Winners in 2025 NIACC’s “Extreme Makeover: College Edition” from Floyd, Butler Counties

A woman from Floyd County and one from Butler County are getting a year of college for free.

North Iowa Area Community College has announced winners of their Extreme Makeover: College Edition! contest, with Marianel Lovrien of Charles City and Jennifer Hoodjer of Allison each receiving free NIACC tuition, plus textbooks and more, for the 2025–26 school year.

Hoodjer says, “My long-time goal of getting my Associate’s degree in the Science of Nursing, which I had begun to believe would never happen, has suddenly been placed within reach.” 

She adds, “I always tell my son to never give up, no matter how impossible something may seem. I have to admit, although I said this to him, quietly inside I was beginning to doubt and was pretty close to just giving up. Winning this restores my faith and fuels my internal drive to keep reaching and never give up, no matter what life throws at you.” 

Lovrien says, “Winning the NIACC Extreme Makeover contest means a fresh start and a step toward rebuilding my life with purpose. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and the support to pursue a new direction through education.”

Three other finalists – Trish Vega of Hampton, Travis Ekborg of Mason City, and Rebekah Zeiset of Floyd – will each receive half-price tuition for the 2025–26 academic year.

NIACC says, for adults interested in returning to school, Fall classes begin August 25, and there is still time to register.

For more information, contact NIACC Admissions at 641-422-4245, toll-free at 1-888-GO NIACC, ext. 4245, or visit www.niacc.edu.