2016 RCTC Calendar Report

20 16

CALENDAR REPORT

START HERE.

GO ANYWHERE. FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Dear Friends: On behalf of the students, faculty, and staff of Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC), it is my pleasure to share with you our 2016 Annual Report Calendar.

RCTC provides accessible, affordable, quality learning opportunities to serve a diverse and growing community.

I encourage you to take a minute to read about the amazing achievements our students, faculty, and staff accomplished over the past year. These include such things as securing national accreditation for the Cancer Registry Management and Veterinary Technology programs; obtaining a Five-Star Chapter status by our Phi Theta Kappa Omicron Chapter; establishing an Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society for the Nursing Department; and even securing crucial financial support for our students through a Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Cooperation grant. These and the many other success stories are a reflection of the quality of students, employees and programs you can expect from a college that’s been around over 100 years!

I am extremely proud to be serving in the role of Interim President for this phenomenal institution, and I look forward to being a part of the initiatives and accomplishments that await RCTC in our coming year.

Sincerely,

Mary Davenport, Ph.D. Interim President

It is the policy of Rochester Community and Technical College not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, sex or handicap as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as applied in admissions policies, educational programs, activities and employment practices. The designated Affirmative Action Officer is the Director of Human Resources. The designated coordinator for compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is the Disabilities Director. The Disabilities Director is also the designated coordinator for compliance with Title IX of the Educational Amendment of 1972.

VISION:2020

Rochester Community and Technial College’s Strategic Plan STRATEGIC

PRIORITY

1

Provide high-quality, affordable, learner-centered educational pathways, workforce training, support services, and resources to meet the diverse needs of students, the region, and the global community.

1.1 Advance programs and services that support student success through evidencebased systematic planning, assessment, and review.

1.2

Achieve excellence in teaching and learning through rigorous and relevant educational offerings; engaging and innovative instructional delivery; and superior support services.

1.3

Nurture a comprehensive, learner-centered culture to support student from inquiry through completion.

1.4

Advance educational, business, and community partnerships to create opportunities for students to attain their educational and career goals.

STRATEGIC

PRIORITY

2

Collectively develop strategic approaches to systemically plan, prioritize, and implement futurefocused initiatives.

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

STRATEGIC

PRIORITY

3

STRATEGIC

PRIORITY

4

Cultivate a culture of collaboration and communication that values diversity and mutual respect.

Enhance RCTC’s image as the region’s college and employer of choice.

3.1

Foster an environment to encourage collaboration across College units that embraces our Core Values.

4.1 Communicate the value of RCTC’s high-quality, affordable, and accessible programs and services.

3.2

Engage college-wide stakeholders in the planning and allocation of resources to create innovative learning and working environments.

Improve internal communication structures and processes.

4.2 Heighten RCTC’s reputation as a world-class educational institution.

3.3

4.3 Recruit and retain exceptional and diverse employees.

Create on-going employee professional growth and advancement opportunities.

Provide exemplary, engaging service to students, employees, alumni, and the greater community.

3.4

Expand community partnerships that focus on diversity and inclusiveness to encourage multicultural experiences.

Implement continuous environmental scanning processes to strategically position the College for the future.

Advance continuous quality improvement processes to ensure College-wide accountability.

4.4 Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of hiring and onboarding processes.

SEPTEMBER 20 16

ROCHESTER COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE MONDAY

29

TUESDAY

30

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

31

FRIDAY

1

SATURDAY

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3

Labor Day - No Classes

5

SUNDAY

4 Patriot Day Grandparents’ Day

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Full Moon

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15 First Day of Autumn

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851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 | RCTC.EDU | 507.285.7557 | 1.800.247.1296

OCTOBER 20 16

ROCHESTER COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE MONDAY

26

TUESDAY

27

Homecoming Week

Homecoming Week

Fall Graduation Application Deadline

Account Balances Due in Full to Avoid Late Fees

3

WEDNESDAY

28 Homecoming Week

4

5

THURSDAY

29 Homecoming Week

6

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

30 Homecoming Week

7

SUNDAY

1

2

8

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Homecoming Week

Columbus Day

Full Moon

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Boss’s Day

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Education Minnesota Conference - No Classes

