A little over a mile of U.S. Highway 138 is being renamed to honor Northeastern Junior College legend Jack Annan.
State Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, introduced a resolution in the Colorado Senate Tuesday renaming a portion of the highway the Jack Annan “Mr. NJC” Memorial Highway. The stretch runs between North Second Street and Pioneer Road, past NJC.
Annan, who died last week at the age of 87, devoted more than a half-century of his life to the college, touching the lives of at least three generations of students.
Sonnenberg has worked with the Colorado Department of Transportation to get clearance on the highway renaming. State Reps. Rod Pelton and Richard Holtorf are sponsoring the joint resolution in the House.
Sonnenberg’s resolution lists many of Annan’s accomplishments while he was at NJC and his leadership role in the community.
“Jack Annan was a dedicated leader, educator, servant, mentor, father, and grandfather who had a profound influence on the members of his community,” the resolution states. “Jack was a friend to all and always made an effort to learn about each person and help them achieve their goals. His passion for education and advocacy will continue to inspire many and shall not be forgotten.”
The resolution is to be read and adopted on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday and in the House on Thursday.