Alumni Award Winners
April Hieatt
April Hieatt, a lifelong Nebraska Panhandle resident, has dedicated her career to helping others. A Western Nebraska Community College graduate, she earned advanced degrees in criminal justice and clinical counseling. After 11 years with Optimal Family Preservation, she opened Unleashed Counseling in Scottsbluff in 2023. April also advocates for cancer research and community health through the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma in 2025, she continued serving others throughout treatment and entered remission that November. A devoted wife and mother of two, April draws strength from faith, family, and her passion for helping others overcome challenges.
The Schwarzkopf Family
The Schwarzkopf family’s connection to Western Nebraska Community College spans more than 60 years and multiple generations. Beginning with Gene and Mari Schwarzkopf in the 1960s, the family’s legacy continued through their children, Brenda, Scott, and Stacy, and their grandchildren. Family members attended WNCC, participated in athletics, earned degrees, and built careers in education. Their commitment extended beyond the classroom through the WNCC Dorm Parent program, welcoming student-athletes into their homes and creating lasting friendships. The Schwarzkopf family’s dedication to education, athletics, and supporting students reflects a tradition of Cougar pride at WNCC.
Siaka Sanneh
Siaka Sanneh, originally from The Gambia in West Africa, began his nursing career at Western Nebraska Community College, earning his associate degree in nursing in 2013. He continued his education, earning bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in nursing. Siaka completed an emergency medicine fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he now works as an Emergency Nurse Practitioner. Passionate about rural healthcare and education, he has gained international experience in Kenya, Vietnam, and Ghana while helping train future healthcare professionals. Siaka lives in Minnesota with his wife, Nicole, and their three daughters and enjoys soccer, traveling, swimming, and family time.
Paula J. Abbott
Paula J. Abbott dedicated 25 years to higher education, including 15 years as Executive Director of Western Nebraska Community College’s Sidney Campus. A Fleming, Colorado, native, Paula was passionate about helping students and strengthening communities. One of her proudest accomplishments was helping establish the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs. Known for her kindness, positivity, and unwavering belief in others, Paula was a mentor, friend, and advocate for student success. She cherished time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and loved being near the water. Paula’s lasting legacy lives through the countless lives she touched and inspired.
Gary Warner
Gary Warner, a Scottsbluff native raised in Gering, began his education at Scottsbluff College, now Western Nebraska Community College, before earning a Petroleum Engineering degree from the Colorado School of Mines. After working in the oil industry, Gary returned to Gering in 1972 and established Western Ranch Products, which he operated with his wife, Deanne, until 2000. Gary joined the WNCC Board of Governors in 1976, serving 20 years, and later became a longtime WNCC Foundation Board member. For more than 50 years, his dedication to education, community service, and supporting WNCC has helped shape opportunities for students across western Nebraska.