/Magazine_Spring201 by North Hennepin Community College

Passion for Fashion

Facts About Financing College

Jacqueline Addison Designs Her Future

PSEO*

Post Secondary Education Option

High School Student Finishes College Ahead of the Pack

Essential Skills for the Workplace

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Summer/Fall Classes

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Project Management Training Sessions

Join us for the North Hennepin Community College Foundation

29th Annual Gala Friday, April 20th – 5:30pm Edinburgh USA

8700 Edinbrook Crossing, Brooklyn Park

Help us change lives ... one story at a time A magical evening ﬁlled with inspiring stories, an exciting silent/ auction, and a delicious dinner. Reserve Gala tickets, sponsor a table, or donate an auction item at www.nhcc.edu/gala or call 763-424-0815.

Cephus Dorpoh Associate in Arts Degree Student 2010 Scholarship Recipient

...and help make stories like this possible. Aer providing for our family ﬁnancially and taking care of my brother who was le paralyzed in an accident, my mother doesn’t have much money le over for me to attend college. Before I got a scholarship, there were some days all I could think about was when I’d be eating next. It’s not easy to stay focused in class when you’re dizzy from hunger. anks to the generosity of people who support the Foundation, I can describe my story in one word: dynamic. College is changing the course of my life. Aer completing my A.A. here at NHCC, I’m planning on transfering to the University of Minnesota to pursue a pharmacy degree.

In This Issue NHCC Alumna Continues the Study of Fashion Design

6 Facts About Financing College – There Are Resources to Help

14 Also: 2 8 10

Message from the President

12 18 19 22 24 25 26 27 28 30 32

In Tough Times, Why Study the Humanities?

Indigenous Peoples and the Land: NHCC Celebrates Third Annual Earth Week April 23–28

Learning a Second Language Opens Windows to Discover New Cultures Dreams of Education and Opportunity: NHCC’s New Director of Admissions and Outreach, Melissa Leimbek

Put a Little Prep in Your Step – NHCC’s College Prep Program

Late Start... Early Finish: PSEO Student Emily Knapczyk A Project Management Success Story

“You Changed My Life” – Grammy Award Winning Songwriter Reunites With His Music Professor

Arabic Language Courses Meet a Critical Need Working Out a Promising Career Restaurant Review: Get to Know the Neighbors – Jack’s Bakery Cheering for Fans... Caring for Patients Essential Skills for the Workplace: Preparing Business Students for Success Youngest Grad Wins Major Award Fitness and Nutrition: Online Tools Worth Checking Out

20 A Tragic Loss Leads to Second Chances for Others – The Story of the Alan LePage Endowed Scholarship

page 36

Credit Courses offered Summer and Fall 2012

Come to NHCC’s Open House! Monday, April 16th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Tour the campus, learn about our programs, and talk to students about their experiences here. RSVP at 763-488-0390.

A Message from the President What gets you out of bed in the morning? What activities energize you in a given day, and which ones wear you out? Do you love what you do for a living? Or are you still trying to figure it out? You might consider the pages that follow a kind of meditation on this theme. After all, colleges like North Hennepin Community College are all about helping students fall in love with their possible futures. Our mission is “engaging students, changing lives,” and we offer students many ways to get excited about the years ahead. For NHCC alumna Jacqueline Addison, featured in our cover story, her longtime love and future aspirations are all about fashion. After getting her start at North Hennepin, she is now following her dream of becoming a fashion designer at a four-year university in Ohio. For NHCC student Derek James – who recently lost close to 100 pounds – it’s helping others become fit and healthy. He is pursuing a certificate in personal training and preparing for the ACE certification test. And for NHCC alumnus and Grammy award winning songwriter Jon Vezner, it’s music. Jon attributes much of his success in Nashville to his NHCC professor Don Dahlin who not only taught him how to read music and play piano, but also gave him permission to pursue his dream. From cover to cover, you will find compelling stories of people who are doing what they love. NHCC faculty Dr. Carlos Baez and Dr. Sidow Mohammed are opening windows into other cultures through the teaching of new languages. Another alumna is taking care of people as a nurse and dancing as a Vikings cheerleader. NHCC faculty Margie Campbell Charlebois is teaching essential business skills and making a difference in her students’ lives. PSEO student Emily Knapczyk has fallen in love with running, and donors Peggy and Jeff LePage are committed to helping students struggling with addiction to get the second chance their son didn’t get. Just as these stories, and so many others like them, have inspired me, I hope they inspire you to find your passion and follow your dreams. Make your story... whatever you want it to be. Sincerely,

Dr. John O’Brien President, North Hennepin Community College

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

NHCC Magazine is published twice a year and is distributed without charge to alumni, students, faculty, community members and friends of North Hennepin Community College. Please direct any correspondence regarding this publication to: NHCC Communications Office 7411 85th Ave. North Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 763-488-0390 or 800-818-0395 communications@nhcc.edu President John O Brien Vice President of Academic Affairs Jane Reinke Chief Student Affairs Officer Landon Pirius Marketing & Communications Director Carmen Shields Writers Jenny Caudill, Ana Davis, Michelle Goode, Missy Lott, Janet McClelland, Jake Skurka Graphic Designers Jenny Caudill, Janet McClelland

Mission Engaging Students, Changing Lives North Hennepin Community College creates opportunities for students to reach their academic goals, succeed in their chosen professions, and make a difference in the world. Vision Opportunity without limits, learning without end, and achievement beyond expectation

Member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. For disability accommodations, call 763-493-0555. Minnesota Relay users may call 1-800-627-3529. North Hennepin Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The College reserves the right to cancel, postpone and reschedule course offerings. Lack of English skills should not be a barrier to admission and participation. Visit our website at www.nhcc.edu for the most current class schedule information.

Passion for Fashion NHCC Alumna Jacqueline Addison Designs Her Future

eside her was a suitcase filled with colorful fabrics and sewing supplies, as she was busy at her sewing machine constructing a traditional African inspired dress, with a modern western flare. Jacqueline Addison was on winter break from Kent State University (KSU) in Ohio, but brought a few design projects with her to work on while she visited family and friends in Brooklyn Park. “Before my father died,” says Jacqueline, “he told me to do what I love. He said, ‘If you love what you do, then you’ll want to finish it.’ I love fashion!” Jacqueline’s talents and drive seem to stem from her parents. Back in Ghana, her father designed and built their family home and crafted the furniture too. He sewed the clothes and shoes that they all wore. He even made his own wedding party’s attire, including his bride’s gown. “My father was the town tailor, so he would be up late working. I remember wanting to stay up with him to watch and learn. He was my first teacher.” Jacqueline’s mother, Akua, is quite the fashionista herself. In addition to being a skilled seamstress and business person, she is now the family’s only financial supporter. She once

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Passion for Fashion cont’d... owned and operated several businesses in Ghana, including a bookstore, where all four of her daughters helped out. But after the two oldest daughters got married, she wanted to move to America to seek better opportunities for Jacqueline and her youngest daughter, Priscilla. “My mother came to America by herself in 2004, while my grandfather took care of us back in Africa. For five years, she went to school, worked, saved her money, and got things in order for me and Priscilla’s arrival. She sacrificed a lot and still does.” When Jacqueline and Priscilla joined their mother in 2009, Akua insisted that Jacqueline enroll in college right away and suggested NHCC. “She heard good things about the arts programs here, plus it was nearby and affordable. Next thing I knew, I was a full-time student at a place where people really cared about me. It was like having another family.”

her supervisor (Carol Kiehl), associates (David Young and Steven Schreiner), and fellow student workers (Rashida and Thong) family. Jacqueline claims that all her instructors at North Hennepin were amazing. One of her art instructors, Lance Kiland, truly inspired her. “I didn’t even know I could paint until I picked up a brush for the first time in his class. He allowed his students to do what they felt with their art, and he played music in the classroom to help us feel. Whenever I do art projects now, I play music that matches my mood.”

Other faculty who were instrumental in Jacqueline’s success included Steven Ahola, who aided Jacqueline with her English, and Matt Foss, who helped her understand math. “My sister Priscilla is the honor roll student. I, however, needed assistance with these types of subjects. I’m better prepared at KSU because of the resources I received at NHCC,” says Jacqueline. As an active member of the African Student Association (ASA), Jacqueline made her clothing line debut at NHCC’s International Student Fashion Show. “What an incredible experience,” says

Jacqueline’s Student Support Services/ TRIO advisor, Michael Birchard, encouraged her. “I was undecided about my two-year major. When I shared my dream of becoming a fashion designer, he suggested that I complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), and then transfer to a four-year university with a reputable fashion design program. He was the truth and my guiding light.” While going to school at NHCC, Jacqueline worked part-time at the college bookstore, where she became known for her beautiful seasonal paintings on the storefront windows. She considers Jacqueline (far right) and friends modeling her debut clothing line at NHCC’s International Student Fashion Show. 4

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Jacqueline. “I will never forget the rush of adrenaline and excitement I felt seeing my original designs come to life on the runway.” After KSU, Jacqueline wants to work for a well-known designer in New York before branching out on her own and expanding internationally. She told her grandfather that she would buy him a car with earnings from her first professional job. Jacqueline loves fashion. She is motivated to finish her degree and make her mark in this highly competitive industry. Her dad would be proud. For more information about NHCC’s programs, resources, and student life activities, visit www.nhcc.edu. Jacqueline with her mother, Akua, and younger sister, Priscilla.

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Facts About Financing College inancial aid plays an essential role in helping students and their families afford college.

Although the cost of college is increasing, there are resources available to help students reach their educational goals and many families are surprised to find they qualify for some assistance. Additionally, the lifetime benefits of being a college graduate are worth the investment. Consider the following…

NHCC has one of the lowest college tuition rates in the state Tuition is less expensive at NHCC than surrounding private colleges and fouryear universities; yet, it maintains equivalent, if not better quality and value in the education delivered. Students can save a significant amount of money by completing their first two years of college at NHCC before transferring.

NHCC awards more than $35 million in financial aid each year

to determine their financial aid eligibility using NHCC’s school code: 002370.

NHCC awards financial aid to students in the form of scholarships, grants, workstudy opportunities, and loans to help full- and part-time students pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, and living expenses.

Applications are available January 1st and it’s important to apply as early as possible. NHCC’s priority application date is April 15th and students who apply by this date are given first consideration for certain grants, work-study opportunities, and loans.

The NHCC Foundation alone has awarded more than $2 million in student scholarships since its inception, which averages about $150,000 each year. NHCC's staff are also available to help students through the financial aid process.

Applying for financial aid is easy

1. Apply Each Academic Year Students must first complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov

North Hennepin Community College..............................................................$5,220 Metropolitan State University...........................................................................$6,341 University of Minnesota - Twin Cities ............................................................$11,287 Rasmussen College ..........................................................................................$14,326 Brown College .................................................................................................$17,496 Minnesota School of Business/Globe .............................................................$18,787 Augsburg College ............................................................................................$27,628 Bethel University .............................................................................................$27,020 Minneapolis College of Art and Design..........................................................$29,700 Carleton College..............................................................................................$39,777 Source: www.mnscu.edu/admissions/collegecostcomparison.html

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After students submit their FAFSA, they will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) summarizing what they submitted in their FAFSA. They must review it for accuracy and make any changes if necessary. 3. Receive Award Notice

Here’s how the process works:

2011-2012 Annual Tuition and Fees Comparison

2. Review Student Aid Report (SAR)

Next, students will receive an award notice from NHCC that outlines their financial aid for the current academic year. 4. Get Loan and Grant Money Financial aid loans, grants, and scholarship disbursements are paid directly to the college and applied toward students’ tuition and fees. Remaining balances are made available to students to help them pay for living expenses. 5. Apply for Work-Study Jobs Students who qualify for work-study opportunities can apply for open positions within the college from the Employment Opportunities link at www.nhcc.edu. Wages are paid directly to the student.

