Dr. Michael Chipps, president of Northeast Community College, and Dr. Terry Nelson, chairperson of the Northeast board of governors, accepted a $16,000 check from Cathy Kathol, account manager with Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), and Kurt Dostal, business relationship manager for Wells Fargo Bank, at the regular monthly meeting of the Northeast Board of Governors Thursday in Norfolk.
The funding, which is used for scholarships awarded to students enrolled in the state’s community college system, was part of $80,000raised during the 26th annual Wells Fargo Nebraska Open golf tournament held at the Elks Country Club in Columbus in September. Scholarships are distributed to eleven college campuses in the Central, Mid-Plains, Northeast, Southeast, and Western Nebraska community college systems that are within NPPD’s service area. Each year, sponsorship money and entry fees from golfers are divided between the tournament purse and the colleges.
Chipps said the funding will assist several Northeast students in meeting their career objectives.
“These scholarship dollars will certainly impact many of our students in achieving their academic goals and professional ambitions. We would like to extend our gratitude to Wells Fargo and all of the other sponsors in providing these funds, and to Nebraska Public Power District for coordinating the tournament. These generous people certainly understand the importance of making these scholarship dollars available to our students.”
“Sponsors have come from across the United States to help improve the quality of life for students in Nebraska. This annual event continues to provide opportunities for community college students to complete or continue their degrees, or simply get a start on their college education,” said Pat Pope, NPPD president and chief executive officer. “It has been a great opportunity for NPPD to work with the Nebraska Section of the PGA, the Nebraska Golf Association, and the colleges to coordinate one of Nebraska’s largest golf events.”
Endorsed and administered by the Nebraska Section of the PGA and the Nebraska Golf Association, the tournament has been held at the Elks Country Club since 1991. More than 50 businesses sponsored this year’s event, with many participating in an 18-hole scramble with professional golfers.
Wells Fargo returned as the title sponsor, along with national, regional and Columbus-based companies such as Behlen Manufacturing Co., Mike’s Auto Sales, Eakes Office Solutions, Kelly Supply Co., Nebraska Energy Federal Credit Union, and US Bank.
Since its beginning, the Open has raised $1.5 million for students across Nebraska. Northeast Community College has received $298,510 over the 26 years.
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PHOTO CUTLINE
Representatives of Nebraska Public Power District and Wells Fargo Bank present a check of $16,000 to Northeast Community College officials. The scholarship funds come from proceeds from the 2017 Wells Fargo Nebraska Open golf tournament, coordinated by NPPD. Pictured (from left) are Dr. Terry Nelson, chairperson of the Northeast Board of Governors, Cathy Kathol of NPPD, Kurt Dostal of Wells Fargo and Dr. Michael Chipps, president of Northeast Community College.