creek, CO as it opened as a new development, resurfaced missile base roads and built golf courses. GN was also a partner in various businesses around Sterling including: Lebsock Feed and Seed, H&S Machine Shop, and Iliff Farm and Ranch. Hurst Construction continued for many years until GN's retirement in the late 80's. GN then began farming until the time of his passing. Over the years GN and Kay had many loyal and good employees whom they loved.

GN and Kay loved to travel together. They saw many places including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Fiji, Hawaii, Scotland, Ireland, Malaysia, and England through LICA (Land Improvement Contractors of America). GN and Kay also loved to travel in their RV going to Alaska or to Oklahoma to do their jug line catfishing. 

They were very generous and compassionate community members who loved serving others. They often gave Bibles to the new and returning students at Northeastern Junior College and made sure nobody around them ever went hungry.

This scholarship was founded to assist local students enrolled in Northeastern's Licensed Practical Nursing program.

Founded in 2014, GSPP is a national developer, financier, owner, and operator of solar energy systems benefiting businesses and communities across the country. GSPP specializes in development and structured finance for solar assets, securing sponsor and tax equity alongside project-level debt financing to realize the highest value for its clients.

GSPP’s proven dependability, experience within the industry, and established portfolio of 325 MW of operational and under-construction projects combined with its ~1 GW of early and late-stage projects, underpin its success as one of the country’s leading solar developers and owners.

GSPP strives to continue this growth while staying committed to corporate social and environmental responsibility, as we sustain our environment for future generations through solar power. We view this responsibility as a fundamental part of our business, and we consistently work to inspire these values in our employees, partners, and customers.

To support the company’s ambitious growth goals, GSPP secured a partnership in May of 2023 with DIF Capital Partners, an independent infrastructure equity fund manager currently controlling more than €16 billion of investments. This partnership will support and accelerate the expansion of GSPP’s objectives.    

GSPP has over 70 employees and is headquartered in Stamford, CT with a legal office in Tallahassee, FL. 

This scholarship is to support a student in the Wind/Renewable Energy Program.

Then, like so many of his generation, came service in the Great War. Arthur met and married Helen Kenney in 1918 before leaving for France, where he served on the front lines with the U.S. Army’s 89th Division before coming home in 1919. After the war, Arthur returned to Midwest Oil, advancing rapidly within the company before acquiring a controlling interest in Argo Oil and several associated companies in 1932, earning him a reputation as “the best example of a Colorado oilman in history.” As Arthur and Helen grew in prominence, they gave back, both serving on many boards. The couple’s legacy of hard work and generosity has defined the Johnson family for generations.

Mayor Wellington E. Webb and First-Lady and former State Representative Wilma J. Webb are considered by many as one of the most dynamic, giving, and community centric political couples in the city of Denver, the state of Colorado, and the nation.  Mayor Webb is a 1962 graduate of Northeastern Junior College.  While at Northeastern, he was a member of the men’s basketball team where he established records playing as a power forward. 

With strong roots mostly imbedded in Denver, both Wellington and Wilma have lived lives of purpose and passion as servant leaders.  As a couple, they prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of local and global communities.  They rank uplifting the variety of individuals who are woven into the fabric of communities as number one, with a keen emphasis on helping those whose life experiences have been met with challenge and impediments.

These priorities are a common lace throughout the multitudes of actions that both Wellington and Wilma have taken for more than half of a century to better laws, policies, and environments that greatly impact lives.  Collectively, they have tirelessly aimed to eliminate injustices and frailties of society while acting to gird up the strength and well-being of the human spirit.  It is with this backdrop that Wellington and Wilma provide resources for the Honorable Wellington E. Webb & Honorable Wilma J. Webb Human Investment Scholarship at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado, a scholarship to be awarded on an annual basis to selected female and male student athletes who have need and who, through demonstrated action and declaration, prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of local and global communities and unconditionally seek to uplift others.  
 

Wellington E. Webb Biography

Mayor Wellington E. Webb was born in Gary, Indiana.  He later moved to Chicago, but in 1954 an asthmatic condition forced him to move to a dryer climate in Denver, Colorado.  In Colorado, Mayor Webb received his B.A. from Colorado State College (now known as University of Northern Colorado) and his Master of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado.  He received four Honorary Doctorate Degrees from the University of Colorado at Denver, Metropolitan State College, University of Northern Colorado, and the American Baptist Seminary in Berkley, California. Prior to being elected mayor, he served in the Colorado State Legislature; was appointed a Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under President Jimmy Carter; was appointed Executive Director of Colorado's Department of Regulatory Agencies under Governor Richard Lamm; and was elected Denver's city Auditor.  His first career was as a teacher and then faculty member for the University of Colorado and Colorado State University.
 

Webb was elected as Denver’s 42nd Mayor in 1991.  He is the city’s first African-American mayor.  During his service, he helped to pull Denver from the economic challenges of 1991 to an investment of $7 billion in infrastructure when he left office in 2003.   As mayor, he oversaw the completion of the $4 billion Denver International Airport, overseeing 85 percent of the construction and opening airport concession bids to all Colorado-owned businesses including women and minorities.  Mayor Webb negotiated four new airline routes to serve Denver including British Airways, Lufthansa German Airlines, Mexican Airlines, and Korean Air.  He focused on stimulating Denver’s economy by opening foreign trade offices in London, England; Shanghai, China; and Mexico City.

Mayor Webb and his administration coordinated the redevelopment of the former Stapleton International Airport, secured funding for a $300 million addition to the Colorado Convention Center, and led negotiations to construct the privately-publicly funded Hyatt Convention Center Hotel.  As a huge proponent of open space, Mayor Webb led the redevelopment of the Central Platte Valley that includes professional sports venues, Six Flags Elitch Gardens, and community gardens and acres of city parks along the South Platte River.   He additionally added more than 2,000 acres of new parks and open space to the city – the largest addition of park land by any mayor in Denver’s history. 

As mayor, Webb convinced the city to create Denver Health Medical Authority in 1997.  This move postured Denver Health to eliminate a cash deficit of $39 million.  During his tenure, his hosted Pope John Paul II, welcomed President Clinton and eight world leaders at the Denver Summit of the Eight, and hosted visits of the Emperor and Empires of Japan, Prime minister of China and president of Ghana and Mozambique.  He is the only mayor in U.S. history to serve as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National Conference of Democratic Mayors and the National Conference of Black Mayors.

Mayor Webb currently serves as the founder and CEO of Webb Group International, a consulting firm that works with businesses and cities on economic development projects, public relations and other consulting areas.  He serves on several local and national boards, is a member of the Denver Rotary, a 33^rd Degree Mason and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi and Sigma Pi Phi fraternities.  The tennis shoes he wore as he walked the city during the 1991 mayoral campaign are now housed at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. He is the husband to former First Lady and State Representative Wilma J. Webb and a father. 

Wilma J. Webb Biography

Wilma J. Gerdine Webb was born in Denver, Colorado in 1943.  She married Wellington Webb in 1971.   Webb formally entered the political arena in 1980 when she was elected to the Colorado State Legislature. She served 13 years in that position. She was the first African American member of the Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee (the Legislature’s most powerful six-member committee) and thus participated in writing the state’s $4 billion budget in 1981.  While serving in the legislature, Wilma sponsored forty-four bills, eleven of which passed, including legislation concerning the Comprehensive Anti-Drug Abuse Program; Elderly Frail People to Receive Care at Home as Opposed to Nursing Home Placement; and Improvement of Living Conditions for Troubled Youth.  In one of her hardest battles, Webb fought four years before the State of Colorado adopted the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.  As a State legislator, she attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 1988.

Wilma Webb served as Denver’s First Lady for twelve years after her husband was elected the first African American mayor of the city in 1991. In that capacity, she chaired special governmental committees, managed personnel, and represented the City and County of Denver at key public/private meetings and events.  As First Lady, Wilma worked tirelessly on anti-drug abuse programs and youth and family issues.  Her efforts to promote the arts resulted in the creation of the Denver Art, Culture, and Film Foundation in 1994.

In 1997, President William J. Clinton appointed Webb to serve as the Secretary’s representative for the Department’s Region VIII Department of Labor and Employment where she was responsible for the administration and enforcement of 180 federal statutes governing workplace activities including pension rights, health benefits, and job training in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Webb became the first woman to serve in the region in this capacity.  In this position, Webb helped oversee this region’s portion of a $37.9 billion Department of Labor budget and its eighteen department agencies.

Wilma Webb and her husband, Wellington, are the parents of four adult children. She is also a member of Denver’s Zion Baptist Church, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The Links, Inc. and has been recognized for her significant contributions by hundreds of for-profit, non-profit, national, and international organizations. 

