Celebrate the season with The Catalyst as we turn the microphone over to the heart of the College. This episode features holiday messages of joy and forward-looking insights from the dedicated staff and faculty who ensure every NICC student has the resources to succeed.

What does it actually take to join a collegiate sports program? Softball student-athlete Natalie Nenne joins The Catalyst to discuss the intensity of game days, the importance of team culture and why "dugout energy" is the secret weapon for the NICC softball team. Tune in for a look at the athleticism, communication and time-management skills required to succeed in the classroom and on the field.

Discover the vital role NICC plays in supporting students and the regional workforce. Guests Chris Entringer and Joni Knopp demonstrate how their collaborative Career Services team helps students navigate everything from course registration and transfer planning to resume assistance and career assessment for a successful career journey. They detail the powerful connections forged through targeted career fairs and advisory committees, which directly benefit NICC graduates and local employers. Tune in to hear everything Career Services has to offer for the Northeast Iowa community.

Is college support only for full-time or "struggling" students? We sit down with Amy Gaffney, Vice President of Student Services, and Jennifer Wood, Director of Accessibility Services, to debunk the biggest myths about student support. Hear rewarding stories of students who transferred to four-year programs thanks to early support, discover the essential, non-loan assistance provided by the Student Crisis Fund and more. Learn how Northeast Iowa Community College meets every student where they are, ensuring financial, academic and emotional barriers don't stop them on their journey to success in Northeast Iowa.

What truly makes an NICC educational experience high-quality? In this special Thanksgiving episode of The Catalyst, Director of Operations for Business and Community Solutions Kristi Flack reveals the detailed commitment of her team to flawlessly orchestrate everything from complex corporate training events to summer kids' camps. We explore the essential role of the Operations division as the ultimate generalists and information specialists, ensuring they always have a Plan B. Learn how prioritizing customer service and organizational excellence drives repeat business and builds strong workforce partnerships for NICC. Plus, stick around until the end for surprise testimonials celebrating their behind-the-scenes impact.

For Northeast Iowa businesses and community members, financial aid isn't just for recent high school graduates. It's the engine that supports our local talent pipeline. Join NICC Financial Aid Director Randy Mashek and Assistant Director Dawn Fleming to learn all about financial aid at NICC, from the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship, which provides free tuition for adults and students entering high-demand careers, to the simplified FAFSA process. We break down how scholarships, grants and specialized programs for every type of learner ensure that cost is not a barrier to upskilling, retraining or career advancement. Learn how NICC is investing in our shared future: nicc.edu/financialaid

The world of competitive gaming is exploding on college campuses, and it’s about far more than just losing at Mario Kart! 🎮

In this episode of The Catalyst, host Amy Lasack dives into the high-stakes, strategy-driven world of collegiate esports with NICC student-athlete Christopher Turnis, captain of the Valorant team.

Christopher, who is balancing a rigorous academic schedule with his athletic commitments, shares what it's truly like to compete in the world of esports.

The way we build, connect and power the world is changing—and NICC is leading the charge! 💡

In this forward-thinking episode of The Catalyst, we sit down with Deans Mark Gerein and Greg Moklestad to dive deep into the revolution known as Industry 4.0, the interconnectedness of automation, data and manufacturing, and how it's redefining careers.

The Deans take us inside the newly renovated Advanced Technology Center and discuss why this state-of-the-art facility is crucial for preparing the next generation of technicians, from power mechanics to computer science.