Martinez named MPCC Distinguished Alum of the Year

Rascal Martinez, of Sutherland, has been selected to receive the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award from Mid-Plains Community College.

Martinez was nominated by MPCC cabinet members based on his rising success as a professional musician and his deep connection to his alma mater and the community that helped shape his journey. He was recognized last night during the Nebraska Community College Association’s annual meeting in Lincoln.

 

About Martinez

Though it’s been ten years since Rascal Martinez walked the halls of MPCC, he still remembers his time fondly.

“Sometimes it feels like it was just yesterday,” he says. “I was at the college practically every evening doing plays, audio work and more. That’s where I built some lifelong friendships.”

Martinez chose MPCC for its strong reputation and proximity to home. “My dad, aunts, uncles — a lot of my family went through Mid-Plains, so I knew it was a great place to start,” he recalls. “It was affordable, close and I’d always heard good things.”

Martinez balanced student life and sharing music with others during his time as a student. “I was already DJing proms and doing karaoke nights at Applebee’s while I was in school,” he says.

He credits his business, economics, theater and music instructors for helping him build the foundation for a sustainable career.

“Mrs. Nutt, Mrs. Chittick, Mrs. McCune, Sally Thalken, Mrs. Peters, Mr. Galvan and so many others really gave me the tools I needed to grow. I took a lot from all of them. I had so many great instructors and experiences that really shaped who I am today.”

Rascal is now a full-time musician with a nationwide following and a new album set to be released in the coming months. But despite the whirlwind of tour stops, recording sessions and late-night shows, he remains deeply grateful for the place where it all began.

“I always tell students — start at Mid-Plains,” he says. “You’ll save money, stay close to home and get a great education. MPCC had such a big impact on me.”

When he’s not on stage, Martinez enjoys traveling to comedy shows with his wife.  He also loves spending time as a family with their young son.

Being selected as the MPCC Alumnus of the Year is an honor he doesn’t take lightly. “I was so excited when I found out,” he says. “MPCC has continued to support me even after graduation — inviting me to perform at events and keeping me connected. It really means a lot.”

keeping me connected. It really means a lot.”