Mayor Wellington E. Webb and First-Lady and former State Representative Wilma J. Webb are considered by many as one of the most dynamic, giving, and community centric political couples in the city of Denver, the state of Colorado, and the nation.  Mayor Webb is a 1962 graduate of Northeastern Junior College.  While at Northeastern, he was a member of the men’s basketball team where he established records playing as a power forward. 

With strong roots mostly imbedded in Denver, both Wellington and Wilma have lived lives of purpose and passion as servant leaders.  As a couple, they prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of local and global communities.  They rank uplifting the variety of individuals who are woven into the fabric of communities as number one, with a keen emphasis on helping those whose life experiences have been met with challenge and impediments.

These priorities are a common lace throughout the multitudes of actions that both Wellington and Wilma have taken for more than half of a century to better laws, policies, and environments that greatly impact lives.  Collectively, they have tirelessly aimed to eliminate injustices and frailties of society while acting to gird up the strength and well-being of the human spirit.  It is with this backdrop that Wellington and Wilma provide resources for the Honorable Wellington E. Webb & Honorable Wilma J. Webb Human Investment Scholarship at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado, a scholarship to be awarded on an annual basis to selected female and male student athletes who have need and who, through demonstrated action and declaration, prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of local and global communities and unconditionally seek to uplift others.  
 

Wellington E. Webb Biography

Mayor Wellington E. Webb was born in Gary, Indiana.  He later moved to Chicago, but in 1954 an asthmatic condition forced him to move to a dryer climate in Denver, Colorado.  In Colorado, Mayor Webb received his B.A. from Colorado State College (now known as University of Northern Colorado) and his Master of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado.  He received four Honorary Doctorate Degrees from the University of Colorado at Denver, Metropolitan State College, University of Northern Colorado, and the American Baptist Seminary in Berkley, California. Prior to being elected mayor, he served in the Colorado State Legislature; was appointed a Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under President Jimmy Carter; was appointed Executive Director of Colorado's Department of Regulatory Agencies under Governor Richard Lamm; and was elected Denver's city Auditor.  His first career was as a teacher and then faculty member for the University of Colorado and Colorado State University.
 

Webb was elected as Denver’s 42nd Mayor in 1991.  He is the city’s first African-American mayor.  During his service, he helped to pull Denver from the economic challenges of 1991 to an investment of $7 billion in infrastructure when he left office in 2003.   As mayor, he oversaw the completion of the $4 billion Denver International Airport, overseeing 85 percent of the construction and opening airport concession bids to all Colorado-owned businesses including women and minorities.  Mayor Webb negotiated four new airline routes to serve Denver including British Airways, Lufthansa German Airlines, Mexican Airlines, and Korean Air.  He focused on stimulating Denver’s economy by opening foreign trade offices in London, England; Shanghai, China; and Mexico City.

Mayor Webb and his administration coordinated the redevelopment of the former Stapleton International Airport, secured funding for a $300 million addition to the Colorado Convention Center, and led negotiations to construct the privately-publicly funded Hyatt Convention Center Hotel.  As a huge proponent of open space, Mayor Webb led the redevelopment of the Central Platte Valley that includes professional sports venues, Six Flags Elitch Gardens, and community gardens and acres of city parks along the South Platte River.   He additionally added more than 2,000 acres of new parks and open space to the city – the largest addition of park land by any mayor in Denver’s history. 

As mayor, Webb convinced the city to create Denver Health Medical Authority in 1997.  This move postured Denver Health to eliminate a cash deficit of $39 million.  During his tenure, his hosted Pope John Paul II, welcomed President Clinton and eight world leaders at the Denver Summit of the Eight, and hosted visits of the Emperor and Empires of Japan, Prime minister of China and president of Ghana and Mozambique.  He is the only mayor in U.S. history to serve as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National Conference of Democratic Mayors and the National Conference of Black Mayors.

Mayor Webb currently serves as the founder and CEO of Webb Group International, a consulting firm that works with businesses and cities on economic development projects, public relations and other consulting areas.  He serves on several local and national boards, is a member of the Denver Rotary, a 33^rd Degree Mason and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi and Sigma Pi Phi fraternities.  The tennis shoes he wore as he walked the city during the 1991 mayoral campaign are now housed at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. He is the husband to former First Lady and State Representative Wilma J. Webb and a father. 

Wilma J. Webb Biography

Wilma J. Gerdine Webb was born in Denver, Colorado in 1943.  She married Wellington Webb in 1971.   Webb formally entered the political arena in 1980 when she was elected to the Colorado State Legislature. She served 13 years in that position. She was the first African American member of the Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee (the Legislature’s most powerful six-member committee) and thus participated in writing the state’s $4 billion budget in 1981.  While serving in the legislature, Wilma sponsored forty-four bills, eleven of which passed, including legislation concerning the Comprehensive Anti-Drug Abuse Program; Elderly Frail People to Receive Care at Home as Opposed to Nursing Home Placement; and Improvement of Living Conditions for Troubled Youth.  In one of her hardest battles, Webb fought four years before the State of Colorado adopted the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.  As a State legislator, she attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 1988.

Wilma Webb served as Denver’s First Lady for twelve years after her husband was elected the first African American mayor of the city in 1991. In that capacity, she chaired special governmental committees, managed personnel, and represented the City and County of Denver at key public/private meetings and events.  As First Lady, Wilma worked tirelessly on anti-drug abuse programs and youth and family issues.  Her efforts to promote the arts resulted in the creation of the Denver Art, Culture, and Film Foundation in 1994.

In 1997, President William J. Clinton appointed Webb to serve as the Secretary’s representative for the Department’s Region VIII Department of Labor and Employment where she was responsible for the administration and enforcement of 180 federal statutes governing workplace activities including pension rights, health benefits, and job training in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Webb became the first woman to serve in the region in this capacity.  In this position, Webb helped oversee this region’s portion of a $37.9 billion Department of Labor budget and its eighteen department agencies.

Wilma Webb and her husband, Wellington, are the parents of four adult children. She is also a member of Denver’s Zion Baptist Church, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The Links, Inc. and has been recognized for her significant contributions by hundreds of for-profit, non-profit, national, and international organizations. 

This Memorial Scholarship was created in 2008 by Richard and Evelyn Herboldsheimer in honor the life of Richard's father, Hubert and was amended in 2010 in memory of Richard's mother, Luella who joined him.

 Hubert was community minded and served in many ways. In 1968, he was appointed to fill the vacancy on the Northeastern Junior College Governing Board and was reelected to serve in that position for nine years. He was also appointed as a member of the Board of Trustees of the newly formed Northeastern Junior College Foundation where he served three terms. In later years a dorm "Herbie" Hall was named honoring Hubert for his many years of service to NJC. 

This scholarship aims to assist LPN students of the NJC nursing program in honor of the love and care Hubert received from his nurses at Devonshire Acres in Sterling in his last few years of life.

Richard and Evelyn are proud supporters of Northeastern Junior College and attend every event they can. Richard happily recalls the year he studied at Northeastern Junior College. Most notably, the grace NJC's Roy Edwards showed to him during a difficult time in his life and Roy reminding Richard that each day is a gift and never promised. Richard spent many years as a dedicated math tutor and Evelyn a school attendance clerk, they both understand the value a good education has and the impact that instructors make in student's lives.

This scholarship was founded in 2004 to honor Jack and Florence for the special role they have played in many lives.  The scholarship contract was amended after Jack passed away in 2021.

The Annan Family have been long time supporters of Northeastern Junior College and the Sterling community.  Through hard work, perseverance, dedication and a caring heart, Jack and Florence have helped to recruit and retain students at NJC.  With Florence by his side, Mr. NJC, Jack Annan served as a leader in many organizations and always encouraged youth to succeed.  

The purpose of this fund is to provide support to students who show leadership qualities.  

This scholarship was founded in 2004 to honor Jack and Florence for the special role they have played in many lives.  The scholarship contract was amended after Jack passed away in 2021.

The Annan Family have been long time supporters of Northeastern Junior College and the Sterling community.  Through hard work, perseverance, dedication and a caring heart, Jack and Florence have helped to recruit and retain students at NJC.  With Florence by his side, Mr. NJC, Jack Annan served as a leader in many organizations and always encouraged youth to succeed.  

The purpose of this fund is to provide support to students who show leadership qualities.  

This memorial scholarship celebrates Jake Clifton's life and missed potential. He passed away in the summer of 2011 at 18, two weeks before he was set to play on a baseball scholarship for NJC. 

Jake was a ranch kid who graduated from Pueblo County High School in 2011. When he wasn't helping his dad on the ranch, he played sports, rode his dirt bike, or spent time with friends and family. He was active in High School, playing football, basketball, and baseball. Baseball was Jake's passion. He was a versatile player as a left-handed pitcher, first baseman, and outfielder. Jake received a scholarship to play for NJC and looked forward to joining the Plainsmen baseball team. His family knew he had a passion for sports at a young age. His dad will tell you, "All you had to do was put a ball in front of him, and he was happy." 

