83 rd Annual Commencement Saturday, May 16, 2015 4:00 p.m.

83 rd Annual Commencement Saturday, May 16, 2015 4:00 p.m. Western Nebraska Community College Cougar Palace Scottsbluff, Nebraska WNCC assures learning opportunities for all enriching lives, invigorating communities, creating futures

Program Emcee Dr. Susan Yowell, Vice President of Student Services Prelude... Flourish for Wind Band, by Ralph Vaughn Williams Western Nebraska Winds, conducted by Dr. Nathaniel Johnson, Band Director Processional... Burnished Gold and Army Blue, by John Cacavas Western Nebraska Winds National Anthem... The Star-Spangled Banner, arr. by Kirby Shaw Collegiate Chorale, conducted by Ms. Rita Stinner, Music Program Director Soloist: Victor Garza, Jr., Mitchell, NE Welcome... Dr. Todd Holcomb President Presentation of Emeritus Awards... Dr. Todd Holcomb Special Music... Let it Go from Frozen, arr. by Mac Huff Collegiate Chorale Soloist: Maggie Hopp, Scottsbluff, NE Introduction of the Speaker... Mr. Timothy H. Daniels Western Community College Area Board of Governors Chair Commencement Address... Dr. Eugene Hughes 1954 Scottsbluff Junior College Graduate Nebraska Community College Association 2014 Distinguished Alumni Special Music... Let the River Run from Working Girl arr. by Craig Hella Johnson Collegiate Chorale Certification & Presentation of Degree Candidates...Dr. Terry Gaalswyk Executive Vice President Special Music...As All the Heavens Were a Bell, by Jay Bocook Western Nebraska Winds Recognition of Honors Graduates... Dr. Terry Gaalswyk Reading of Class Roll... Ms. Ellen Dillon Assistant Dean of Instruction Dr. Susan Yowell Conferral of Degrees... Dr. Todd Holcomb Recessional... Burnished Gold and Army Blue, by John Cacavas Western Nebraska Winds Please join us for a reception in the commons immediately following the ceremony.

2014-2015 WNCC Graduates Agnew, Daniel Jordan Associate of Arts ** Ballymena, N. Ireland Airada, Jr., Sergio, h Associate of Occupational Studies Alliance, NE Akers, Nikki, h, P Associate Degree Nursing Alliance, NE Alduncin Fernandez, Juan Jose, LS Associate of Arts Orizaba, Mexico Allen, Amber M. Associate Degree Nursing Alliance, NE Anaya, Jessica Ashley, LS Associate of Science Scottsbluff, NE Aragon, Emily Marie Associate Degree Nursing Scottsbluff, NE Avila, Brandon J., h Associate of Science Henry, NE Avila, Jacob E., h Associate of Arts Mitchell, NE Avila, Kristen Associate of Science * Mitchell, NE Baily, Lindsy Reneé Practical Nursing Diploma Gering, NE Baily, Stephanie A. Associate of Arts Gering, NE Baker, Galen Roger, V Associate of Arts Scottsbluff, NE Baker, Jean L., h Associate of Arts Sidney, NE Balandran, Xina A. Associate of Arts Sidney, NE Ball, Jessica Rae Associate of Arts Thornton, CO Bateman, Cole Allen Associate of Arts ** Gering, NE Bayne, Mark, h Associate of Science * Gering, NE Bellmyer, Glen Hollis, h Aviation Maintenance Certificate Dalton, NE Bender, Ryan Thomas Associate of Arts ** Ayr, CO Berglund, Alex T., h Powerline Technology Diploma Alliance, NE Bernal, Krissy, P Associate Degree Nursing North Platte, NE Bernhardt, Kelsey Lynn Associate of Science Thornton, CO Bianco, Megan Riley Associate of Science Scottsbluff, NE Blanco, Briana D. Associate of Arts Scottsbluff, NE Blomstedt, Vincent Joseph, h, P Associate of Occupational Studies Palisade, NE Bosshamer, Shane S., HH Associate of Occupational Studies Riverdale, NE Brill, Amanda M. Associate of Arts ** Scottsbluff, NE Briscoe, Dayanaria Louise Associate of Arts Iliff, CO Brooks, Jessica Jean Associate of Applied Science Torrington, WY Bryant, Alexandrea Blair Associate of Science Hemet, CO Bunner, Randall L., h, P Associate of Occupational Studies Gurley, NE Camargo, Guilherme Flores Associate of Science *** Sao Paulo, Brazil Campbell, Mark James Associate of Arts Manchester, England Carlson, Tamie R. Associate of Arts Scottsbluff, NE Ceesay, Muhammed, HH, P Associate of Science *** Serrekunda, The Gambia Child, Macy Jo Associate of Science Broomfield, CO Christensen, Preston D., A, h Associate of Science Layton, UT Christner, Joshua, h, P, V Associate of Arts *** Cheyenne, WY Clamors, Angela J., h Practical Nursing Diploma Crawford, NE Clause, Tara Lynn General Business Certificate Scottsbluff, NE Cloud, Courtney Elizabeth, h Associate of Science Black Diamond, WA Cole, Jennifer Amy Associate of Arts Scottsbluff, NE Cole, Lenzie M. Associate of Arts Mitchell, NE Converse, Kathleen L., h Associate of Occupational Studies Mitchell, NE Contratto, Julia Practical Nursing Diploma Sidney, NE Cornelius, Niesha Dawn, LS Practical Nursing Diploma Mitchell, NE

2014-2015 WNCC Graduates Cottle, Jennifer, h Associate of Arts * Lehi, UT Crosbie, Tyler Hale Associate of Arts Providence, UT Crouch, Sam William Associate of Arts ** Scottsbluff, NE Curtis, Tharyn Joel Associate of Science ** Scottsbluff, NE Dagg, Bryant E. Practical Nursing Diploma Sidney, NE Davis, Krista D. Practical Nursing Diploma Alliance, NE Davis, Madison Daryl Associate of Science West Jordan, UT Davis, Mark G. Associate of Occupational Studies Gering, NE de Jesus, Leticia Silva, h, P Associate of Science Lavras, Brazil De La Torre, Fernando Associate of Arts Morrill, NE Demaranville, Megan L. Associate of Arts Scottsbluff, NE Desjardin, Brittany Michelle, h Associate of Science Alliance, NE Detling, Evan Michael, h Associate of Arts ** Mitchell, NE DeVault, Steven E., h, LS Associate of Arts ** Bayard, NE Dillard, Paul H., h Information Technology Certificate Scottsbluff, NE Dogan, Yeliz Associate of Arts Izmir, Turkey Dopp, Bailee A., h, P Associate of Science Layton, UT Doremus, Melynda E. Associate of Arts * Scottsbluff, NE Dorn, James Allen, h Associate of Arts ** Scottsbluff, NE Dreyer, Laura M., h Associate of Science Merriman, NE Duffield, Kimberly F. Associate of Applied Science Morrill, NE Dvorak, John D. Powerline Technology Diploma Potter, NE Fancher, Kendra Marie Associate of Arts ** Mitchell, NE Farret, Omar Associate of Arts Gering, NE Finnegan, LuAnn Associate of Arts *** Sidney, NE Frick, Jacob K. Associate of Arts Fort Morgan, CO Frihauf, Abigail E. Associate of Science Yuma, CO Frizzell, Darcy Jean Associate of Arts ** Scottsbluff, NE Fuller, Patrick C., h Associate of Arts Placerville, CA Gall, Chad Associate of Arts ** Morrill, NE Associate of Science Gallasso, Erin Marie Associate Degree Nursing Torrington, WY Gallese, Erika, LS Associate of Science Vercelli, Italy Garcia, Diane M., h Associate of Arts *** Denver, CO Garcia, Genoveva, LS Associate of Science Scottsbluff, NE Garcia, Laura Pamela Associate Degree Nursing Scottsbluff, NE Garcia, Sinahi, h, LS, P Associate of Science Bayard, NE Garner, Kimberly L., h Associate of Arts Rapid City, SD Gasseling, Christopher Associate of Occupational Studies Alliance, NE Gilbert, Bradley James Aviation Maintenance Certificate Beatrice, NE Goeglein, Kendall, h Powerline Technology Diploma Yuma, CO Gomez, Andrés E. Associate of Arts Caracas, Venezuela Gomez, Tiffany Sue, h, LS Associate of Science Bridgeport, NE Gonzales, Hannah Dominique, h, P Associate of Science Pueblo, CO Goodman, Jordyn S. Associate of Arts Scottsbluff, NE Graham, Kenneth, h Powerline Technology Diploma Rushville, NE Grentz, Danielle N. Associate of Arts Mitchell, NE

