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North Central Missouri College (NCMC) celebrated a historic milestone on November 10 with the Grand Opening of the Dr. Neil & Susanne Nuttall Student Center, marking both the completion of a transformational campus facility and the college’s 100th anniversary.

The event featured remarks from college leadership, NCMC Foundation representatives, and honored guests, all recognizing the significance of the new 28,700-square-foot facility and the college’s century-long legacy of student success.

Tailer Morrison, 2025–2026 Student Senate President, opened the ceremony by welcoming guests and expressing gratitude on behalf of the student body.

“This new student center represents more than just a building,” Morrison said. “It is a place where students can connect, collaborate, and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Cathy McKay, Treasurer of the NCMC Foundation and a 1978 graduate of Trenton Junior College, led the invocation and reflected on the college’s evolution.

“It truly takes a village—and NCMC has always been built and strengthened by devoted people who share a vision for the continued advancement of this college,” McKay said.

Chris Hoffman, President of the NCMC Board of Trustees, spoke on the college’s long history of growth and introduced Dr. Neil Nuttall, former NCMC President and namesake of the new facility.

Dr. Nuttall delivered heartfelt remarks, honoring the late Dr. Albert D. Cross, whose generous gift made the student center naming possible.

“Education has been the core of my soul,” Nuttall said. “This facility is a symbol of what can be achieved when we believe in the power of learning to transform lives.”

NCMC President Dr. Lenny Klaver expressed appreciation for the many individuals and organizations that brought the project to life.

“The Dr. Neil & Susanne Nuttall Student Center represents far more than bricks and mortar—it’s a space dedicated to the student experience, fostering community, connection, and growth,” Klaver said. He also acknowledged the Campaign Executive Committee, the Student Center Planning Committee led by Tyson Otto, the NCMC Foundation, the Board of Trustees, and project partners Ellison-Auxier Architects and Lawhon Construction.

The ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting by Mrs. Carol Cross and Mrs. Susanne Nuttall, surrounded by NCMC leadership and guests.

The Dr. Neil & Susanne Nuttall Student Center was made possible through the success of the NCMC Foundation’s Transforming Lives, Empowering People major gifts campaign, which raised more than $11 million, surpassing its original goal. The facility includes the Bert & Rose Hoover Campus Store, BTC Bank Meeting Room, dining services, Farmers State Bank Reception Area, Tye Family Student Senate Room, gaming lounge and Micromarket creating a vibrant hub for student engagement. Dining services will begin operations in the Nuttall Student Center in January

As North Central Missouri College celebrates 100 years of excellence, the Nuttall Student Center stands as a testament to its ongoing mission to provide accessible, affordable, and quality education for students across its 17-county service region. More information on the Centennial Celebration can be found at https://www.ncmissouri.edu/centennial/.