Aside from sports, Jake had a passion for the outdoors. He had been an avid fisherman catching fish before he could say complete sentences. He also loved his truck, a 1978 Chevy painted John Deere Green and Yellow. He even had John Deere stickers, like the ones on a 4430 tractor. 

Jake was reserved but outgoing once you got to know him. He was hardworking and competitive, to the point he would make bailing hay a competition, much to the annoyance of his co-worker, aka his sister. The loss of Jake was immense, but through scholarships like this, we get to see parts of Jake through the recipients' enthusiasm and love of the game. 

James “Jim” William Robirds passed away in May, 2019 at the age of 90.  He was born on December 17, 1928, to William Daniel and Majorie (Williams) Robirds.  He was an Army Veteran who served in the Korean War.  He was also a farmer, and a member of the Beet Growers Association, Corn Growers Association, and Bean Growers Association.  Jim enjoyed reading and driving around Colorado.  Jim was survived by his brothers, Timothy and Dennis Robirds, along with several nieces and nephews.

Jim left a sum of money to the Northeastern Junior College Foundation to be used to fund scholarships for students planning to major in an Engineering Field.  Two scholarships of $1,500 per semester will be given each year in his memory. 

This memorial 4-H scholarship was created in memory of Jesson “Jesse” Samber.  Jesse was raised on a farm south of Stoneham, Colorado.  He graduated from Prairie High School in 1992, from Northeastern Junior College in 1994 and from Colorado State University in 1996.  Jesse had a love for the land he farmed and ranched and a passion for agriculture that provided him with a life he was proud of.  On December 23, 2008, his life was lost in a farm accident at his home.

Jesse grew up being an active 4-H and FFA member and especially loved the positive impact it had on the young people of his community.  He dedicated a large amount of his own time in the summer to helping his children and the children of his neighbors and friends prepare for the Northeast Weld County Fair.  Because of his passion for 4-H and the fair, all previous proceeds from the Jesse Samber Memorial 4-H fund have been given to projects which have a direct impact on the lives of 4-H members.

This fund was made possible by the generous efforts of the Feeders and Friends organization and its volunteers.  Proceeds from the 2009 Feeders and Friends Feedlot Rodeo event were used to establish this fund.   

Beginning in September 2020, the fund will be managed by the Northeastern Junior College  Foundation and will be distributed to incoming NJC freshman or returning sophomores in the amount of $1,000 per year.  The scholarship is intended for current or former 4-H members with a preference to young people who have participated in the Northeast Weld County Fair.

The selection criteria will be modeled after the ideals and principles of the 4-H organization that Jesse loved and which are summed up by the 4-H pledge: “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, by hands to larger service and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country and my world.”

The Jesson family has a long-standing tradition of dedication to education, with multiple generations of educators shaping the lives of students. At the heart of this legacy was Bob Jesson, who served as the principal at Sterling High School, where he was not only a leader but also a mentor to countless students and staff members. His passion for education extended beyond his own career, as his twin brother, along with his wife were also educators.

Peggy Jesson, Bob's wife, was a beloved teacher at Sterling High School, where she made a significant impact on the lives of her students. Additionally, her sister also dedicated her career to teaching, further solidifying the family’s deep commitment to education.

The Jessons' commitment to teaching was passed down to their daughters, Kathy and Kari. Both followed in their parents' footsteps and enjoyed long careers in education. Kathy taught for over 34 years in Scottsbluff, while Kari dedicated over 34 years to teaching in Loveland, further extending the family's legacy of fostering the minds of future generations.

This scholarship honors the Jesson family's enduring contribution to the field of education, reflecting their passion, hard work, and deep belief in the transformative power of teaching.

This scholarship was established in 2011 by Inez "Jimmie" McCaffree.

Jimmie graduated from the West Nebraska Methodist Episcopal Hospital School of Nursing in 1936. After World War II, Jimmie began doing private duty nursing for critically ill patients as she could work the 11 pm to 7 am shift and could sleep while her children were in school. These were the days before there were Intensive Care Units. Jimmie loved nursing and helping people. In the 1960's and 1970's Jimmie became a public health nurse for the Logan County Health Department. She also loved this. She was a school nurse for many of the rural schools around Sterling in addition to her other public health duties.

Jimmie decided to start a scholarship fund as the result of hiring young nurse aids and CNAs to help care for her husband when was ill. Most of the people that she hired were struggling financially but had a desire for more nursing education. Jimmie decided that a scholarship was one way she could help women like this.

Dorothy was born on Feb. 4, 1925 to Ross and Minnie (Norton) Warren in Wilson, Oklahoma.

During World War II, Dorothy was employed at Tinker Field for Douglas Aircraft where she was fondly referred to as a “Rosie The Riveter.” Tinker is also where she met her future husband, John Kerker, who was an instructor at Tinker. She and John married in 1943.

In 1951, Dorothy and John moved from Oklahoma to Colorado to continue establishing his business in the oil and gas industry. Sterling is where they made their home and raised their family.

After retirement, Dorothy and John loved traveling and spending time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was happiest being surrounded by her family.
 

The founders of Johnson and Associates, CPAs, PC have been providing quality, personalized financial guidance to individuals and businesses in Colorado, the Nebraska panhandle, and western Kansas for nearly forty years.  Johnson and Associates was founded in 1999 by Russell Johnson, Dennis Schadegg, and Mickey Dubs.  Carol Keil joined the Firm in 2005 and has been an owner since 2009.

Our expertise ranges from basic tax management and accounting services to more in-depth services such as audits, financial statements and financial planning.

Johnson and Associates, CPAs, PC is a leading certified public accounting firm in the region.  By combining our expertise, experience and the team mentality of our staff, we assure that every client receives the close analysis and attention they deserve.  Our dedication to high standards, client service, and work ethic is the reason our client base returns year after year.

Judith “Judy” Arlene Korf McCall was born October 16, 1947 to Robert and Minnie Korf in Yuma, Colorado.  She passed away on April 30, 2019 from surgical complications.

Judy attended Red Willow School through the eighth grade then went to Yuma High School and graduated in 1965.  Judy married Dale E. McCall in Yuma, Colorado on June 26, 1966. To this union, Tim and Karla were born.

Judy grew up on the family farm northeast of Yuma. She loved working on the farm and especially enjoyed riding horses at a young age. She also liked running the old D-4 Caterpillar in the summer fallow fields and working alongside her father and brothers. She was very close with her mother, Minnie, and Judy would often be found helping her in her flower gardens.

Judy attended Larimer County Vo-Tech Center and earned a certificate in word processing.  She then took a job with the Colorado Community College System.  She served as an executive assistant and loved supporting the vocational student leadership organizations such as FBLA, DECA, PBL, HOSA, FCCLA, VICA, FFA and Young Farmers.  She loved working with the student officers and has kept in touch with many over the years.  She received the Outstanding Classified Employee of the Year for CCCOES in 1999.  She retired in 2006. Judy kept in close contact with many of her co-workers and would meet periodically for brunches that would sometimes last for most of the day.

Judy was devoted to her family.  She raised Tim and Karla over the years while Dale traveled for work.  She always supported their activities and was proud as they progressed through life and built their own families. Judy was blessed with four grandchildren and one great grandchild.  Her favorite pastime after retiring was attending her grandchildren’s (Robert, Mary Kate, Derek and Devon) school activities and sporting events.  She was their biggest fan and you could hear her for miles when she cheered for them.  She treated everyone like family and loved to give everyone big hugs.  She was fondly referred to as ‘Grandma’ by many of the grandchildren’s close friends.

Judy most recently focused on the newest addition to the family, her great grandson Allen Wencil, son of Robert and Kelsey. You would often find her laying on the floor playing peek-a- boo with him.

Judy was passionate about farming and agriculture.  She loved rural northeast Colorado and often commented to Dale that she loved being able to see farm country for miles.

This scholarship is established in honor of Judy Szabo, long-time instructor at Northeastern Junior College. She earned her Associate of Arts Degree from Northeastern Junior College and returned years later to teach English, Psychology, Reading and Speech for over twenty-five years. She received numerous awards for teaching excellence. Her passion for teaching will be remembered by all who were students and colleagues of hers.

The scholarship was established in 2024 by Judy's children, Scott (Michele) Szabo and Dan (Sherri) Szabo in her memory with the purpose of providing support for students majoring in Education or Psychology, with a preference for those majoring in Education.

Justin Covelli, born to Barry & Michelle Covelli and raised on his family farm in Weldona, was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed away due to complications after surgery on January 22, 2011. A local group called Feeders and Friends has held several fundraisers and donated the proceeds to fund this memorial scholarship. 

