NIACC Honors Student Leaders at Pathways to Success Event

North Iowa Area Community College celebrated student leadership and alumni achievement during the 36th annual Pathways to Success event on April 22, 2026. Held at the North Iowa Community Auditorium, the event honored 56 NIACC students recognized for their academic success, leadership, teamwork, and positive impact on campus.

The afternoon featured a keynote address from 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Gil Anderson, a Mason City native and 1978 NIACC graduate whose career has included leadership roles in aerospace, technology consulting, and business development. Anderson encouraged students to stay curious, continue learning, and take advantage of new opportunities throughout their careers.

Also honored during the event were two recipients of the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus Award. Phil Johnson, a 1964 graduate of Mason City Junior College, was recognized for his lifelong contributions to education, athletics, and community leadership. He has built a successful career as a financial advisor in Mason City and has remained deeply involved in community initiatives, including efforts supporting Mason City High School athletics and alumni programs.

Tony Coloff, a 1962 graduate of Mason City Junior College, was also honored as a Distinguished Alumnus for his career in broadcasting and his longstanding support of NIACC. Coloff and his wife, Sue, founded KIOW-FM in Forest City in 1978, which grew into Coloff Media, a network of fifteen radio stations serving communities across Iowa. Coloff has served on the NIACC Alumni Association Advisory Board since 2004 and has been a strong advocate for NIACC students and programs.

Students honored at the event included:

Algona
Sean Davis

Ames
Ian Roske

Bancroft
Colin Rasch

Belmond
Ethan Dirks
Briana Medina
Ashtin Willms

Britt
Ammy Mendoza

Clear Lake
Linden Reynolds

Conger, Minnesota
Parker Hintz

Cresco
Kaiya Holten
Preston Hurd

Edgar, Wisconsin
Makayla Wirkus

Floyd
Emma Miller

Forest City
Jenna Walker

Garner
Kenedee Frayne
Jessica Yancy

Geneseo, Illinois
Connor Mitchell

Geneva
Aubreigh Abbas

Glidden
Addison Boell

Greene
Lucas Goodrich

Hampton
Kenzie Moorehead

Kelley, Iowa
Katelyn Riesselman

Kölliken, Switzerland
Noemi Nater

Lake Mills
Garrett Ham
Caden Mattern

Manly
Jenna Stohr

Marble Rock
Alex Baltes

Mason City
Owen Anderson
Drew DeGabriele
Gwen Fiser
Chase Holloway
Morgan Lovik
Eliott Ruiz
Megan Tobin

New Hampton
Marshall Zeien

Nora Springs
Faith Etheredge
Reggi Spotts

North Liberty
Bridget Canton

Northwood
Tyke Remster

Orchard
Keagan Hennessey

Osage
Jarin Camlin
Cooper Meek
Carter Muller

Plymouth
Alexander Moore

Remsen
Mya Bunkers

Rockford
Catherine Dow
Grace Muller

Rockwell
Hannah Hensley
Maci Shupe

Rudd
Sirell Smith

Scarville
Lance Helming

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Caden Watson

St. Ansgar
Kinsey Anderson
Elizabeth Muller
Drew Powers

Ventura
Makenna Crabb

NIACC’s 36th annual Pathways to Success event was sponsored by the Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors, Tony and Sue Coloff, and the NIACC Student Government.