North Iowa Area Community College recognized 56 student leaders during its 36th annual Pathways to Success event April 22 at the North Iowa Community Auditorium.
The students were nominated by NIACC faculty and staff for academic achievement, positive attitude, character, teamwork and their ability to inspire others.
Several students from the RadioOnTheGo listening area were among those honored. Belmond recipients included Ethan Dirks, Briana Medina and Ashtin Willms. Other area honorees included Aubreigh Abbas of Geneva, Lucas Goodrich of Greene, Kenzie Moorehead of Hampton, and Hannah Hensley and Maci Shupe of Rockwell.
The event featured a keynote address from 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Gilman “Gil” Anderson, a Mason City native and 1978 NIACC graduate. Anderson encouraged students to remain curious, pursue opportunities and continue learning throughout their careers.
NIACC also presented 2026 Distinguished Alumnus awards to Philip “Phil” Johnson, a 1964 graduate, and Anthony “Tony” Coloff, a 1962 graduate. Coloff and his wife, Sue, founded KIOW-FM in Forest City in 1978, which later grew into Coloff Media.
