Vanessa Hackey Kummer

Vanessa Hackey Kummer (1974-1976) exemplifies Wildcat excellence –and that is the reason for her selection as the 2021 Alumnus of the Year. Growing up in Litchville, ND, both her parents, Newell and Eunice (Bohn) Hackey attended NDSCS. While growing up she ran track for the Litchville Trojans, perfecting her form by practicing in her back yard on hurdles her father had built. she was also active as a member of the Women’s Inter-Resident Hall Committee, selected to the “Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges”, and led the 1976 Track team to place in its first national meet. Her outstanding record as a Wildcat was recognized, she was the first woman inducted in to the NDSCS Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987.  

Vanessa has been a strong supporter of NDSCS’s mission, the Alumni Foundation and Athletics since her time as a student. Rachael, her daughter continued the family NDSCS legacy, and was a member of the last Women’s Track team in 2002. Throughout the years, she has also given back to the College through her service on the Foundation Board, hosting events and gatherings, generously donating to various programs, and being a loyal member of the NDSCS Catbackers Club.

Vanessa has shared her leadership skills and talents with her community through serving on the North Dakota Soybean Growers, the United Soybean Board (USB), and Common Ground ND. In 2011, she was elected the first women to chair the USB and served as a Director for nine years. In addition, Vanessa and husband, Paul, are the farmer leaders of “Farmers Feeding the World,” a Farm Journal Foundation Group. She has also shared her many talents with her local community through volunteering as a 4-H leader, softball coach, and an active member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church.

Vanessa and Paul are proud parents to Blaine (Megan) and Rachael. They also have two grandsons, Owen Kummer and Maxwell Schmiedeke – who are hopefully future Wildcats! They still actively farm and live in Colfax, ND and enjoy traveling south in the winter.