Education Minnesota Conference - No Classes

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Halloween

851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 | RCTC.EDU | 507.285.7557 | 1.800.247.1296

NOVEMBER 20 16

ROCHESTER COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Daylight Saving Ends

31

1

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Election Day

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Veteran’s Day - No Classes

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Full Moon

Last Day to Withdraw from Classes

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Thanksgiving Day Holiday Break - No Classes

Thanksgiving Holiday Break - No Classes

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Online Scholarship Application Portal Opens

851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 | RCTC.EDU | 507.285.7557 | 1.800.247.1296

DECEMBER 20 16

ROCHESTER COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE MONDAY

31

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

31

31 Pearl Harbor Day

SPRING PAYMENT INFO Tuition and fees must be paid in full or an approved deferment in place by Friday, December 16, 2016. After this date, payment is due at the time of registration.

5

6

FRIDAY

1

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

2

3

4

9

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17

18

Book Buy Back Opens

7

8

Full Moon

Fall Semester Ends Spring Tuition Due

12

13

Friday, January 13, 2017 is the last day to set up a FACTS/NELNET payment plan.

To avoid late fees, account balances need to be paid in full by February 6, 2017.

THURSDAY

14

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Book Buy Back Ends

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First Day of Winter

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Christmas Day

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1st Day to Charge Books using FA Deferments

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851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 | RCTC.EDU | 507.285.7557 | 1.800.247.1296

JANUARY 20 17

ROCHESTER COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

New Year’s Day

26 2

27 New Student Application Deadline - Spring 2017 (Fast Pass Day)

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Spring Semester Begins

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Full Moon

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Martin Luther King Holiday - No Classes

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Beat the Odds Scholarship Awards

12

Student Success Day Non Classroom Opportunities Available

Last Day to Set Up FACTS/NELNET Payment Plan Last Day to Drop (Full-term Courses)

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Last Day for All Book Returns

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Faculty Duty Day - No Classes

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851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 | RCTC.EDU | 507.285.7557 | 1.800.247.1296

FEBRUARY 20 17

ROCHESTER COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

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Groundhog Day

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Account Balances - Due in Full to Avoid Late Fees

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Full Moon

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Valentine’s Day

13 President’s Day - No Classes

Spring/Summer Grad Application Deadline

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851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 | RCTC.EDU | 507.285.7557 | 1.800.247.1296

MARCH 20 17

ROCHESTER COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE MONDAY

27 Spring Break - No Classes

RCTC Horticulture students participated in the National Collegiate Landscape Competition at Mississippi State University. In addition to individual competitions, they also competed in four team events. This is the fourth year the students have attended the competition.

WEDNESDAY

28 Spring Break - No Classes

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HORTICULTURE STUDENTS PLACE AT NATIONAL COMPETITION

TUESDAY

1 Spring Break - No Classes

7

THURSDAY

2 Spring Break - No Classes

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FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Online Scholarship Application Portal Closes

3

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Spring Break - No Classes

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SUNDAY

5 Full Moon

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Daylight Saving Begins

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St. Patrick’s Day

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First Day of Spring

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Faculty Duty Day - No Classes

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851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 | RCTC.EDU | 507.285.7557 | 1.800.247.1296

APRIL 20 17

ROCHESTER COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

April Fool’s Day

SUMMER PAYMENT INFO Tuition and fees must be paid in full or an approved deferment in place by Friday, May 12, 2017. After this date, payment is due at the time of registration.

Friday, June 2, 2017 is the last day to set up a FACTS/ NELNET payment plan.