6. Apply for Scholarships Students are encouraged to apply for NHCC Foundation scholarships at www.nhcc.edu/scholarships. In addition, external scholarships can be explored at sites such as www.fastweb.com and/or www.collegeboard.org/scholarships. Beware of scholarship scams. Almost 91% of all student aid comes directly from the government or the school via the FAFSA. Therefore, be wary of any company that charges fees for financial aid assistance. 7. Pay Back Loans

least a two-year degree. On average, those with an associate degree earn 22% more money throughout their lifetime than students who graduate from high school only.

Financial Aid Terms Financial Aid

Money provided to students to help pay for college. Types of financial aid include scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and loans.

FAFSA

Stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is administered through the Federal Student Aid office of the United States Department of Education, the nation’s largest source of student aid. The form is used to apply for all federal student aid programs, as well as for many state, regional, and private ones. Each year approximately 14 million FAFSAs are processed with about $150 billion in aid awarded.

SAR

Stands for Student Aid Report, which details all the information a student provided in their FAFSA. The SAR will contain the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is the number used to determine eligibility for federal student aid.

Student Loans

Student aid which must be repaid, with interest. Two types of government Stafford loans include Subsidized and Unsubsidized.

Subsidized

Loan in which the government pays the interest while the student is in school.

Unsubsidized

Loan in which the interest is accrued while the student is in school, and the student is responsible for paying all the interest that accrues.

Grants

Government student aid that does not have to be paid back.

Scholarships

Student aid that does not have to be paid back.

Work-study

Part-time employment wherein students earn money while enrolled in school.

Students begin repayment of their federal loans with interest soon after they graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment. It’s very important to make payments on time, as there are serious default consequences. It’s a good idea to have a plan in place to pay back student loans, such as knowing what to expect on the repayment amounts and terms, or paying down loans before they are due. There are several repayment plans designed to meet the different needs of individual borrowers. Visit studentaid.ed.gov for more information about repayment plans and to calculate estimated repayment amounts.

College graduates earn more money and increase their employability It pays to earn a college degree. Statistics show that income goes up and unemployment goes down as education increases. According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median earnings increase by about $5,000 per year and unemployment drops by about 2% for students who earn an associate degree compared to students who begin college, but do not attain at

For more information about financial aid, visit www.fafsa.gov or www.nhcc.edu/financialaid.

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Learning a Second Lan to Discover New Cultu cases, speaking Spanish in their sleep.

nyone who has learned to speak a second language knows what a life-changing experience it can be. It’s not just about acquiring the ability to communicate in a new language. Nor is it simply the realization that you now belong to a larger global community than you did before. Learning a language involves obtaining a deeper understanding of the culturally enriching aspects of different countries and societies. Students of NHCC Spanish professor Dr. Carlos Baez find themselves in the hands of an excellent teacher. In addition to introducing them to the culture and history of Spain and Latin America, Dr. Baez patiently helps students step out of their comfort zone to learn the language spoken by more than 500 million people worldwide –Spanish. Before long, with constant practice, Dr. Baez’s students are conversing, thinking, dreaming, and even, in some

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Dr. Baez has been teaching Spanish at North Hennepin since 2007. According to Suellen Rundquist, Dean of Liberal Arts, Dr. Baez is a superb teacher. “Spanish is a very popular program here at the college,” she says. “We are fortunate to have an instructor with Dr. Baez’s outstanding teaching qualifications.” Students are also enthusiastic about Dr. Baez’s teaching. “When I walked into class on that first day, I was very nervous because I’d never taken Spanish before,” says one student. “But Dr. Baez made everything clear and simple. He uses real-life situations and cultural examples in his lessons that made learning Spanish interesting and fun.” Dr. Baez came to the United States from Puebla, Mexico, after earning a B.A. in English as Second Language and Spanish for Foreigners from the University of Puebla. He taught Spanish at Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania for a year, then enrolled in the Masters in Hispanic Linguistics program at Ohio University. He stayed on there for a few years to teach Spanish, then moved with his wife, Marisol, to the Twin Cities to earn a Ph.D. in Hispanic Literature from the University of Minnesota.

“I have always been passionate about language,” says Dr. Baez. “Even as a child I knew I wanted to work in a field related to foreign languages. I see them as windows to discover other cultures.” For Dr. Baez, learning a foreign language was the best educational experience of his life. Now that he’s teaching his own native language and culture, he’s able to see that same passion and excitement in others. “It’s wonderful to watch students transform from knowing not one word of Spanish to being able to converse in the language,” he says. Shortly after Dr. Baez arrived at NHCC, he saw the need to develop a course that would help nursing students and other health care workers develop fundamental skills in conversational Spanish related to their daily activities. Spanish for Health Care Workers includes practicing dialogs in Spanish specifically related to nursing tasks, such as taking medical histories and assessing health issues. Dr. Baez also increased the online component of many of the beginning and intermediate Spanish language classes at the college. Students naturally gravitate toward online learning tools, and Spanish is one of the courses that they find especially rewarding to study in this format. In addition to his busy teaching schedule, Dr. Baez is also co-advisor of the Hispanic Student Association (HSA), a group dedicated to promoting and celebrating

guage Opens Windows res Latin and Hispanic cultures. The group celebrates Hispanic holidays such as Cinco de Mayo, attends off-campus Hispanic conferences, collaborates with other student clubs in organizing multicultural, campus-wide events, and offers salsa dance classes to the campus community. All students are welcome

to join HSA, not just those enrolled in Spanish classes. For more information on Spanish language and culture courses at North Hennepin Community College, go to www.nhcc.edu.

Salsa dancing at the campus center

Today, Spanish is the second most used language in the United States. By taking Spanish at NHCC, students will not only learn a beautiful language, but they will also be introduced to the culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Beginning Spanish I For the student with little or no previous experience with languages, this course stresses correct pronunciation, listening, vocabulary, and reading skills. Beginning Spanish II Continuing the activities and skill development from Beginning Spanish I. Intermediate Spanish I and II Continues the development of the multiple language skills introduced in the beginning sequence. Spanish and Latin American Culture An introduction to the civilization and culture of Spain and Spanish America, including comparative cultures, modern trends, and the ancient Indian civilizations of Latin America. Spanish for Health Care Workers Designed for students in medical and health care areas who want to develop fundamental skills in conversational Spanish. Field Study Spanish/Latin American Civilization Students will travel to a Spanish-speaking country to experience contemporary life. Spanish Special Topics An in-depth review of topics of immediate importance and topical interest to students.

For a full description of these courses, go to www.nhcc.edu or call 763-488-0390.

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

The Dream of Education and Opportunity M

elissa Leimbek loves her job. As the new Director of Admissions and Outreach for NHCC, Melissa feels fortunate to be able to talk to people every day about their dreams of education and opportunity. Here on campus, and off campus at high schools, college fairs, workforce centers, businesses, and community events, she helps people through the admissions process by answering questions about college – and about NHCC.

work at 10:00 pm, to do assignments while sitting on the bleachers at your son’s basketball game, and to juggle everything to get an education.” Leimbek has stories of high school students coming with their parents for a tour of NHCC, and by the end of the hour, they’re all filling out applications.

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

STARS is a scholarship program for seventh- and eighth-grade students,

college’s Strategic Enrollment Management Team, studying conversion rates, enrollment trends, and retention statistics, but in the end it always comes down to that one-on-one conversation with the person with a question. “You can see it on their face when it all falls into place and they realize they can achieve their dream of going to college.”

Melissa has known she’s meant to do this work since she was a student worker in the Admissions Office of St. Cloud State University (SCSU). Up until then, she had been considering a career in television or advertising, but after that first experience as an admissions representative, she was hooked – and has spent the last ten years in college admissions and outreach.

“I know what it’s like to start your home-

One of the programs Leimbek developed is called S*T*A*R*S* – Students To Achieve Rewarding Success.

Leimbek also serves on the

“One of the best parts of my job is answering that one question that makes the light bulb go off,” Leimbek says. “You can see it on their faces when it all falls into place. It may be the 5,000th time I’ve heard the question, but for them it will be the first time they’ve heard the answer.”

Leimbek has a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication with a minor in Mass Communications from SCSU. She is currently nearing completion of her Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from St. Mary’s University. Working full-time, going to school, with a husband and two young boys at home, Leimbek has a special affinity for one of the fastest-growing groups of prospective students at NHCC – 30 to 55 year olds.

who take a class on campus, are more likely to attend college in the future,” she says.

Leimbek encourages them all to just start the process and see where it goes. Taking one class for enjoyment of the subject can lead to a degree or certificate. Leimbek has been part of a revolutionary admissions and outreach department. She’s been a long-time advocate for the early involvement of students in the college experience. “Students even as young as grade school and middle school,

nominated by their teachers or guidance counselors, to come to campus in the summer for a week-long workshop centering on different academic disciplines. Science, ecology, theatre, and business have been some of the recent topics. If you have a question for an admissions representative, call 763-488-0390.

Prospective Student Why is North Hennepin Community College a great choice for so many students?

We offer flexible schedules, a variety of majors, and quality faculty – all for a low cost. NHCC is where students start new journeys whether they are a first-time student or returning after being out for an extended period. There is something here for everyone! Who can take classes at NHCC?

North Hennepin Community College is an open enrollment institution which means that anyone with a high school diploma or GED can attend. We offer financial aid eligible courses which lead to a degree and/or transfer opportunities. We also offer non-credit courses which can enhance current skills or allow students to obtain professional certificates. How important are high school grades and ACT scores for admission?

High school grades are not used to determine students’ eligibility to be admitted to NHCC. However, high school grades may help predict future success in college level courses. Counselors and advisors will use them, along with results from Accuplacer placement tests, to recommend appropriate courses for applicants. SAT and ACT scores are not used to determine eligibility for admission. Can students take classes at NHCC while attending other schools?

Students are able to dual enroll, whether they are attending other colleges or while still in high school through Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)

and Concurrent Enrollment (College in the Schools). How do I apply?

Go to www.nhcc.edu and click on “Apply Now” on the homepage. It is a simple five-minute process. Fill out the application, pay the $20.00 application fee, and you will hear back from us soon. I need help paying for college. How do I get financial assistance?

Most students apply for Financial Aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov. There you can qualify for grant and loan money. Also, we offer about $150,000 worth of scholarships each year through the Foundation Office. What can I study?

There are over 70 different credit degree and certificate programs as well as non-credit courses to choose from. A student’s choice is endless! How much does it cost?

Tuition and fees for one year is roughly $5000. What students spend at NHCC for two years is less than one year at a university. When can I register for classes?

Once you’ve been admitted, you’ll receive an acceptance letter, which will guide you to take your placement exam or have your placement scores waived with previous college credit. After you have completed the exam, you will attend an orientation where academic advisors will help you, one-on-one, choose your classes. Students start selecting their classes months in advance to prepare!

