The Aspen Institute Names 51ÁÔÆæ as a Top 200 U.S. Community College Eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize
$1 Million Prize Honors Colleges Achieving Strong Student Results, Both in College and After GraduationThe Aspen Institute has named 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) as one of the 200 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year […]
51ÁÔÆæ To Offer High School Equivalency (HSE) Classes in Garner
51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) will offer High School Equivalency (HSE) classes in Garner beginning on Wednesday, October 29. Classes will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30-7:30pm at the Garner Education Center.The HSE program is designed for adults age 17 and older who did not complete high school and would like to earn […]
North Iowa Entrepreneur Billie Asmus Lands Deal on ABC’s Shark Tank
The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area Small Business Development Center (SBDC) are proud to celebrate Billie Asmus of Hampton, founder and CEO of Repaint Studios, for securing an investment deal on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank.Billie appeared on the October 8, 2025 episode, where she presented her company’s flagship product, The Repaint […]
October 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month
51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Center & SBDC Recognizes Steve Strasheim of Twisted River Farm as the October 2025 Entrepreneur of the MonthMASON CITY, IOWA – The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC are proud to announce Steve Strasheim of Twisted River Farm in Mitchell, IA as the October 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month.Steve […]
51ÁÔÆæ Book Sale to Benefit Emergency Textbook Fund, October 7-9
The 51ÁÔÆæ Foundation and 51ÁÔÆæ Library will host a three-day book sale October 7-9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Activity Center on the 51ÁÔÆæ campus. The sale is open to the public and all are welcome.The sale boasts over 1,000 books of all genres for book enthusiasts to […]
51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Center & SBDC Recognizes Christy Marchand of Altus CXO as the September 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month
The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC are proud to announce Christy Marchand, co-founder of Altus CXO in North Iowa, as the September 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month.Christy Marchand built her career in corporate finance and executive leadership, but she always carried an entrepreneurial drive. “I’ve always been passionate about helping […]
51ÁÔÆæ Board Member David Steffens Receives National Recognition
The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) has announced 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) Board of Directors member David Steffens as a recipient of a 2025 ACCT Regional Trustee Leadership Award.Each year, ACCT recognizes community college trustees, presidents, faculty, and professional staff members from across the country for their exceptional contributions to community colleges […]
August 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month
51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Center & SBDC Recognized Jared Doerfler of Hanna Golf as the August 2025 Entrepreneur of the MonthMASON CITY, IOWA – The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC announced Jared Doerfler of Hanna Golf in Mason City, IA as the August 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month.Jared Doerfler has built a […]
Winners announced in the 20th Annual John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition
North Iowa Entrepreneur Wins 3rd Prize of $15,000Jared Doerfler of Mason City, IA won Third Place at the 20th annual John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition on Friday, August 22, 2025. Out of more than 35 submissions, 12 teams advanced to the final presentation round, with winners announced during a luncheon at Iowa State University […]
51ÁÔÆæ Introduces New Director of the Performing Arts and Leadership Series
51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) is pleased to introduce Jared Barnes as the new Director of the 51ÁÔÆæ Performing Arts and Leadership Series. A lifelong resident of North Iowa, his early passion for the performing arts was fostered by the region’s dedicated arts educators and rich cultural opportunities—including the 51ÁÔÆæ Performing Arts and Leadership […]
Winners Announced for 51ÁÔÆæ’s Extreme Makeover: College Edition
Congratulations to Jennifer Hoodjer of Allison and Marianel Lovrien of Charles City—they are the winners of 51ÁÔÆæ’s Extreme Makeover: College Edition! Each will receive free 51ÁÔÆæ tuition, plus textbooks and more, for the 2025–26 school year.Jennifer Hoodjer shared her excitement and gratitude, saying that winning this opportunity means more than she […]
July 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month
51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Center & SBDC Recognizes Mike & Angie Lester of Winan Creek Barn as the July 2025 Entrepreneur of the MonthThe 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC are proud to announce Mike and Angie Lester of Winan Creek Barn in Clear Lake, IA as the July 2025 Entrepreneurs of the […]
51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center Hosts Youth Entrepreneurial Academy
The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center hosted the 2025 Youth Entrepreneurial Academy (YEA) on June 16th-20th. YEA is a free one-week academic camp sponsored by the John K. and Luise V. Hanson Foundation, and is offered annually to all North Iowa high school students interested in entrepreneurship. Each participant receives a $500 51ÁÔÆæ scholarship sponsored […]
Extreme Makeover: Win a Free Year of College at 51ÁÔÆæ
51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) invites adults, ages 23 and up, to apply for an Extreme Makeover: College Edition – a unique makeover that changes lives. 51ÁÔÆæ has been providing adult students with this opportunity to return to college at no cost, for more than 18 years.Extreme Makeover: College Edition is a contest where two […]
June 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month
51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Center & SBDC Recognizes Hallie Erdahl of Georgette Bridal as the June 2025 Entrepreneur of the MonthMASON CITY, IOWA – The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC are proud to announce Hallie Erdahl of Georgette in Clear Lake, IA as the June 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month.Georgette is a […]