2014-2015 WNCC Graduates Grimm, Darrel R., h, P Diploma Chadron, NE Associate of Occupational Studies ** Gueye, Doudou Associate of Arts * Dakar, Senegal Gutherless, Katie, P Associate of Arts ** Gering, NE Guymon, Lindsay L., h, P Associate of Science Stansbury, UT Guzman, Ashley Grace Associate Degree Nursing Scottsbluff, NE Haas, Dylan C., h Powerline Technology Diploma Sidney, NE Hamilton, Summer Dawn, h, P Associate of Science Scottsbluff, NE Hansen, Haylee C., h Associate of Arts *** Gering, NE Hanshew, Justin K., h, V Associate of Arts ** Scottsbluff, NE Hardin, Kevin D. Associate of Occupational Studies Alliance, NE Harimon, Ashley R., h, P Associate Degree Nursing Bayard, NE Harshbarger, Joshua Associate of Science Bridgeport, NE Haslow, Brenda K. Associate of Arts Morrill, NE Hauck, Megan I. Practical Nursing Diploma Gering, NE Haupt, Stephanie T. Associate Degree Nursing Lanark, IL Hauschild, Amy Lynn, V Associate of Applied Science ** Scottsbluff, NE Haynes, Kelli R. Associate of Arts Whitney, NE Hermosillo, Cristina Associate of Science Yuma, CO Hernandez, Morgan M. Associate of Arts *** Gering, NE Hernandez, Victoria Associate Degree Nursing Gering, NE Herrera, Ariana Associate of Science Grand Junction, CO Herrera Ormaza, Henry Geovanny Associate of Arts *** Quito, Ecuador Hewett, Ronda Lea Associate of Applied Science ** Scottsbluff, NE Hof, Michael Alexander Associate of Occupational Studies Scottsbluff, NE Holcomb, Nathan C., HH Powerline Technology Diploma Broken Bow, NE Holliday, Kathleen Ann, h, P Associate of Arts ** Gering, NE Hong, Chanhee Aviation Maintenance Certificate ** Seoul, South Korea Hopp, Maggie Kaylene, h Associate of Arts Scottsbluff, NE Hudspeth, Christian A., V Associate of Arts Sidney, NE Huffman, Joseph P. Associate of Science Scottsbluff, NE Hughart, Anna Lorinda Associate of Science Hemingford, NE Hunt, Rebecca A. Associate of Applied Science Oshkosh, NE Imel, Courtney J., h, P Associate of Arts Mitchell, NE Isbell, Katie Lynn Associate Degree Nursing Veteran, WY Jackson, Alena D. Associate of Occupational Studies Gering, NE Jallow, Muhammad S., h, P Associate of Arts *** Banjul, The Gambia Jerger, Jeremy Scott, HH Aviation Maintenance Certificate Gering, NE Johnson, Ashley P., h, P Associate of Science ** Alliance, NE Johnson, Crystal Lynn Associate of Arts Bayard, NE Johnson, Renae D. Associate of Arts Scottsbluff, NE Johnston, Jacob Leroy Welding Technology Certificate Alliance, NE Joplin, Courtney L., h Practical Nursing Diploma Sidney, NE Josius, Edson Jean Philippe Associate of Science *** Port-au-Prince, Haiti Jung, Yong Seok, h Associate of Arts ** Chungbuk, South Korea Keller, Christopher Lee Associate of Occupational Studies ** Bayard, NE Kelley, Andrew John Associate of Arts Gering, NE

