Darwin Schrage, one of the first instructors hired to teach classes at “AreaDarwin Schrage, one of the first instructors hired to teach classes at “Area One,” remembers those early days of career education programs in Calmar. Above, he holds a photograph of one of the first boards of directors to serve the community college. (Janell Bradley photo.)
Retired administrator reflects on NICC early years
Janell Bradley
Contributing Writer
(Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of articles about Northeast Iowa Community College in this, its 50th anniversary year.)
Northeast Iowa Community College has come a long way from its early beginning in 1966-67 as a vocational school.
In 1966, the State Board of Education approved the formation of Area One Vocational-Technical School, with Calmar as its administrative headquarters. Public school districts in Allamakee, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties, as well as sections of Bremer, Buchanan and Mitchell counties, were served by the school.
Darwin Schrage, one of the first instructors hired to teach classes at Area One, remembers those early days of career education programs in Calmar.