I’ve taken courses at other colleges. How do I find out if they’ll transfer?

The courses will be evaluated from official transcripts sent by the student and the student will have access to their Degree Audit Report (DARS) after they have been admitted. Will the credits earned at North Hennepin Community College transfer to other colleges and universities?

Yes, as long as classes are college level and you have received passing grades. What if I need to brush up on my English skills?

We offer many different levels of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes including listening, reading, speaking, and writing. NHCC offers tutoring, one-on-one advising, and ESOL workshops to ensure student success. We also offer an Academic English Language Proficiency Certificate for those who would like it documented on a resume. Are there student activities on campus?

We have over 20 different student organizations on campus along with multiple theatre, music, and art opportunities! We also have an extensive recreational sports program on campus. What other services are available?

NHCC offers multiple support services and resources on campus to assist students in their success. Free tutoring, Disability Access Services, Veterans Services, to name a few. Come check us out any Tuesday night at 5:00pm to learn more about everything we offer.

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

InTough Times,Why Study the A by North Hennepin Community College student Jake Skurka

lthough the recession that began in 2008 seems to be ending, many people are still feeling the pain of low wages, under-employment, and relative poverty. These realities, along with the rising cost of tuition, have brought questions about the value of liberal arts courses to the front of the national discussion. Minnesota's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate currently sits at 7.2 percent. Though this is two points below the national average, census data for the state reveals that only about 40 percent of these jobs are in the well-paid management and professional categories. Another 40 percent are in the service and sales category, jobs which are traditionally low skilled and low paying.

In times of economic hardship such as these, when 18 percent of families with children and 17 percent of single individuals live below the poverty level, why would anyone pay upwards of $400 to take Introduction to Literature? “We’re in a climate,” says NHCC Dean of Fine Arts Jane Wilson, “where the value of education is being viewed in a different light.” The humanities’ share of college degrees is less than half of what it was during its heyday in the 1960s, according to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. Job postings for workers with degrees in English, literature, and foreign languages dropped 21 percent at the height of the recession in 2008-09. Yet there are some who are making a vigorous defense of the humanities’ value, especially in a flagging and employment-focused economy. “College should prepare students for jobs,” says NHCC president John O'Brien. “That should be an extremely important part of what we do. But the most transferable skillset of all is a liberal arts background.”

About NHCC student writer Jake Skurka Jake Skurka is a 25-year-old non-traditional student who has been attending NHCC for two years and will soon graduate with the new Associate of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. He has previously served as editor-in-chief of Under Construction, NHCC's award-winning literary magazine and participated in a pilot course for developing a new newspaper for the college, for which he wrote this article. For more information on NHCC’s AFA in Creative Writing, go to www.nhcc.edu or call 763-424-0390. 12

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

rts and Humanities? NHCC Dean of Liberal Arts Suellen Rundquist agreed. “In liberal arts classes students learn how to think critically and creatively, how to analyze information, how to reason and argue, and how to write and speak effectively. These abilities are all valuable to employers.” This skillset may be exactly what employers are looking for. A 2011 study of 93 Minnesota businesses asked them to rank the top ten skills they most value in college graduate applicants and the top ten skills those graduates most need to improve on. The skill most valued in the survey was communication, both written and verbal. Communication also came in third on the list of qualities needing improvement. In addition, only onethird said that they require a major in a related field; the other two-thirds of employers said they accepted candidates with a bachelor’s degree regardless of major. “At Target, we're looking for leaders,” the company said when asked about its hiring by the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts in a web posting by the school. “Regardless of their major, it could be nutrition, political science, or economics, but we’re looking for the skillset that students bring to our positions at Target. These include effective communication, problemsolving, drive for results/initiative, collaboration, and relating well with others.” Some arts and humanities majors are uniquely positioned to meet these requirements. “The prototypical fine arts student that we see here

at NHCC,” says Wilson, “is doggedly persistent in what they’re trying to achieve. They’re very good at putting that ‘sweat equity’ into it.” But what about technical fields that require highly specialized knowledge? Shouldn’t these programs strongly emphasize job skills over thinking skills? “The business people on our graphic design advisory board,” says Wilson, “which advises us on how to build our most career-oriented degree, are telling us, ‘We can teach your graduates to use the software. We can’t teach them critical thinking skills.’” “It's very much a false dichotomy,” says O'Brien, “that you either prepare for careers or teach the skills that come with the arts and the humanities. We can do both and we should do both.” Still, with historic levels of community college enrollment and more students attending college primarily for employability, administrators will surely face these questions from louder voices and in greater numbers.

Get the transferable skills you need at NHCC See pages 36–40 to choose from hundreds of affordable, conveniently scheduled classes or go to www.nhcc.edu. Come to NHCC’s Open House on Monday, April 16th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm to tour the campus, learn about our programs, and talk to current students.

What are humanities courses? Most students at liberal arts colleges and universities are required to take several humanities courses. Even though the discipline is as old as Western education itself, it still is an interesting and relevant field for many students. Types

Examples of humanities classes include the classics, modern languages, history, philosophy, religion, the arts and literature. Social sciences, such as anthropology or psychology, for example, also can be included. History

The concept of studying the humanities has been a part of most Western education systems since ancient Greek and Roman times. Significance

Most liberal arts colleges and universities in the United States and abroad require several courses in the humanities for completion of a degree. Misconceptions

While some students may view their topics as outdated, humanities courses provide a well-rounded view of the world and the ability to contribute intelligently to a wide range of academic fields. Humanities Majors

Students who have strong backgrounds or interest in history and literature – as well as those interested in the arts –might consider majoring in the humanities. Source: www.eHow.com

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Indigenous Peoples and the Land: by Ana Davis, NHCC English Faculty, Sustainability Council Member, and Diversity Council Co-Chair

HCC will host its third annual Earth Week from April 23 to 28 as part of a Sustainability initiative to educate the campus and wider community about the importance of respecting and caring for the planet in all its incredible diversity and biodiversity. This year’s theme is Indigenous Peoples and the Land to honor the sesquicentennial of the 1862 U.S.-Dakota war, promote healing and understanding among native and non-native communities, and to highlight Indigenous Peoples from around the world who feel a deep connection to their land. “NHCC is such a remarkable community of diverse learners,” says Gerry Huerth, ADEV instructor. “We have students of different races, cultures, economic backgrounds and beliefs. This Earth Week we want to appreciate those differences and focus on community building. We all share a common connection with the earth, and the need to nurture

that connection for our very survival.” Earth Week co-founder and English faculty Don Wendel agrees. “Our wellness in body, mind, and soul is powerfully connected to the natural world. When we pollute the air and water with our toxic wastes, we are polluting ourselves.” During the week-long symposium, writers, artists, musicians, biologists, and community leaders, including Ojibwe writer and scholar Dr. Anton Treuer, Dakota author Diane Wilson, Liberian Gospel choir Messiah’s Men, artists Doug Limon, Gordon Coons, and Peter L. Johnson,

Liberian gospel choir, Messiah’s Men, who performed on NBC’s television show “Sing Off,” will be part of NHCC’s Earth Week celebrations.

Indigenous Peoples and the Land April 23 - 28 For more information, visit www.nhcc.edu /earthweek

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

along with wolf, bee, raptor, and reptile experts, will highlight their connections with the environment through performances, presentations, and discussion panels. “Focusing on stewardship and sustainability pays off in so many ways, at so many levels,” says President John O’Brien. “At NHCC we’re particularly excited about the promise of sustainability to bring folks together around shared passions, all the while strengthening the fabric of our community.” The traveling exhibit, Why Treaties Matter: Self Government in the Dakota and Ojibwe Nations, is the first ever Minnesota American Indian Treaties project in the state of Minnesota and will be on display during Earth Week. The exhibit is the result of a collaborative partnership between the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, the Minnesota Humanities Center, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. NHCC will also host a Green Festival on Wednesday April 25, including local sustainable businesses and organizations, a celebration of NHCC students, live music by Native hip hop artist Chase Manhattan, and a debate on the politics of wild rice. Earth Week will culminate in a two-day Wacipi with Osseo’s Indian Education Program, featuring special guests Ojibwe elder Nick Hockings and NAMMY winners “Best Group” Pipestone.

NHCC Celebrates Third Annual Earth Week April 23–28 Why Treaties Matter: Self-Government in the Dakota and Ojibwe Nations: A Traveling Exhibit On display at NHCC April 23 – 28 North Hennepin Community College is proud to host this traveling exhibit that explores the relationships between Dakota and Ojibwe Indian Nations and the U.S. government in this place we now call Minnesota. Through a video presentation and 20 banners featuring text and images, visitors will learn how treaties affected the lands and lifeways of the indigenous peoples of this place, and why these binding agreements between nations still matter today.

Shelly Siegel, NHCC’s Director of Student Support Services/TRIO and one of Earth Week’s organizers states, “We feel honored to partner with Osseo’s Indian Education program again this year.” “The survival of American Indian tribal societies is dependent upon their abilities to know and retain special connections to their homelands,” says Ramona Kitto Stately, Osseo School District’s American

Indian education specialist. “Many Indigenous Peoples around the world who were heavily dependent upon and sustained by their lands are now seeking to restore that relationship in order to strengthen their communities. It is wonderful to be part of an educational program that recognizes and honors this unique relationship between people, the land, and community.”

All Earth Week events are free and open to the public. For a full program, please visit www.nhcc.edu/earthweek. NHCC’s new course, Indigenous Peoples of Minnesota, developed by Dr. Anton Treuer, will be offered Fall 2012. Call Suellen Rundquist 763-424-0950 for more information.

American Indian Feast & Cultural Program Friday, April 27th 10:00am to 2:00pm • NHCC Campus Cente

Osseo’s 17th Annual

Indian Education Day

& Wacipi

• N ck Hock ngs, Oj bwe E de

Co-hosted w th No th Hennep n Commun ty Co ege

• Nat ve Ame can food and danc ng

Saturday, April 28th

• Awa d W nn ng P pestone D um G oup

Doo s open at noon • Osseo J . H gh Schoo

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

You Changed My Life Grammy award winning songwriter reunites with his first NHCC music professor

Retired NHCC faculty, Dr. Don Dahlin, backstage with NHCC alumnus Jon Vezner

he soundcheck for a December evening’s performance in Zumbrota, Minnesota, took a bit longer than usual, so Nashville songwriter/singer and NHCC alumnus Jon Vezner, told his story quickly and between bites of a now cold takeout dinner. “I was teased a lot as a kid,” he recalled. “I had a lisp and club feet, so I’d come home miserable from school. I’d go to my room, cry, and listen to music. Music was the one thing that spoke to me. I remember thinking, ‘I’d like to do this for somebody else.’”

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

He wasn’t at all sure, though, how he was going to do that, since he couldn’t read music and didn’t play an instrument. But he knew that NHCC, the college Jon chose because it was affordable and close to home, had a good music program. The first thing Jon did was sign up for piano lessons and a music theory class from Dr. Don Dahlin, or “Doc,” as Jon affectionately calls him.

where I am today.”

“In addition to teaching me to read music and play the piano, Doc strongly encouraged me to follow my dream of a career in music,” Jon says. “If it hadn’t been for him, I wouldn’t be

In his early years in Nashville, Jon remembers hiring a couple of young singers named Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood to record his demos for a mere $25 a song.