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Full Moon

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Priority Deadline for 2017/2018 FAFSA

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Last Day to Withdraw from Classes

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Income Taxes Due

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HLC Visit

24 1

HLC Visit

HLC Visit

Scholarship Awards Night

Administrative Professionals’ Day

25 2

Career Fair

Arbor Day

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851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 | RCTC.EDU | 507.285.7557 | 1.800.247.1296

MAY 20 17

ROCHESTER COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Book Buy Back Opens

1 8

2 9

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Spring Semester Ends

Commencement

Full Moon

Book Buy Back Ends

10

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Summer Tuition Due

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7 Mother’s Day

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First Day of Summer

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Memorial Day

Armed Forces Day

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Summer Session Begins

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851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 | RCTC.EDU | 507.285.7557 | 1.800.247.1296

JUNE 20 17

ROCHESTER COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE MONDAY

29

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

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31

THURSDAY

1

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Last Day to Set Up FACTS/NELNET Payment Plan

SUNDAY

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Full Moon

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Flag Day

Yellowjacket Golf Classic Scholarship Fundraiser

Father’s Day

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851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 | RCTC.EDU | 507.285.7557 | 1.800.247.1296

JULY 20 17

ROCHESTER COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE MONDAY

31

TUESDAY

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WEDNESDAY

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THURSDAY

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FRIDAY

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SUNDAY

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Independence Day Holiday - No Classes

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851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 | RCTC.EDU | 507.285.7557 | 1.800.247.1296

AUGUST 20 17

ROCHESTER COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Fall Tuition Due

31

1

2

Full Moon

Friday, August 26, 2017 is the last day to set up a FACTS/NELNET payment plan.

To avoid late fees, account balances need to be paid in full by October 2, 2017.

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Summer Session Ends

7

FALL PAYMENT INFO Tuition and fees must be paid in full or an approved deferment in place by Friday, August 4, 2017.

After this date, payment is due at the time of registration.

3

8

9 Welcome Day

14

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Fall Semester Starts

21

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4

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Student Success Day Non Classroom Opportunities Available

Last Day to Set Up FACTS/NELNET Payment Plan

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Last Day to Drop (Full-term Courses)

851 30TH AVENUE SE | ROCHESTER, MN 55904 | RCTC.EDU | 507.285.7557 | 1.800.247.1296

HIGHLIGHTS Eight RCTC Students Earn Academic Student Athlete Awards RCTC is proud of its eight student-athletes who have been recognized by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) for its 2015-2016 Academic StudentAthlete Awards. Honoring academic performance throughout each individual's collegiate career, there are three classifications of the NJCAA Academic StudentAthlete Awards: Pinnacle Academic Excellence Award: 4.00 GPA; Superior Academic Achievement Award: 3.80-3.99 GPA; Exemplary Academic Achievement Award: 3.60-3.79 GPA Exemplary Academic Achievement Award winners include: Kamery Garlick, Callie Hanley, Victoria Peterson, Nicolas Rooney, Christina Stanger, and Tyler Vogt.

Brandon Bergen received the Superior Academic Achievement Award, and Spencer Tollefson received the Pinnacle Academic Excellence Award.

RCTC’s 2016 Outstanding Educator Award Recipients Annie Clement and Shelli Arneson were elected to receive the RCTC 2016 Outstanding Educator Award.

Amanda King was named this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty of the Year award.

A total of 35 Minnesota State Educator of the Year recipients have been awarded since the inception of the recognition program. To date, RCTC has had six of its faculty members honored with this prestigious Educator of the Year award.

Congratulations to Annie, Shelli, and Amanda!

STEM Summit Continues at RCTC More than 2,000 students from 23 schools across the Southeast Minnesota region attended the STEM Summit at the Regional Sports Center in November. The STEM Summit highlights careers that involve science, technology, engineering, and math skills with hands-on, interactive exhibits. The summit brings together business, higher education, local government, and communities to motivate and prepare students for an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

Senator Al Franken Visits RCTC United States Senator Al Franken (DFL-MN) visited RCTC to tour facilities and discuss the new CTECH (Career and Technical Education Center at Heintz). This visit highlighted the relationship between RCTC, Rochester Public Schools and Winona State University along with the Rochester business community on their work to promote technical and career education.

