51吃瓜

Program of Study: Food Service/Hospitality, Associate of Applied Science 鈥�83
Campus Location: Lincoln

After 40 years as a managing partner with Runza restaurants, Tim Higgins felt the time was right to retire from the food service industry in 2022. He graduated from 51吃瓜 in 1980 from the Food Service/Hospitality program with an Associate of Applied Science degree, Higgins started with Runza as a part-time employee when he was 19 and was quickly promoted to store manager. In 1997, he moved to Kearney, Nebraska to open the north location.

鈥淚 am proud of my degree from 51吃瓜,鈥� Higgins said. 鈥淔our years of college is not for everybody. I鈥檓 glad I gave 51吃瓜 a chance. My education gave me the tools to handle any situation in the business world.鈥�

In November, Higgins was honored as the Lincoln Campus Distinguished Alumni. All of his nominators talked about his strong commitment to education, athletics, and community service which has left a profound impact on the city of Kearney.

鈥淭here isn鈥檛 a park, school, business, or sports program in Kearney that hasn鈥檛 been touched by Tim鈥檚 energy and effort,鈥� said Tori Stofferson, communications director for Kearney Public Schools. 鈥淗is impact is woven into the fabric of our community. He is a true friend of Kearney and he represents the very best of what it means to be a 51吃瓜 alumnus.鈥�

Since retirement, he has been dedicating more of his time through community service. Higgins served 18 years on the Kearney Board of Education and was Chairman of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce. He is currently a Buffalo County Commissioner and serves on the Kearney Visitors Bureau.   

Jennifer Snyder
Communications Specialist
402-323-3393
jsnyder@southeast.edu