After completing his studies at NHCC, Jon went on to earn a degree in music education and music theory at Southwest Minnesota State University. He had planned to use his degree to teach music, but the pull of Nashville, Tennessee – and its strong songwriting community – was irresistible.

Artists such as Martina McBride, Janis Ian, John Mellencamp, Nancy Griffith, Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, and Ronnie Milsap have all recorded his songs, but it was a heart-warming song he co-wrote with his friend Don Henry called “Where’ve You Been?” that earned Jon true fame.

he loves to teach by holding workshops, seminars, and residencies all over the country.

Recorded by his wife, Kathy Mattea, the song won a Grammy Award for “Best Country Song,” and “Song of the Year” from both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music in 1990. Jon continues to write, produce, and perform, but like his mentor, Don Dahlin,

In a recent talk with a group of high school students, he asked how many had chosen their major based on what they wanted to do, rather than what someone else wanted them to do. Only five students raised their hands. That prompted a discussion of seeking your own path through life. “Like me, kids want permission. Doc gave me permission – and he changed my life.”

Jon Vezner – I’ve Got An App For That

Whether it’s where to find a great cup of coffee, how to get home, or the coolest way to identify the stars in the sky, acclaimed songwriters Jon Vezner and Si Kahn have penned the perfect anthem for all app fans, with their catchy new song, “I’ve Got An App For That.”

To find out more about NHCC’s music program, go to www.nhcc.edu. Follow Jon Vezner at www.jonvezner.com.

Make Your Story Musical See class listings starting on page 36 or go to www.nhcc.edu.

Choose from a variety of music classes that meet transfer requirements, fulfill requirements of our new Associate in Fine Arts degree in Music (coming soon!), or simply make life more enjoyable. Join one of our choirs or the jazz ensemble... or take voice, piano, guitar, strings, woodwinds, brass, or percussion lessons for general education credits. With more than 110 combined years of teaching and performing experience, North Hennepin’s talented music instructors are experts in their fields. Karla Miller, M.M.

Director of Choral Activities/General Courses

Heather MacLaughlin, D.M.A.

Class Piano/Applied Piano/Ear Training and Sight Singing/General Courses

Judy Bender, M.M.

Class Voice and Applied Voice

David Mantini, M.M.Ed.

Jazz Ensemble Director/Music Theory/General Courses

Jonas Westover, Ph.D.

Applied String Teacher/History of Music

Kristian Anderson, D.M.A.

Class Guitar and Applied Guitar

Sophie Christian, D.M.A.

Class Piano and Applied Piano

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Put a Little Prep in Your College Step eople understand that getting a college degree may help them land a better job and set them up for a brighter future. But college can be intimidating… like it was for Carolyn Ebbe.

“After I lost my husband, I needed to find a way to support myself and a reason to get up in the morning,” says Carolyn. “I was interested in computers, but the

Klis, who were recently recognized by the college for Innovation of the Year for their work with the College Prep program. “If it weren’t for these two women, I wouldn’t have made it through the first two weeks of college,” says Carolyn. Now, Carolyn is pursuing her degree in Business Computer Systems and

supplemented with personal tutoring. “We work closely with Osseo’s Adult Basic Education program and other programs at NHCC such as Academic Development, First Year Experience, and English for Speakers of Other Languages,” according to Klis. “But anyone who wants to prepare for college or a particular college class, like math, can benefit from this program.” The program helped Hoang Nga N Truong navigate college too. Hoang was born and raised in Vietnam and moved to Minnesota with her parents about three years ago. “Everything in America was foreign to me – the language, the education system, the culture – there were many obstacles that I had to overcome,” Hoang recalls. “At first, I even failed the Accuplacer test that would allow me admittance into college. After I took some test prep courses, I retook it and passed.” Along the way, Hoang took college prep classes and had tutors help her with her English and writing. Now, she assists others through the program’s tutoring, testing, registration, and orientation processes. And she is well on her way to completing her Medical Lab Technology degree… a feat that just a few years ago seemed impossible.

Mary Klis conducts a College Prep orientation

thought of going back to school after thirty years was frightening. I didn’t know where to start. One day I received an NHCC magazine in the mail and saw that they offered free college prep classes. After attending an information session, I signed up for the College Prep program.” Carolyn attributes her success in college to the personal attention and care she received from NHCC college prep coordinators Terry Jaakkola and Mary

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Management, and is helping other college prep students with computer basics and the college’s online learning software. “I am looking forward to life again!” Carolyn exclaims. NHCC’s College Prep program provides students with the academic and emotional support they need to become successful college students. Students in this free program benefit from individualized, one-on-one, online instruction that is

To put a little prep in your college step, call 763-488-0445 or visit www.nhcc.edu/collegeprep.

Late Start... Early Finish High school student begins a running career late and finishes her college career early

sk Emily Knapczyk how she first got interested in cross country and she’ll tell you her best friend made her do it. After all, most runners start training and racing at a much younger age, and here she was, in tenth grade, trying out for one of the toughest and most competitive sports in high school. “I hated it at first,” Emily says. “But once I got in shape I was hooked. Running is a lifestyle now and I think I’ll always run – whether I’m in a sport or not.” A very focused and intense competitor, Emily soon shot to the top, becoming Robbinsdale-Armstrong’s second fastest 4K runner in the history of the school. The self discipline, motivation, and endurance required for the fast pace of cross country suited Emily well for the other life-changing pursuit she began in tenth grade – taking college credit classes at North Hennepin Community College. Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a state-funded program through which qualified junior and senior high school students earn college credits while still meeting high school graduation requirements. Because the cost of tuition, textbooks, and fees are covered, many students have found that it’s a great way to lower the cost of a college education. All public colleges and universities in Minnesota accept credits earned through the PSEO program. A senior in high school and in her fourth semester at NHCC, Emily will be applying the 40 college credits she’s earned towards a nursing degree at Minnesota State

University, Mankato, where she’ll register as a sophomore. Emily plans to continue running with the MSU Mavericks on a cross country scholarship. With the finish line of her college degree in view, Emily has fully embraced her PSEO experience. “I love the freedom and flexibility of being able to construct my own schedule,” she says. “Class, work, core training, running, cross country meets – I’m busier and more productive than ever before.”

st Secondary le for the Po Minnesota To be eligib ns program, o ti p O t en Enrollm be between udents must st l o o h sc h hig 16 and 20. the ages of top third of rank in the st u m rs io n Ju ationally on r top third n their class, o the ACT or test such as ed iz d ar d a stan the top half ould rank in sh rs io n Se SAT. of the test. s or top half as cl r ei th f o n the PSEO formation o nity For more in epin Commu n en North H or o se /p u program at w.nhcc.ed w w to o g College, 0390. call 763-488-

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

A Tragic Loss for One Family Leads to S A

lan LePage entered the world on February 20, 1969, as the middle son of Jeff and Peggy LePage. “He was a delight and at the same time, a challenge,” remembers Peggy. “He was the kid that got into everything … eating bugs, throwing the painted turtle off the deck, organizing the neighborhood kids to sneak out to the dime store… normal stuff. He was full of energy, full of life, and just a great kid to be around.” But at age twelve, Alan was given a beer by a family friend at a graduation party, and he became instantly addicted to alcohol. As his teen years progressed, his use of alcohol and drugs increased, leading to distressing behavior and poor choices. After going through treatment in his early twenties, Alan started to turn his life around. He began investigating careers and looking into college options. Unfortunately – as many people with addictions do – he had a setback. And, at the young age of 26, a tragic, senseless car accident took his life. “We lost him,” says Peggy. “After the shock wore off, Jeff and I knew we wanted to do something special to honor Alan’s memory. We considered quite a few things before deciding on an endowed scholarship in Alan’s name – specifically designed to give students at North Hennepin Community College the second chance that Alan didn’t get.” In 1996, with the help of family and friends, Jeff and Peggy created the Alan LePage Second Chance Scholarship, designed to help others who have struggled with alcohol and/or drug addiction. Four years later, the scholarship was fully endowed, with more than $10,000 in contributions. Applicants share their stories and explain how they believe the scholarship would help them turn their lives around. The LePage family meets annually to review applications together and select the recipient of the $1,000 award.

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

econd Chances for Others “I am not sure that people fully understand the possibilities and life-changing power of endowed scholarships,” says Foundation Director, Jennifer SummerLambrecht. “The kindness and generosity of donors like Peggy and Jeff make such a difference in people’s lives and in our communities.” Just recently, a scholarship recipient with just one semester remaining to complete his education, explained that it meant the world to him that somebody believed in him – that someone cared enough to give him this chance to change his life. Because of the Alan LePage Scholarship, he was able to finish college and graduate with a degree.

Peggy LePage has taught biology at North Hennepin for eighteen years. She sees the incredible good that financial support does in the lives of the students here. “I can’t tell you what it means to us and our family to know that Alan’s memory is going to live forever through this endowment. Others will have the second chance he never got to turn their lives around.” To establish an endowment in honor of a loved one or in support of a special cause, contact Jennifer Summer-Lambrecht with the NHCC Foundation at 763-424-0815. For more information about the Alan LePage Second Chance Scholarship and others, visit www.nhcc.edu/scholarships.

There Are Many Ways to Give There are many ways to support North Hennepin Community College students – by direct financial support, in-kind gifts, or the gift of time. Gifts may be unrestricted, or donors may target their gifts to a particular program or purpose. Endowment Gift – Like the LePage family,

friends of the college establish an endowed scholarship fund as a tribute to an individual, group, or in connection with a certain academic program at the college. Annual Fund – Gifts to the Annual Fund

provide direct financial support for student scholarships and grants. Memorial Tribute Gifts – A timeless way

to remember special people and events, memorials include monuments, buildings, classrooms, benches, and trees. Matching Gifts – Many employers have

programs that may double or even triple gifts to the Foundation. Stocks and Bonds – Supporters can realize

tax savings by transfering stocks and bonds to the Foundation. Bequests – Some choose to include the

Foundation in their wills or trusts, or may designate the Foundation as their life insurance beneficiary. In-Kind – Gifts other than cash can be

used directly for NHCC activities. Our annual gala on April 20th allows donors to support the Foundation through gifts of merchandise, services, or other items. Event Sponsorship – Many sponsorship

opportunities exist at college-hosted events. Volunteer – Donors give their time and

talents to serve on boards, committees, and at Foundation events.

Peggy and Jeff LePage share their story – turning their son’s tragedy into hope for those who struggle with addiction.

Donate online today at www.nhcc.edu/donate or call the Foundation at 763-424-0815.

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

A Project Management Success Story Making sure the end point is exactly what was planned

aren West keeps the class materials sitting right on her desk at work, as a readily accessible reference for one of her latest projects: planning the move of her company’s growing offices to a new Twin Cities location. As Project Coordinator for IML, a UKbased company that provides leading-edge audience response systems for interactive events all over the world, West is used to working on multiple projects at a time. In addition to the company relocation, she works with clients from the moment they contract with IML to the day of

their event. She gathers the information from IML’s cross-functional teams of salespeople and technicians, sends equipment to the site, makes sure the necessary computer programming is completed, and facilitates the clients’ training on the devices and software. “When everything goes well and the end point is exactly what you planned, it’s a very satisfying experience,” West says. “I’ve always been an organized person and I enjoy being able to see the fruits of my labor.”

