SOUTH SIOUX CITY -- Jorge Raudales, a spring graduate from Northeast Community College and a South Sioux City campus student, was the recipient of the college-wide President’s Award for the 2024-2025 academic year.
“My reaction to earning the reward was and still is honest shock,” said Raudales. “The nomination alone felt like a great honor, but I had figured that the award would go to someone at the main campus in Norfolk. Earning the award is a wonderful honor that I will certainly carry with me for life.”
Northeast Community College’s Hawk Star Awards honor high-achieving and talented students. The top honor, the President’s Award, is reserved for a student with at least a 3.5 GPA and involvement in at least two campus activities.
Raudales was nominated for the college-wide award by two employees located at the South Sioux City campus.
“When I saw the qualifications for the award, I immediately thought of Jorge,” said Renee Krusemark, English instructor for Northeast Community College at the South Sioux City campus. “Jorge’s academic abilities and contributions in the classroom have enhanced the learning of all students, so much so we asked him to be our English tutor. The quality of our students at South Sioux City deserves to be recognized, and I couldn’t think of a better representation than Jorge.”
Kristy Sandman, associate director of the South Sioux City campus, had a similar viewpoint of Raudales’ contributions to the campus.
“I nominated Jorge for the Hawk Star Award because he had been successful in his academic endeavors, and when we needed an English tutor on the South Sioux City campus, he was willing to step up and fill that role,” said Sandman. “Jorge was also willing to participate and help with other events and activities taking place and was an integral part of the campus community.”
Northeast’s campus in South Sioux City has offered transfer-level courses for almost 15 years at its current location, focusing on student-centered experiences. For Raudales, the student-centered focus created a meaningful educational experience.
“Every instructor has been wonderful, and the smaller class size has made it easy to communicate both with my instructors and classmates,” Raudales said. “I felt like I learned something from every class, even in ones that didn't apply to my major. I had fun, too! It was so nice to be in classes where the instructor could cover content professionally while still creating a comfortable environment that students could enjoy themselves in.”
A high-performing student, Raudales took advantage of earning a degree while remaining in the South Sioux City area.
“I chose Northeast because it was local and well-respected in the community . . . smaller class sizes were a definite plus,” added Raudales. “The degree has had a surprising impact on my career. The composition aspect of [my English] major has ensured that my written communication, online or otherwise, is concise and professional.”
The South Sioux City extended campus offers numerous in-person, transfer-level college courses throughout the academic year. For information about classes offered at the South Sioux City campus, please call 402-241-6400.
Raudules Honored
Jorge Raudales, a student at Northeast Community College’s Extended Campus in South Sioux City, received the President’s Award for the 2024-25 school year. (Northeast Community College)
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