Western Nebraska Community College Foundation

09/15/2026

A little Cougar history is on display at our Sidney Campus!

This display features WNCC photos, memorabilia, alumni gear and plenty of Cougar pride as we celebrate 100 years of Western Nebraska Community College.

If you’re on the Sidney Campus, be sure to stop by and take a look! 🐾

09/14/2026

As Western Nebraska Community College celebrates its 100th year, a special Centennial display at Legacy of the Plains is helping bring a century of WNCC memories to life.

From vintage uniforms and banners to photographs, memorabilia, and pieces representing generations of students, this display is a wonderful look back at how WNCC has grown and changed while remaining an important part of our communities.

If you have the chance, stop by and take a look at 100 years of Cougar pride! This display will be up at the museum through mid-October.

09/09/2026

Check out this month's Western Update video from President Greg Dart!

09/01/2026

Western Nebraska Community College plays a critical role in preparing educators who serve—and often remain in—our rural communities. Faculty members Robin Hayhurst (Education -transfer pathway) and Patsy Yager (Early Childhood Education) share how their programs respond to local needs and why continued investment matters.

Q: How would you describe the mission of WNCC’s education and early childhood programs?

Patsy Yager:
At the heart of our mission is quality. We want highly prepared, passionate teachers in classrooms with children. Teaching—especially early childhood education—is a profession that requires skill, knowledge, and heart. Our job is to help students understand how important their role is and prepare them to do it well.

Robin Hayhurst:
Education is foundational to everything else. Strong schools mean strong communities. I believe deeply in preparing future teachers not just academically, but practically—through real classroom experiences—so they can decide early if this vocation is right for them.

Q: Teacher shortages continue across rural Nebraska. How is WNCC addressing this challenge?

Hayhurst:
The need is real. Every semester, there are open teaching positions across the state. What we can do is remove barriers—cost, geography, and access—to help students start their journey. Completing the first two years at WNCC gives future educators a more affordable pathway forward and helps reduce student debt.

Yager:
In early childhood education, the shortage is especially urgent. Many of our students are already working in classrooms as paraprofessionals or assistants. Through flexible online and hybrid courses, TEACH scholarships, and strong employer partnerships, they can continue working while earning credentials to move up.

Q: How do your programs meet the needs of rural students specifically?

Yager:
Accessibility is everything in rural areas. Many of our students cannot relocate or stop working. We offer online coursework, blended classes, dual credit opportunities, and certificates alongside degree pathways. We also prioritize connection—frequent check-ins, Zoom meetings, and hands-on observations—so online students never feel invisible.

Hayhurst:
Relationships matter. We work closely with local administrators, bring them into classrooms as guest speakers, and place students in area schools for observations. Students see firsthand what teaching looks like here—and many return to serve these same communities.

Q: What impact do you see when students succeed and return to the region?

Hayhurst:
It’s incredibly rewarding to watch former students grow into educators and come back to the Panhandle. When someone who understands this community teaches here, the impact is lasting.

Q: Why is continued community and donor investment so important right now?

Yager:
Support makes education possible for students who might otherwise not pursue it. Scholarships, partnerships, and advocacy ensure we can keep growing local educators for local classrooms.

Hayhurst:
When donors invest in teacher preparation at WNCC, they invest in the long-term strength of our communities. The return is seen in classrooms, families, and the future workforce of western Nebraska.

By investing in accessible, high-quality teacher preparation, Western Nebraska Community College is strengthening classrooms, schools, and futures across the Panhandle. Every scholarship awarded, partnership formed, and student supported helps ensure that local children learn from dedicated educators who understand—and are committed to—the communities they call home. When we grow educators at WNCC, we grow the communities they serve.

To read more on the WNCC Foundations annual report visit:https://www.wncc.edu/community/foundation/2025-2026-foundation-annual-report.pdf

08/28/2026

The Lukas Simianer Veterans Scholarship honors WNCC alumnus and Purple Heart recipient Lukas Simianer, whose life and career reflect service, leadership and a commitment to creating opportunities for others.

A U.S. Army veteran and decorated 82nd Airborne paratrooper, Simianer went on to become an entrepreneur and founder of VetClaims.AI and Clusiv. His accomplishments have also earned recognition from the Texas Business Hall of Fame.

Through this scholarship, Simianer continues his commitment to helping others move forward by expanding educational opportunities for veterans and underserved communities.

We are proud to celebrate a WNCC alumnus who has turned service into lasting impact! Thank you, Mr. Simianer for your generosity.

Read more on the impact of scholarships and donor support in the WNCC Foundation's Annual report here:https://www.wncc.edu/community/foundation/2025-2026-foundation-annual-report.pdf

08/25/2026

Some scholarships are about more than helping pay for college. They’re about giving someone the chance to build a future.

Dr. John Corum spent years helping WNCC students find their path as a Powerline Instructor and Associate Dean. Now, he and his wife, Donna, are continuing that impact through a scholarship they established for first-generation college students pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in one of WNCC’s Applied Technology programs.

With a special preference for Powerline students committed to completing their AAS degree, this scholarship reflects Dr. Corum's connection to the program and the students he spent so many years serving.

Thank you, Dr. & Mrs. Corum, for believing in our students and helping open doors for the next generation.

Read more on the impact of scholarships and donor support in the WNCC Foundation's Annual report here: https://www.wncc.edu/community/foundation/2025-2026-foundation-annual-report.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawT6loVwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTU0Z2NjdEVwaDZ4RWtvcUVzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEevsQeRgidhNgmNCVQ7ZtdBjTG6tsTDRBAkLuEuu5XmL8fZYe0zU5itmxfRDs_aem_viqCxjlo25q2Wtlyh6Zy2g

08/24/2026

Rick Tuggle has spent years giving back to western Nebraska, both through his career and his involvement in the community.

Tuggle is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Riverstone Bank and has been involved with several organizations throughout the Nebraska Panhandle over the years, including the Scottsbluff/Gering Noon Lions Club, the American Red Cross Nebraska Panhandle chapter and the Oregon Trail Community Foundation.

He has also been a longtime supporter of WNCC, serving on the WNCC Foundation Board of Directors for many years and currently serving as Treasurer.

As WNCC celebrates 100 years, Tuggle shares his perspective on what the College has meant to our area and the difference it continues to make for students and our communities.

Thank you, Rick, for all you do for WNCC and our community!

08/21/2026

Scholarships open doors to opportunity and help set students up for success at WNCC.

The Van Boskirk Family Endowed Scholarship is one example of a legacy that continues to make a difference. Established by the Van Boskirk family in memory of Dr. Thom Van Boskirk, the scholarship supports students pursuing their education in WNCC’s Health Sciences programs.

Dr. Van Boskirk was a strong supporter of higher education and WNCC. Through this scholarship, his legacy lives on by helping students pursue their goals and prepare for careers that make a difference in the lives of others.

We are grateful to the Van Boskirk family for honoring Dr. Van Boskirk's memory in a way that makes a difference to WNCC students.

Read more on the impact of scholarships and donor support in the WNCC Foundation's Annual report here:https://www.wncc.edu/community/foundation/2025-2026-foundation-annual-report.pdf

08/20/2026

WNCC kicked off the new school year with a little western fun at the Back-to-School BBQ! Students, employees and families gathered on the front lawn for good food, plenty of laughs and a few brave attempts to stay in the saddle.

From mechanical bull rides and roping to stick horse barrel racing, there was plenty of fun to check out! Even the special guests, Daisy and Mr. Pickels, joined the roundup! 🐐

Thanks to WNCC Student Life for putting together a great evening and to everyone who came out to celebrate the start of another school year!

08/19/2026