In order to increase her knowledge and effectiveness, West, and another IML colleague, recently took the Project Management Foundations course at North Hennepin Community College. The class met five evenings in the fall and gave Karen the first sixteen hours of the 35 hours required to become a Project Management Professional (PMP®). PMP is the accepted designation of the Project Management Institute (PMI), the world’s leading association for project management professionals. With more than half a million members and credentialed holders in more than 185 countries, PMI estimates that in the U.S. alone, more than $2.3 trillion is spent on projects each year, with only 29% of them successfully completed. “There is a growing need for good project management practices in virtually all organizations,” says Bill Wermager, an NHCC Project Management instructor and certified PMP. “While nearly all businesses have made their operations more efficient in order to survive the recession, projects are often still run inefficiently and ineffectively.” At NHCC, project management courses include topics such as leadership, communication, risk management, and techniques for making project management work in any organization. North Hennepin Community College is a Registered Education Provider (REP) for PMI. Organizations holding this title must meet or exceed PMI’s comprehensive quality review of their project management programs. Only one of

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Learn the skills of effective

Project Management NHCC offers the most affordable path to PMI certification Sessions start March 6 Register Now: www.nhcc.edu/pm

three REPs in the Twin Cities, NHCC is the only community college in Minnesota to earn this distinction. Beth Schaefer, NHCC’s Project Management Program Director, was one of the first to recognize the need for project management training at North Hennepin and managed the REP process. Experienced workers who aren’t seeking an advanced university degree, but who want a project management credential to improve their career prospects, greatly benefit from this training. In addition, project managers who have been dislocated or unemployed appreciate a way to acquire the requisite 35 hours of classroom instruction for a Project Management Professional credential at a reasonable cost. Yet another niche NHCC has filled is customized project management training. “We go into organizations to do tailored versions of both the Foundations and Success classes,” says Schaefer. “Not-forprofit organizations and government agencies especially appreciate these customized classes because they are able to afford them, and we come right to their workplace.”

What would you like to do? North Hennepin Community College welcomes students at all levels of project management experience. Our non-credit programs are delivered by certified instructors who are actively employed as project managers. Pursue PMP Certification® – Take the 35-hour Project Management Professional Series. Earn a Project Management Leadership Certificate – Learn the skills to manage projects and people. Maintain your PMP Certification® – Earn PDUs with NHCC’s PMI-endorsed advanced courses. Explore Project Management as a new career – Learn the basics in just five evening sessions with NHCC’s Project Management Foundations course. Get customized Project Management training for your employees – At your workplace or on our campus.

Compare the cost of Project Management programs in the Twin Cities Only three colleges or universities in Minnesota are Registered Education Providers (REP) of the Project Management Institute. Compare NHCC’s tuition with the two other REP-certified institutions that will get you ready for the PMP exam: North Hennepin Community College Project Management Professional Series (35 PDUs).............................................$1,750 University of St. Thomas Project Management Certificate Series (35 PDUs) ...............................................$2,125 University of Minnesota Accelerated Project Management Certificate (60 hours) ....................................$3,500

Ready to get started?

Enroll today at www.nhcc.edu/pm

For more information, call 763-488-0475.

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Arabic Language Courses Meet a Critical Need F

ive years ago, North Hennepin Community College discovered the demand for Arabic language classes in the Twin Cities far exceeded supply. And since no other community college in the area was offering Arabic, NHCC decided to give its students the opportunity to learn Arabic to help address the shortage of multilingual workers needed for today’s global economy. NHCC’s Arabic program, launched in 2007, teaches students about Arab cultures of the Middle East and North Africa as well as about the original language of the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam. Arabic is the fifth most commonly spoken language in the world, with more than 300 million native speakers. Those who study Arabic can find careers in a variety of fields: business and industry, government, journalism, finance, foreign service, consulting, and many others. After 9/11, the U.S. government designated Arabic a language of strategic importance. Learning Arabic, like any language, takes practice and patience. The unique Arabic alphabet contains 28 letters and three vowels – a, i, and u. Words are written horizontally, from right to left, but numbers are written from left to right. Arabic words are generally based on a three-letter root that conveys the meaning of the word. It sounds challenging, but according to NHCC’s Arabic instructor, Dr. Sidow Mohammed, the language is not particularly difficult to learn because there

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

are many excellent resources available. “Modern technology allows students to see exactly how words are pronounced,” he says. “Through advanced learning resources, students can watch and imitate the shape of the mouth when letters are being said.” At NHCC, Arabic students first learn the Arabic alphabet and sound system, then start reading short, simple words. Students then progress to listening, speaking, reading, and writing the language. Dr. Mohammed, who also teaches Arabic at the University of Minnesota (U of M) and Minneapolis Community and Technical College, is a graduate of Um Durman Islamic University in Khartoum, Sudan. He is a native of Somalia, where, growing up, he helped herd cattle for his family of farmers. Dr. Mohammed is a graduate of the Center for Advanced Research of Language Acquisition (CARLA), a U of M program that trains instructors in the most effective methods to use when teaching a second language. To learn more about taking an Arabic class at North Hennepin, go to www.nhcc.edu or call 763-488-0390.

Dr. Mohammed teaches an Arab Cultures course to anyone interested in learning more about this rich and venerable civilization.

You may not know Arabic, but there are more words that have their origins in Arabic than you might think. Here are just a few: algebra algorithm apricot candy coffee cotton gauze guitar hazard jar lemon magazine massacre

orange racket scarlet sofa spinach sugar syrup

tambourine tuna typhoon zenith zero

Working Out a Promising Career I

n the past five years Derek James has lost close to 100 pounds. A significant loss for sure, but what he’s gained along the way may prove to be just as important – a passion and drive to help others become physically fit.

Derek trains a student at the NHCC Fitness Center as part of his Personal Training program.

When his new commitment to exercise and a healthy lifestyle began to show results, Derek noticed the difference, and so did his friends. They were inspired by his dedication and many wanted to work out alongside him. As he “showed them a few things,” passing along what he’d learned along the way, Derek realized he had a talent for inspiring others and started to consider a career in fitness. His search for a fitting college program didn’t take him far from home. Growing up in Plymouth, he’d always been aware of North Hennepin and found what he was looking for after clicking through the NHCC website. He started down the path to a Physical Education degree, but was excited when NHCC announced a new Personal Trainer certificate offering, which more precisely fits his interest. NHCC’s certificate program is preparing Derek to sit for the American Council on Exercise (ACE) exam, which he plans to take in January. ACE is the most widely accepted personal trainer certification, an industry standard. He is anxious to earn his Certificate from NHCC as well as become ACE Certified so he can begin working in the field. “What’s really cool is to see someone do something that they didn’t think they could, to see that growth,” he says. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fitness and health industry

is one of the fastest growing in America with Personal Trainers in demand due to a desire for more personalized service. NHCC Personal Trainer Certificate graduates have found jobs at Snap Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Lifetime Fitness, LA Fitness, and the YMCA. Others have transferred to a four-year institution upon completion of their A.S. in Physical Education, while some have started successful personal training businesses right out of school.

passionate about personal training and fitness as he is. “It helps you to know you’re in the right place. I am motivated every day and want to learn more.”

As a 2007 graduate from Armstrong High School, Derek is happy to have discovered the type of career he’s excited about. “It’s not easy to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life.” And he likes that his NHCC instructors are professionals in the field that are just as

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Restaurant Review

Get To Know The Neighbors – Jack’s Bakery

neighborhood is made sweeter when it contains a quaint bakery where you are welcomed with a warm smile and the scent of freshly baked bread, especially on brisk mornings.

they were ready to retire, they gave us first dibs. I had an advantage of the business because I worked here, and my parents also owned a bakery when I was growing up.”

By the time the doors open at 5:00am, Jack’s Bakery and Coffee Shop – located just across the street from NHCC’s campus – donuts have already been fried, cookies and cakes baked and decorated, and coffee brewed. Come 9:00am, heaps of customers have been in and out to pick up their single pastry or larger preorders. Some regular customers might choose to stay and read their morning papers, while other newer customers may decide to open their laptops and work.

Alyssa Howe is one of their current part-time sales associates and a It’s these types of personal connections Histotechnology student at NHCC. that make Jack’s Bakery a special treat. “She’s a good worker and a straight-A Visit Jack’s Bakery and Coffee Shop at student,” Sandy proudly states. “We’ve 8419 West Broadway in Brooklyn Park, hired other successful students from visit www.jacksbakerycoffeeshop.com, NHCC, too, who have since moved into or call 763-424-5025 to place an order. their chosen fields. My brother is also a graduate from NHCC’s law enforcement program. He now Blair Moeller mixes his “formula” for peanut works for the city of Maple Grove butter rice crispy bars. as a police officer and SWAT team member.”

Blair and Sandy Moeller took over the bakery in 1999 from the original owners, Jack and Elaine Zimmer of Brooklyn Park. “I was the Zimmers’ first employee when they opened in 1984,” says Blair. “When Free medium coffee or fountain drink, when you buy three baked goods.

Jack’s Bakery Bring this coupon next time you visit! Jack's Bakery and Coffee Shop 8419 W Broadway, Brooklyn Park, MN Phone: (763) 424-5025 Coupon good through June 30, 2012.

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Today you’ll find the Moellers in aprons working efficiently in the kitchen, office, and customer area alongside their 18 other employees.

One of the Moeller’s daughters is also an employee. “And,” Sandy giggles, “two of my grandchildren, ages ten and seven, are already making plans to work here. Family – which also includes our talented employees, valued customers, and surrounding community – are great sources of inspiration for what we do.” For example, the grandchildren know what’s popular with children’s novelty birthday cakes. The bakers and decorators participate in regional baker’s conventions and competitions, as well as local bridal shows, to keep up with current trends.

The sales staff listen to customer requests, so they can try new things, like the popular bacon bit and maple iced long john. They personalize wedding cakes and other baked goods. They also carry other local, natural, and organic products like hot cereal mixes, granola, popcorn, tortilla chips, salsas, and jams. And they donate their day-olds to nearby churches, schools, senior centers, and other organizations.

Cheering for Fans – Caring for Patients O

nly a few of Mary’s patients know she has a second job. To them, she’s the dedicated, competent, and compassionate nurse who comes to their homes to take care of their respiratory needs. She checks their ventilators, monitors their medications, draws their blood, replaces their IVs, and conducts careful respiratory assessments. But Mary’s passion for taking care of people is matched by her lifelong passion for dance. Since she was three years old, Mary has been learning the dance styles of ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, high kick, and jazz funk. Mastering these dances and staying in exceptional physical condition helped her earn the coveted title of Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader. Cheerleaders are required to either work full-time or be full-time students. Mary joined the squad three years ago, while she was attending nursing school at North Hennepin Community College. “The discipline and organizational skills required for college work helped me be successful in the demanding role of being a cheerleader,” she says. “I am used to hard work and have a lot of determination.”

Tryouts for the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders begin in April with open auditions for about two hundred competitors. After two weeks of training camp where they learn and demonstrate complex dance routines, the group is pared down to sixty or sixty-five. Final auditions are held in the rotunda of the Mall of America, where a panel of twenty judges select the 35 finalists. “I love everything about being a Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader,” says Mary. “From the excitement of game day, to the five hundred or so appearances and charity events we attend every year... it’s great fun and very rewarding.” Why not share the story of her alternate identity with her patients? “Well,” Mary admits. “I do have one patient who’s a huge Packers fan. Teasing me about being a Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader makes him smile – and that makes my day.”

