The North Central Missouri College Foundation officially hosted its annual Scholarship Reception on Wednesday, October 14th, in the Jeanette Hoffman Robison Auditorium at the Ketcham Community Center, bringing together hundreds of student scholars, regional donors, and institutional leaders to celebrate a historic year of philanthropic growth.

This year’s reception marked a monumental milestone for the NCMC Foundation, which successfully managed the distribution of 413 total Foundation scholarships, in addition to recognizing 147 students for receiving a NCMC Athletic, SSS, Board of Trustees or other institutional scholarships, impacting over 560 students. Driven by extensive community advocacy and regional investments, the Foundation disbursed over $375,000 in scholarships. This unprecedented volume of student support is anchored by a master donor portfolio that has officially expanded to encompass over 70 active scholarship funds.

“The energy in the Ketcham Center was incredible because this reception is about so much more than financial transactions,” noted NCMC Scholarship Coordinator Kristi Varner. “It’s a powerful moment where students get to look their benefactors in the eye and say, ‘thank you.’ Distributing over $375,000 this year means hundreds of students can focus entirely on completing their degrees and stepping directly into vital workforce roles. The inspiring stories shared by all our speakers tonight truly highlighted the deep personal bonds built through these awards, leaving a profound impact on every single attendee in the room”

The program opened with warm welcoming remarks from NCMC Interim President Dr. Jamie Hooyman, who highlighted the institution’s deep commitment to rural workforce development and student success. She introduced Amy Guthrie, English Instructor, and welcomed her to the stage to perform the National Anthem. Serving as the master of ceremonies for the evening, Dr. Mitch Holder smoothly guided the program through its historic milestones and presentation tracks.

Representing the student body, three student speakers took the stage to share direct, personal accounts of how the community’s investments have transformed their academic lives. Each speaker left and everlasting impact on the audience with their emotional and inspiring journeys.

Christy Gottman, recipient of the Everett & Hazel Frey and the Church Women United of Grundy County Scholarships, shared her nontraditional educational journey and highlighted the profound personal validation that comes with community support. “When you are working tirelessly to balance classes and future goals, knowing that someone has invested in your success gives you an incredible push to keep going. This award is an investment in our dreams, and we are determined to make our donors proud.”

Student speaker Jaden Stuart emphasized the long-term impact on career preparation. “The donors in this room are directly building the future workforce of North Missouri. This scholarship gives me the stability I need to complete my training and immediately step into a career where I can give back to my hometown community.” In an emotional address, Jaden courageously shared his personal health struggles and explained how it directed him to his future in the medical field. Jaden received a Jeanette Hoffman Robison Scholarship.

The evening’s featured keynote address was delivered by Joyce Cutsinger, a celebrated member of the 2024 NCMC Distinguished Alumni class and long-time campus instructor. Her deeply personal remarks hit home with every student in the room as she openly shared her own historical financial struggles while pursuing a college education.

“I sat exactly where you are sitting today, knowing the heavy stress of wondering how to pay for the next semester,”

Cutsinger shared during her address. “I know firsthand the profound, life-changing difference that a timely scholarship makes when you are trying to build a better life through education. That is why I am so incredibly proud to stand here tonight and be able to give back to this institution by establishing a permanent scholarship in my mother’s name, the Phyllis Tuggle Scholarship, to carry that light forward for the next generation.”

Adding to the collective gratitude of the evening, student presenter, and Warren & Nanette Carter Track & Field Scholarship recipient, Katelyn Jones shared her profound gratitude for her awards: “Receiving this scholarship means so much more than just a financial deduction on my bill; it means a donor out there looked at my hard work and believed in my future. Because of your generosity, I can focus on my intense clinical studies rather than worrying about how to afford my books.” She shared her story of determination and bravery recovering from a high school sports injury to be able to continue not only her academic, but her athletic career at NCMC.

The evening concluded with an inspiring message from Foundation Board member Catherine Hamilton, who served as the closing speaker, challenging the newly named scholars to carry their academic momentum forward and thank the visionaries who backed them. The entire recording of the event can be viewed at www.piratesdigitalmedia.com.

The NCMC Foundation is a 501c(3) IRS approved organization that raises funds through different campaigns including the Gifts in Action Scholarship Campaign. It is through scholarships that students are given the chance to develop as a student, an individual and as a member of the community. The NCMC Foundation works in partnership with North Central Missouri College. For more information on creating or adding to a scholarship investment, please contact the Foundation Office at 660-357-6403 or Kristi Varner at kvarner@pirates.ncmissouri.edu.