Justin graduated from Weldon Valley High School in 1991 before attending Northeastern Junior College and from the University of Northern Colorado in 1995 with a business management degree. Justin, loving husband of four years to Melissa and father to two young sons, 21 month old Aidan and 10 month old Mason, was an outstanding husband and father and enjoyed every moment he spent with his family. Justin was quiet and humble, but was a great friend and had a contagious laugh. Justin was liked and respected by his friends and coworkers where he enjoyed working as an agronomist for CHS, Inc.

Karl Falch was born June 14th 1916 in Lincoln county, CO to Joseph and Nellie Cady Falch. He received his early schooling in Purdin, MO where he was a good baseball and basketball player until arthritic condition sidelined him. Despite the ailment, it failed to dim his interest in sports. He was an avid baseball fan and developed into a good golfer, participating in many Sterling County Club tournaments. Mr. Falch returned to Colorado in 1937, entering the University of Colorado where he received his Bachelor's degree in 1942. He later worked at Lowry Air Force Base and the University of Colorado Medical Center in Denver while obtaining a degree in law from Westminster Law School.

Karl came to Sterling in 1948, where he opened a law practice. He was a Sterling attorney, municipal judge for the city of Sterling, Logan county attorney and serve as the city attorney for Haxtun. He held many advisory positions on many committees and organizations during his lifetime in Sterling. Mr. Falch was a democrat, served as legal advisor for the Logan County Democratic Central Committee and was committee secretary for many years. He was an attorney for the Chimney Canyon Grazing Association. Karl was a member of the board of directors of the Sterling Community Federal Credit Union and served several terms as president of the Credit Union.

A member of the Christ United Methodist Church, Mr. Falch was active in church programs and projects. He was a member of the Colorado Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the 13th Judicial District Bar Association and the Logan County Bar Association. He was also a member of the Sterling Elks, the Sterling Lions Club, active in Boy Scout activities and at one time was a Jaycee member and past president of the Cosmopolitan club. He was also a secretary of the board of directors of the Sterling Country Club.

Upon his sudden death in 1916, the NJC Foundation received a donation from his estate to begin this scholarship and support minority students pursuing their education at Northeastern Junior College.

In August 2008, Feeders and Friends brought several hundred supporters together in an arena at the fairgrounds in New Raymer and held a day-long event to raise scholarship dollars in memory of Kasey Jo Walker Werner.  The Feeders and Friends raised $51,000 during the day-long event which included a barbeque, dance, ranch rodeo, calcutta and auction.

Kasey was killed in October 2007 during a tragic pedestrian car accident near her home in Arapahoe, Nebraska.  At age 28, she was a young wife and the mother of two small girls.  

Many times Kasey had competed in the same arena during the Northeast Weld County Fair and Rodeo.  She was active in 4-H and FFA over the years, even serving as a Colorado FFA State Officer the year after she graduated from Prairie High School.  

Deb, Kasey's mother worked at NJC for many years and has known many students who have attended NJC over the years. This scholarship aims to support students in Agriculture, Science or Education. 

This scholarship was created by Jake Schneider in memory of the wonderful life him and Kathy shared and the love she had for nursing. 

After graduating from Sterling High School in 1971, Kathy embarked on a life of service to others, starting with a dedicated nursing career of 41+ years.

She was married to Dr. Jack Mackey for 25 years. After his passing, she began a relationship with Jake Schneider, and the two were perfectly paired ever since. Kathy and Jake forever gave of themselves, their time, & their home, with Kathy at the helm cooking, loving, hosting, and sharing with family and friends alike. She was happiest when spreading her generosity to those she loved- arranging flowers for a wedding, stealing babies for a snuggle, working at the Sale Barn, and feeding cowboys at the rodeo.

Kathy was the embodiment of love and light. She was known for the warmth of her hugs, the ease of her laughter, and the endless reach of her heart. Every person was made better by each encounter with her kind and loving spirit. She didn’t have mere acquaintances; if she knew you, she loved you, and you were family. No one left Kathy’s presence without a huge hug, a kiss on the cheek, and a heartfelt “I love you.”

This scholarship was created by Jake Schneider in memory of the wonderful life him and Kathy shared and the love she had for nursing. 

After graduating from Sterling High School in 1971, Kathy embarked on a life of service to others, starting with a dedicated nursing career of 41+ years.

She was married to Dr. Jack Mackey for 25 years. After his passing, she began a relationship with Jake Schneider, and the two were perfectly paired ever since. Kathy and Jake forever gave of themselves, their time, & their home, with Kathy at the helm cooking, loving, hosting, and sharing with family and friends alike. She was happiest when spreading her generosity to those she loved- arranging flowers for a wedding, stealing babies for a snuggle, working at the Sale Barn, and feeding cowboys at the rodeo.

Kathy was the embodiment of love and light. She was known for the warmth of her hugs, the ease of her laughter, and the endless reach of her heart. Every person was made better by each encounter with her kind and loving spirit. She didn’t have mere acquaintances; if she knew you, she loved you, and you were family. No one left Kathy’s presence without a huge hug, a kiss on the cheek, and a heartfelt “I love you.”

The Propst Family have been long-time supporters of Northeastern Junior College. In 2003 they created an Agriculture scholarship in memory of Keith Propst. After Nell passes away, the family chose to honor her along with her late husband with this scholarship, which is designed to support students with declared majors in either agriculture or humanities.

Thomas “Keith” Propst was born in 1926 at the Bar 3 Ranch near Merino, CO which was homesteaded by his family in 1876. He attended Merino High School before moving on to Colorado College in active duty with the Navy. Then Keith enrolled at Colorado State University joining the Army ROTC. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in animal production and a second lieutenant commission in the Army Reserves. 
Keith met his beloved wife, Nell Brown Propst, in 1948 at the University of Denver when he came to visit his sister Ginny at Nell’s dorm. It was love at first sight, and they were married on October 7, 1949. Following Keith’s service in the Korean War, they returned to live and work on the Propst Bar 3 Ranch in Merino, Colorado where they raised their four children.

In spite of the demands of ranch life, which Nell embraced with every fiber of her being, she still managed to direct numerous community theatre productions, and to research and write over 30 plays, books, and short stories--as well as many other magazine and newspaper articles, book reviews and contributions. She was actively involved in the local historical society and her efforts to research the people and history of the area with accuracy and wisdom were relentless.  She was a true historian of northeastern Colorado. One of Nell’s most memorable plays was a musical titled “Make A Joyful Noise” which she wrote about the Propst family to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Bar 3 Ranch, which was produced and directed with the help of many family members and community volunteers.  

Keith had an unwavering love for agriculture. He joined the Logan County Farm Bureau in 1950, serving as secretary and president. He was a member of the Colorado Farm Bureau and was elected president in 1974, serving until 1992. He was also was a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation, served as president of the Colorado Farm Bureau Insurance Company, and on the board of Western Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. He was a member of Mountain States Beet Growers, Groundwater Appropriators of the South Platte (GASP), the Colorado Historical Society, and Logan County Historical Society and was one of the founding members of the Great Western Beef Expo. He was inducted into the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2002.

Despite their many professional accomplishments, Keith and Nell’s greatest attributes were their community support. They were very intentional about encouraging others in their pursuits by being good friends and mentors.

The Propst Family have been long-time supporters of Northeastern Junior College. In 2003 they created an Agriculture scholarship in memory of Keith Propst. After Nell passes away, the family chose to honor her along with her late husband with this scholarship, which is designed to support students with declared majors in either agriculture or humanities.

Thomas “Keith” Propst was born in 1926 at the Bar 3 Ranch near Merino, CO which was homesteaded by his family in 1876. He attended Merino High School before moving on to Colorado College in active duty with the Navy. Then Keith enrolled at Colorado State University joining the Army ROTC. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in animal production and a second lieutenant commission in the Army Reserves. 
Keith met his beloved wife, Nell Brown Propst, in 1948 at the University of Denver when he came to visit his sister Ginny at Nell’s dorm. It was love at first sight, and they were married on October 7, 1949. Following Keith’s service in the Korean War, they returned to live and work on the Propst Bar 3 Ranch in Merino, Colorado where they raised their four children.

In spite of the demands of ranch life, which Nell embraced with every fiber of her being, she still managed to direct numerous community theatre productions, and to research and write over 30 plays, books, and short stories--as well as many other magazine and newspaper articles, book reviews and contributions. She was actively involved in the local historical society and her efforts to research the people and history of the area with accuracy and wisdom were relentless.  She was a true historian of northeastern Colorado. One of Nell’s most memorable plays was a musical titled “Make A Joyful Noise” which she wrote about the Propst family to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Bar 3 Ranch, which was produced and directed with the help of many family members and community volunteers.  

