North Central Missouri College welcomed back its beloved groundhog, Tessie, for a nostalgic Groundhog Day celebration held on Monday, February 2, at noon in front of the Neil and Susanne Nuttall Student Center on the Main Campus in Trenton, MO. The event, revived as part of NCMC’s Centennial Celebration, drew students, employees, alumni, and community members to witness Tessie’s first appearance in years.
President Dr. Lenny Klaver opened the celebration by welcoming attendees and reflecting on the significance of bringing back a cherished campus tradition. Trustee Diane Lowrey offered thanks to those who helped with the planning, and Trustee Don Dalrymple, one of the original founders of NCMC’s Groundhog Day festivities, shared a lively history of how Tessie first became an unforgettable part of campus culture in the 1980s and 1990s.
Adding to the occasion, Mayor Jackie Soptic issued an official proclamation declaring February 2 as Trenton Tessie Groundhog Day in the City of Trenton, honoring both the tradition and its place in NCMC’s 100-year history.
When the moment arrived, Tessie made her much-anticipated pop-up appearance, engineered by Industrial Technology Instructor Rick Sharp, and delivered her forecast: Tessie did not see her shadow, signaling an early spring for north Missouri.
With a humorous “interpretation” by original founder Joanna Anderson, Tessie shared her admiration for the remarkable growth across the NCMC campus, remarking that the College had “grown a lot” since her last appearance and noting how impressed she was with all that has happened at NCMC in recent years. The crowd laughed at her commentary, and many longtime attendees enjoyed reminiscing about Tessie’s appearances in earlier decades. Her burrow and staging were made possible with assistance from NCMC’s Maintenance crew.
After the outdoor portion of the event, attendees gathered inside the Nuttall Student Center for hot cocoa and cookies.
NCMC extends deep appreciation to all who played a role in reviving this Centennial event. The leadership of Trustee Don Dalrymple, Trustee Diane Lowrey, and Joanna Anderson shaped the program, while the craftsmanship of Rick Sharp brought Tessie’s mechanical pop‑up to life. Rick Cole and the Digital Media Crew ensured excellent sound support and technical setup, and the Maintenance crew helped prepare the staging and Tessie’s burrow. The NCMC Foundation helped fund the event through the Centennial committee work. Their combined efforts made it possible to celebrate this historic tradition in a meaningful and memorable way.
President Klaver said, “It was great to see the return of Tessie. As we celebrate our 100th year, bringing back this tradition gave us an opportunity to recognize the history and spirit of NCMC. I appreciate everyone who helped organize and support the event and contributed to reviving this historic tradition.”
As NCMC continues honoring 100 years of education, community, and tradition, individuals are encouraged to visit the Centennial Website to explore college history, view archival photos, and learn about upcoming celebrations.
Photo: (L to R) Joanna Anderson, Don Dalrymple, Dr. Klaver, Diane Lowrey, Jackie Soptic, and Patch the Pirate with Tessie