dana college  ALUMNI and Friends ASSOCIATION

Alumni Attend Dana Village Ribbon-Cutting
by Kori Archbold

The former Dana College Campus was abuzz with activity on Friday, February 9th as people from all across the state filled the gymnasium to see a new beginning. Abundant Dana alumni were present, as well as multiple media representatives, government officials, a great number of LFS staff, and many more from the Blair community and beyond - to see the new ‘Dana Village’ officially come to life.

Chris Tonniges, President and CEO of Lutheran Family Services kicked off the event, welcoming all to the “life altering” ribbon-cutting that the campus has been patiently waiting for after nearly fourteen years. He began with sobering facts surrounding the reality of foster youth and other vulnerable populations in the state, including statistics stating that many end up homeless in as little as six months after their 19th birthday, when they are legally released from the system. He went on to say, “I think you and I can agree that this is not ok—additionally too many of our elderly don’t have resources or opportunities for affordable housing either. These people are Nebraskans, and Nebraskans don’t treat Nebraskans that way. We just DON’T. That’s what makes this place special.”

Ed Shada and Angels Share was given a deserving round of applause and thanked profusely, highlighting their dream and ultimate goal - support for former foster youth who have no where to go. Thankfully they were able to partner with a much more able body to carry on this grand plan. Lutheran Family Service's ten year plan includes much needed connection and benefit to the local community, including job opportunities and career development.

Tenants will be able to move into any of the 61 finished units in Blair and Mickelsen halls by the end of February. Tours were available to the public to view the studio, 1 and 2 bed room units. All quarters are accessible, and have a washer and dryer in-unit. The beautifully updated apartments still share the same views as former students once enjoyed over the campus. George Achola, V.P. and General Counsel of Burlington Capital Real Estate Investment was invited to speak to the renovation of the new units and what their impact will be on the community. “When you open that door, you will know that you are not forgotten…. this day will hopefully be the genesis for a transformation of somebody’s life.”

Mayor Mindy Rump, Senator Ben Hansen, and Governor Jim Pillen also spoke, marking an exciting and incredible day for the city of Blair, and the state of Nebraska. The historic past and the emotional loss of Dana were acknowledged, but not without mentioning future-forward solutions the new village will solve: preventing homelessness, workforce development, and reactivating the beautiful campus. As a last minute gesture, Rump also gifted a symbolic broom to Mr. Tonniges, thanking him and LFS for being stewards of the community — also a nod in jest to the amount of cleaning up that still needs to be done.

Pastor Kip Tyler shared a homily that left no dry eye in the room as he recounted the day that Dana closed. From another pastor friend, he was reminded, “Kip - remember, our God does his best work in death and resurrection.” Those words obviously resonated with the crowd as the tissues came out of their pockets.

As an alum, he quoted portions of the third and fourth verses of “Hail Dana” :

…. “And when we launch our little barks on destiny’s deep sea, as Ivy to thy walls do cling, our hearts will cling to thee…Oh Hail fair Dana, hail to thee, though time thy walls may claim, thy spirit live another throng, rise up and sing our song!”

Other plans moving forward will include intergenerational, community-driven spaces, physical and mental health access, outreach programs, and other sporting and arts events, thankfully revitalizing the campus once again. Eventually, the goal of the village is to be a destination location for the entire region. The launch of a solution for people in need, the city of Blair, the Dana Campus, and the entire state, ultimately was born out of the death of our beloved college. A solution that is hopeful to last for seven generations, and beyond.

For more information, visit:
https://www.danavillageblair.com or https://www.onelfs.org/housing/dana-village