Future. Found.
At 51ÁÔÆæ, our new tagline, Future. Found., is more than just words—it’s a promise. It captures who we are, what we stand for, and the incredible journey we provide to students, businesses, and our community.

What Does Future. Found. Mean?
Future. Found. reflects our commitment to helping people find their path and achieve their goals. Whether you’re a student starting your academic journey, a professional seeking career advancement, or a business looking for collaboration and growth, we’re here to help you discover your future.

For Students: Your future starts here at 51ÁÔÆæ. From your first day in class to graduation and beyond, we guide and support you as you shape your future. We’re not just a place of learning—we’re a place where dreams take shape.

For Businesses: We’re a trusted partner, working side by side with local businesses and industries to foster innovation, growth, and workforce development. Together, we’re building a brighter future for our region.

For Our Community: Our commitment to lifelong learning, creativity, and collaboration extends beyond the classroom. At 51ÁÔÆæ, we help individuals and communities find new opportunities and create lasting impact.

Bringing Future. Found. to Life
We’re using Future. Found. to inspire everything we do across campus. From signage and digital displays to advertising campaigns and classroom discussions, this message will be woven into the fabric of 51ÁÔÆæ. It’s a reminder that, whether you’re here for education, career training, or community engagement, 51ÁÔÆæ is where your future begins.

Join Us
At 51ÁÔÆæ, the future isn’t just ahead—it’s found. Join us, and let’s discover what your future looks like together.

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The annual Pathways to Success event on Friday, April 26, 2024 will honor 51ÁÔÆæ Alumna Lori Ryerkerk as Keynote Speaker. The event will be held in the North Iowa Community Auditorium on the 51ÁÔÆæ campus at 2:00pm.

Ryerkerk, a Mason City native and 1981 graduate of 51ÁÔÆæ, will be honored for her accomplishments with the Outstanding Alumna award. Ryerkerk is Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Celanese Corporation, a Fortune 500 global chemical and specialty materials company based in Dallas, Texas.

Other awards presented at the event will include, 1989 51ÁÔÆæ graduate Beth Bilyeu, Executive Director of the Forest City Economic Development, who will be honored as Distinguished Alumna, and numerous current students being recognized with the 51ÁÔÆæ Student Leadership award.

The 51ÁÔÆæ Alumni Association hosts Pathways to Success annually to honor accomplished alumni and to recognize a select group of students for their scholarship, leadership, and character. The public is invited, there is no cost to attend. Sponsors include the Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors, Tony & Sue Coloff, and 51ÁÔÆæ Student Government.

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The 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) recently welcomed a new member to its Alumni Advisory Board: Lincoln Boehmer.

Boehmer’s educational journey began at 51ÁÔÆæ, where he graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Engineering in 2016. Committed to expanding his knowledge and expertise, he then pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Engineering from Iowa State University in 2018. Boehmer currently serves as a Project Manager – Estimator at Dean Snyder Construction in Ankeny. Boehmer and his fiancé, Cara are parents of a son, Canyon and live in Slater, Iowa.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Boehmer has also actively engaged with various community organizations. Through his employer, he contributes to the Pinky Swear Foundation of Iowa, a nonprofit organization supporting children with cancer and their families. His previous volunteer work with the Big Brother Big Sister of Central Iowa program also demonstrates his commitment to mentoring and supporting the next generation.

Other members of the 51ÁÔÆæ Alumni Advisory Board are President, Chad Nelson ’97, Tony Coloff ‘62, Tanya Dadisman ’99, Amy Fleming ‘96, Kevin Hennessy ’09, Ruth Miller ’72, Louisa Montealvo ’10, Brittney Sanchez ’12, and Mary Jo Vrba ’96.

Part of the 51ÁÔÆæ Foundation, the 51ÁÔÆæ Alumni Advisory Board has been in existence since the formation of the 51ÁÔÆæ Alumni Association in 1991.  The Alumni Association supports the annual Pathways to Success program, student scholarships, the InTouch newsletter, and other alumni activities.

Membership in the 51ÁÔÆæ Alumni Association is free and open to graduates and others who have benefited from the programs and services of the College.  For more information, call 1-888-GO 51ÁÔÆæ, ext. 4386 or email alumni@niacc.edu.

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This year’s Community Colleges for Iowa Awards convention shone a spotlight on three outstanding individuals from 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ), who were celebrated for their exceptional contributions. The honorees, receiving the Outstanding Alumni Award, Outstanding Faculty Award, and Outstanding Staff Award, exemplify excellence and dedication.

Anthony (Tony) Coloff 62’ was presented with the Outstanding Alumni Award, given to a graduate of any of Iowa’s Community Colleges who has shown leadership and commitment to their community. Molly Knoll, Director of Institutional Advancement at 51ÁÔÆæ, had the following to say about Coloff, “We are proud to recognize Tony for his leadership with this state-wide award. He embodies the College’s core values of success, engagement, and leadership. Tony is a dedicated ambassador for 51ÁÔÆæ throughout our region. He, along with his wife Sue, have been generous supporters of the Alumni Association’s annual Pathways to Success, provided annual scholarships, and supported the Keeping 51ÁÔÆæ First campaign to help build the STEM center.” Tony is a 1962 graduate of 51ÁÔÆæ’s predecessor Mason City Junior College. He has served on the 51ÁÔÆæ Alumni Advisory Board since 2004, demonstrating 20 years of dedicated service supporting and promoting the College. 

Dr. Heather DeWaard-Flickinger was awarded the Outstanding Faculty Award. DeWaard-Flickinger, a 51ÁÔÆæ Health, Wellness, and Leisure instructor, is active on college-wide committees, champions new initiatives, and embraces challenges through collaboration and the pursuit of excellence. As CETL Director and advocate for mental health and college wellness, she regularly plans professional development to support new initiatives. In addition, DeWaard-Flickinger leads the campus physical fitness and wellness program, engages with regional colleagues to develop conference opportunities, and takes time to make the rounds on campus to check in on the well-being of colleagues. 51ÁÔÆæ President Dr. Steve Schulz said, “Heather is an exceptional instructor, a consummate professional, and a strong leader among the faculty. She is an outstanding representative of 51ÁÔÆæ’s faculty.”

Dr. Shelly Schmit, Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness and Organization Development at 51ÁÔÆæ, was given the Outstanding Staff Award. Schulz praised Schmit, “Shelly has dedicated the last 25 years of her professional career to making 51ÁÔÆæ a better place for the staff and students. Her tireless work ethic and empathy for others make her an outstanding awardee in this category.” Schmit is responsible for human resources, professional development, institutional research, accreditation, and a variety of other duties.

Congratulations to these three well deserved winners.

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Staff, alumni, and their families walked in the Clear Lake 4th of July parade on Monday.

The parade was delayed an hour due to rain, but the sun came out and there was a great turnout.

Candy, pencils, and fans were handed out to the spectators. It was great to hear people in the crowd cheering for 51ÁÔÆæ!

Staff and alumni participating in 4th of July Parade in Clear Lake

Are you interested in attending 51ÁÔÆæ?  Apply Today!

51ÁÔÆæ, founded in 1918, is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa.  With approximately 3,000 career and transfer students, the College has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a leading community college in the nation.  51ÁÔÆæ welcomes students from across Iowa, Minnesota, the nation, and the world. The College has served as a leader in student-centered learning, community engagement, and collaborative leadership for more than 100 years.

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