2014-2015 WNCC Graduates Kilthau, Cassidy Brynne, h Associate of Science Gering, NE Kim, Bomi, h Aviation Maintenance Certificate Seoul, South Korea Kinsey, Jennifer Associate of Applied Science ** Scottsbluff, NE Klein, Matthew T. Associate of Arts Scottsbluff, NE Korell, Brittany A. Associate of Science Bayard, NE Koros, Joyce L. Associate of Applied Science ** Scottsbluff, NE Kraus, Todd A. Associate of Arts * Bridgeport, NE Krebs, Holly A., V Associate of Arts *** Alliance, NE Kwon, Youngsoo Aviation Maintenance Certificate Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Lang, Christopher J. Associate of Occupational Studies Scottsbluff, NE Lattin, Rebecca R. Associate Degree Nursing Scottsbluff, NE Lee, Jared T. Associate of Science Scottsbluff, NE Lehr, Monica Ann Associate Degree Nursing Gering, NE Linford, Alysa L. Associate of Science Bluffdale, UT Littlejohn, Taylor M., h Associate of Occupational Studies Scottsbluff, NE Lopez, Alexander J. Associate of Arts Alliance, NE Lopez, Julie Kay Associate Degree Nursing Scottsbluff, NE Lucio, Cassandra Maria Associate of Science * Scottsbluff, NE Lujan, Abriana Lynn Associate of Science Commerce City, CO Lujan, Amber K. Associate of Arts Bayard, NE Luna, Sylvia Lilia Associate of Science Greeley, CO Makris, Nickolas J. Associate of Arts ** Sidney, NE Manweiler, Autumn V. Practical Nursing Diploma Gering, NE Marquez, Jessica Renee Associate of Arts ** Gering, NE Marquez, Martina Johanna, LS Associate Degree Nursing Scottsbluff, NE Marquez, Yvette Associate Degree Nursing Minatare, NE Martin, Margaret Mae Associate of Arts Gering, NE McClenahan, Gary B., V Associate of Applied Science Gering, NE McCracken, Racheal Elizabeth Associate of Science Fort Morgan, CO McPhail, Michael Brett Associate of Arts Aurora, CO Meads, Abigail, h Cosmetology Certificate Scottsbluff, NE Meggison, Megan Lyan, HH, P, V Practical Nursing Diploma Alliance, NE Meier-Hamm, Tremain A. Associate of Arts * Alliance, NE Merryfield, Rachel Kristene, h Associate of Arts ** Kimball, NE Merwick, Cody Michael Aviation Maintenance Certificate Lincoln, NE Miller, Caden Anthony Associate of Arts ** Scottsbluff, NE Miller, Nichelle Annette Associate of Arts Morrill, NE Mills, Myles Associate of Occupational Studies Alliance, NE Mitchell, Dianté Isiah, h Associate of Arts Syracuse, UT Mitich, Kori Nikkole Associate of Arts Bayard, NE Montana, Emily D., h Associate of Applied Science Colorado Springs, CO Moreno, Sylvia Juanita Associate of Science Scottsbluff, NE Motz II, Rodney John Associate of Occupational Studies Whitney, NE Muhr, Beth Anne, h, P Associate of Arts Mitchell, NE Muhr, Brenda Marie, h, P Associate of Arts *** Mitchell, NE Munford, Mason J. Associate of Arts Cheyenne, WY Nab, Mason Associate of Arts ** Gering, NE

2014-2015 WNCC Graduates Nelson, Ethan Eric, A, h, LS, P Associate of Science Dalton, NE Nevarez, Erik Adrian, LS Associate of Science Yuma, CO Obasi, Kevin Okechukwu Bababunmi Associate of Science Scottsbluff, NE Olafson, Claudia R. Associate of Applied Science * Alliance, NE Olsen, Jennifer A. Associate of Arts ** Sidney, NE Ott, Rylee Mae, LS Associate of Science Scottsbluff, NE Pan, Chuol, h, P Associate of Science South Sudan Parker, Whitney Lauren, h, P Associate of Science Syracuse, UT Peacock, Morgan Amanda Associate of Arts ** Morrill, NE Pedersen, Reece Daniel, h Aviation Maintenance Certificate Hartington, NE Peister, Sharlene N. Associate of Occupational Studies ** Scottsbluff, NE Associate of Applied Science ** Pemberton, Sterling Sage Associate of Arts *** Pleasant Grove, UT Perez, Cesar Associate of Science Wray, CO Peters, Christina E. Associate of Arts ** Scottsbluff, NE Petersen, Kayla S. Associate of Arts Scottsbluff, NE Phillips, Rebecca Jo Associate of Arts Bayard, NE