Community Hospital to receive MCC’s 2026 President’s Award

Community Hospital will receive the 2026 President’s Award at the McCook Community College commencement ceremony on Friday at 10 a.m., the hospital’s significant contributions to Mid-Plains Community College and its mission to transforming lives through exceptional learning opportunities for individual student success.

“We are honored to receive the President’s Award and proud of our longstanding partnership with Mid-Plains Community College,” said Troy Bruntz, President and CEO of Community Hospital. “Supporting hands-on education and workforce development is an investment in the future of healthcare and in the communities we serve.”

Community Hospital has partnered with the college for many years to expand educational opportunities. Most recently, the hospital contributed $250,000 toward the redevelopment and reconstruction of the East Campus building at the site of the former Elks Club in McCook. The $11.3 million project enabled the “landlocked” main campus to expand and enhance its health occupations programs, including nursing, emergency medical services, nurse aide and medication aide, as well as its business and community education offerings.

The hospital’s generous gift helped fund key features within the facility, including a simulation lab, a distance learning classroom and a mock bathroom designed for staging realistic medical scenarios. These additions provide nursing and EMT students with hands-on training opportunities under the guidance of faculty.

The contribution also supported the purchase of a virtual ambulance simulator, allowing paramedic students to practice lifesaving techniques in a simulated transport environment, as well as a mock apartment where students can train for residential emergency response situations.

“By working together to expand learning opportunities, we’re helping students gain the skills and confidence they need while strengthening the region’s ability to provide high quality care,” Bruntz stated.

The hospital has also donated $50,000 to the expansion of the Health and Science building in North Platte and is an advertising sponsor on the video board inside the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center, contributing $15,000 to that project as well as being a banner sponsor.

Beyond financial support, Community Hospital has provided athletic training services at no cost to all MCC student-athletes for many years.

These contributions reflect the strength of the longstanding partnership between Mid-Plains Community College and Community Hospital, as well as a shared commitment to student success and community impact.

Commencement will be held at 10 a.m. at the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center.