Carter, Hitzhusen Named Distinguished Alumni

Dick Carter of Mason City and John Hitzhusen of Charles City were named 2000 Distinguished Alumni by the NIACC Alumni Association. Both were honored during the 10th annual Pathways to Success event.

Dick Carter ran the clock 49 years for Mason City Junior College and NIACC home football games and 48 years for home basketball games. It took hip surgery to prevent him from reaching the 50-year mark in these roles. His loyalty extends beyond the College, which he attended in 1973 and again in 1982. He served 32 years as an employee of Mason City Mill Works and 20 years with the Boy Scouts. He continues to be very involved with his church and currently monitors the school cross walk on 12th Street in Mason City.

A retired dentist, John Hitzhusen graduated from Mason City Junior College in 1934 and served on the NIACC Board of Directors from 1970 to 1993. He has played an active role in the annual Charles City Gourmet Scholarship Dinner, with "Dr. John's fresh-baked bread" becoming a traditional menu item. Recently, John and his wife, Donna, established their own scholarship fund through the NIACC Foundation to benefit students from the Charles City area.