RCTC Hosts Chinese Delegation RCTC hosted a special international delegation of 19 Chinese colleges and polytechnics. The delegation, sponsored by the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), seeks to collaborate with US colleges and universities to create articulation agreements that will allow Chinese students to begin their college education in China and continue their studies in the US to obtain American degrees and credentials.

The delegation looks to create partnerships with American institutions to enhance their programmatic offerings, heighten internationalization and global perspectives of faculty and staff from both countries, as well as create faculty exchange and student cultural opportunities. A few Chinese institutions participating in the CEAIE Delegation are: Hebei College of Industry and Technology, Rizhao Polytechnic, Quindao Technical College, Ningbo Polytechnic, Sichuan Post and Telecommunication College, Nanjing Vocational Institute of Science and Technology, and Nanjing Institute of Industry Technology.

RCTC Announces Associate Degree Nursing Student NCLEX Pass Rates RCTC associate degree nursing students performed very well on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in the first quarter of 2016.

RCTC students achieved a 94.87 percent pass rate of those who took the test for the first time. The national average for similar ADN programs is 81 percent.

The test, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, tests students on their aptitude in all areas of nursing including management of care; safety and infection control; health promotion and maintenance; psycho-social integrity; basic care and comfort; pharmacological and parenteral therapies; reduction of risk potential; and physiological adaptation.

RCTC Men’s Wrestling The RCTC men’s wrestling team earned championship honors in six of the 10 weight classes at the 2016 MCAC Championship.

RCTC Instructor Achieves a Minnesota First!

RCTC Health/PE instructor, M.J. Wagenson, became the first woman to referee at a Minnesota boys’ basketball tournament on March 9, 2016. M.J. was mentioned by name on the local TV station, and the sports commentator sent his congratulations to her and said, "She is as solid as they come." Congratulations, M.J.! We are proud of you for breaking that glass ceiling and being a leader in our state and region!

RCTC Instructor Recognized with PTK Paragon Advisor Award RCTC Psychology Instructor Dr. Jamie Mahlberg was presented with the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Paragon Advisor Award. RCTC students initiated the nomination last fall, and the Min-Kota Region of PTK recognized Dr. Mahlberg with this outstanding new PTK advisor award.

SBDC Receives Excellence and Innovation Center of the Year For its efforts to help 21 new businesses add over $13 million to the economy in the southeastern part of Minnesota, the Southeast Small Business Development

Center at Rochester Community and Technical College was chosen as Minnesota's SBDC 2015 Excellence and Innovation Center of the Year.

In 2015, SE MN SBDC, hosted by Rochester Community and Technical College, provided 2,814 consulting hours to more than 360 clients across 11 counties. The Minnesota SBDC network is recognized as the state's preeminent, nationally accredited provider of professional business consultation services, generating significant regional economic impact.

RCTC’s Interim President, Joyce Helens Joyce Helens, President of St. Cloud Technical and Community College (SCTCC) since 2006, was named Acting President of Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) effective January 9. The appointment followed the resignation of President Leslie McClellon.

Helens was officially named RCTC’s Interim President at the Minnesota State Board of Trustees meeting on January 27.

RCTC’s New Interim President, Dr. Mary Davenport The Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities appointed Dr. Mary Davenport to serve as the Interim President of Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) effective July 1, 2016.

Davenport has served in Minnesota state higher education for 28 years. Since 2012, she served Riverland Community College (Austin, Albert Lea, Owatonna) as Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs.

Previously, she served in various capacities at Saint Paul College from 2011 to 2012, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities from 1995 to 2011, and the Minnesota Technical College System from 1993 to 1995. She also served at Hibbing Community College from 1988 to 1993, and was on the faculty of Colorado State University from 1985 to 1988 and the University of Wisconsin-Stout from 1982 to 1985. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, master’s degrees and a specialist degree from the University of WisconsinStout, and a doctorate from Colorado State University.

Vice President of Student Affairs Appointed RCTC named Michael Anthony, Ph.D. as the College’s next Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. Anthony is the Chief Student Affairs Officer with responsibility for the College’s student services areas including admissions, financial aid, student life, student conduct, security and athletics.

