SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - Western Nebraska Community College hosted the 12th annual Alumni & Friends banquet and awards ceremony, in Scottsbluff.

WNCC's Alumni committee presented five awards at this year's banquet, including the 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 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 Andrew Hunzeker, class of 2008. Andrew spent three years studying at WNCC, where he served as the Student Government president for two years, participated in the Theatre and Music programs, and enjoyed two study abroad opportunities in Ecuador and Pero. He serves as the Outreach Services Manager for EducationQuest Foundation where he works with schools and community organizations across western and central Nebraska to help students and families explore college options, understand financial aid, complete the FAFSA, and apply for scholarships. When he’s not helping students through EducationQuest, he’s usually volunteering with local groups like the Snow-Redfern Foundation, and lending a hand to neighbors.

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 Pilkington Family. The Pilkington family’s connection to WNCC is one built on generations of learning, friendship, and community spirit. It all began with Donald, known as Jess, and Dorothy Pilkington, who both graduated in 1948 from Scottsbluff Junior College. Jess played football alongside Dick “Night Train” Lane. Even though Jess Sr. and Dorothy are now gone, their love of family, education, and community continues to inspire generations of Pilkingtons who follow in their footsteps. The Pilkingtons are proud to be part of WNCC’s story. They are deeply honored to be recognized with the Family Pride Award and remain grateful for the friendships, lessons, and sense of belonging that WNCC has brought to their lives across the decades.

The Outstanding Alumnus Award goes to a graduate that has been successful in their career and has made significant contributions to the community. Jodi Ruzicka, Class of 1995, accepted the 2025 Outstanding Alumnus Award. Jodi is a lifelong resident of the Scottsbluff-Gering area whose career and community service reflect her dedication, perseverance, and genuine heart for helping others. A proud graduate of Gering High School, Jodi began her professional journey in banking, starting as a secretary and working her way up to Assistant Vice President in Lending. While balancing full-time work and raising two daughters, she realized how important education was - not just for her career, but as an example for her children. She credits her success to the encouragement of WNCC’s faculty and staff, along with the friendship of fellow non-traditional students who shared her determination and drive.

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 2025 award went to Merlyn "Mert" Davis. Davis has spent a lifetime shaping young minds and building community. A proud Scottsbluff native and 1950 Scottsbluff High School graduate, Mert served four years in the U.S. Air Force before earning his teaching degree from Creighton University. Mert began his teaching career in 1958 in Crawford, Nebraska, before returning home in 1961 to teach at Scottsbluff High School.

In 1969, Mert began teaching at Nebraska Western College, where he remained until his retirement in 1995. Over the years, he taught History, Economics, Human Relations, and Introduction to Education, inspiring countless students to pursue careers in teaching. In the early 1970s, he also served as the head coach of the college’s track team, traveling with student-athletes to competitions around the country, including Nationals, and later helped coach the men’s basketball team alongside Head Coach Dave “Soupy” Campbell. When classes were not in session, Mert spent more than 30 summers as a park ranger at Scotts Bluff National Monument, where he loved sharing stories of local history with visitors from near and far.

The Tom & Cara Perkins 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. The 2025 Cara Perkins Friend of the College award winner went to Karen Anderson. Anderson’s life philosophy was shaped early by her mother, who worked as a janitor for thirty years at the high school Karen attended. Her mother’s advice was simple but life-changing: “Get an education and don’t clean up everyone’s mess—use your brain.” She spent 26 years as Executive Director of the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce. Under her leadership, the Chamber earned 4-Star U.S. Chamber Accreditation and became a model for collaboration and community progress. Karen joined the Western Community College Area Board of Governors in 2016 and served as chair in 2024. She always championed the connection between education and business as the key to a thriving local economy.

Karen is known for her humor, warmth, and adventurous spirit, which shines in her personal life. Karen retired from the Chamber in July 2023 and moved to Lincoln in December 2024 to be closer to her family.