By Julie Hill Lehr
Contributor

Did you know that Trenton Junior College, now North Central Missouri College, is 100 years old? Did you know the college began when a group of local businesspeople believed Trenton could support an institution of higher education? Did you know creating a football team was one of the founders’ priorities?

Those stories and many more are included in a special centennial anniversary book created to celebrate NCMC’s 100th anniversary.

In January 2024, NCMC Chief of Staff Lenny Klaver reached out to a group of people to discuss ways to celebrate the college’s centennial. One of the subcommittees was tasked with creating a history book that would pick up where Tom Brown’s “Better Than They Knew” left off when it was published in 2000 to celebrate the college’s 75th anniversary.

The NCMC Foundation helped finance the overall centennial celebration, which included special events as well as the history book. The Tom and Sarah Brown estate also provided $10,000 for the book. Phyllis Jackson agreed to chair the committee, and Julia Blackmore Ashbrook was chosen to serve as editor.

Members of the volunteer committee who researched and wrote the book include Joanna Anderson, Cory Cooksey, Don Dalrymple, Kristi Harris, Julie Hill Lehr, Dr. John Holcomb, Pam Johnston, David Nowland, Phil Schlarb, Melissa Sims, Kristi Varner and Vicki Weaver.

Working with former and current NCMC personnel and alumni, the writing team compiled information covering the college’s history from its beginning, with a particular focus on the last 25 years.

Ashbrook said she was honored to be selected as editor of the anniversary book.

“I grew up in Trenton, graduated from Trenton High School (THS) and had many friends attending Trenton Junior College when it was on the third floor of Trenton High School,” Ashbrook said. “I live in Chillicothe, but Trenton will always hold a giant piece of my heart. I knew that college was an integral part of the community. My mother attended TJC. I served on the foundation board for many years. I thought I knew a lot about the college. It turns out I could have put that knowledge in a gnat’s navel with a cashew. I’ve learned so much!”

Jackson said her interest in the project made serving as committee chair a natural fit.

“I was happy to sign on as chair for the committee,” Jackson said. “My degree in English education is a natural fit for creating this type of book, and I am deeply invested in the history of the college and the community.”

The anniversary book is titled “100 Years, North Central Missouri College, Trenton Junior College, Anchored in History, Inspiring the Future.”

Those interested in purchasing the book can order it now for expected fall delivery. Copies may be ordered through ncmissouri.edu.

Those in town during alumni weekend may also order the book in person at the NCMC alumni gathering at the new Dr. Neil and Susanne Nuttall Student Center, 1205 Main St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ashbrook said people should keep letters and notes that reflect the lives of family and friends, as well as the history and experiences of their time.

“The NCMC 100th Anniversary book is like a personal letter in book form: It shares an amazing determination of a community, a college, and a student body that never said quit,” Ashbrook said. “NCMC is the little engine that could. Its history is Trenton’s story, and the story of thousands of students whose lives were changed by NCMC. That history is a keepsake. The book is a treasure.”