NORFOLK, Neb. – Over 32 years, Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has contributed its support to education through the annual Nebraska Open golf tournament and fundraiser, including more than $70,000 raised for scholarships in 2023.
The Nebraska Open is an annual golf tournament and fundraiser, coordinated by NPPD, that has helped raise more than $1.9 million in scholarship funds over the last 32 years. These scholarship funds are raised to support scholarships for students attending Central, Mid-Plains, Northeast, Southeast and Western Nebraska community colleges.
On Thursday, Dec. 14, at the regular monthly meeting of the Northeast Board of Governors in Norfolk, Leah Barrett, president of Northeast Community College, and Julie Robinson, chairperson of the Northeast board of governors, accepted a $15,000 check from Sue Fuchtman, Norfolk, NPPD board member, and Brittney Koenig, NPPD account manager in Norfolk.
“It’s been great to see the continued support for the Nebraska Open, which has provided an excellent avenue for NPPD to empower students across our service territory,” said Christy Avery, NPPD marketing content specialist and Nebraska Open event coordinator. “Raising more than $1.9 million throughout the life of the tournament is no small feat, and the support of the sponsors ensures we can continue providing scholarships to our local students.”
Over the 32 years, Northeast Community College has received over $385,000 in tournament proceeds.
The Nebraska Open kicked off in September with an 18-hole Pro-Am event, followed by a 54-hole professional tournament that was endorsed and sponsored by the Nebraska Section of the PGA. The Nebraska Open has been held in Columbus since its creation in 1992.
Shayne Geidner, Wayne, a freshman Utility Line student at Northeast, spoke during a banquet prior to the start of the tournament as to how the scholarship dollars will assist him in his education.
The 2023 tournament was sponsored by 42 businesses whose donations help support the scholarships given to students at 11 campuses across the state. Wells Fargo returned as the title sponsor for the 20th consecutive year, along with national, regional, and Columbus-based sponsors such as Behlen Mfg. Co, Kelly Supply Co., and Nebraska Energy Federal Credit Union.
###
CUTLINE
Representatives of the Nebraska Public Power District present a check for $15,000 to Northeast Community College officials. The scholarship funds come from proceeds from the 2023 Nebraska Open golf tournament, coordinated by NPPD. Wells Fargo is the title sponsor. Pictured (from left) are Julie Robinson, chairperson of the Northeast board of governors, Brittney Koenig, NPPD account manager in Norfolk, Sue Fuchtman, Norfolk, NPPD board member, and Leah Barrett, president of Northeast.