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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Emma Frazier
Public + Media Relations Manager
531-MCC-2726, office
Metropolitan Community College Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Gala
Metropolitan Community College is celebrating 50 years of providing exceptional community education. In honor of this milestone, MCC invites friends, alumni and supporters to join us at the 50th Anniversary Gala on March 9.
Since its inception in 1974, Metropolitan Community College has been a cornerstone of academic excellence, fostering a vibrant and diverse community of learners, educators and innovators. Over the past five decades, MCC has played a pivotal role in shaping the futures of countless individuals, contributing to the educational and economic growth of the region.
“As we celebrate our 50th year, Metropolitan Community College has an opportunity to reflect on what this institution means for those we serve,” said Randy Schmailzl, MCC president. “Although we have grown remarkably and the tools of our trade have changed greatly over the years, our mission of providing affordable, accessible and relevant education remains constant. The next 50 years will surely bring similar changes. It is good to know MCC will be there, helping our students and communities adapt and grow together.”
To commemorate this significant achievement, MCC is hosting a 50th Anniversary Gala on March 9 at the MCC Fort Omaha Campus. The evening promises to be a memorable affair, featuring a dinner, entertainment, live and silent auctions and a walk down memory lane to reflect on the incredible journey of MCC over the last 50 years.
Individuals interested in attending the 50th Anniversary Gala can go to onecau.se/mcc50to purchase tickets, donate or participate in the silent auction. The attire for this event is semi-formal, and tickets start at $150. For sponsorship opportunities or more information, please contact the MCC Foundation at 531-MCC-2346.
Join us as we celebrate 50 years of Metropolitan Community College's commitment to education, community and excellence.
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About MCC
Metropolitan Community College, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is a comprehensive, public community college that offers affordable, quality education to all residents of Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties. Founded in 1974, MCC has the largest enrollment out of six community colleges in Nebraska and is the second largest postsecondary institution in the state. MCC serves more than 40,000 unique credit and noncredit students.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Emma Frazier
Public + Media Relations Manager
531-MCC-2726, office
Sunderland Foundation, MCC invest in Fire Science Technology program with addition of four-story training tower
Through a grant funded by the Sunderland Foundation and Metropolitan Community College, a four-story fire science technology training tower has been added to the MCC Applied Technology Center campus (10407 State St.). The customizable, modular structure will be implemented into MCC programming in the 2024 spring quarter and is expected to serve students and regional fire departments for the next two decades.
The training tower provides a flexible, safe space for advanced fire-rescue training activities. In addition to elevating the College’s Fire Science Technology program — the only educational institution in Nebraska to offer such a program — the infrastructure investment also aids resource-constrained regional fire departments. Many fire departments in the MCC four-county service area are volunteer agencies that stand to benefit from more accessible training opportunities offered by the new training tower.
“Every student, whether they’re in a high school academy or an adult learner in a working fire department, will benefit from the use of the tower because of its ability to create realistic situations firefighters would experience in the field, but in a safe, controlled environment,” said Jeffrey Strawn, MCC Fire Science Technology program director.
MCC offers training and support to more than 20 regional fire departments, including the Omaha, Ralston, Fremont, Blair, Bennington and Gretna fire departments.
“It’s a huge benefit to the firefighting community because it allows us to support the training needs of local jurisdictions well into the future,” Strawn said.
The fire science training tower is a burn-free facility, which prevents exposure to carcinogens present during live firefighting. From one location, the tower enables the following technical training evolutions (and more) to be incorporated into the MCC Fire Science Technology academic program and the College’s advanced training workshops available to area departments:
- Advanced rappelling
- Basic search and rescue
- Confined space rescue
- Forcible entry
- Hazardous materials
- High- and low-angle rescue operations
- Hose management
- Incident command
- Ladder drills
- Roof venting
- Rope rescue
- Technical rescue
- Window entry
With the expansion of training capabilities, Strawn said students will complete their associate degree or certificate of achievement better prepared for employment and advancement. High school students participating in the MCC Fire Science Career Academy will also use the new tower in their training exercises.
“With the exposure and training our students receive in the program, they will have more acclimation to what they’ll see in the real world. Whether throwing a 24- to 35-foot extension ladder or simulating the rescue of someone trapped on the second or third floor of an apartment building, that’s exposure they wouldn’t have received before that will strengthen the firefighter and first responder workforce,” Strawn said.
The MCC Fire Science Technology program is recognized by the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy. Visit mccneb.edu/FIST for more information about the program.
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About MCC
Metropolitan Community College, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is a comprehensive, public community college that offers affordable, quality education to all residents of Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties. Founded in 1974, MCC has the largest enrollment out of six community colleges in Nebraska and is the second largest postsecondary institution in the state. MCC serves more than 40,000 unique credit and noncredit students.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Emma Frazier
Public + Media Relations Manager
531-MCC-2726, office
Holland Foundation makes historic investment in MCC students
$3 million endowed scholarship is largest ever in the College’s history
Metropolitan Community College received its largest-ever endowed scholarship from the Holland Foundation. The Dick and Mary Holland Scholarship, a $3 million scholarship program, will create pathways to postsecondary education in MCC skilled trades, health and technical science programs for students residing in the College’s four-county service area. Scholarships will be awarded beginning in the 2024-25 academic year.
Amy Recker, executive director of the Metropolitan Community College Foundation, said the Dick and Mary Holland Scholarship is anticipated to provide a minimum of 24 scholarships annually and prioritizes first-generation students in their postsecondary education at MCC, from high school dual credit through completion of eligible credit programs.
Deb Love, president of the Holland Foundation, said the historic gift reflects the importance the Holland family places on supporting public education at all levels.
“Dick and Mary felt a great sense of duty to make impact in the lives of students through philanthropy and saw scholarships as a great way to fulfill that mission,” Love said. “The trades, health and technical sciences are so important and in need of qualified workers. These programs offer students an opportunity to further their education, leading them into high-skill and high-wage jobs in the workforce.”
In addition to tuition, the endowed scholarship can provide funding for fees, books and required certifications, as well associated tools, equipment and/or supplies. Financial need will be considered but is not required. Applicants with a cumulative 2.0 grade-point average at the time of application will be prioritized for aid.
“The Dick and Mary Holland Scholarship is a truly transformational gift to MCC and students in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge and Washington counties,” Recker said. “MCC is extremely grateful to the Holland Foundation for entrusting the College with this unprecedented investment in our students, programs and communities.”
The Dick and Mary Holland Scholarship is part of a series of gifts the Holland Foundation has recently made to area educational institutions. Love said in addition receiving the education and training students need to land quality jobs, the endowment provides a lasting way for future generations to understand and be inspired by Dick and Mary Holland’s desire to address the needs of the community’s most vulnerable through the arts, education and children’s causes.
“The endowed scholarship continues Dick and Mary’s legacy of giving. They were such observant, giving and caring people who always had a willingness in their hearts to help others,” Love said.
Visit mccneb.edu/Scholarships for more information or call 531-MCC-2400.
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About MCC
Metropolitan Community College, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is a comprehensive, public community college that offers affordable, quality education to all residents of Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties. Founded in 1974, MCC has the largest enrollment out of six community colleges in Nebraska and is the second largest postsecondary institution in the state. MCC serves more than 40,000 unique credit and noncredit students.