The NCMC Foundation held its annual Pirates Ball on Saturday, March 29th at the Ketcham Community Center. Over 150 guests were in attendance to honor and recognize the Distinguished Alumni Class of 2024 and celebrate the Foundation and all NCMC alumni, family, and friends. The evening began with a reception for honorees of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Class, Dr. Cassie Hunt Williams, Mike Arnold, Anthony Herrington, and Louis Wilson. NCMC President Dr. Lenny Klaver presented each with their medallions.
Dr. Klaver welcomed guests turning the program over to Trenton High School Vocal Director Tyler Busick, emcee for the evening, and NCMC Foundation Executive Director Alicia Endicott. Both welcomed guests, and Mrs. Endicott shared more about the upcoming centennial, how the reverse raffle would work, and introduced the slideshow that played throughout the evening. The meal was prepared and served by Great Western Dining with the assistance of Trenton High School’s Gold Rush. A new addition to the meal was cakes made by Crystal Whitaker.
The program opened with Mr. Busick sharing a little history of North Central Missouri College and the centennial motto, Anchored in History. Inspiring the Future. Honoree Dr. Cassie Hunt Williams was escorted to the stage by NCMC Foundation President Allan Seidel and reflected on her time at NCMC and thanked many in the audience for their role in shaping who she is today. Dr. Williams graduated from NCMC in 2009 and was a formidable player on the Lady Pirates Basketball team earned her the status of being the first two-time All-American in school history. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Special Education at Louisiana State University Shreveport.
The second honoree recognized was Mike Arnold, escorted to the stage by fellow Distinguished Alumna Pam Johnston. Mike reflected on the impact that the college has had on not only him but many members of his family and appreciated the honor. Mike attended Trenton Junior College, now NCMC, from 1969-1970 before transferring to William Jewell College. Mike has since been in private law practice in Gallatin and Trenton, MO; where he is also a community advocate.
Before introducing the next two honorees; Anthony Herrington and Louis Wilson, Mr. Busick shared about alum Geno Morgan, former member of the men’s basketball team who went on to have a successful coaching career until his untimely death in 2015. Because of Geno’s friendship, infectious spirit and energy Anthony and Louis co-founded the Geno Morgan Foundation to inspire underserved youth and enable the achievement of higher education. The G.E.N.I.U.S Scholarship was established in 2016 to honor and continue Geno’s legacy. The G.E.N.I.U.S Scholarship supports students at schools that Geno had an impact on, including NCMC.
Mr. Herrington was escorted to the stage by Diane Lowrey. Anthony was a captain for the Pirate Men’s Basketball Team in 1985 after making his way to Trenton from Anchorage, Alaska. He is currently the Executive Director of Community Health Engagement for Providence Central Division. In this role, he coordinates efforts to promote culturally competent, patient-centered care and addresses health inequities through community partnerships and innovative programs. He attributed his time at Trenton Junior College and the relationships he formed to helping with his success and respect for others. He is proud of the work done by the Geno Morgan Foundation and that scholarships are now also helping NCMC students.
Mr. Wilson, also escorted by Diane Lowrey, was the last honoree of the Class of 2024 Distinguished Alumni to speak. Louis shared stories on his time at TJC, also coming from Anchorage, Alaska, being elected Student Senate President, faculty members and coaches and the impact the TJC had on him to learn and work. He too is proud of the work and relationships that the Geno Morgan Foundation has with is partner schools and NCMC. Louis’ coaching career spans over 30 years of collegiate basketball. He is currently an assistant coach for the Loyola Marymount University men’s basketball team.
All four honorees were given a standing ovation. The program ended with final tickets drawn for the reverse raffle. The final four ticket holders, Chris Hoffman, Dr. Clarence Green, Dr. Mitch Holder and Phil Hoffman had to decide to split the $1000 grand prize or keep drawing. The unanimous decision was made to give the $1000 back to the NCMC Foundation. The band Riker closed the evening out. Twin brothers Seth and Stephen Riker have been performing together since childhood, forming the band Riker with their father Steve in 2000. Riker is an energetic live band that plays a wide variety of music, including Rock, Pop, Country, and Oldies, making them popular with audiences of all ages. The tentative 2026 date for the Pirates Ball is March 28th. Individuals are encouraged to submit distinguished alumni nominations at any time via an on-line nomination form found on the Alumni website. View more information about the NCMC Centennial Celebration.
The NCMC Foundation, a 501c(3) IRS-approved organization, works with North Central Missouri College in support of its vision and mission. Those wishing to invest to help advance, assist and support the growth of North Central Missouri College or learn more about the NCMC Foundation are encouraged to contact Alicia Endicott at (660) 357-6403 or [email protected].
Photo: Dr. Cassie Hunt Williams, Mike Arnold, Anthony Herrington, Louis Wilson