Keith had an unwavering love for agriculture. He joined the Logan County Farm Bureau in 1950, serving as secretary and president. He was a member of the Colorado Farm Bureau and was elected president in 1974, serving until 1992. He was also was a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation, served as president of the Colorado Farm Bureau Insurance Company, and on the board of Western Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. He was a member of Mountain States Beet Growers, Groundwater Appropriators of the South Platte (GASP), the Colorado Historical Society, and Logan County Historical Society and was one of the founding members of the Great Western Beef Expo. He was inducted into the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2002.

Despite their many professional accomplishments, Keith and Nell’s greatest attributes were their community support. They were very intentional about encouraging others in their pursuits by being good friends and mentors.

This scholarship was funded in 2011 by Kenneth E. "Andy" and Theda Anderson. 

The day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor Mr. Anderson enlisted in the Army Air Corp as a pilot trainee. He graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant pilot from the US Air Corp and was stationed in Norfolk, England with the 445 Heavy Bomber Group for one and a half years. Andy received an Air Medal and Presidential Citation Medal for the eleven (11) bombing missions over various German industrial cities in the B-24 Liberator he piloted. Casualties were high among his fighter group with one out of every 8 pilots being killed in action. Andy also served in the Korean War as a refueling pilot in a B-29 Super Fortress over the North Sea and North Africa

After the war Mr. Anderson enrolled in the University of Denver to finish his education and graduated with a degree in political science in 1947. This is where he met Theda, who was in the middle of a very successful modeling career. They married at the Washington Park Community Church on August 31, 1946. Then moved to Sterling, Colorado in 1949 where they co-developed Country Club Hill subdivision with Herb and Lydia Vandemoer and lived for the next 65 years while raising their three children Judy, Kent and Kim. 

During their very active life in Sterling Theda owned and operated a small clothing store known as "Tots and Teens", was a Red Cross Grey Lady Volunteer for over 20 years and was active in her local Chapter of PEO. Andy sold life insurance for Kansas City Life Insurance Company for 45 years, where he received many awards including a qualifying Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table for 39 consecutive years. He was an extremely talented artist and during his college career won numerous awards for his etchings, posters and advertisements.

Theda and Andy supported numerous community initiatives including serving on the NJC Foundation's Board of Trustees for nine years and starting the Northeastern Junior College fund, Logan County Hospital, David Walsh Medical Center, Heart Fund, Miss Colorado Pageant, Up With People, American Cancer Society and was recognized as The Colorado Volunteer of the Year in 2002. They were involved members of the First Presbyterian Church. In 2014, the Andersons created and donated the bicycle sculpture in Columbine Park, and in 2015 gave the City of Sterling the Anderson Pavilion, located on the Platte River. 

Theda and Andy were very active socially and known for their genuine interest in others. Their enthusiasm and love of life affected everyone they met. The amazing energy, optimism and enthusiasm they brought to our lives and community will never be forgotten.

The Andersons have made a number of generous donations to Northeastern Junior College over the years. They created this scholarship to support a student who aspires to study art and business at NJC.

This scholarship was started to honor the memory of Kenneth E. "Andy" and Theda C. Anderson and their lifelong support of NJC.

The day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor Mr. Anderson enlisted in the Army Air Corp as a pilot trainee. He graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant pilot from the US Air Corp and was stationed in Norfolk, England with the 445 Heavy Bomber Group for one and a half years. Andy received an Air Medal and Presidential Citation Medal for the eleven (11) bombing missions over various German industrial cities in the B-24 Liberator he piloted. Casualties were high among his fighter group with one out of every 8 pilots being killed in action. Andy also served in the Korean War as a refueling pilot in a B-29 Super Fortress over the North Sea and North Africa

After the war Mr. Anderson enrolled in the University of Denver to finish his education and graduated with a degree in political science in 1947. This is where he met Theda, who was in the middle of a very successful modeling career. They married at the Washington Park Community Church on August 31, 1946. Then moved to Sterling, Colorado in 1949 where they co-developed Country Club Hill subdivision with Herb and Lydia Vandemoer and lived for the next 65 years while raising their three children Judy, Kent and Kim. 

During their very active life in Sterling Theda owned and operated a small clothing store known as "Tots and Teens", was a Red Cross Grey Lady Volunteer for over 20 years and was active in her local Chapter of PEO. Andy sold life insurance for Kansas City Life Insurance Company for 45 years, where he received many awards including a qualifying Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table for 39 consecutive years. He was an extremely talented artist and during his college career won numerous awards for his etchings, posters and advertisements.

Theda and Andy supported numerous community initiatives including serving on the NJC Foundation's Board of Trustees for nine years and starting the Northeastern Junior College fund, Logan County Hospital, David Walsh Medical Center, Heart Fund, Miss Colorado Pageant, Up With People, American Cancer Society and was recognized as The Colorado Volunteer of the Year in 2002. They were involved members of the First Presbyterian Church. In 2014, the Andersons created and donated the bicycle sculpture in Columbine Park, and in 2015 gave the City of Sterling the Anderson Pavilion, located on the Platte River. 

Theda and Andy were very active socially and known for their genuine interest in others. Their enthusiasm and love of life affected everyone they met. The amazing energy, optimism and enthusiasm they brought to our lives and community will never be forgotten.

This scholarship is designated for prospective students to Northeastern's business program. Andy and Theda Anderson were longtime supporters of Northeastern, and have generously made numerous donations over the years to support aspiring students and the mission of the college. 

Judy Kimball was raised on the “Rob Ranch” in Lexington, Nebraska, where she spent her childhood helping her family raise Angus cattle and farm alongside her siblings. She has fond memories of riding her horse, "Marty," and enjoying the outdoors, where she learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and responsibility. After high school, Judy pursued a career in nursing by enrolling in Lincoln General Hospital’s RN program in 1950, a rigorous three-year program at the time. She then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Nebraska.
After graduating, Judy moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where she began a fulfilling seven-year career as a school nurse. It was in Phoenix that Judy met the love of her life, Dr. Noah Curtis Kimball.
Curt, as he was known, grew up on a family farm in Canton, Oklahoma, where he participated in sports, 4-H, and FFA. Though he worked hard on the farm—chopping cotton and babysitting his sister, Karen—Curt dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot like his two older brothers. After graduating as valedictorian of his high school class of 18, Curt completed two years at Southwestern Oklahoma State University to meet the eligibility requirements for the Air Force cadet program. However, with the increasing demand for engineers and scientists due to the space race, Curt shifted his focus and decided to pursue aeronautical engineering. Ultimately, he transferred to the University of Oklahoma but soon found engineering too difficult and, as he later put it, "naively decided to study medicine." He was accepted into medical school and graduated in 1963.
Curt began his residency in Phoenix, where he met Judy, and they were married in August 1964. Shortly after their marriage, Curt was drafted into the army and served as a doctor in Vietnam. He achieved the rank of Captain and earned the Bronze Star for his service. After spending a year near Saigon, Curt was called to assist in developing a military hospital in Yokohama, Japan. Judy joined him there, teaching herself Japanese with the help of a little red pocket dictionary—a skill she still retains.
After the war, Curt and Judy returned to Phoenix, where Curt completed his five-year surgical residency, and Judy returned to her role as a school nurse. In 1970, Curt and Judy moved to Sterling, Colorado, where Curt joined Dr. James H. McKnight Jr. in his medical practice. Curt would spend the next 42 years serving the Northeastern Colorado community with excellence, continually improving his skills and often purchasing equipment to provide the best care possible. His practice was known not just for medical expertise but for compassion, humor, and personal care. Through delivering babies (with at least one baby being named Noah Curtis) and comforting the families of terminal patients. He would remind his patients that “We all have a start date and an end date.”
Judy chose to stay home and care for their only child, Kirsti, during these years, becoming deeply involved in her school and community. She and Curt  founded the Sweet Adelines choir in Sterling, continuing their shared love of music. Their marriage has been a partnership built on love, laughter, travel, church involvement, tennis, and mutual service. Curt often said, “Marrying Judy was the best decision I ever made.” During their 58 years of marriage, the only time they would be at opposite ends of the house was during the Nebraska Oklahoma football games.
In the early 2000s, Judy and Curt began their philanthropic support of Northeastern Junior College (NJC) after speaking with their friend, Mike Brandt, who was the Women’s Basketball coach at the time. Their shared passion for education and healthcare led them to create a Women’s Basketball scholarship, followed by a nursing scholarship to support the next generation of students in fields they deeply valued. Curt and Judy’s generosity and support of Northeastern Junior College has created a lasting impact.
Judy remains an active presence at NJC, attending a variety of events—from athletic games and cultural fairs to theater performances. The staff and students alike always look forward to seeing her, as she has built strong relationships with each of us, consistently offering her support and enthusiasm for the college and its community.

