Former Midland University President Jody Horner and Dr. Nick Schreck, Dean for the Dunklau School of Business at Midland, were each recognized as Compass Award winners by the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce during the Chamber’s Leadership Banquet on May 5 at the Fremont Golf Club.

“A compass establishes the direction that you’re pointed in. People who determine the direction in which communities are headed are leaders,” said Brenda Wilberding, President/CEO of the Chamber. “Our community has been blessed over the years with leaders guiding us to do the right thing. Leaders who have rolled up their sleeves and led by example. Fremont has produced caring, yet visionary leaders that make us a better community and a place that we can all be proud to call home. That’s what the Compass Award is about.”

Horner was honored with the Female Legacy Compass Award, given to a local professional who has demonstrated commitment to community engagement and leadership excellence throughout their career. She served as Midland’s president for 10 years (2015-25) before retiring in April. Along with her work at Midland, Horner has been actively involved in the Fremont community, serving on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards, including HJ Baker, Titan Machinery, Methodist Fremont Health Board, and the Methodist Health System Board.

Schreck was presented with the Rising Compass Award, given to an individual under the age of 40 who has made a profound impact on the community. He has been an active member of the Fremont Area United Way Board for six years, serving in an executive position for the past three. He also volunteers his time to organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, Fremont Creative Collective, Teammates, FBLA, DECA, FFA, and many others.

Wilberding, a Midland alum and former staff member, said it was a great honor to be able to recognize Horner and Schreck for their commitments to the Fremont community.

“This year’s awardees hold a special place in my heart,” she said. “I had the opportunity to work with both Nick and Jody, and they are both incredibly deserving of these awards. They have impacted Fremont in so many ways through the relationships they’ve built and the networks they have created. We are so blessed to have them both in Fremont!”