United by college memories and a shared love for Nebraska Public Media, two friends rekindled their bond in Valentine.
Becky McAllister and Germaine Johnson studied education together at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln in the 1970s. The two friends became teachers, went their separate ways and lost touch – until November 2024.
Becky saw Germaine’s picture and story in PREMIERE magazine that month. The women are both members of Nebraska Public Media. “I just happened to have one [photo] for the magazine that wasn’t too old,” said Germaine, who spoke about her support for the network in that issue.
“I’m going…I think that’s my Germaine,” said Becky, who settled in North Platte. “You never know where your college buddies end up!”
Becky said she read through the article to confirm her suspicions, found contact information for Germaine in Valentine and sent her a note asking, “are you who I think you are?”
“And I remembered her. I remember the time together and things. We were both in the same dormitory at Wesleyan,” said Germaine.
“She got my note in the mail and went, ‘oh my gosh!’ And she responded. So we’ve texted back and forth since,” said Becky.
The two friends reunited in person in Valentine at the Old Mill. Later that afternoon, a Nebraska Public Media crew interviewed them.
“Thirty years?” said Becky.
“Oh, at least. Probably maybe even 40 years,” said Germaine.
“And she has the same face. Same beautiful face,” said Becky.
“Oh, thank you. That’s very kind,” said Germaine.
It was magical as the two women rekindled a long-lost friendship that started in a college dormitory. Germaine recalls her father moving her into the top floor of Johnson Hall.
“No elevator,” said Becky, as the two reminisced about the buildings on the Wesleyan campus.
Now that these friends have found each other again, they don’t plan to lose touch. More than memories connect them now though. As Becky and Germaine prepared to head out for the recording of a Backyard Farmer episode at Fredrick’s Peak Golf Club, our crew was rolling when the two declared a shared passion for the network that connects them
“We love Nebraska Public Media!” they shouted for the cameras.