Take an NFL Cheerleader Quiz 1. How many of the 32 NFL teams do not have cheerleading squads? Source: wikipedia

3. The Vi-Queens (1961 to 1963) and the Parkettes (1964 to 1983).

3. The Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders have been known by what two other names?

4. The USO, the organization that entertains U.S. Armed Forces all over the world

2. Which was the first NFL team to have cheerleaders?

2. The Baltimore Colts, in 1954. 1. Six: the Chicago Bears, the Cleveland Browns, the New York Giants, the Detroit Lions, the Green Bay Packers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

4. Besides being a mainstay of American football culture, NFL cheerleaders are one of the biggest entertainment groups for what famous organization?

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Essential Skills for the Workplace Margie Campbell Charlebois prepares business students for success crabby,” she says, “crabby at work, crabby at home, even crabby at my dog!” It was time for a change. Remembering the advice her career coach had given her years prior, Campbell Charlebois wondered if she should look into teaching at a college – somewhere where she could feel like she was making a difference.

ike so many others who have entered the teaching profession, Margie Campbell Charlebois started off going in a different direction. After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Speech Communications from St. Cloud State University (SCSU) and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, Campbell Charlebois worked her way up the corporate ladder. She began at Fingerhut, then spent some time consulting before moving into the non-profit sector with a position at Hazelden. Campbell Charlebois’ main areas of expertise are management, advertising, and human relations. One day, as she was driving to work, she realized life wasn’t working. “I was

No longer feeling energized by her success in corporate America, Campbell Charlebois looked up her alma matter and noticed an adjunct faculty position posted. Six weeks later she found herself standing in front of a SCSU classroom – this time as a teacher – asking herself “what have I done?” What she did was change her career and find her passion. She admitted it took her a few weeks to get comfortable in her new role, but then she couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Since her transition into teaching in 2000, Margie has taught college classes at Anoka Ramsey Community College, Metropolitan State University, St. Scholastica, and Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Now, a full-time business faculty at North Hennepin Community College (since 2009), Campbell Charlebois teaches business and human relations courses.

Her students say she is an outstanding professor who makes learning fun. She’s helpful and clear, and the quality of her instruction is high – although not easy. She’s tough – pushing students to do their best. And they appreciate it. Campbell Charlebois enjoys coming to work now, seeing students learn, and making a difference at North Hennepin. “I love the college’s dedication to diversity, and I love the students here,” she says with a smile. “Life is too short not to do what you love.” When instructors are able to bring their experiences from the workplace into the classroom, students relate more to the material through real world examples. Campbell Charlebois’ corporate experience was also one of the drivers

Business Program Changes Effective Fall 2012 • New Business Administration A.S. degree with concentrations in Management and Marketing • New Business A.A.S. degree with concentrations in Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Finance Management • Common (19-credit) core curriculum in A.S. & A.A.S. degrees • Streamlined, defined courses • Two new courses: Essential Employment Skills and Effective Supervision • New required courses within each degree • New and modified certificates

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

for a 2011 research study of essential employability skills. Results from the study added to the efforts already underway by the Business Department to update NHCC’s business degrees, certificates, and courses that will go into effect at the college this fall. “Our research showed that employers are looking for essential skills such as personal responsibility, communication, and workplace etiquette. They also want more advanced interpersonal and thinking skills, as well as resource management abilities,” says Campbell Charlebois. Graduates need to be prepared to work collaboratively with others as team players and as leaders. They need to think creatively, generating innovative ideas and possibilities for continuous improvement. Grads also need to enter the workforce ready to manage time, money, and human resources efficiently. The new Essential Employment Skills and Effective Supervision courses

will focus on building these essential skills. “The Effective Supervision course is the most important course a college student can take,” says business advisory board member Ken Hess. “Anyone completing it will have more supervisory training than over 75% of current second-year supervisors.” In addition, NHCC’s revamped A.S. and A.A.S. degrees in business now contain a common 19-credit core curriculum – making it much easier for students to get a feel for the area of business they want to pursue before having to declare a major. And newly improved certificate programs are geared toward quick completion.

What are the Top Ten Skills Employers Want? The National Association of Colleges and Employers has been surveying employers on this question for nearly a decade, and the list of transferable “soft” skills workers need for virtually every position, in every industry, and on every job – temporary and permanent – remains the same: • Communication skills • Honesty and integrity • Interpersonal skills • Teamwork skills • Strong work ethic • Motivation and initiative • Flexibility and adaptability • Computer skills • Analytical skills • Organizational skills Source: us.manpower.com

For more information about NHCC’s new business degrees and certificates, visit www.nhcc.edu.

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Youngest Grad Wins Major Award T

wo years ago, at the same time 13-year-old Caleb Kumar was graduating from the eighth grade at Breck School in Minneapolis, he was also becoming the youngest ever to graduate from North Hennepin Community College, with an Associate in Arts degree – with honors. This past fall, as a 15-year-old junior at Breck, Caleb was chosen to be one of eighteen national Davidson Fellows for his outstanding scientific work. This honor came with a $25,000 college scholarship. Davidson Fellows scholarships recognize young people aged 18 and under for completing a significant piece of work that has the potential to make a positive contribution to society in the area of science, technology, mathematics, music, literature, philosophy, or outside the box thinking. Since 2001, the Institute has awarded $3.1 million in scholarships to 127 students in $10,000, $25,000, and $50,000 scholarships.

In the project that captured the attention of the Davidson Institute, Caleb developed an algorithm that automates the diagnosis of bladder cancer. The American Cancer Society has shown that with a quick and accurate diagnosis the survival rate of bladder cancer is around 95 percent. However, if the cancer spreads and treatment is delayed, the survival rate drops to just six percent. Bladder cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in men, and the ninth most common in women. There were more than 71,000 new cases in 2009 alone. By first identifying indicative cancer cellular characteristics, Caleb programmed morphometric algorithms to examine the images of bladder cells, and then engineered a Java neural network to differentiate cancerous cells from normal cells based on shape, color, and curvature. In their acknowledgment of Caleb’s accomplishment, the Davidson Institute

described Caleb’s software as “accurate, quick, and inexpensive compared to current methods, and has the potential to provide faster, cheaper, and more precise diagnoses of cytological diseases.”

Caleb spent the summer of 2010 focused on his bladder cancer studies in the labs of Access Genetics, LIL, a medical technology service company in Eden Prairie. He was guided in his research by the head of Breck’s science department, Lois Frauen, and by Access Genetics’ president and medical director, Dr. Ron McGlennen. “The era of telemedicine is upon us, and is finding many applications in the area of pathology and laboratory medicine. For the past two summers we have enjoyed the work of Caleb Kumar, a brilliant student from Breck School, who has developed a set of supportive tools for diagnosing cancers,” says Dr. McGlennen. “In particular, Caleb has created an early version of a tool to help pathologists discern the difficult ‘calls’ between cells that look abnormal, but are not malignant, versus those that truly are cancerous.” Dr. McGlennen went on to say that his company is looking forward to Caleb continuing his work with the goal of publishing his project and eventually incorporating his telemedicine tools for commercial use.

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Fifteen-year-old NHCC alumni Caleb Kumar in Washington, D.C., to accept a $25,000 Davidson Fellow Scholarship.

Caleb credits the strong math and computer programming instruction he received at NHCC – starting at age nine – with his current interest and success. The computer programming classes he took from NHCC instructor Tatyana Volk laid the foundation for the awardwinning Java algorithm he wrote. His math instructors were equally influential. “I knew I could understand any math if Matt Gardner taught it,” says Caleb. “He patiently explained everything in the simplest way. He made math easy.” NHCC math instructor Gary Olson never singled Caleb out. “Professor Olson treated me just like any other student, even though at nine I was so much

younger than anyone else in the class.” “I’ve been hanging out in the Math Resource Center for years,” says Caleb. “Dale Bradtke always made me feel comfortable and has helped me a lot.” As if graduating with a college degree at age 13 and receiving a $25,000 scholarship at age 15 isn’t amazing enough, last January Caleb suffered a stroke. A tear in the arterial wall of his brain behind his right eye left his brain function intact, but severely affected the left side of his body. After months in the hospital and arduous therapy, Caleb is recovering, and back in school at Breck. Some of his former activities such as tennis and playing the drums have taken a back seat to restoring his health, but he believes that, in the end,

the stroke has made him stronger and more determined. Caleb’s determination will take him back to the labs at Access Genetics this summer to continue his research. College is in his future as well. He’d like to use the $25,000 he won to pursue an education at Stanford University – where he wants to continue learning to implement computer-based applications in the field of medicine. For more information on the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, visit www.davidsongifted.org. Caleb is currently designing a website, Stronger After Stroke, to help other teens like him who have had strokes.

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Fitness and Nutrition: Online Tools Wo by Missy Lott, North Hennepin Community College Physical Education Instructor

ave you ever noticed how challenging it can be to try and keep up with all of the new websites and applications dedicated to fitness and nutrition? How do you distinguish between the good and the bad? I did some digging, and found a few that really stood out. Honest Label Application: (www.honestlabelfoods.com) This free application, launched last September, allows consumers with

Android and iPhones to scan the bar code of food products and receive clear, concise nutritional information based on customized settings. To use the Honest Label Foods Scanner, users simply aim their phone’s camera at the barcode. The phone automatically recognizes the food product, then provides an easy-to-read digital label, allowing shoppers to identify products made with ingredients that they are trying to avoid – making it perfect for people with allergies. And, rather than listing an arbitrary serving size, it lists daily values based on your personal needs. Healthy Wage Challenge: (www.healthywage.com) Are you a gambler? Sometimes a little monetary motivation aids tremendously in helping to achieve our fitness goals. HealthyWage offers you the opportunity to make money for losing weight. Their newest challenge allows health seekers to “bet on” and profit from shedding their unwanted pounds through any diet regimen and/or fitness program they choose to follow. How does it work? Participants pay $100 up front, and have the ability to double their money within six months for losing 10% of their starting body weight. Each participant’s starting and ending weights need to be verified at one of thousands of HealthyWage health club partners throughout the United States. Participants are also required to self-report their weekly weight online. Spark People Weight Loss Plan (www.sparkpeople.com) Based on a study done by researchers at Duke University and the George Washington University School of Public Health and published in the Journal of Translational Behavioral Medicine, the Spark People App was ranked the best weight loss application among the 204 that were evaluated.

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

orth Checking Out

Missy’s Healthy Recipe Idea

DailySpark, Spark People blog, offers fresh doses of fitness, nutrition and health news every day, including summaries of the health, fitness and nutrition news, quick tips to balance healthy living with busy lifestyles, motivational stories about real people who have lost weight and kept it off, and quick and painless ways to save calories and eat healthier. Fit Day Diet and Weight Loss Journal (www.fitday.com) I prefer this app and website for meal entry. It is more user-friendly than Spark People’s tool and you won’t get overwhelmed with a flood of emails after signing up. This online tool is great for entering custom foods if needed, and the preloaded lists of foods can be quickly retrieved, along with serving size. Fit Day also has wonderful recipes, good fitness and nutrition articles, and great discussion boards.

