Craig and Lori Cook are examples of how giving back can create lasting change.
They have dedicated themselves to supporting future generations through scholarships at Northeast Community College and other Nebraska institutions.
The story of the Cooks’ scholarship is deeply personal, with both Craig and Lori coming from backgrounds where education was valued but not always guaranteed. Craig, a 1969 graduate of Wayne High School, was one of nine children. His path to education and success was shaped by the values of hard work, dedication, and the experiences he gained from his military service in Vietnam ('71-'72) and Korea ('76-'77).
After his discharge, Craig utilized the G.I. Bill, a federal program that provides educational benefits to qualified veterans and their dependents, to continue his education. He received $311 a month, which covered all his basic needs. He attended Northeast Community College, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Maintenance in 1983 and an electrician-residential and commercial diploma in 1984.
The path to learning wasn’t always easy. Craig faced challenges balancing work, education, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). During this time, Northeast faculty made a simple effort that Craig remembers as going “above and beyond.”
“Northeast faculty really went ‘above and beyond.’ While working a Nucor swing shift, there was one week out of three when I couldn’t attend any classes. And guess what? Faculty adapted to my work schedule. That was more than any school ever did at the time.”
His dedication to furthering his skills led Craig to a job at Nucor in the fall of 1979, where he would spend the next 30.5 years working in production, relocating in his career from Norfolk to Crawfordsville, Indiana.
Through it all, Craig and his family remained grounded in their values. In 1981, he married Lori, and they later returned to Nebraska in 2017 to be closer to their two daughters and grandson.
The Cooks established the Craig M. & Lori A. Cook Scholarship in September 2017 at Northeast Community College. The endowment supports students enrolled in the skills and technical trades and nursing programs at Northeast. First preference is given to students from the 20-county service area with second preference given to Nebraska residents. Students must be enrolled in at least six credits and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
“I wanted to honor my educational journey,” said Craig. “My career was successful thanks to the impact of Northeast Community College and a two-year degree. I didn’t need year three or four.”
Craig also made the decision to expand the scholarship to include nursing, a field close to Lori’s heart – a way to honor her mother’s lifelong work.
“Promoting education at a community college was kind of going against the grain at the time,” said Lori. “There was a huge push for students to enroll at four-year institutions at the time, so we wanted to support students pursuing two-year programs focusing on practical and vital skills like the trades and healthcare fields.”
Later the couple continued to contribute to the endowment to support additional students. In the 2025-2026 academic year three students are expected to receive support from the Craig M. & Lori A. Cook Scholarship.
The Cooks desire to give back reflects the same principles that guided Craig’s educational journey: resilience, adaptability, and a belief in the power of education to change lives.
Craig’s family has always kept their commitment to giving back at the forefront. In honor of their families’ legacy, Craig’s two older brothers – also Vietnam veterans – started scholarships at Wayne State College. Craig and Lori have also established a Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) Foundation scholarship for Concordia University, Nebraska students.
Beyond their philanthropic efforts, the Cooks enjoy spending their free time golfing, reading, and spending time with their family. Craig is also a member of the “Old Farts” Golf League, which brings together 65-70 members, and they remain deeply connected to their community in Omaha and beyond.
The Craig M. & Lori A. Cook Scholarship will have a lasting impact on generations to come and their story underscores the belief that education isn’t just about getting a degree - it’s about preparing students for real-world careers and offering them the opportunity to create a brighter future.
Endowed scholarships at Northeast create a permanent fund in which contributions are invested to ensure the scholarship retains its value in perpetuity. Scholarships are awarded from the interest accrued while the principal is never touched. A minimum of $25,750 is required to set up an endowed scholarship at Northeast Community College, and that amount can be paid over a five-year period. Furthermore, annual scholarships are awarded to students on a yearly basis. A minimum amount is required to establish a scholarship in the donor’s name(s).
For more information on setting up an endowed or annual scholarship at Northeast Community College, email foundation@northeast.edu or call 402-844-7240.
