Northeast Community College student Samuel Gibbs of Norfolk is the January 2026 TRIO-College Success Program student of the month.
The son of David and Mary Gibbs of Norfolk is completing his degree at Northeast and will graduate in December 2026 with his associate of arts in Business Administration. After his graduation, Gibbs will be transferring to Wayne State College to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business, with a desire to focus on management and finance.
Gibbs’ path through higher education has not always been easy, nor did he take the path traditionally associated with college students. Over 10 years ago, Sam had his first taste of higher education at a college in Minnesota, and then shortly after began his path toward a Welding diploma here at Northeast.
After a decade away from higher education, he returned to Northeast in the fall of 2025 and has been thriving ever since. He has completed his Welding diploma and has remained eager to fulfill the requirements necessary to complete his associate’s degree in Business Education.
Gibbs also acquired college credit and vast array of skills and experiences from his time in the military. He is a U.S. Army veteran.
With aspirations of becoming a business owner — potentially managing multiple businesses in the Norfolk area — Gibbs cites strong leadership, resilience, and fairness as personal qualities that will guide his future endeavors. Born and raised in Norfolk, he has always considered the community home despite time spent away for high school at Nebraska Lutheran High School in Waco and during his military service.
“I love my town, I love living here,” Gibbs said. “This is my home and I want to continue building our community”.
Sam is a first-generation college student and understands the impact that a college education will have on himself and his future. He also understands that the connections and knowledge he can accumulate while at Northeast, outside of the classroom, will be just as valuable and impactful for his future endeavors.
While here at Northeast, Sam has immersed himself in serving others and partnering with as many positive people as he can. Currently, Sam is a member of Future Business Leaders of America, the Student Leadership Association, the IDEAS Committee, the Civil Discourse Committee, and the Student Affairs Standing Committee. Furthermore, Sam is the treasurer and secretary of the International Students Association, the public relations liaison for the Student Emergency Response Team, the treasurer of the Active Minds Club, a member of the TRIO Club, and the president of the Dance Club.
On top of all of that, Sam also volunteers his own time and money to host occasional “Fun Nights” for other students in the lower level of Union 73. He partnered with Student Engagement to provide free popcorn to students while Sam provides pop and streams a movie for others to watch. Sam has also recently furthered his community building and professional development efforts by partnering with Cara Hoehne to form the newly created Chamber Cadets, to which Sam will be the inaugural president.
Outside of his academic life, Sam is also a dedicated and involved member of the Norfolk community. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Eagles Club, and is the treasurer for the Disabled American Veterans here in Norfolk. Sam is also a member of the Sheppard of Peace Church, where he also volunteers his time as a youth Sunday School teacher. When asked, Sam states that it is God who inspires him each day, and “Thank God for everything in my life”.
Josh Becker is his TRIO-CSP advisor.
“Sam astonishes me every day. His desire to better himself, and to support others is like nothing I have ever witnessed. He is a member of almost a dozen clubs and organizations here on campus and he genuinely commits 100% of his effort into each one of them, all while simultaneously flourishing with his academics,” Becker said.
Sam mentions that he receives remarkable academic instruction and mentoring at Northeast, and credits instructor Cara Hoehne especially for the positive impact she has had on him.
“She is very driven, and she makes learning fun. She has helped to make me be a professional and to feel like a professional and was the driving force that helped me to create the Chamber Cadets,” Sams said.
Northeast instructor Car Hoehne had this to say about Gibbs.
“Sam is a joy to have in class,” Hoehne said. “He is actively involved in FBLA-Collegiate and multiple other student organizations, and he brings that same level of commitment into the classroom. He is always willing to help others, asks thoughtful questions, and shows a genuine desire to learn. Sam is at Northeast for a reason — a brighter future — and that purpose is evident in his strong work ethic and his drive to get as much as possible from every learning experience.”
Sam’s late grandmother, Peggy Letheby, is his source of inspiration and determination in life and academics.
After a pause of nearly 10 years from academics, Sam returned to higher education and hit the ground running, feeding off the strength his grandmother instilled in him.
“She was always there for me, my entire life. She always believed in me, taught me to be diplomatic, and to always do the right thing,” Gibbs said. “I believe she would be very proud of what I am accomplishing right now.”
ID: Sam Gibbs
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