NICC is one of the top 10 community colleges in the country--but not one of the top five

(Left to right): Former Michigan Governor John Engler, Northeast Iowa Community College president Dr. Liang Chee Wee and former U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley. (Photo taken by Patrice Gilbert)

The Aspen Institute has named Northeast Iowa Community College as one of the ten best community colleges in the country.  But on Monday the school did not win one of five cash prizes given out by the Aspen Institute.

The Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence finalists were announced at ceremonies Monday at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.  Valencia College of Orlando, Florida, was named the recipient of the $600,000 grand prize.  Valencia is a large, diverse, multi-campus community college of 50,000 students in central Florida, 

Northeast Iowa Community College was recognized for its work in causing "exceptional student outcomes."  NICC Presidnt Dr. Liang Chee Wee accepted the award from former Michigan governor John Engler and former U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley.

The Aspen Institute Prize is the first national recognition of the nation's top community colleges.  The nation's top community college and four "finalists with distinction" will split $1 million dollars in prize funds, with the money being used to deliver exceptional results in helping students succeed in learning, completion and in securing well-paying jobs.