NORFOLK, Neb. – Northeast Community College celebrated a distinguished group of alumni, board leaders, faculty, and staff during its 2026 Achievement Awards ceremony, recognizing individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment have helped strengthen the College and the communities it serves.
The awards were presented during a ceremony at the Lifelong Learning Center on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Northeast President Leah Barrett recognized honorees for their contributions to student success, educational excellence, community development, and philanthropic support.
"The story of Northeast Community College has always been a story about people," Barrett said. "Tonight's honorees represent the very best of that spirit through their dedication to service, leadership, education, and helping others succeed."
The evening included recognition of recipients of Nebraska Community College Association honors, the designation of five new Northeast Foundation Directors Emeritus, induction of two alumni into the Northeast Community College Alumni Hall of Success, and presentation of the NCCA Distinguished Alumni Award.
Among those recognized for Nebraska Community College Association honors for the Northeast area were Adam Peterson of Norfolk, communications & theater professor, who received the Faculty Member Award; Lindsay Spiegel of Norfolk, director of institutional effectiveness, who received the Administrators/Staff Award; and Nicole Sedlacek of O’Neill, vice-chairperson Board of Governors who received the Governors’ Award. The honorees were recognized for their outstanding service, leadership, commitment to student success, and innovation within the Nebraska community college area.
The Northeast Community College Foundation also bestowed its highest honorary designation, Director Emeritus, upon five individuals whose leadership, philanthropy, and service have left a lasting impact on the College and its students: Dr. Robert P. Cox of Norfolk; Donald Holloway of Papillion; the late Arlan Kuehn of South Sioux City; Wayne Studebaker of Norfolk; and G. Tom “Doc” Surber, MD of Norfolk. Honorees were recognized for their decades of leadership and service through roles on the Northeast Community College Foundation Board, the Board of Governors, and their support of Northeast’s educational mission.
The ceremony also celebrated the induction of two distinguished graduates into the Northeast Community College Alumni Hall of Success: Jay V. Addison of Stuart and Craig M. Cook of Gretna. The Alumni Hall of Success recognizes alumni who have achieved notable professional accomplishments while practicing leadership, service, and commitment to their communities. The 2026 inductees were honored for their outstanding career achievements, civic involvement, and dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
The evening concluded with the presentation of the Nebraska Community College Association Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes a graduate whose accomplishments and service bring distinction to both their profession and alma mater. The honoree must previously have been inducted into the Northeast Alumni Hall of Success. This year's recipient, Bryan Reichmuth of Humphrey, was honored for a career of leadership, mentorship, and community involvement that exemplifies the value and impact of a community college education.
Barrett said the achievements of all honorees serve as a reminder of the transformative power of education and the importance of investing in future generations.
"Success is not measured only by personal achievement, but by the difference we make in the lives of others," Barrett said. "These individuals embody the values of Northeast Community College through their generosity, leadership, and commitment to creating opportunities for students and communities."