Pilkington, Joshua Brian Associate of Arts ** Scottsbluff, NE Postell, Tosha N., h, P Associate of Arts *** Alliance, NE Praznik, Spencer Carl Associate of Applied Science Gering, NE Puckett, Lyndie Leigh, h Associate of Science Erie, CO Ramirez, Veronica Elizabeth Practical Nursing Diploma Scottsbluff, NE Rashford, Damion Alvile Associate of Arts Pickering, ONT, Canada Rasidkadic, Vernes, h, P Associate of Arts Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina Rasnic, Jarron Jacob Associate of Arts Gering, NE Reffalt-Herrera, Jessica J. Associate of Arts Scottsbluff, NE Reisig, Allison M. Associate of Arts ** Morrill, NE Ring, Joshua Douglas, h, LS, P Associate of Science Torrington, WY Rinker, Cherie Elise Practical Nursing Diploma Wheatland, WY Ritchey, Corey James, HH, P Powerline Technology Diploma Wiggins, CO Robinson, Michelle C. Associate of Arts ** Alliance, NE Robinson, Teri J., h Associate Degree Nursing Scottsbluff, NE Rodriguez, Angel Rafael Associate of Arts ** Scottsbluff, NE Rodriguez, Nadia Isamar Associate of Arts Commerce City, CO Rojas, Rachel J. Associate Degree Nursing Gering, NE Ross, Halia J., h Associate of Arts ** Scottsbluff, NE Ruiz, Bonnie Joann Associate of Arts ** Gering, NE Rupp, Jason Lee Associate of Arts * Gering, NE Russell, Shauna L. Associate of Science Gurley, NE Ryan, Skyler K., A, h Associate of Arts ** Hay Springs, NE Rydell, Jolene E. Associate of Arts Alliance, NE Salas, Lee Associate of Arts Scottsbluff, NE Salinas, Britny Starr Associate of Arts Gering, NE Sampson, Jennifer Eden, h, LS, P Associate of Arts Alliance, NE Satur, Brooke Nicole, h, LS, P Associate of Science Gering, NE Scherbarth, Cathy J. Practical Nursing Diploma Chadron, NE Schleicher, Sara Jean, LS Associate of Applied Science Alliance, NE

2014-2015 WNCC Graduates Schlenker, Lori Mae, h Associate of Applied Science Scottsbluff, NE Schlickbernd, Stephen Edward Associate of Science Scottsbluff, NE Schrader, Heather Lynn Associate of Applied Science ** Scottsbluff, NE Schwab, Ginger Nichole, h Associate of Science ** Gering, NE Scribner, Elizabeth Marie Associate of Arts Scottsbluff, NE Sell, Bridget Lee Associate of Science Scottsbluff, NE Seo, Gahee, h, P Associate of Occupational Studies Seoul, South Korea Serres, Mackenzie L., h, LS, P Associate of Science Mitchell, NE Shaw, April E., h, P Associate of Arts *** Lakeside, NE Sheldon, Nickole Marie Associate of Science Scottsbluff, NE Shillington, Brianne, h Associate of Arts * Benkelman, NE Sicari, Luchia Renee Associate of Occupational Studies Hemingford, NE Sick, Jessica J., LS Associate Degree Nursing Sidney, NE Siefers, Miranda J. Associate of Arts ** Gering, NE Silva, Heather C., h Associate of Arts ** Scottsbluff, NE Silva Serrano, Alvaro José Auto Body Technology Diploma Bucaramanga, Colombia Smallfoot, Jimmy Dean, h, P Associate of Occupational Studies ** Alliance, NE Smith, Alan L. Aviation Maintenance Certificate Dalton, NE Smith, Brandon Wayne Welding Technology Certificate Crawford, NE Smith, Jordan, h Associate of Science Wellsville, UT Starke, Kenneth José Automotive Technology Diploma ** Orizaba, Mexico Steinman-McCracken, Kelly Rae, h Associate of Applied Science ** Alliance, NE Stover, Sarah, h, LS Associate of Science *** Mitchell, NE Stratton, Jenna Marie Associate of Arts ** Torrington, WY Strecker, Jessica Marie, h, P Associate of Arts Morrill, NE Stricker, Alexandra Nichole Associate of Science Scottsbluff, NE Sylvester, Kelsey