Marcus R. McClanahan was a witty, hard-working, self-made man, passed peacefully in Rapid City, South Dakota on October 21, 2022. Friends and family have established a memorial scholarship in Marc’s name to further his legacy of learning and education for first generation students.

Marc was born in Logan County, on the Eastern Plains of Colorado, a special place that Walt Whitman thought: “expresses, certainly awakes, those grandest and subtlest element-emotions in the human soul.”

His ancestors settled in Sterling, near where the North and South Platte converge on toward the Missouri River and where the Oregon Trail and Overland Stage Route diverge west for California and Colorado gold.

Marc had a remarkable work ethic, instilled partly by his mom’s family, Germans from the Volga River who fled Russia after Marc’s grandfather was conscripted to fight in the Russo-Japanese War and survived a sword slash across the back. They were strangers in a strange land, one that not too long before had been the locus quo of explorers, trappers, traders, and unsettling war and Indian massacres. As Germans from Russia, they were pegged low on the social ladder and overcame the scorn felt in their new surroundings by idealizing work and adopting the saying: “Work rendered life sweet” (Arbeit macht das Leben süss).
The family’s labor guaranteed big profits for the Great Western Sugar Company, who recruited Volga Germans to take advantage of their large families and reap the benefits of their reputation for unrivaled work ethic. Marc’s mom and her 13 siblings worked the beet fields, keeping the sugar plants processing and puffing away the rooty fodder. Marc’s other ancestors had come early to the Plains, from Tennessee, but Marc’s grandfather passed at 34, leaving Ray, Marc’s dad and another hard worker, without a father from the young age of 4.

Like his family and many of his generation, Marc held many jobs from a young age to make ends meet. He started a lawn and gardening business for town folk, like Dr. Tripp and his wife, who taught him to cultivate dahlias, gladiolas, and cox combs, earning 35 cents an hour. He secured a summer job with the City of Sterling Street Department, a major break where he made more than $1 an hour, about $10.36 today. He gained all sorts of experiences, such as answering constituent calls, painting, paving, counting cars, moving snow, and driving various trucks to haul sand and gravel. He especially loved driving the trucks: 1-3 ton Studebakers, Chevys, and Fords.

Marc decided early to pursue teaching, perhaps recognizing the skills he gained helping raise four younger brothers. He also learned lessons by serving as Sunday School Secretary, where he attended meetings with the head teacher and was introduced to principles he followed throughout life; he said “this is where my dedication to inclusion started. We had some handicapped students, and they were kept with their peers.”

Marc’s inclination to bootstrap stemmed also from the resilience he saw his close uncle display in bouncing back from polio. Uncle Jake, crippled from polio since age four, remained undaunted, chin up, smile bright, with a focusing on his strengths, despite paralysis from the waist down. For example, Jake got hand controls that would let him accelerate and brake a car using his hands. Marc was not sure how or why he became Jake’s driver’s ed teacher. On their first go, while Marc was not paying attention, Jake decided the hand controls were not for him. Jake tried to brake with his foot. It did not work; they ran it in the ditch. Marc got the car back on the road while Jake lamented “I should never have thought I could drive, what a waste of money on hand controls - I will never drive again.” Marc reframed it as a walk or drive decision. Jake could walk a mile on crutches or take a short drive home. Jake drove home, and for many years thereafter.

Thus began Marc’s life work as teacher and helping others. Though unprepared, and with limited support or encouragement from his parents, he strived for education. Neither parent had finished high school and given their constant work, they had no time for music and arts (save church), sports, or other hobbies. Not surprisingly, then, the student yearbook was devoid of such for Marc. He realized that he was a child of poverty, who lived for years with a family of seven in a 575 square foot house with neither city water nor sewer. He did not see let alone know many ropes. When a senior, English class was designated as advanced and not. He was not. His friends were.

No woe, distress, or obstacle would stop him, however, even when Marc’s grandmother said there was no way he could go to college because the cost was beyond their means. Marc had established a savings account shortly after his first yard job and was able to pay to attend Northeastern Junior College as his high school grades were far too low to merit any scholarship.
His performance at NJC was very different than high school. One reason was the library where he could study in respite from the cramped 2-bedroom house. He excelled. He became part of the Student Governing Body, was elected President of the Student Education Association, and inducted into scholastic honor societies. He received a second-year scholarship from the Rotary Club to continue to put himself through school. Notably he achieved these results after a major injury at work; while sweating away on the paving crew, he fell off the roller and was run over by it, busting his pelvis on both sides. After months of recovery, he managed to finish 6th in his class, graduating NJC in 1961.

He was one of two NJC students to receive a scholastic scholarship to Western State University in Gunnison, Colorado. The engine on his parent’s car had blown up, so Marc loaned them money to buy a different car so they could get him to Western.
After earning his bachelor’s degree at Western in 1963, he landed his first teaching job in Rawlins, Wyoming, which was growing rapidly from the uranium boom. He got a convertible Plymouth Fury with a big V-8 and headed to California to teach for a year, meeting Frank, who became a dear, life-long friend. He loved school so much he enrolled in summer school at the University of Northern Colorado to earn a master’s degree, 1966, in Elementary Education, rather than taking them off.

Marc came back to Rawlins for his first principalship, overseeing multiple schools. He also met Joyce there. She was just starting her first year of teaching. He always said his best decision in life was proposing to Joyce. They would be married for more than 50 years. Marc and Joyce built a family and a group of friends, enjoying church, fishing, camping, gathering wood, traveling a bit, and completing many home renovations. He worked hard to give his kids and others experiences he never had.

Marc went on to serve in other public schools across Wyoming, including Riverton, Lander, Sundance, and Torrington. He held many leadership positions including principal, curriculum director, assistant superintendent, special education director, and consultant. He led early information technology installations and secured many federal grants.

Schools lucky enough to grab him always got better. Teachers thrived and improved under his direction, or they were let go. He was not out to win popularity contests, nor was buddy-buddy his style. Marc minced no words. Paramount was the best interest of every student, as well as accountability. Marc helped everyone learn and empowered people to overcome obstacles and grow. He was always well organized and left nothing undone – he was a finisher. You knew if he liked you when you were the subject of his ribbing or sarcasm, which he got from his dad, who was gregarious and an excellent driver and skilled operator of heavy machinery.

Marc’s last and probably favorite job lasted over a decade. After retiring to the Black Hills with Joyce, he became super-nanny extraordinaire for his grandchild, Michael. This included reading and re-reading thousands of books, many trips to Jerry’s Donuts, Storybook Island, dance and piano lessons, the library, and Culver’s. During retirement, he read voraciously, walked as much as possible, and assembled an amazing binder with many stories about his family and life.

Born Sept. 6, 1922, on a cattle ranch near Padroni, Genny was the youngest of seven children born to Leonard and Hilma Sherwin. Genny’s education began in a one-room country school before attending Sterling High School, where she graduated in 1940. After high school she received a degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Wisconsin and immediately went to work in Hartford, Conn., for Pratt and Whitney Aircraft. She later worked for North American Aviation in Los Angeles where she learned to program a new-fangled device: the computer.

Genny, who also loved to teach, took a job in Wyoming at Douglas High School when the wife of her brother was diagnosed with cancer. While there she met Warren Garst, a wildlife-loving author and photographer.

With Warren traveling to film assignments and Genny accepting a computer-programming job with Martin Marietta in Denver, they sustained a long-distance courtship and eventually married in Douglas May 3, 1958, on her parent’s 50th wedding anniversary.

Genny, wanting to spend summers with Warren on filming assignments, took a job at Colorado State University for half her pay at Martin. She was the first person to teach computer programming at CSU.

When Warren was offered a job filming for T.V.’s Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, he and Genny accepted the job as partners and began an odyssey that lasted 25 years and took them to more than 100 countries.

Retiring in 1984 Warren and Genny returned to Fort Collins. Genny renewed old friendships and made many new ones. She was active in community charitable and cultural projects. She maintained contact with her family and enjoyed research on genealogy.

After a long and interesting life Warren Edward Garst passed away on July 12, 2016, three years and three days after the death of his beloved wife, Genny.

