NORFOLK – Over 170-years of combined service was recognized recently at Northeast Community College. That is the amount of time Wayne Erickson, Jim Gross, Jim Marten, John Miller, Shirley Powers and Louise Torkelson have given to the institution. But those years of service are coming to an end as the four men and two women will retire at the end of the academic term.

Erickson earned his bachelor of science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He came to Northeast in 1983 as the adult farm business management coordinator. He then became director of farm business management in 1988 and was named director of community adult/continuing education two-years later. In 1997, Erickson became director of continuing education/distance learning and then dean of continuing education/distance learning in 2004. He presently serves as dean of institutional advancement.

Mary Honke, executive vice president, said Erickson has consistently been a voice for Northeast’s non-traditional students over the years.

“These are our students at our ‘off-campus’ locations, in our Allied Health programs, as well as adult education, distance learning students…the students who are not always on our main campus to access programming and services. Wayne never lets us forget how important it is to serve those students. We have traveled many miles together in our efforts to serve the students. Everywhere we have gone, Wayne has had contacts and relationships that have benefitted Northeast Community College.”

Gross earned his bachelor of science in zoology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master’s degree in botany from the University of Oklahoma. He was hired by Northeast in August 1987, as a biology instructor. Gross was selected as seminar leader for Phi Theta Kappa’s Honor’s Institute in San Antonio, TX, in 2000, and in 2012, was one of two Northeast instructors to travel to China on a faculty exchange.

Corinne Morris, dean of agriculture, math and science at Northeast, said a student once said of Gross’ classes that they are “really hard, but you learn.”

“If that’s the worst thing anybody ever has to say about you, that’s pretty outstanding,” she said. “He’s done a lot of good for a lot of students over the years. That includes Jim taking thousands of students out to Skyview Lake to take water samples. That’s pretty impressive applied research. We’ve been talking about applied research at the College lately, but this man has been doing it for many years, giving students quality experiences. Not only was he willing to help his students, he was also there to help faculty and staff. That’s what I have found to be characteristic of Jim all through the years. We’re going to miss him, but we’re going to remember him because he made a difference while he was here.”

Marten joined Northeast as farm production overseer in July 1985, after farming with his father for a number of years prior to that.

Morris said she appreciated Marten’s willingness and cooperation in his job at the College Farm.

“Almost any unreasonable thing I asked for, Jim would just smile,” she said. “He makes difficult things look easy. With Jim at the helm, the College Farm has moved from somewhat primitive methods to using technology in many new and different ways. He too has been very helpful with applied research through a number of projects at the farm –  we couldn’t do it without the help of the people at the farm and Jim has been instrumental in making that change. We’ll always thank him for that.”

Miller earned bachelor of arts and masters’ degrees from Wayne State College and a master of arts degree in teaching from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He came to Northeast in 1988 as an adjunct math instructor; was named interim math instructor in 1990 and then became a full-time math instructor a year later. Miller was a certified public accountant and a secondary teacher prior to coming to Northeast.

Morris described Miller as kind and patient.

“John has taught many of Northeast’s agriculture applied math courses over the last several years. I can say without reservation, there are many students who finished college because of him. He took the time and sat with them, as long as it took, and taught them the math they needed to know to pass the class. It wasn’t always easy for them, but it always looked like it was easy for him. John is one of the greatest teachers we have ever had at Northeast.”

Powers started at Northeast Technical Community College in 1977 working part-time in microfilming. She then took a part time job in the bookstore and became full-time in 1982.13-years later; Powers became the supply buyer and assistant course book buyer followed by serving as manager of the bookstore in 2000. In 2012, she decided to concentrate on helping faculty with the textbook adoption process as a college store specialist.

Julie Carlson, college store manager, said Powers has made many changes in store operations during her time at Northeast.

“In Shirley’s time at the College, she has seen the store move from the Maclay building to locations in the Student Center. She has seen changes in digital materials and course e-books, which have gained in popularity over the years, and she has taken all this with ease. Shirley has been a familiar face and a go to person for years. Her knowledge of textbooks and course materials has helped the store run efficiently over the years. Shirley has a great knowledge of the (college) bookstore industry and has been a great asset to the store and Northeast.”

Torkelson earned a bachelor of science in education from Emporia State University in Emporia, KS, and her master’s degree in education from Kansas State University. She began at Northeast as a part-time Reading/English teacher in 1993 and then became a full-time faculty member in August 2000, as a Transitional English Skills instructor. Torkelson also taught at the elementary and secondary levels prior to coming to Northeast.

Faye Kilday, dean of humanities, arts and sciences, said Torkelson’s dedication to her students can best be described by her students. Kilday said that dedication can be found in a letter from one of Torkelson’s students who graduated from Northeast and went on to earn bachelor’s and masters’ degrees.

The student writes, “Looking back, I know that I would not have made it through the first semester, let alone graduate from Northeast, without your help and the instructors in the Transitional English classes. I can tell that you cared about helping the students succeed and that you were willing to go the extra mile to help. You gave me the tools necessary to succeed.”

Kilday said, “That is from just one of Louise’s former students, but I think that most would echo that sentiment.”

Dr. Michael Chipps, College president, thanked the retirees for their many years of service to Northeast.

“Over 170-years of service is just amazing to me. These individuals have contributed in so many areas of the College and not just specifically for what they were hired to do. Northeast is so passionate about its students and, oftentimes, I find people like our retirees crossing disciplines and taking part in all kinds of things with other people to ensure student success. We can’t thank them enough for what they have done for Northeast Community College.