A Legacy of Service: How NICC Empowers Its Military Community

For 16 consecutive years, Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) has stood as a beacon of support for those who have served in the armed forces. This year, the College has once again been designated a Military Friendly® School, earning a prestigious Gold Award for the 2026-2027 cycle.

This distinction is more than just a title; it reflects a deep-seated culture of respect and accountability. "Achieving gold level recognition is an incredible honor and a strong reflection of how the College values the students who have served, are currently serving and the families who stand beside them," said Dawn Fleming, NICC assistant director of financial aid and veterans affairs coordinator.

At the heart of this mission are students like Josef Von Handorf. A Marine Corps veteran and current Criminal Justice student, Von Handorf knows firsthand how daunting the transition from military to academic life can feel. When he began his search for a college, the welcoming atmosphere at NICC made his choice clear.

"When I was looking at colleges, everybody I reached out to at the College was very nice and welcoming," Von Handorf shared. "It was a very simple, streamlined process. That's really why I decided on NICC."

Von Handorf's experience is shared by many. Currently, the College serves 35 individuals utilizing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits, seven students who are currently serving and 20 additional veterans. These students find a home in classrooms where their unique perspectives are not only welcomed but sought after by faculty. "There are a lot of classes where I have experience that maybe others don't have, and I feel like professors like to hear that perspective," Von Handorf said.

Beyond the classroom, NICC provides a dedicated support system through its Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs offices. Whether it is navigating GI Bill benefits or finding community through the Military and Veterans Club (MAVC), the College ensures that students have a guide for every step of your journey. Students and employees are also encouraged to wear name badges that recognize their service and help them connect with other veterans and service members on campus.

New initiatives, such as the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Training (CMVOST) grant, continue to expand opportunities by providing full tuition coverage for students seeking a commercial driver's license.

At NICC, the Gold designation is a proud milestone, but the true reward is seen in the hallways and classrooms. It's found in the shared experiences of veterans like Josef, the resilience of military families and the collective mission to ensure every service member finds a clear, welcoming path to their next success.

The College is also proud to be designated a Military Spouse Friendly® School. NICC remains dedicated to providing specialized support and meaningful benefits for the spouses of those who serve. Family members of veterans also eligible for the CMVOST grant.

Learn more about veteran and military member services at the College here.

About Military Friendly®

Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization's commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 2,900 organizations compete annually for the Military Friendly® designation. Military Friendly® is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Military Friendly® is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly® lists and methodology can be found here.