Efforts to combat hunger and homelessness received a significant boost recently as students from two educational institutions in Iowa and South Dakota engaged in community service initiatives. More than 100 students from Southeast Technical College and various individuals from Northwest Iowa Community College made notable contributions, showcasing the impact of student involvement in local outreach programs.
Phi Theta Kappa Induction at Northwest Iowa Community College
In a ceremony held on November 23, 2025, Antonio Alvarez from Sibley, Iowa, and Douglas Nilles from Ashton, Iowa, were among 20 students inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, an esteemed international honor society for two-year colleges. This event took place at Northwest Iowa Community College (NCC), where students are invited to join based on eligibility requirements, including maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.5.
The Beta Lambda Pi chapter at NCC aims to recognize and celebrate academic excellence among its students, fostering a community dedicated to scholarly achievement and service.
Southeast Technical College’s Service to Community Days
In a remarkable demonstration of community spirit, over 100 students from Southeast Technical College volunteered in October as part of their Service to Community (STC) Days. They packed an impressive 22,680 meals for Kids Against Hunger, an organization dedicated to alleviating child hunger. The packed meals, contained in 3,780 bagged packets, will be distributed to families and individuals in the Sioux Falls area.
Students from a variety of programs, including Early Childhood, Business, Medical Coding, and Medical Lab Technician, contributed their time and effort. Notable participants included Hassan Alinizi from Beaver Creek, Carter Abels from Hills, Jacob Stroh and Jeremiah Shelton from Luverne, and Reallyann Lewi from George, Iowa. The mission of Kids Against Hunger is to significantly reduce the number of hungry children both locally and globally, relying solely on volunteers to package and distribute nutritious meals.
Additionally, students volunteered at the St. Francis House in Sioux Falls, preparing nearly 500 giveaways for a Trunk or Treat event and assembling around 50 sack lunches for guests. St. Francis House serves as a homeless shelter that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and aims to transition them from homelessness to stability.
Another group of students, including Regan Mehlhaff from Luverne, participated in meal preparation and service at the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House. This initiative, part of the STC Days program, involved 34 volunteers serving meals to over 120 individuals. Currently, more than 1,000 people in South Dakota experience homelessness, and the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House provides a safe space for them to begin rebuilding their lives.
Lastly, approximately 45 students pursuing Construction Management and Early Childhood studies volunteered at the local Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore. They assisted with organizational projects and site clean-up, further contributing to the community’s development. The ReStore is a nonprofit facility that sells new and gently used home improvement items at reduced prices, supporting affordable housing initiatives.
Through these active engagements, students from Northwest Iowa Community College and Southeast Technical College have not only enriched their own educational experiences but have also made a meaningful difference in their communities.
