NORFOLK, Neb. -- The Erma and Frank Moore Memorial Business Scholarship at Northeast Community College has been empowering students for more than two decades, thanks to the enduring legacy of Erma Moore, whose passion for education began in 1938.
At the age of 16, Erma (McCune) Moore defied expectations by leaving her family farm and enrolling in college despite significant opposition. Her experience of being told that “farm girls” were not cut out for college only strengthened her determination. This early challenge sparked a lifelong mission to support and encourage other students, especially women, to pursue their educational goals.
Erma went on to dedicate 36 years of her life to teaching at Battle Creek High School, where she became a beloved and respected educator. From 1950 to 1986, she taught typing, accounting, office practice, and shorthand, while also serving as the yearbook sponsor.
Her approach was firm but fair, guiding her students to excel not just academically but in life. Erma’s legacy was further solidified when she was inducted into the Battle Creek Public Schools Hall of Fame in 2022.
Erma bravely fought cancer until her passing in 1987, demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience.
In 2003 Erma’s son, Richard, and daughter-in-law, Laurel, established the Erma and Frank Moore Memorial Business Scholarship. The endowment is part of the McIntosh Legacy Society Scholarship Program, founded by J. Paul McIntosh, and supports full-time students enrolled in business programs.
Preference is given to Battle Creek High School graduates, followed by students from the Northeast 20-county service area. To qualify, students must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need.
The scholarship has empowered 22 students to succeed since its establishment and will continue to forever honor Erma’s lifelong dedication to education and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of learning, offering new opportunities for future generations of students to achieve their academic and professional goals.
For more information about establishing a scholarship with the Northeast Community College Foundation contact 402-844-7240 or foundation@northeast.edu.
Moores’ Scholarship
The Erma and Frank Moore Memorial Scholarship has been benefiting business students at Northeast Community College for two decades. Erma taught 36 years at Battle Creek High School.