MPCC to Recognize First Graduating Class of North Platte College
North Platte, Neb. – Mid-Plains Community College will recognize the 1967 graduating class of North Platte College during its commencement ceremony at 3 p.m. Friday inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.
The recognition will conclude a yearlong celebration marking 60 years of the college in North Platte.
The journey to establish a college in North Platte began gaining momentum in December 1960. Over the next several years, the effort faced numerous challenges, including failed approval attempts among local school districts. Community support ultimately paved the way, as petitions bearing approximately 2,400 signatures placed the creation of a junior college district on the ballot. By November 14, 1961, voters approved of the measure by nearly a two-to-one margin, officially establishing the district.
Nearly three years later, in the summer of 1964, construction of a new post office and federal courthouse paved the way for the college’s first home. On July 3, the federal government transferred ownership of the former post office at Fifth and Jeffers streets to the Junior College District. Just days later, the North Platte Public Schools Board of Education approved a $197,000 bond issue to renovate the building.
North Platte College officially opened its doors on August 31, 1965. Otto Oakes served in a dual role as superintendent of North Platte Public Schools and president of the college. While initial projections anticipated an enrollment of 100 students, that number nearly doubled by the first day of classes. Tuition for resident students was set at $7 per credit hour, or $80 per semester.
Two years later, the college held its first commencement ceremony. A total of 45 Associate of Arts degrees and six two-year diplomas were awarded, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s early history.
Early campus life included activities such as Scribes (an organization for secretarial science majors), a drama club, rodeo club, The Knight’s Page (student newspaper), The Roundtable (yearbook) and intercollegiate athletics such as basketball and track.
Graduates of 1967
Associate of Arts - Eldon L. Andersen, Danny Lee Andrews, Michael W. Barrett, Larry Gene Bierma, Tonya Boyer, Harold Branting, Melvin R. Crowe, Steven K. Crowe, Glenn L. Dean, Paul Roy Dietz, William J. Frazier, Charlotte LaRae Froman, Ellis Merle Hall, Francis Heagney, Roland L. Helberg, Robert E. Henningsen, Alan V. Hinman, Thomas Edward Huffman, Terry LeRoy Hunt, David I. Jensen, Thelma Jean Johnson, Garry N. Kehr, Timothy J. Knott, Lynn Linsberg, James Lydic, Donald C. McCluskey, Dennis L. McConnell, Robert S. Majors, Christine M. Maline, Anita S. Maranville, Gayland R. Meyer, James J. Musso, James L. Newtson, Milo J. Nickerson, Ronald C. Nielson, Harry P. Patterson, Mary Ann Putman, David K. Ristine, William C. Sebastian, Stanley S. Sedlacek, Ruby C. Smith, Gayle A. Towne, Robert R. Uebele, Gordon E. Waller, Robert D. Welliver, Louise Wenz and Nicki A. Wright.
Diplomas - Richard L. Beman, Linda J. Buechler, Steve F. Fear, Kathleen B. McCrone, Larry A. McNeel and Jeffrey L. Parker.