M., h Associate of Arts ** Gering, NE tenbensel, Jacob Powerline Technology Diploma Cambridge, NE Thomas, Jean L. Associate of Applied Science McGrew, NE Townsend, Dayna Lynn Aviation Maintenance Certificate Mitchell, NE Tyson, Malarie, P Cosmetology Certificate ** Sidney, NE Uhrich, Tanya L. Associate of Applied Science Scottsbluff, NE Urdiales, Ashley Practical Nursing Diploma Morrill, NE Valdez, Maria Mortisha Associate of Arts Alliance, NE Valentine, Donavon Andrew Associate of Science Lingle, WY Valladares, Daniel M. Associate of Science Scottsbluff, NE Vasquez, Allyson Nicole, h, P Associate of Arts ** Akron, CO Villagrana, Miguel Angel Associate of Science * Scottsbluff, NE Vinson, Courtney Practical Nursing Diploma Gering, NE Vogel, Olivia Faith, h, P Associate of Arts ** Alliance, NE Volz, Danny M., HH, V Powerline Technology Diploma Parker, CO Weber, Jayci J., h Cosmetology Certificate Yuma, CO Weimer-Lang, Linsey Rae Associate Degree Nursing Gering, NE Weinmaster, Richard Samuel, V Aviation Maintenance Certificate Cozad, NE Weisbrook, Katherine G., h Associate of Arts ** Peetz, CO Weiss, Chase, h Associate of Occupational Studies North Platte, NE Wilkinson, Michelle L. Associate of Arts Sidney, NE

Wilkinson, Pearl Associate Degree Nursing Mitchell, NE Wilson, Elaine K. Associate of Arts ** Morrill, NE Wilson, Rebecca Jean, h, P, V Associate of Applied Science ** Scottsbluff, NE Wilson, Ty William Associate of Science Scottsbluff, NE Winters, Kira M-M Associate of Science ** Scottsbluff, NE Woods, Tye D., h Powerline Technology Diploma Fort Morgan, CO Woodward, Ashley Morgan Associate of Science Alliance, NE Wright, Challis W. Associate of Arts ** Aurora, CO Yego, Bernard Associate Degree Nursing Kapsabet, Kenya Yost, Morgan Anne, h, P Associate of Science Scottsbluff, NE Zilla, Matthew Joseph Associate of Arts Holyoke, CO Western Community College Area Board of Governors District One Dr. Merlyn L. Gramberg Ms. Kimberly A. Marcy District Two Ms. F. Lynne Klemke R.J. Savey, Jr. 2014-2015 WNCC Graduates Mrs. Amy Winters Faculty Association President Mr. Edward Salazar Alliance Faculty Board Representative District Three Mr. Thomas L. Perlinski Mr. Richard G. Stickney District Four Mr. Timothy H. Daniels, Chair Ms. Julienne K. Walworth, Vice-Chair Faculty Marshals District Five Dr. William M. Packard Ms. Mary K. Shaver At-Large Dr. M. Thomas Perkins Ms. Aletia Norwood Scottsbluff Faculty Board Representative Mr. William Hanson Sidney Faculty Board Representative Emeritus Awards Each year the Western Community College Area Board of Governors recognizes the College s outstanding, retiring instructors and administrators who have provided outstanding service to the College over at least a ten-year period, by bestowing the honorary status of Professor Emeritus or Administrator Emeritus. The 2014-2015 honorees, including their dates of employment are: Mr. Garry R. Alkire Dean of Instruction / English Instructor Jan 1997 - Jun 2015 Ms. Marilyn K. Dodge Educational Outreach Programs Director Aug 1994 - Sep 2014 Ms. Rachel Gonzales Student Services Outreach Coordinator Jan 1992 - Feb 2015 Ms. Anne Hippe Nursing Instructor Sep 1982 - Aug 2015 Ms. Rita E. Stinner Music Program Director / Instructor Aug 1998 - Aug 2015 Ms. Melaney A. Thomas Nursing Program Director / Instructor Jan 1990 - Aug 2015