Warren Edward Garst
Warren was born on September 21, 1922 in Douglas, Wyoming, to Joseph Garst and Doris Jensen Garst. He spent most of his childhood in Douglas, then attended Cal Tech and later transferred to the University of Colorado at Boulder to study mechanical engineering. His college career was interrupted temporarily when he enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard destroyers in the latter part of WWII. After finishing his degree in mechanical engineering at C.U., he was hired by Stanolind Oil Company to work in the oil fields near Rangely, Colorado. As he stated in his tongue-in-cheek obituary written a number of years ago (he was a master at tongue-in-cheek humor!), “A few years in the oil patches convinced him he would rather be a writer.” His mother, whose pen name was Shannon Garst, was the author of many children’s books, mostly about the west. Warren worked with his mother on a couple of books, wrote a couple on his own. He decided he would rather write about wildlife, hunting and fishing, so took up photography so he could take pictures that would help sell his articles. He went to Jackson, Wyoming to meet some people who were successful in wildlife photography. This was a time when cameras were large and clunky, and there was not a large market for animal pictures. He ended up with a job at the Jackson Hole Wildlife Research Station, where the director, Jim Simon, was also engaged in wildlife cinema photography for Walt Disney. Jim became his mentor and within a few months had him working as a free-lance photographer on “Vanishing Prairie”, part of the Disney True Life Adventure series, then “Perri”, a Disney movie about the life of squirrels.

He enjoyed his time as a free-lance cinema photographer, but it was not steady work. He developed a few contracts for short educational films on animals, and was hired to do wildlife films in Jackson Hole and later in the Amazon jungle for the precursor to The Wild Kingdom, the TV series, Zoo Parade. While he was living at home in Douglas between photography jobs, he met a young lady who had hired his father as her lawyer for her divorce, Genny Sherwin. Genny was living in Douglas, helping out her brother with his family of four children after his wife became ill. Warren and Genny were married on May 3, 1958. They honeymooned (with a porcupine named Spinecone) in Yellowstone Park where he worked on an educational show about bears. Genny could only spend about two weeks in Yellowstone, but Warren was there all summer. Again, from the facetious obituary Warren wrote, “When he finally came home he found she was no longer employed as a highly-paid computer programmer on the Titan Missile project, but was now a teacher of mathematics and computer programming at Colorado State University.”

As the spouse of a C.S.U. faculty member, he could take courses at a reduced rate, so, with no photography job immediately available, he took courses in zoology, and eventually received his M.S. While he was gearing up for his Ph.D., he got a call from Don Meier, who had been the director of the Zoo Parade TV series. Don had a new series called Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and he needed a photographer. He persuaded Warren to take the job, which, with luck, they thought might last three years. Warren and Genny spent the next 25 years traveling all over the world to develop and film the shows. The program was successful and could be said to have had more influence than any other single entity in opening up the environmental movement. Not only was this type of TV production pioneering, the research filmed in the field was cutting-edge scientific work. One of the greatest pleasures for both Warren and Genny was to work with these field scientists. They traveled to more than 100 countries and filmed in about a third of them. When the show went off the air in 1987, they retired and moved from Chicago back to Fort Collins.

After retirement, Warren spent his time writing his reference book, Zoolexicon, and the weekly Rotary Club of Fort Collins bulletin, Rotogear.

As the owner of several businesses in northeastern Colorado, he has built a successful career while remaining deeply connected to his community. Having benefited from a golf scholarship that covered his education, he is passionate about giving back. He is committed to helping student-athletes pursue their education by offering financial support to those who need it, ensuring they have the opportunity to succeed both academically and athletically.

When she passed away in 1998, Mary Jane Hagemeier left a generous donation to Northeastern Junior College for the purpose of establishing three scholarships: one in her memory, another in memory of her late husband, Don Hagemeier; and one in memory their son Don Hagemeier, Jr.  

These scholarships are designated to assist Northeastern students who plan to major in any of the the areas of study: practical nursing, auto mechanics, cosmetology, or agricultural diesel equipment.

The Master Chorale of Sterling, Colorado, is a community-based choir that has been an integral part of the local arts scene for many years. Established to provide an outlet for talented singers in the area, the chorale is known for its exceptional performances and dedication to musical excellence.

The chorale’s repertoire spans a wide range of musical genres, with a particular emphasis on classical and holiday music. One of the group's most cherished traditions is its annual Noel Concerts, a festive event that draws large audiences each year. These concerts celebrate the holiday season and showcase the vocal talents of the chorale's members.

Under the direction of Don Johnson, the Master Chorale has grown and evolved over the years, earning a reputation for high-quality performances. The chorale often collaborates with local musicians and groups, such as the Sterling High School Show Choir, further enhancing its community presence and fostering a spirit of collaboration in the arts.

Performances are typically held at the Dorothy Corsberg Theater, located on the campus of Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, which provides an excellent venue for the group's concerts. The chorale is known for its strong community support and continues to be a source of pride for the town of Sterling, Colorado.

With a history of dedication to both the art of choral music and its community, the Master Chorale remains a vital cultural institution in the region, offering opportunities for singers of all backgrounds to come together and create beautiful music.

The Master Chorale of Sterling, Colorado, is a community-based choir that has been an integral part of the local arts scene for many years. Established to provide an outlet for talented singers in the area, the chorale is known for its exceptional performances and dedication to musical excellence.

The chorale’s repertoire spans a wide range of musical genres, with a particular emphasis on classical and holiday music. One of the group's most cherished traditions is its annual Noel Concerts, a festive event that draws large audiences each year. These concerts celebrate the holiday season and showcase the vocal talents of the chorale's members.

Under the direction of Don Johnson, the Master Chorale has grown and evolved over the years, earning a reputation for high-quality performances. The chorale often collaborates with local musicians and groups, such as the Sterling High School Show Choir, further enhancing its community presence and fostering a spirit of collaboration in the arts.

Performances are typically held at the Dorothy Corsberg Theater, located on the campus of Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, which provides an excellent venue for the group's concerts. The chorale is known for its strong community support and continues to be a source of pride for the town of Sterling, Colorado.

With a history of dedication to both the art of choral music and its community, the Master Chorale remains a vital cultural institution in the region, offering opportunities for singers of all backgrounds to come together and create beautiful music.

The Steve Meier family has been in Sterling for over 30 years, but their story doesn't necessarily start here. Steve grew up on a farm just north of Sterling in Peetz, CO.  He pursued his football passion right out of high school at Mesa State, until he discovered everyone at the collegiate level seemed to be bigger, faster and better than he was. He later transferred to Colorado State University where he pursued a degree in Ag Business because it was the only Ag major that did NOT require a public speaking class.  He now regrets that decision, as he is often asked to speak publically. Let his hindsight be your foresight and take the public speaking class.Terri grew up a military brat, moving every 4 years.  She was born in Germany and then returned back to Germany to attend high school.  Terri originally attended Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL and then transferred to Colorado State when she discovered she was NOT actually a “southern belle”.  At CSU, she combined her love for math with her love of people and became a Math Educator.

Although Terri came to Colorado with intentions of meeting an Air Force Pilot, she fell in love with a farm boy from Peetz, CO instead.  God has a funny sense of humor, BUT clearly knew what was best.  It was on a Co-ed softball team that the two met at CSU and the rest they say is history.  They were married in 1988 and planned to temporarily move back to Sterling to pursue their careers. Their original plan to return to the “big city” never came to fruition as they quickly discovered that Sterling is truly a Colorado Treasure and they have never left.  They began their family shortly after moving to Sterling and are the proud parents of 3 children and 4 grandchildren. As they started to plant roots in Sterling, NJC became deeply embedded in their lives.

Terri spent 20 years at NJC, in the Math Department teaching part-time.  It was the perfect blend of teaching flexibility and availability to be a present mom, which allowed her to get her kids to school, attend all of their sporting functions and yet also do what she loved by teaching 3 classes each semester.  Steve has been in the banking field since 1988 and recognizes the value and importance of Northeastern Junior College for the community. He even served on the NJC Board for 4 years.  Over the years they have loved hosting and getting to know NJC athletes and cheering on the Plainsmen at many sporting events.

All 3 of their children also attended NJC in varying capacities. Lyndsey, the oldest, was fortunate enough to finish her degree in Accounting from CSU in just 3 years, thanks to the college credits she obtained from NJC during high school.  Austin was able to transfer credits to Creighton from NJC, but decided he didn’t want to rush through college and spent a Semester at Sea instead.  Kendall, the youngest attended NJC and received her CNA, LPN, RN, which later became an ADN and then thanks to the NJC partnership with UNC, she was able to continue here at NJC and complete her Bachelors of Nursing.  NJC was a great choice and option for all 3 of their children.  

They love what NJC has to offer students and the community.  They love the relationships that are built and developed at NJC.  They see the value in money staying in the local community and consider it a gift and a blessing to give back to NJC, an outstanding community college that has given their family so much over the years.

The Meier family roots started in Peetz, CO around the 1920s when Nadean's grandparents homesteaded to the area. It is where she was born and raised and where she met my husband, Gary, who moved to Peetz in his early elementary years and where they both graduated high school. They were married shortly after high school and their love for the community and strong support system ultimately aided in their decision to carry on the family farm and plant roots of their own.  They created their life in the hills of wide open space outside of Peetz near the Chimney Canyons where they grew wheat, raised cattle, hogs and their three boys, Steve, Rick and Bryan.