Chunky White Bean Soup n

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

Lose It Website and App (www.LoseIt.com)

12 ounces lean, ground turkey breast

The Lose It! Website and app is another one worth trying. It ranks third on my list, but it is simple to use, and gives users a good understanding of the energy-in, energyout concept. It teaches you accountability subtly, yet effectively, and rewards milestones with gaming strategies (badges, levels, awards).

Two 15 oz. cans cannellini beans (you can substitute great northern or navy beans)

One 16 oz. jar of green salsa

1¾ cup low sodium chicken or vegetable broth

1½ tsp ground cumin

Missy Lott has taught Physical Education at North Hennepin Community College for more than ten years. She has an A.A. from NHCC, B.S. and Master’s degrees in Kinesiology (the study of human movement) from the University of Minnesota. Before she came to NHCC, Missy worked as a strength and conditioning coach at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, the University of Notre Dame, the University of Minnesota, and for the Minnesota Lynx. Missy conveys her healthy lifestyle tips in articles for this magazine and in her online newsletter, The Active Edge.

Sauté onion in olive oil until semi soft. Add ground turkey and continue to sauté until meat is cooked through. Add the next four ingredients and combine well. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Ladle into bowls and serve. Serves 4. Nutritional information per serving: 383 calories; 38g protein; 53g carbohydrates; 3g fat (1g saturated); 12g fiber. Recipe courtesy of Fitness magazine.

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Get started at NHCC in six easy steps:

1 2 3

Apply for Admission Fill out the application online or download the form.

Degrees and Certificates

Apply for Financial Aid Grants and scholarships, loans, and work-study options make college achievable.

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Get important information about resources, responsibilities, and registration.

Liberal Arts

Biology

Mathematics

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5 6

Pay Tuition and Buy Books Find current tuition rates on our website. Books are available online or in the campus bookstore.

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Need more info first?

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Visit us any Monday or Friday at 10am or 3pm, or Tuesday at 5pm for a short information session and tour of campus. All sessions start in the Education Services (ES) Building on the west side of campus (off West Broadway).

Game Programming

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Histotechnology Medical Lab Technology Nursing Personal Training Physical Education

Legal and Protective Services Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Paralegal

Internet Programming

Construction and Trades

Leadership

Building Inspection Technology

Marketing

Construction Management

Microsoft Office

Pre-Engineering

Word Processing

Public Works

Common Myths that stop people from starting college Myth: I can’t afford it. Fact: Tuition and fees are substantially lower at NHCC than at traditional four-year and private two-year institutions. And NHCC students are awarded more than $35 million each year in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study and loans. Myth: I don’t have the time. Fact: With day, evening, weekend, accelerated, and online classes, you’ll find what you need to fit college into your busy life. Myth: It will be a waste of time because I’m not sure what I want to do with my life. Fact: If you enroll in our Associate in Arts Degree program to complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree, you’ll be exposed to subjects you may not have explored before and be on your way to transfer when you ARE ready to decide. If you’ve been meaning to get your college degree, NHCC can help get you started. Don’t put it off any longer – visit www.nhcc.edu.

What Associate Degree and Certificate Programs are offered at NHCC? Associate in Arts (A.A.) Degree 60 credits Designed for transfer, the A.A. degree constitutes the full first two years of a liberal arts bachelor degree program. An A.A. degree includes the entire Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (40 semester credits in all 10 goal areas) as the general education requirement.

Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.) Degree 60 credits Designed for transfer to BFA or BA art programs, the A.F.A. degree may also be used for career preparation. The MnTC requirement includes 24 credits in 6 goal areas.

Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree 60 credits Designed for transfer, the A.S. degree may also be used for career preparation. The MnTC requirement for the A.S. degree includes 30 credits in 6 goal areas.

4-Year Degrees at NHCC NHCC has partnered with universities including Metropolitan State University, Minnesota State University-Moorhead, St. Cloud State University, and Bethel University to allow you to earn your advanced degree on our Brooklyn Park campus.

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree 60 to 72 credits Designed for career preparation, the A.A.S. degree may also be used for transfer. The MnTC requirement includes 20 credits in 3 goal areas.

Certificate Programs 9 to 30 credits

Bachelor degree programs are offered in Business Administration, Nursing, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Construction Management, Operations Management, and Medical Laboratory Science.

Designed for career preparation and enhancement, most credit certificate programs can be completed in either one or two semesters and give students a solid foundation of knowledge in a specific field.

Find out more about this convenient option at www.nhcc.edu

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Courses

offered Summer and Fall 2012

Get the full, updated details to plan your schedule online at www.nhcc.edu

Academic Development

Art

ADEV 0940 ADEV 0951 ADEV 0952 ADEV 0961 ADEV 0962 ADEV 0963 ADEV 0964 ADEV 1000 ADEV 1010 ADEV 1950

ART 1040 ART 1100 ART 1101 ART 1160 ART 1270 ART 1301 ART 1302 ART 1320 ART 1340 ART 1361 ART 1362 ART 1401 ART 1402 ART 2180 ART 2540 ART 2550 ART 2601 ART 2740 ART 2781 ART 2901 ART 2970

Building a College Vocabulary College Reading and Learning Strategies I College Reading and Learning Strategies II College Learning I College Learning II College Learning III College Learning IV Career Planning Job Seeking Skills Reading College Textbooks

Accounting ACCT 2100 ACCT 2111 ACCT 2112 ACCT 2200 ACCT 2230 ACCT 2250 ACCT 2260

The Accounting Cycle Financial Accounting Managerial Accounting Applied Accounting Essentials Computerized Accounting with Quickbooks Small Business Payroll Small Business Income Taxes

Introduction to Art Creative Suite: Art, Design, and the Web Photography I Digital Photography Digital Video Production Two Dimensional Design I Two Dimensional Design II Introduction to Sculpture Fundamentals of Color Ceramics I Ceramics II Drawing I Drawing II Art History: Pre-History to the Age of Cathedrals Illustration Typography Graphic Design I Jewelry Workshop Quiltmaking Workshop I Desktop Design I Art Appreciation Field Trip

American Sign Language ASL 1101 ASL 1102 ASL 1400 ASL 2201

American Sign Language I American Sign Language II Finger Spelling and Numbers Intermediate American Sign Language I

Anthropology ANTH 1010 ANTH 1020 ANTH 1130

Intro to Anthropology: Cultural Anthropology Intro to Anthropology: Physical Anthropology, Archaeology & Prehistory The Archaeology of Prehistoric Europe

Arabic ARBC 1030 ARBC 1101 ARBC 1102

Arab Cultures Beginning Arabic I Beginning Arabic II

Biology BIOL 1000 BIOL 1001 BIOL 1002 BIOL 1120 BIOL 1200 BIOL 1230 BIOL 1231 BIOL 1360 BIOL 1600 BIOL 1990 BIOL 2030 BIOL 2100 BIOL 2111 BIOL 2112

Building Inspection Technology BIT 1050 BIT 1150 BIT 1250 BIT 1900

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Life Science Biology I Biology II Human Biology Current Environmental Issues Medical Terminology I - Basics Medical Terminology II - Application Biology of Women - with a Lab Aquatic Biology Nobel Conference Plant Biology Microbiology Human Anatomy and Physiology I Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Foundations of Construction Codes and Inspections Residential Plan Review and Field Inspections Commercial Plan Review and Field Inspections Legal and Administrative Aspects of Construction Code

View updated, complete course details online at www.nhcc.edu

Business BUS 1000 BUS 1010 BUS 1100 BUS 1110 BUS 1200 BUS 1210 BUS 1220 BUS 1230 BUS 1300 BUS 1400 BUS 1410 BUS 1430 BUS 1440 BUS 1600 BUS 1610 BUS 1700 BUS 1810 BUS 2010 BUS 2310

Career Planning Job Seeking Skills Intro to Business and the American Economy Essential Employment Skills Principles of Management Managerial Communication Effective Supervision Leadership and Teamwork Legal Environment of Business Business Mathematics Introduction to Business Finance Financial Statement Analysis Personal Financial Planning Principles of Marketing Consumer Behavior Introduction to International Business Entrepreneurship Internship Business Introduction to E-Commerce

CSCI 1040 CSCI 1120 CSCI 1130 CSCI 1160 CSCI 2001 CSCI 2020 CSCI 2030 CSCI 2050

Beginning Microsoft SQL Server Programming in C/C++ Introduction to Programming in Java Web Programming in ASP.NET Structure of Computer Programming I Machine Architecture Database Management Internship Computer Science

Construction Management/Supervision CMSV 2870 CMSV 2885 CMSV 2890

Construction Management Construction Estimating Building Organization and Technology

Economics ECON 1050 ECON 1060 ECON 1070

Economics of Crime Principles of Economics Macro Principles of Economics Micro

Education Chemistry CHEM 1000 CHEM 1010 CHEM 1030 CHEM 1061 CHEM 1062 CHEM 2061 CHEM 2062

EDUC 1280 Chemistry and Society Introduction to Chemistry Introduction to Physical Sciences Principles of Chemistry I Principles of Chemistry II Organic Chemistry I Organic Chemistry I

Computer Information Systems CIS 1000 CIS 1101 CIS 1102 CIS 1200 CIS 1210 CIS 1220 CIS 1230 CIS 1240 CIS 1300 CIS 1310 CIS 1320 CIS 2310

Electronic Keyboarding Communications Business Computer Systems I Business Computer Systems II Word Processing Desktop Publishing Decision Making Excel Business Presentation PowerPoint Information Management: Access Introduction to Internet The Whole Internet Web Tools Introduction to E-Commerce

Computer Science CSCI 1000 CSCI 1020 CSCI 1030 CSCI 1035

Computer Basics Beginning Web Page Programming Programming for Internet Introduction to Computer Programming with Games

Diversity in Education

Engineering ENGR 1000 ENGR 2301

Introduction to Engineering and Design Statics

English ENGL 0900 ENGL 0950 ENGL 1112 ENGL 1150 ENGL 1201 ENGL 1202 ENGL 1250 ENGL 1900 ENGL 1910 ENGL 1940 ENGL 2010 ENGL 2320 ENGL 2350 ENGL 2380 ENGL 2390 ENGL 2450 ENGL 2550 ENGL 2950

Preparation for College Writing I Preparation for College Writing II College Writing II Introduction to Literature College Writing I College Writing II Magazine Workshop Introduction to Creative Writing Writing Creative Non-Fiction and the Memoir Technical Writing Writing Non-Fiction Language Structure in Thought and Action Women and Literature American Indian Literature American Working Class Literature Survey of American Literature Survey of British Literature Mystery Fiction

English for Speakers of Other Languages ESOL 0800 ESOL 0830 ESOL 0860 ESOL 0880

College Vocabulary Development I Reading Skills Development English Language Skills Development Listening and Speaking Skill Development

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Summer and Fall 2012 Course Schedule

English for Speakers of Other Languages

History

ESOL 0800 ESOL 0830 ESOL 0860 ESOL 0880 ESOL 0900 ESOL 0930 ESOL 0960 ESOL 0980 ESOL 1080 ESOL 1230 ESOL 1260 ESOL 1280

HIST 1010 HIST 1020 HIST 1110 HIST 1120 HIST 1130 HIST 1200 HIST 1210 HIST 1270 HIST 2700

College Vocabulary Development I Reading Skills Development English Language Skills Development Listening and Speaking Skill Development College Vocabulary Development II Academic Reading and Study Skills Academic Writing Skills Development Academic Listening and Speaking English Pronunciation College Reading and Studying Skills College Writing Skills Development Listening and Speaking for College Success

