Time spent at Northeast Community College helped one of this year’s Alumni Hall of Success inductees gain confidence.
“Northeast is where I got my start,” said Linda Pelc, assistant vice president of treasury services and cash management at Midwest Bank. “The encouragement I received at Northeast gave me confidence to step into the career that would shape my life in ways I could never imagine.”
Pelc started her banking career while a student at Northeast, working part-time at DeLay First National Bank in Norfolk. She was employed by FNBO for 25 years and has spent the last six years at Midwest Bank.
“Over the years,” Pelc explained, “I’ve learned that banking is about more than just numbers and accounts. It’s about people. It’s about celebrating when somebody buys their first house, their first car. It’s encouraging them when times are tough. And simply, being a trustworthy friend.”
In nominating her for the Hall of Success, one of Pelc’s co-workers wrote, “Linda embodies the spirit of servant leadership, and her leadership is not just about guiding. It’s about giving. Listening is one of her gifts, and not just to understand, but to discover ways of helping those in front of her satisfy their needs and desires, both big and small. She inspires good things and ideas in others.”
In addition to her banking career, Pelc has been an active member of the Norfolk community. She has served on the United Way Board and is an Ambassador for the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce. She attends and volunteers at Our Savior Lutheran Church. In her spare time, Pelc enjoys golfing and playing Bunco.
Pelc plans to retire from Midwest Bank in March 2026. She said that will give her more time to travel and attend her grandchildren’s activities. Pelc and her husband, Patrick, have been married for 45 years. They have two children, Derek Pelc and Tonya Hoff, and five grandchildren.
“Receiving this award is more than just recognition,” Pelc said. “It is a reminder of the journey, the relationships, and the growth that began at Northeast Community College.”
Pelc and the other Hall of Success inductees were honored during the annual Northeast Achievement Awards celebration held Sept. 25 in the Lifelong Learning Center on the Norfolk campus.
The Alumni Hall of Success honor is awarded to past graduates and students who have achieved significant success in their professions, exhibited exemplary citizenship qualities, and/or made significant contributions to their communities and/or community affairs. Nominees should have completed a recognized diploma or degree from Northeast (or its predecessor colleges) or completed at least 24 credit hours at Northeast to be applied toward a degree at another college or university. Nominations are due May 31 of each year, and a nomination form can be found at: northeast.edu/giving/achievement-awards.
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