51ÁÔÆæ Continuing Education Introduces Commercial Drone Pilot Series
51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) Continuing Education is launching a new Commercial Drone Pilot course series this May, offering individuals an opportunity to explore the world of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Whether you’re a hobbyist interested in recreational drone flight or a professional looking to integrate drone technology into your current role, these courses […]
2nd Annual Iowa Student Entrepreneur Summit
The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center hosted the second annual Iowa Student Entrepreneurship Summit on April 11-12, 2025 at locations in Mason City and Clear Lake, IA. This dynamic event brings together business majors and student entrepreneurs from Iowa’s community colleges, private colleges and the University of Northern Iowa. The Student Entrepreneurship Summit included a […]
51ÁÔÆæ Earns 2025-2026 Military Friendly® School Designation
51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) has earned the 2025-2026 Military Friendly® School designation. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey.Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher […]
National marketing council honors 51ÁÔÆæ at 50th anniversary national conference
51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) received a 2024 Paragon Award from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) at the council’s national conference last month in New Orleans. The conference also concluded a year-long celebration of NCMPR’s 50th anniversary, which was founded in 1974.51ÁÔÆæ earned the Print Wild Card award for its […]
Applications Now Open for 2025 Youth Entrepreneurial Academy at the 51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Center
Unique Opportunity for North Iowa High School StudentsMASON CITY, IOWA – The 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is now accepting applications for the 2025 Youth Entrepreneurial Academy (YEA), taking place from Monday, June 16 – Friday, June 20, 2025. A concluding pitch competition will be held on Monday, June 23, […]
Spring 2025 Venture School Launch Day Competition Awards
$4,000 in Prizes Awarded to Local EntrepreneursThe 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center hosted the University of Iowa Venture School Launch Day competition on Thursday March 27, 2025. The 51ÁÔÆæ Spring 2025 Venture School cohort competed in person after attending classes virtually for 7 weeks of training, customer discovery, and developing their business model alongside local […]
March 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month: Lori Finch
The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC are proud to announce Lori Finch of Gabby’s Gluten Free Goods of Britt, IA as the March 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month.Lori Finch, founder of Gabby’s Gluten Free Goods, turned a personal challenge into a business that provides high-quality gluten-free baked goods to customers […]
51ÁÔÆæ and UNI Establish Articulation Agreement to Enhance PTA and Kinesiology Education Pathways
51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) and the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) have recently developed an articulation agreement that will provide 51ÁÔÆæ Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) students with a seamless pathway to earning a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at UNI. The agreement also offers UNI Kinesiology students an efficient route to obtaining a PTA […]
North Iowa Students Compete at 51ÁÔÆæ Everyday Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition
The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center hosted the Everyday Entrepreneur Pitch Competition on Thursday, March 20, 2025. The Everyday Entrepreneur Program is sponsored in conjunction with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), helping to provide access to entrepreneurial education and funding for students to take their businesses from an idea to a thriving […]
51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Center & SBDC Recognized Billie Asmus of Repaint Studios as the February 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month
The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC were proud to announce Billie Asmus of Repaint Studios in Hampton, IA as the February 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month.As the founder and CEO of Repaint Studios, Billie Asmus is revolutionizing the painting and home DIY industry with her eco-friendly invention, the Repaint Tray. […]
51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center Hosts IDEA Camp for Middle School Students
The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center held the inaugural IDEA Camp for middle school students on Presidents’ Day, Monday February 17, 2025.28 students from 12 schools across North Iowa attended IDEA Camp where they put into practice life’s key skills: innovation, discovery, entrepreneurship, and achievement. This hands-on program guides young innovators […]
North Iowans Join 51ÁÔÆæ Foundation Board of Directors
At its December 2024 meeting, the 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) Foundation elected five new members to its Board of Directors. Their terms officially began in January 2025.Hunter Callanan of Clear Lake is a long-time community advocate and volunteer. She attended Loras College and obtained a bachelor’s degree in public relations. Callanan has been […]
Ferch and Holmes Join 51ÁÔÆæ Alumni Advisory Board
Jodie (May) Ferch ‘93 and Mary (Kruggel) Holmes ‘77 have joined the 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) Alumni Advisory Board.Jodie (May) Ferch of Austin, Minnesota, graduated from 51ÁÔÆæ with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing in 1993. Ferch is a Registered Nurse with Mayo Clinic’s St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester, Minnesota and previously worked for […]
51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center to Host IDEA Camp for Middle School Students
Full Day Program on Presidents’ Day, February 17, 2025MASON CITY, IOWA – The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center will hold the IDEA Camp for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students on Presidents’ Day, Monday February 17, 2025. The camp will run 8:30am to 3:30pm. Check-in begins at 8am. The camp will […]
51ÁÔÆæ Alumnus Zak Joundi to be Honored Guest, Keynote Speaker for Upcoming Pathways to Success Program
The public is invited to attend the 51ÁÔÆæ Alumni Association’s annual Pathways to Success event on Thursday, April 24, 2025. The event is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. in the North Iowa Community Auditorium on campus. The 51ÁÔÆæ Alumni Association hosts Pathways to Success annually to honor accomplished alumni and to recognize a select group […]