First Year Experience FYE 1020

First Year Experience

Geography GEOG 1010 GEOG 1100

Physical Geography World Geography

GEOL 1110 GEOL 1850

Minnesota Field Geology Series: Volcanic, Plutonic and Metamorphic Geology Physical Geology Oceanography

Graphic Design ART 1100 ART 2540 ART 2550 ART 2601 ART 2901

Creative Suite: Art, Design, and the Web Illustration Typography Graphic Design I Desktop Design I

Health HLTH 1030 HLTH 1050 HLTH 1060 HLTH 1070 HLTH 1250 HLTH 1600 HLTH 1900

Histotechnology HTN 1000 HTN 2003 HTN 2100 HTN 2150 HTN 2200

Clinical Laboratory Basics Histotechniques III Special Stains Special Procedures Histo-Anatomy

Honors Seminar HSEM 1000

Honors Seminar

Interdisciplinary Studies

Geology GEOL 1020

History of World Civilization Pre 1500 History of World Civilization Post 1500 History of Western Civilization Pre 1550 History of Western Civilization 1550 to Present History of the Medieval West History of United States Through 1877 History of the United States Since 1877 Race in America History and Popular Culture

Personal and Community Health Stress Management Drugs and Health Nutrition Wellness for Life First Responder Healthy Sexuality

INTD 1030 INTD 1040 INTD 1210

An Introduction to Japanese Culture American Indian Culture The History, Philosophy, and Practice of Traditional Aikido

Math MATH 0700 MATH 0800 MATH 0901 MATH 0902 MATH 0980 MATH 1130 MATH 1140 MATH 1150 MATH 1170 MATH 1180 MATH 1221 MATH 1222 MATH 2010 MATH 2220 MATH 2300

Basic Mathematics Computational Mathematics Introduction to Algebra Intermediate Algebra Pre-College Algebra Elementary Statistics Finite Mathematics College Algebra Trigonometry Pre-Calculus Calculus I Calculus II Probability and Statistics Calculus III Linear Algebra

Medical Laboratory Technology MLT 1000 MLT 1200 MLT 2050 MLT 2080

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Clinical Laboratory Basics Clinical Laboratory Instrumentation Clinical Hematology Clinical Microbiology

View updated, complete course details online at www.nhcc.edu

MLT 2100 MLT 2150 MLT 2310 MLT 2320 MLT 2330 MLT 2340 MLT 2360 MLT 2380

Clinical Chemistry Clinical Immunohematology Applied Phlebotomy Applied Hematology Applied Coagulation Applied Urinalysis Applied Immunohematology Applied Chemistry

Music MUSC 1130 MUSC 1150 MUSC 1170 MUSC 1200 MUSC 1220 MUSC 1300 MUSC 1350 MUSC 1501 MUSC 1510 MUSC 1600 MUSC 1610 MUSC 1800 MUSC 1810 MUSC 1830 MUSC 1850 MUSC 1860 MUSC 1870 MUSC 2970

College Choir Chamber Singers Instrumental Jazz Ensemble Fundamentals of Music Survey of Western Music Music in World Cultures History of Rock 'n Roll Class Guitar Applied Music: Guitar Class Voice Applied Music: Voice Class Piano I Applied Music: Piano Applied Music: Strings Applied Music: Percussion Applied Music: Brass Applied Music: Woodwinds Music Appreciation Field Trip

Natural Science NSCI 1010 NSCI 1020 NSCI 1030 NSCI 1050 NSCI 1070 NSCI 1120

Science of Disaster Workshop I Science of Disaster Workshop II Science of Disaster Workshop III Astronomy Concepts of the Stars and the Universe Meteorology

Nursing NURS 1211 NURS 1213 NURS 1214 NURS 2211

Foundations in Nursing Health and Physical Assessment in Nursing Principles of Pharmacology in Nursing Practice Provider of Care II

Paralegal PLEG 1111 PLEG 1210 PLEG 1330 PLEG 1411 PLEG 1412 PLEG 2211

Introduction to Law and Paralegal Studies Computer Applications in the Legal Profession Family Law Litigation I Litigation II Legal Research and Writing I

PLEG 2212 PLEG 2310 PLEG 2510 PLEG 2620 PLEG 2710 PLEG 2930

Legal Research and Writing II Criminal Law and Procedure Contracts and Business Organizations Property Wills, Trusts and Estate Administration Legal Studies Seminar and Internship

Philosophy PHIL 1010 PHIL 1020 PHIL 1030 PHIL 1040 PHIL 1050 PHIL 1060 PHIL 1210

Introduction to Philosophy Ethics Eastern Religions Western Religions Introduction to Logic Philosophy of Religion Peace Ethics

Physical Education PE 1010 PE 1040 PE 1050 PE 1151 PE 1210 PE 1250 PE 1260 PE 1270 PE 1310 PE 1400 PE 1430 PE 1440 PE 1500 PE 1740 PE 1750 PE 1760 PE 1810 PE 1820 PE 1990 PE 2101

Physical Fitness Volleyball Weight Training Golf I Badminton Wellness for Life Kinesthetic Learning Studio Cycle Disc Golf Women's Self Defense Tai Chi Chih Karate Foundations of Physical Education Hiking Yoga Introduction to Kayaking and Canoeing Step Aerobics Boot Camp Yoga II Concepts of Personal Training

Physics PHYS 1030 PHYS 1050 PHYS 1070 PHYS 1120 PHYS 1140 PHYS 1201 PHYS 1601 PHYS 1602

Introduction to Physical Sciences Astronomy Concepts of the Stars and Universe Meteorology Energy Aspects of Our Physical Environment Principles of Physics I General Physics I General Physics II

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Summer and Fall 2012 Course Schedule

View updated, complete course details online at www.nhcc.edu

Political Science

Spanish

POLS 1100 POLS 1140 POLS 2130

SPAN 1030 SPAN 1101 SPAN 1102 SPAN 2201

American Government and Politics State and Local Politics Constitutional Law

Prior Learning Assessment PLA 1010

Individualized Studies Development

Psychology PSYC 1150 PSYC 1165 PSYC 1170 PSYC 1210 PSYC 1220 PSYC 2320 PSYC 2330 PSYC 2340

General Psychology Psychology of Adjustment Psychology of Gender Child Development Adult Development Abnormal Psychology Personality Human Sexuality

Public Works PUBW 1030 PUBW 1050

Public Works Management and Communication Public Works Operations and Maintenance

Sociology SOC 1110 SOC 1130 SOC 1710 SOC 1720 SOC 1730 SOC 1750 SOC 2210

Introduction to Sociology Social Problems/Deviance Introduction to Criminal Justice Police and Community Juvenile Justice Families in Crisis Minority Groups

Get your degree fast

with Business ASAP NHCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business ASAP (Associate in Science Accelerated Program) allows working adults with at least two years of work experience to earn a degree in Business Management by taking classes only two nights a week for two years. More info at www.nhcc.edu, 763-488-0390, or email asap@nhcc.edu.

North Hennepin Community College / Spring 2012

Spanish and Latin American Culture Beginning Spanish I Beginning Spanish II Intermediate Spanish I

Speech *Beginning Fall 2012, Speech (SPCH) will be designated Communication Studies (COMM) SPCH 1010 Fundamentals of Public Speaking SPCH 1110 Principles of Interpersonal Communication SPCH 1310 Intercultural Communication SPCH 1410 Human Communication Theory

Theatre, Film & Television TFT 1210 TFT 1250 TFT 1260 TFT 1270 TFT 1320 TFT 1500 TFT 1540 TFT 1600 TFT 1610

Introduction to Theatre Introduction to Film Introduction to Television Digital Video Production World Cinema Acting I: Improvisation and Foundations Acting for the Camera Theatre Practicum: Performance Theatre Practicum: Technical

Calendar Highlights Visit www.nhcc.edu/calendar for all event details.

February

13 15 21 29

High School Art Exhibition through March 2

May

Spring Jazz Ensemble

Job Support Network: Emotional Intelligence

Graduation and Commencement Ceremony

Goal Planning Workshops through February 23

Job Support Network: What Do Employers Really Expect from Potential Candidates

Summer Session (May) Classes Begin

Theatre Production: Tongue of a Bird through March 4

March

2 12 21 21 23

Faculty Lecture: Birthing a Language: The Path to Multilingualism Jan McFall, ESOL Instructor Spring Break through March 18 Business Expo and Career Fair Job Support Network: Social Media and Your Job Search Graduation Application Deadline

April

2 3 5 6 12 13 13 16 18 20 23 26 27 27 28

June

Late Start (June) Summer Session classes begin

July

Late Start (July) Summer Session classes begin

August

Admissions Application Deadline for Fall Semester

Fall Semester Begins

Advising Week Student Services Open House

General Information Sessions & Tours

NHCC Student Art Exhibition through April 27

every Tuesday at 5pm

Faculty Lecture: The Social and Emotional Benefits of Reading Narratives Lisa Whalen, English Open Registration Begins for New Students

Visit North Hennepin Community College any Monday or Friday at 10:00am or 3:00pm, or Tuesday at 5:00pm, in the Educational Services Building for a quick overview and tour of campus. If these times are not convenient to you, make an appointment with an admissions representative or student ambassador for a personal tour. Call 763-424-0702 or 800-818-0395 or email info@nhcc.edu.

Theatre Production: Bat Boy through April 21 High School Counselor & Career Specialist Workshop

Upcoming Featured Information Sessions

NHCC Open House

If you have a special interest, mark your calendar for one of these Featured Information Sessions. They take place at 5:00 pm in the Educational Services Building

Job Support Network: Show and Tell â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Linked In 29th Annual Gala Dinner Auction Earth Week Celebration through April 28 Center for Business Technology Grand Opening Spring Choral Concert American Indian Feast and Cultural Program Osseo/NHCC Indian Education Day & Wacipi

with check-in at the main front desk at 4:45 pm. March 6

American Sign Language Certificate

March 20

NEW Creative Writing A.F.A. Degree

March 27

Transfer ASAP Program

April 3

Adult Learner Options

April 10

Business Careers

April 24

Health Careers

Descriptions for all our Information Nights are on NHCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s online calendar at www.nhcc.edu/calendar.

NHCC Information Sessions at Buffalo High School Do you live closer to Buffalo than Brooklyn Park? NHCC offers college classes at the Buffalo High School in the evenings and occasional Saturdays. To learn more, come to the next Information Session on May 8 at 6:00pm or call 763-424-0730.

If you see ECRWSS Postal Patron on this mail panel, your name is not on any list used by North Hennepin Community College. You are receiving this publication as a public service to residents of the northwest metro area of the Twin Cities.

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7411 85th Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55445

Please join us for the

GRAND OPENING Center for Business and Technology

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Take a tour of the spectacular new building and participate in activities going on all afternoon! 1:00 pm

Building tours and entertainment starts

2:00 pm

Free breakout sessions and technology demonstrations

4:00 pm

“The Workforce of the Future” keynote address by Tom Stinson, Minnesota’s State Economist, and Tom Gillaspy, Minnesota’s State Demographer

5:30 pm

Formal ribbon-cutting ceremony with guest speaker, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Chancellor Steven Rosenstone

NHCC’s East Entrance – 7411 85th Avenue North, Brooklyn Park Visit www.nhcc.edu as the event draws near for activity updates.