Agriculture was their life.  It was the industry and livelihood that raised them and the livelihood that allowed them to raise their boys.  It’s the same industry that is woven within their boys’ careers to this day and even one of their granddaughters.  Although life wasn’t always easy, it was the struggles that gave a greater capacity to care for and offer grace to others.  

It brings them great joy to watch Peetz students continue to thrive at a local college that shares in this value. NJC allowed Gary to further his education while farming and it was also the perfect launching pad for their sons, daughter-in-laws, nephews and grandchildren to further their education. They are honored to partner with the NJC Foundation to help a Peetz student each year to further their education to be able to care for those around them.  

The National Western Stock Show, established in 1906, is the premier livestock, rodeo, and horse show in the nation, serving agricultural producers and consumers throughout the world. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization providing education in agriculture, including college and graduate-level scholarships in agriculture and veterinary medicine for practice in rural areas.

The National Western Stock Show, one of Colorado’s preeminent tourist destinations, is held every January for 16 days.  A nationally recognized western heritage and entertainment event, the stock show hosts one of the world’s richest regular season professional rodeos, one of the country’s largest horse shows, and Colorado’s largest western trade show, attracting attendance numbers over 700,000 visitors each year.

Throughout this historic event, the National Western strives to strengthen American agriculture through enrichment programs and youth education in livestock, equestrian, farming, ranching, animal awareness, and appreciation. We celebrate western lifestyles, our communities, and provide life-long memories and family traditions.

This scholarship is established by Rex William (Bill) Monahan in memory of his parents, Rex and Doris Monahan, who were residents of Sterling and active community supporters for more than fifty years.  Rex Monahan served as both president and chairman to the NJC Board of Trustees/Advisory Council from for twenty-two years (1981 – 2003).  Doris was a regional historian, and the published author of two books illuminating the history of northeastern Colorado and the South Platte Trail.

 In addition to active involvement and support of the Logan County Literacy Coalition, Rex and Doris funded scholarships at various colleges in the state. They also established and funded a host of initiatives and scholarships to encourage the educational advancement of disadvantaged sectors of the community including single parents and persons incarcerated at the Sterling Correctional Facility.  During their lives, they provided educational funding to more than one thousand individuals in northeastern Colorado and other local regions.  As avid and diverse life-long learners, they exemplified the value of continuing education and were an active source of inspiration to all to do likewise.

The Monahan Learning Center (MLC) inside Knowles Hall on the NJC Campus was named for Rex Monahan in 1992 after renovation and expansion of the building.  The MLC promotes students’ academic growth by providing a variety of services and assisting with individual academic needs in order to help students make the most of their educational experience.

Rex was born in Nebraska in and lived there until he joined the Army in 1943.  In June of 1945, he graduated from Officers Candidate School in France.  He was placed in charge of a prisoner of war camp near Wels, Austria, until the end of the war and was discharged as a First Lieutenant.

After the war, Rex enrolled in the University of Lincoln as a psychology major.  He earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1949.  He then studied additional courses and graduated again with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology in 1950.  At age 65, he received his Master of Business Degree from Regis College in Denver.

Rex was a founding Trustee Associate of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, a senior member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and a Certified Professional Geologist.

Doris was born in 1923 and grew up on her family’s farm near Sidney. After graduating high school, she attended Doane College and then moved to New York City. There she worked for a costume-making company.  She returned to Nebraska and the University of Nebraska where she met Rex.

Rex and Doris were married in 1947.  In the early 50’s they moved to Sterling where Rex entered the oil business.  Doris raised their four children:  Susan, Kathleen, Melissa and Bill.  They were married for 61 years at the time of Rex’s death in 2009.

Rex and Doris received many awards including being voted Citizens of the Year in Sterling in 1988.

Rex’s goal in life was “to improve the human condition” with an emphasis on education.  During the last six years of his life, his primary project was the Monahan Second Chance Program for offenders at Sterling Correctional Facility.  At the time of his death, 140 offenders had participated in one of 28 classes offered, working toward an Associate of General Studies Degree.

Rex passed away in January of 2009 followed by Doris in August of 2014.  The couple’s legacy lives on with the establishment of the Rex and Doris Monahan Memorial Scholarship founded by their son, Bill.

The scholarship bearing their name will provide 100% tuition (after applied grants and other scholarships) and book support to two students who are enrolled at Northeastern Junior College.  The scholarship is specifically for students who are working toward an associate’s and/or bachelor’s degree in majors offered through the University of Colorado Denver’s T-Prep partnership with NJC.   Funding will be for two years, or the duration of the student’s enrollment at NJC, whichever is less.   Funds will be applied to the student’s final semester bill.  Funding also includes all eligible assigned course books from the NJC campus and NJC’s digital course fees.

This scholarship was founded in 2012 by Cinthia Johnson, to honor her late husband's memory and support a student in the NJC music program.

Russell Neil Johnson, 61, of Sterling, passed away on Sept. 11, 2012, in Sterling. Russ was born in Sterling on March 26, 1951, to Orville and Catherine (Norman) Johnson. He was raised on the family farm in the Burdett community of Washington County, and graduated from the Lonestar School in 1969. Russ continued his education at Colorado State University graduating in 1973, magna cum laude and No. 1 scholastically in the College of Business, with a degree in accounting. While at CSU he met Cinthia Lee Kleis and the two were married on June 9, 1973, in Lincoln, Neb.
Following college graduation Russ went to work for Touche Ross and Company, CPAs in Denver, moving to their Sterling branch in 1974. The firm underwent several changes over the years, until 1999, when Johnson became an owner and managing partner of Johnson and Associates, CPAs, PC. Concurrent with his career in accounting, Russ worked and expanded the family farm east of Sterling, raising wheat, corn, proso, hay crops and cattle. It was here that he and Cindy raised two sons, Abe and Matt. Life in rural northeast Colorado held special significance to Russ; this was where he wanted to be and where he wanted to raise his family. Service to community was an important part of Russ’s life. He was an active member and past elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Sterling. He served on the Sterling Regional MedCenter Hospital Board for 15 years, acting as chairman during construction of the new hospital in 1989. He was a member of the Colorado State Fair Board for 11 years, serving as vice-chairman from 2003-2008. At the time of his death Russ was the financial adviser to the Premier Farm Credit Board and a member of the Wells Fargo Bank Board. He was honored to be appointed by Governor John Hickenlooper to the Colorado State University Board of Governors this past year.
Russ was an avid supporter of 4-H and FFA, actively recruiting buyers and purchasing animals for numerous businesses at the 4-H/FFA Livestock Auctions in Logan and Washington counties for many years. He was an enthusiastic contributor to music, athletic and scholastic programs in regional schools and at Northeastern Junior College. It was his great honor to be named Citizen of the Year by the Logan County Chamber of Commerce in 2010. Russ was known in northeast Colorado for his collection of real-photo turn-of-the-century postcards. Many of these were shared with individuals and displayed in businesses throughout the area. As a result, he was privileged to be awarded the Northeast Colorado Historical Society’s Sharing with the Community Award in 2011. Russ also enjoyed farm sales, antique tractors, collecting farm primitives, the Johnson and Associates Relay For Life Barbecue, and participating in the Logan County Fair Parade. These simple small-town pleasures were some of the highlights in Russ’s life.

This Memorial Scholarship was established in 2002 with gifts in memory of Tom L. Porter.

It is a transfer scholarship and aims to assist any worthy NJC Sophomore with acceptance and transferring to Colorado State University. 

This scholarship was founded in September, 2020 by the children of Vincent Bassegio.

Vincent was born on May 31, 1930 in Sullivan, Colorado to Victor and Mary (Bettale) Baseggio. He attended Springdale School from 1-8th grade and St. Anthony's School from 9-12th grade. He was drafted into the Army on February 14, 1952 and was honorably discharged February 4, 1954. He spent more than 12 months in Korea. He married Virginia Neises in 1955 at St. Agatha church in Howard, SD. They made their home and raised their five children on the family farm in Atwood. He began farming with his father in the spring of 1954 and then with his brother Lawrence until Lawrence's passing and then his retirement in 2005. 

He was a member of the Atwood Men's Club, St. Anthony's Bazar staff, North Pawnee Ditch Board and received various awards from Great Western Sugar. He was also a lifelong member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church. While farming, feeding cattle, raising hogs and being a devoted husband and father left him very little spare time, he did enjoy playing cards and going out for dinner with other couples. Stopping in the middle of the road to discuss events with the neighbors was also important, especially after a rain. Upon him selling the farm in 2005 he enjoyed taking care of his garden, reading, spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Although he had retired he was on call for his family and would always come help. 

Vincent Baseggio, 90, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his children on July 17, 2020 in Sterling, Colorado.