Commencement Speaker Distinguished Alumni of the Year Dr. Eugene Hughes Dr. Hughes was born in Nebraska in 1934. He spent childhood summers working the family farm with his grandfather. He went on to major in mathematics and science at Scottsbluff Junior College and graduated in 1954. Dr. Hughes later earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, graduating magna cum laude, from Chadron State Teacher s College, his Master of Science in 1958 from Kansas State University, and his Doctor of Philosophy from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University in 1968. Dr. Hughes served as a faculty member and administrator of three different institutions of higher education from 1957 until his final retirement in 2001. He rose through the ranks at Chadron State College where he served as an assistant professor, professor, and department chair of mathematics. He was also the assistant to both the dean of the college and president, and dean of administration. At Northern Arizona University, he was professor of mathematics and dean, College of Arts and Sciences; provost, University Arts and Sciences; academic vice president; and then president for 14 years. As president at NAU, he founded a unique 2 + 2 cooperative program with Arizona Western Community College in Yuma, AZ (known as NAYuma) that has since become a branch campus of NAU. He partnered with the state s community colleges to form a statewide educational extension service patterned after the agricultural extension service. He was also recognized as a founder of Coconino Community College in Flagstaff in spite of what many saw as his support for an organization in competition for students who might otherwise enroll at Northern Arizona University. After retirement from NAU, he moved to Wichita State University in Kansas to serve as its 11 th president until 1999. In 2001, Dr. Hughes served as interim president of Eastern Kentucky University. At each university, Dr. Hughes enhanced opportunities for minority and other underrepresented faculty, staff, and students. This included his New Momentum for Native Americans in Arizona and work with black community leaders, faculty, staff, and students while in Wichita. In Kentucky, those efforts focused on first-time students from Appalachia. In retirement, he has served a six-year term as co-president of an organization devoted to helping the less fortunate in his community, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Dr. Hughes work in education has also included his role as a member and president of the Arizona State Board of Education for K12 schools. He served as president/ceo of the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff. Dr. Hughes strongly supported all aspects of the universities he has served including academics, research, student services, and athletics. He is recognized as an innovator, visionary, and entrepreneur, and as one who has always worked to enhance homegrown relationships. As but one example, Dr. Hughes was responsible for bringing both the Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns professional training camps to NAU and Flagstaff to enhanced economic development in the area. Dr. Eugene Hughes received the Nebraska Community College Association (NCCA) 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award. During the annual NCCA Award Ceremony on November 3, 2014 in Lincoln, NE, Dr. Hughes, a 1954 Graduate of Scottsbluff Junior College, the predecessor of Western Nebraska Community College, was recognized as WNCC s Distinguished Alumni of 2014.

