Menu
Bredvick named MPCC Distinguished Alumnus
LINCOLN, Neb. -- A McCook businessman has been honored with the 2019 Mid-Plains Community College Distinguished Alumni Award.
Tom Bredvick was recognized Sunday during the Nebraska Community College Association’s annual meeting in Lincoln. He was nominated for the award by MPCC President Ryan Purdy and members of MPCC’s cabinet.
“Tom Bredvick exemplifies what MPCC strives to provide for all students - a start on the road to success,” said MPCC President Ryan Purdy. “Tom was born in the area, started his education here, transferred to complete his bachelor’s degree and then came home to raise his family and contribute to his community. He continues to support and give back to McCook Community College, and we are proud to call him our MPCC Distinguished Alum for 2019.”
Bredvick is the executive vice president and chief financial officer for McCook National Bank.
He graduated from Culbertson High School in 1986 then entered the military. His plans were originally to become a diesel mechanic, but a military physical indicated that he was color blind. The news permanently altered his career path.
“I knew I needed to enroll in college,” said Bredvick. “During a little bit of counseling on my first visit to the McCook Community College campus, we started talking about my skills and test scores and started looking at accounting. I found out maybe I should take some business classes. Today, I’m thankful I’m color blind.”
Bredvick appreciated MCC for its small class sizes, the accessibility of the instructors and the affordability. When the time came, he felt more than prepared to take the next step on his educational journey.
Bredvick graduated from MCC in 1989 then transferred to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting in 1992.
He also passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination in 1992 then began work as a bank examiner for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in Omaha. After three years, he and his wife moved back to McCook to start a family.
Bredvick took a position as a controller at MNB Bank, was eventually promoted to chief financial officer and joined the board of directors three years ago. He celebrated 25 years with the bank earlier this year.
“Education has been the single greatest influencing factor in my life,” said Bredvick. “I know that the staff that were in place at MCC at the time I was there are the same types of people there today. They care and have compassion and concern about student performance and success, and because of that I really speak highly and would recommend the experience of a diverse, but close to home education.”
He also appreciates the college from the business standpoint.
“I know the value Mid-Plains brings to our trade area,” said Bredvick. “From my view as a taxpayer, a parent, a school board member, an employer and a business that benefits from it, I see the college as a partner for our community. Education is the number one way for families to achieve and provide for their future goals.”
He has chosen to focus his giving on youth and education for that reason. Bredvick is currently serving his 15th year on the McCook Public Schools Board of Education. He has also been active in a variety of community organizations – everything from the McCook Optimist Club to United Way.
“You can change lives with education and motivation,” Bredvick said. “Someone did it for me. I know there are a lot of events I wouldn’t have been capable of participating in if someone hadn’t bought me shoes or coached a little league team. The only way out of poverty is going to be self-worth, and we establish that through education.”
Bredvick is no stranger to recognition and success in his career, but the Distinguished Alumni Award is an entirely new type of honor for him. He’s humbled by the gesture.
“I’ve done everything I can to remind people that others, like Elizabeth Benjamin and Lyle Moskal, set me on a path to success years ago,” said Bredvick. “I can’t give enough accolades back to the system for giving me the strong beginning I had. I owe quite a lot to Mid-Plains Community College.”