By RYAN SKAITH
North Central Missouri College is welcoming back Tessie, the College’s beloved groundhog, for a special revival of the classic Groundhog Day celebration.
The event will take place on Monday, February 2, at noon in front of the Neil and Susanne Nuttall Student Center on the NCMC Main Campus in Trenton. Students, employees, alumni, and community members are all invited to attend this historic gathering.
As part of NCMC’s ongoing Centennial Celebration, this year’s event brings back a cherished campus tradition from the 1980s and 1990s. Tessie’s appearance will honor the College’s history while offering a fun and memorable experience for attendees of all ages. Several members of the original Groundhog Day planning committee have contributed their historical insight and enthusiasm to ensure the celebration serves as a heartfelt tribute to the classic tradition.
The festivities will begin with a welcome from NCMC President Dr. Lenny Klaver. Following his remarks, NCMC Board of Trustees member and original event organizer Don Dalrymple will share reflections on the history of Groundhog Day at the College, explaining how the tradition became a unique and playful cornerstone of campus culture.
The highlight of the afternoon will be Tessie’s long-awaited return. She is set to offer her local weather prediction alongside light-hearted reflections on NCMC’s past, present, and future. While her forecasts may not always be scientifically precise, her commentary promises a delightful blend of nostalgia and humor for the Pirate community.
To conclude the celebration, guests are invited inside the Nuttall Student Center to enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. The event serves as a bridge between the college’s storied past and its bright future.
“As we celebrate our Centennial year, we look forward to welcoming Tessie back to campus and reviving a tradition that has brought smiles to generations of Pirates,” said President Dr. Lenny Klaver. “Groundhog Day at NCMC is more than a fun moment; it’s a reminder of the stories, the people, and the spirit that have shaped this college for 100 years. I would like to thank our Trustees, alumni, and individuals who helped plan and revive this event.”
