Peru, Nebraska- The Peru State College Student Senate announced their selection of Dr. Daryl and Peggy Long as the Grand Marshals of the Homecoming Parade to be held on October 28. Daryl Long taught at Peru State College for fifty years, starting in January of 1967, and ending in January of 2017.

In reference to his lengthy tenure at Peru, Dr. Long said, “Peggy and I decided to come to Peru State College for two years and move on. We fell in love with Peru State and the vicinity. Two years extended to 50 – not bad for a position I never applied for.”

Dr. Dan Hanson, president of Peru State College, writes, “The Longs have dedicated their lives to the region and to the students of Peru State College. Their legacy will live on in the lives of students for years to come.”

In Long’s tenure, a lot of things have changed on campus. As part of Peru State’s preparation for the sesquicentennial, Dr. Long was extensively interviewed for his insight on the campus.

Long told Dan Sullivan of the Omaha World-Herald, and editor of the Peru State 150th Anniversary Book, “I knew I wanted to be in a small rural setting. The big city did not appeal to me. It was neat, I’d never been on a small campus like this before.”

“I like it because you’re teaching students from rural America, and many of them are first-generation college students. They have a great work ethic and attitude. I enjoy being around people with those characteristics.”

Dr. Timothy Borchers, vice president for Academic Affairs, said, “Dr. Long taught thousands of Peru State students the importance of science and math. The Longs are also strong supporters of campus activities. We miss having them on campus every day.”

Together, the Longs have also had tremendous influence on Tri-State Missouri River Tourism, the Peru Chamber of Commerce, the Nemaha County Development Corporation, Nemaha County Hospital, Southeast Nebraska Development District and River County Economic Development.

The Longs will be honored on Saturday, Oct. 28 in the Homecoming Parade. As Grand Marshal, they will also perform the coin toss for the Bobcat football game vs. Graceland University at 2 p.m.

 

Dr. Daryl and Peggy Long at his retirement celebration held in April.

Dr. Daryl and Peggy Long at his retirement celebration held in April.

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Quentin Victor contributed to this release.

For more information about this release or other Peru State communications, please contact Jason Hogue, Peru State College Marketing and Communications, 402-872-2429.