NORFOLK, Neb. – Northeast Community College celebrated four distinguished alumni during its 2025 Achievement Awards ceremony, recognizing their professional accomplishments and community impact.
Inducted into the Alumni Hall of Success were Brad Matthies, Colbert, Washington; Linda Pelc, Norfolk; Shane Peterson, Inwood, Iowa; and J.J. Snodgrass, Norfolk. Northeast President Leah Barrett introduced the honorees at the Lifelong Learning Center on Thursday, September 25.
The Hall of Success Award honors graduates who have demonstrated exceptional career success, civic leadership, or community service. Eligible recipients must have completed a diploma, degree, or at least 24 credit hours at Northeast or its predecessor institutions.
Brad Matthies, associate dean of Library Service at Gonzaga University, credits Northeast for launching his academic journey. A first-generation college student, he earned welding diplomas in 1987 and a criminal justice degree in 1993. His career spans roles at Butler University and Casper College, and he remains active in community service through Gonzaga Family Haven.
Linda Pelc, assistant vice president at Midwest Bank in Norfolk, began her finance career while attending Northeast from 1978 to 1989. Known for her servant leadership and deep community involvement, she plans to retire in 2026 after nearly five decades in banking. Pelc is active with the United Way, Norfolk Chamber, and Our Savior Lutheran Church.
Shane Peterson, dean of Applied Technology at Northwest Iowa Community College, graduated in 2009 with a degree in Architectural Drafting. His hands-on experience in construction and teaching led to recognition as a 2023 Iowa STEM Teacher Award recipient. He also serves on the Iowa SkillsUSA board and participates in community service and racing.
J.J. Snodgrass, sales service manager at Vulcraft Nebraska, discovered his passion for drafting at Northeast in 1997. His career with Nucor spans nearly 30 years across multiple divisions. Snodgrass is deeply involved in civic organizations and volunteers alongside his family in Norfolk.
Also honored at the annual awards ceremony were four individuals who will be recognized at the Nebraska Community College Association annual meeting in November. Dr. Kari Wade of Lincoln, a full professor at Nebraska Methodist and co-founder of the Nebraska Methodist College Online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership in Healthcare track, is this year's NCCA Distinguished Alumni from Northeast. Faye Kildaye of Meadow Grove, dean of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, will receive the NCCA Administrators/Staff Award. The NCCA Faculty Member Award winner is Bonnie Johnson-Bartee of Norfolk, an English instructor at Northeast. And Jeff Scherer of Beemer, the at-large member of the Northeast Board of Governors, has been named a nominee for the NCCA Governors' Award.
Alumni Honored
New inductees into the Northeast Community College Alumni Hall of Success are (from left) J.J. Snodgrass of Norfolk; Linda Pelc of Norfolk; and Shane Peterson, Inwood, Iowa. Not able to make it in person but also inducted was Brad Matthies of Colbert, Washington. (Northeast Community College)
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