Groundbreaking on new student housing in Norfolk

 NORFOLK -- Wayne State College broke ground on new student housing, in Norfolk, Wednesday.

Together with DEG Enterprises and DACO Construction, officials took their first digs into undeveloped land that will soon be new student housing for the Growing Together Career Scholars Program.

The downtown Norfolk site (located at Third Street and Winter Avenue) saw Mayor Josh Moenning, State Senator Mike Flood (who owns NCN), Aksarben representatives, and Wayne State College's president come together with students to celebrate.

The housing units will support Wayne State's Career Scholars, who will live in Norfolk as they work two semesters with an educational employer.

"There are a lot of great opportunities for students in downtown Norfolk, and then you're going to have opportunities to do service learning, and then students, you will stay in Northeast Nebraska," said Dr. Marysz Rames, president of WSC. 

"We want you to graduate your senior year and have an offer on the table," said Flood. 

One of those bunch was a student studying finance, who plans to live in Norfolk while working for a financial advisor in two years. 

"Instead of coming from Wayne State College to Norfolk every day [....] it's just super helpful," Alec Janousek said. He's excited to explore Norfolk and build its community likewise. 

WSC's first cohort of students will arrive in Norfolk in fall 2023.

Officials said they plan to see a creative district, a river development, and more coming with the housing in Norfolk soon.