Friend of the College Mr. & Mrs. Dennis & Connie Kramer Dennis and Connie Kramer are long-time residents of the Nebraska Panhandle and have been part of many service organizations in our community. Dennis, for years, was the anchor and secretary for the Gering Kiwanis, helping with numerous projects to benefit families and youth. He and Connie are always there to organize, cook, serve, plant pumpkins, help kids paint pumpkins, grill pancakes, set up Santa s Village, pick up trash on highway, etc. Connie organized local food donors for the week that volunteers worked to build the children s playground at Riverside Park. Dennis served on the Hospice Board, helped at the Legacy of the Plains Museum, played in the Gering Community Band and WNCC Band. He was in many plays at Theatre West and loved to attend WNCC sport events and activities. For years he has provided grief support for families through his career. Connie owned Vic s Popcorn and was top sales person in the U.S. She was also a top salesperson for Usborne Books. She orders all the books that Delta Kappa Gamma uses in the Cradle Catchers program where they give a book to each baby born at Regional West Medical Center. She loves to play bridge, travel, spend time with her grandchildren, and is a member of PEO. Connie is also a member of the WNCC Alumni Committee. Dennis and Connie are active members of First Presbyterian Church and Friends of the Midwest Theater. They are positive and hardworking in all their endeavors to help others and the community. Mr. & Mrs. Kramer received this award at the 2014 Celebrate WNCC Awards Banquet last fall. The Academic Regalia The colorful attire worn by faculty, administration, and students on the occasion of commencement exercises a part of a long tradition that dates back to the famous universities of Europe and was adopted in North America in colonial days. In 1885, American colleges and universities standardized their academic regalia. THE CORDS: Silver and black cords are worn by student members of the National Society of Leadership and Success - Sigma Alpha Pi; red, white, and blue cords are worn by Veterans Upward Bound student participants. THE GOWN: The academic gown is often black. The gown s sleeve type is the distinguishing mark: the bachelor has pointed sleeves, the master has long closed-arch sleeves, and the doctor s sleeves are bell-shaped with velvet trim. THE HOOD: Each degree type has its special hood which varies in length and, in the case of the doctorate, also in pattern. The master s hood is three feet long with a three-inch trim; the doctor s hood is four feet long, rectangular, and has a five-inch velvet trim. The colored velvet binding represents the major field in which the degree was earned: economics, copper; journalism, crimson; law, purple; library science, lemon; nursing, apricot; social science, cream; philosophy, dark blue; arts and letters, white; art, brown; science, gold-yellow; business, drab; education, light blue; music, pink; and physical education, sage green. The color of the hood s lining symbolizes the official colors of the college or university that granted the wearer s degree. THE MEDALLIONS: Red, white, and blue ribboned gold medallions are worn by recipients of the Nebraska Academic All-American Award. The red ribboned silver medallion is worn by the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Silver Scholar. Gold ribboned medallions are awarded to high honors students with a 4.0 GPA. THE STOLES: Gold stoles are worn by Phi Theta Kappa student members; silver stoles are worn by members of National Society for Leadership and Success; red, white, and blue stoles are worn by Veterans Upward Bound student participants.

Alliance Campus 1750 Sweetwater Avenue Alliance, NE 69301 308.763.2000 or 888.559.9622 Scottsbluff Campus 1601 E. 27th Street Scottsbluff, NE 69361 308.635.3606 or 800.348.4435 Sidney Campus 371 College Drive Sidney, NE 69162 308.254.5450 or 800.222.9682 wncc.edu In Case of Emergency Please take a moment to identify the emergency exits closest to you. In the event of an emergency, pay close attention to the announcer or College personnel for important life safety information. If you or someone nearby has a medical emergency during the ceremony, please notify security personnel, who are wearing red shirts today.