Skip to main content

Jan. 29

Jan. 29, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Derek Rayment
Public + Media Relations Manager
531-MCC-2876, office
402-960-0697, cell
darayment@mccneb.edu
mccneb.edu

MCC graduate receives national alumni award

OMAHA, Neb. — Metropolitan Community College alum, Hubert “Charles” Ahovissi, has been named an Outstanding Alumni award winner by the American Association of Community Colleges. The award from AACC goes to community college alumni who have excelled in their chosen fields. Ahovissi is one of three community college alumni chosen to receive the distinction this year by AACC. He will be recognized for his achievements at AACC’s 99th annual convention on April 16 in Orlando, Florida.

“Charles embodies what Metropolitan Community College is all about. He wasn’t the traditional college age when he came to MCC, but he had a goal in front of him. That goal was to earn an education and share the passion for his culture through the organization he founded,” said Randy Schmailzl, MCC president. “We are extremely proud of him and hope that he inspires many others to earn their education and make a difference in our world.”

“Community colleges shape the lives of millions of students, no matter their background, helping them reach their educational and career goals. The AACC Outstanding Alumni Awards honor just a few of those students who left our institutions and went on to make an impact on the world,” said AACC president and CEO Walter G. Bumphus. “This year’s Outstanding Alumni are as diverse as community colleges. From a successful businessman, to a selfless health care worker, to an immigrant sharing his culture with the Midwest, these alumni are truly deserving of the term ‘outstanding.’”

Ahovissi is a 2013 graduate from MCC, where he earned his associate degree in Liberal Arts. He is a professional artist, dancer, drummer, choreographer, educator, stage costume designer and tailor. Born in Benin, West Africa, Ahovissi is also an approved teaching and performing artist through the Nebraska and Iowa Art Councils. He was also named the recipient of the MCC Distinguished Alumni Award last year, an honor given once a year to a former student of the College who has shown personal or professional achievement, gives back to the community and is involved with or supports MCC post-graduation.

About Hubert “Charles” Ahovissi

Hubert Charles Ahovissi began his career in 1984 when he joined the National Ballet Company of Benin before joining the Super Anges Dance Troop in 1987. With the dance group, he performed internationally before moving to Omaha in 2000. In 2006, Ahovissi founded the African Culture Connection as a nonprofit organization to teach African culture. He is the recipient of the 2010 Girls Inc Angel Award, 2012 Nebraska Governor’s Art Award for Heritage Arts, 2012 National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Award and the 2017 U.S. Air Force Excellence Through Diversity Award. He shares his passion through public performances, school assemblies, residencies and workshops in the Omaha community.

###

Metropolitan Community College, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is a comprehensive, public community college that offers affordable, quality education to all residents of Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties. Founded in 1974, MCC has the largest enrollment out of six community colleges in Nebraska and is the second largest post-secondary institution in the state. MCC serves more than 40,000 unique credit and noncredit students.