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Homecoming 2026 Breaks Records!More than 160 alumni and faculty members attended Homecoming on October 17, far surpassing attendance at any Homecoming since Dana’s closing 16 years ago. Organizers had set up tables and chairs to seat 128 people, and had to scramble to locate 32 more chairs. Even with those extras, some alumni had to stand during presentations. The weather was perfect for the event, which began with a dedication of the new State Historical Marker along College Drive, just north of the former classroom center. The Dana College Foundation funded the permanent marker, recognizing that one day no alumni would exist to tell the college’s story. Dana alum Bob Coffey wrote the text with the help of fellow alum John Mark Nielsen and professor Milt Heinrich. John Mark provided remarks for the gathering of alumni and other officials. Also that morning, the Dana “Bookstore” opened with tables filled to overflowing with Dana merchandise. Sales were brisk, topping previous Homecoming records by far. Popular items included new T-shirt designs, coffee mugs, and Old Main jigsaw puzzles. Each year, our “bookstore ladies,” Vicki Dunkle and Emily Chance, bring new items to keep the Dana spirit alive! A barbecue food truck provided lunch for attendees. Much to organizers’ chagrin, Smokin’ Johnny’s completely sold out of food due to the unexpected record number of attendees! Alumni heard several presentations during the afternoon event, beginning with the invocation by Pastor and alum Alan Hanson. Dana College Foundation President Bob Coffey provided an update of the Foundation’s projects and scholarship recipients. Lutheran Family Services CEO Chris Tonniges gave a campus progress report and made the official announcement that the atrium between the old and new gyms from now on would be called Dana College Alumni Hall! Dr. Carol Patrick also provided an update on Easter Seals’ progress toward a camp for children and adults who have disabilities, plus a center for adaptive technologies to help disabled farmers return to work. Cami Christensen (class of 1991) received the Distinguished Alumni Award for her achievements in the hospitality industry as well as her philanthropic work. Basketball standout Doug Huston (class of 2009) was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame as Dana’s record holder in career assists. The class of 1976 attendees were presented with their Venerable Viking medallions to close out the official Homecoming events. A cocktail hour followed, with members of milestone classes assembling for dinners at several Blair restaurants. |
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State Historical Marker on Campus |
| On August 12, a State Historical Marker was set in place on the Dana campus, commemorating the history and impact that Dana College achieved in its more than 125 years of existence. The marker was a project funded by the Dana College Foundation as another way to preserve Dana’s legacy. Foundation president Bob Coffey said this about the thought that went into the project, “We came to realize that one day no more alumni will exist to tell the story of Dana College, and how can we see that it’s not lost for future generations?” Coffey called upon former Dana art professor Milt Heinrich, who has designed numerous public art pieces to ask if he might have ideas on how to create a lasting tribute to Dana. He suggested looking into a State Historical Marker, that such markers provided a credible sense of history, were recognizable throughout the state of Nebraska, and were well-designed for the purpose the Foundation had in mind. The Foundation contacted the Nebraska State Historical Society, and the project began. Coffey enlisted the help of fellow alum John Mark Nielsen, also a former Dana professor, for advice on what the marker should say. Utilizing the book “A Place Called Dana” for historical reference, Coffey then wrote the text with Nielsen’s editing assistance. “It was not an easy task, condensing over 125 years of history into 184 words,” Coffey said. The text was submitted to the Historical Society which vetted it for accuracy, then facilitated the manufacturing of the marker. Together, Coffey, Heinrich and Nielsen selected the site, the north side of the former classroom center, closest point to the very first campus building (Old Main) location, facing College Drive. Thanks go out to Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, owners of the campus, who were gracious and supportive of allowing the marker’s inclusion. Thanks also go out to Eriksen Construction, a local contractor, for installing the marker. The marker’s formal dedication will be on Saturday, October 17th, 11 a.m., as part of the annual Homecoming festivities. Alumni, faculty, city officials, Historical Society staff, LFS officials and members of the community are welcome to attend. Parking is available on the west side of the former classroom center. |
Homecoming 2026 |
ALUMNI AWARDS! |
Cami Christensen (Class of 1991) Cami is an award-winning professional in the hospitality industry. She rose through the ranks at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton), beginning at the front desk, and working her way to become the President and General Manager of the 3,000 room property. She oversees the work and well-being of over 2,000 employees in all departments, and sees to the comfort and guest experience of the hundreds of thousands of people who vacation there annually. Cami is also active in the community, supporting non-profit organizations such as HELP of Southern Nevada, Opportunity Village, Casa de Luz, Three Square Food Bank, and Veteran’s Village. Last year she won the prestigious Elaine Wynn Trailblazer Award for her impact on Nevada’s hospitality industry through her ability to uplift, drive positive change, and represent the best of Las Vegas hospitality. Cami came to Dana from the Elkhorn-Kimballton schools where she excelled in academics and sports. She graduated from Dana with a degree in Communications and Business. | Doug Huston (Class of 2009) Doug was a second-team all-conference selection in basketball as a four-year player and three-year starter for the Vikings. His impact on the team can be summed up in one word — teamwork. His records attest to the fact, finishing as Dana’s career leader in assists, as well as single game and season assists totals. In his career he scored 686 points, fed others with 495 assists, and gathered 300 rebounds for an impressive all-around performance. |
Please join with us at Homecoming in welcoming and honoring our outstanding alumni who represent the Dana College legacy in exceptional ways! |
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