SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - Western Nebraska Community College hosted the 11th annual Alumni & Friends banquet and awards ceremony, in Scottsbluff.

WNCC's Alumni committee presents six awards each year including the Cara Perkins Meritorious Service award, Outstanding Young Alumnus, Family Pride, Outstanding Alumnus, Lifetime Achievement, and Friend of the College.

"As the Alumni Director, I am privileged to connect with former WNCC students both far and wide," WNCC Alumni & Stewardship Director Mary Sheffield said. "WNCC has a special place in the hearts of so many. It is an honor, each year, to recognize a few individuals and businesses that do so much to serve the college and our mission."

The Cara Perkins Meritorious Service Award honors a person or organization that has served WNCC and students in a special or extraordinary way. The 2024 Cara Perkins Meritorious Service award winner went to Carr-Trumbull Lumber Company. Brothers Bill and Jim, the fourth generation to lead the business, have embraced the family legacy of service. Both have served on numerous local non-profit boards and volunteer for a wide range of events. Bill is involved with the Construction Trades Advisory Board at WNCC, and he and his wife Cheryl are athletic sponsors. Jim and his wife Brenda were dorm parents for 13 years and volunteer for the Monument Marathon. Carr-Trumbull Lumber Company has been a sponsor of the Monument Marathon since it started and has provided materials to support WNCC’s Construction Trades program.

The Outstanding Young Alumnus award recognizes a graduate of WNCC younger than 40 years old who is a rising star in their career field and has shown dedication to community service. The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award was presented to Trevor G. Aguirre, class of 2011. While studying at WNCC, Aguirre developed a strong work ethic and embraced the idea of "failing forward" in the supportive environment of the college. He earned two Associate of Science degrees—one in Engineering and one in Mathematics. After WNCC, Trevor continued his education at Colorado State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. Trevor has published many articles on such topics as material processing, ceramics, additive manufacturing, and bioinspired design.

The Family Pride award is given to a family with at least two generations that have attended or graduated from WNCC. This year, the Family Pride award was presented to the Winkler Family. The Winkler family story begins with Harold and Mildred Winkler, the founders of Winkler Electric, and their three children, who all attended WNCC (then Scottsbluff Junior College). Their sons, Jerry and Chuck were standout student-athletes. Jerry, a 1963 graduate, and Chuck, a 1965 graduate, both quarterbacked the football team. Chuck also played basketball. Their daughter, Judi, also attended WNCC, continuing the family’s connection to the college. Chuck later married Patty Miller, who also attended WNCC and has remained deeply involved with the college. Since 2001, she has served on the WNCC Foundation board member. Together, Chuck and Patty have supported WNCC financially, contributing to the greatest needs of the Foundation - funding and scholarships - since 2008. They have also volunteered for the Monument Marathon since its inception. Their family legacy continues with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, many of whom have attended WNCC in some capacity.

The Outstanding Alumnus Award goes to a graduate that has been successful in their career and has made significant contributions to the community. George D. Holthus, Class of 1987, accepted the 2024 Outstanding Alumnus Award. Holthus grew up in Gering, and began his public service career in 1987 after earning an Associate’s Degree in Human Services from WNCC. While at WNCC, he completed a "Human Services Practicum" with the Gering Police Department, which ignited his lifelong passion for law enforcement. A few months later, he was hired by the Gering Police Department, marking the start of a career that has now spanned over three decades. In addition to his law enforcement responsibilities, George serves on the Foundation Board for Gering Public Schools and Mediation West. He also played a key role in establishing the Gering High School Public Safety Academy.

The Lifetime Achievement award is given to a WNCC faculty, staff, or alumnus who has demonstrated a lasting commitment of service to the mission and community of WNCC. The 2024 award went to Jean Carol Ahrens. Ahrens began her teaching career at Nebraska Western College (now WNCC), planning to stay just a couple of years for experience. However, she found herself there for over 45 years, realizing that she was more suited to the plains and prairie of Scottsbluff than to big city life. Jean relished her time with students, teaching a wide range of subjects including composition, reading, logic, study skills, and various forms of literature, with a special fondness for children’s literature, her favorite course. After 39 years of full-time teaching, she retired but continued to share her passion for children’s literature for an additional 15 semesters.

The Friend of the College award is given to a person, organization, or business that has demonstrated a commitment to the educational advancement of people in the Panhandle. Fred and Carol Lockwood of the Lockwood Foundation accepted the 2024 Friend of the College award. Fred and Carol Lockwood have long been dedicated to serving their community through both professional and philanthropic efforts. The Lockwoods' involvement with WNCC has spanned over three decades, directing contributions toward technology improvements, campus renovations, and the creation of the Career Pathways & Advising Center. Fred’s dedication extends beyond financial contributions; at 83, he participated in the 2023 Monument Marathon 5K event, the oldest runner to complete the race. The Lockwoods' generous donations have played a crucial role in enabling WNCC to tackle pressing challenges. Their kindness has supported the college and its students for over 30 years, creating a lasting legacy of service that will benefit the community for generations.