Dr. Anthony comes to RCTC from Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, IL, where he served as the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer (CDO). Dr. Anthony earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development from the University of Louisville (KY), his Master of Arts in Higher Education from the University of Louisville, and his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management/ Marketing from North Carolina State University.

RCTC Launched New Online Cancer Registry Management Program RCTC’s new Cancer Registry Management certificate received full accreditation by the National Cancer Registry Association (NCRA). RCTC is among only six colleges in the nation to offer a certificate program in cancer registry management.

RCTC Celebrated Its 100th Commencement Rochester Community and Technical College held its 100th annual commencement ceremony on May 12. A total of 1,040 students graduated; 183 of whom graduated with high honors (a grade point average of 3.75 or above). Additionally, 135 students graduated with honors (a grade point average of 3.5 – 3.749).

RCTC Men’s Basketball Wins Second Place in National NJCAA Championship!

RCTC men’s basketball team traveled to New York to compete in the NJCAA Division III National Tournament, and came home with a second place win! This is the third time in seven years that RCTC men’s basketball has placed second in the national NJCAA tournament.

The Yellowjackets finished the season 30-3 overall.

Congratulations, Yellowjackets!

RCTC’s CAD Students Collaborate with Area High School RCTC’s Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) students teamed up with Triton Middle School in Dodge Center to design three unique storage units for laptop Chromebook computers. CAD students designed the projects using SolidWorks software and made the prototypes with various equipment available at the College. Three design teams were created and were comprised of RCTC Computer Aided Drafting students. One team used a laser and two teams used a computer controlled router (Shopbot) to create the prototypes.

Horticulture Students Place at National Competition The RCTC Horticulture students participated in the National Collegiate Landscape Competition March 16-19 at Mississippi State University. RCTC students Jeremy Garner, Brandon Huth, Andy Robertson, and Hunter Tulip made the trip to Mississippi to participate this year. This is the fourth year that RCTC students have attended the competition.

Garner participated in Compact Excavator Operation and Skid Steer Operation; Robertson participated in Small Engine Repair; and Tulip participated in Tractor Backhoe Operation and Construction Cost Estimating. Garner placed fifth in Skid Steer Operation out of 683 students and first in Compact Excavator Operation.

The Cancer Registry Management certificate is the fourth option in RCTC’s Health Information Management Career programs. These four options include the Health Information Technology A.A.S. degree; the Coding Specialist diploma; the Healthcare Informatics certificate; and the new Cancer Registry Management certificate.

All four programs are offered completely online which attracts students from around the United States.

RCTC Student Named 2016 New Century Scholar RCTC student, Andrea Walker, was named a 2016 New Century Scholar, by achieving the state’s highest score in the All-USA Community College Academic Team competition. The Rochester-native majored in physics and held a 4.0 GPA. The All-USA Program is sponsored by Follett Higher Education Group and presented by USA TODAY and Phi Theta Kappa. More than 1,900 students were nominated from more than 1,000 community colleges for recognition. Judges consider grades, leadership, activities and most importantly, how students extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom.

New Century Scholars are the highest scoring students in each state, with an additional student chosen from among one of the seven sovereign nations where Phi Theta Kappa is represented internationally. Each scholar received a $2,000 scholarship and certificate and was recognized in Chicago, Illinois on April 12 during the American Association of Community Colleges Convention.

HIGHLIGHTS RCTC Students Recognized by Minnesota Newspaper Association Three RCTC students won awards in the collegiate division of the Minnesota Newspaper Association’s 2014-2015 Better Newspaper Contest.

Zech Sindt placed second in government/public affairs reporting for his story headlined “Are remedial classes on death row?” Judges noted that “it’s not always easy to take esoteric policy and bring it home by defining why people should care — particularly college students.

This piece does a nice job of connecting the dots and explaining the issue in a clear and transparent way.”

Grace Boyum placed third for column writing and third for business writing. Judges said her column, headlined “The movie theater has become our modern coliseum,” has “nice commentary on movie violence.” Boyum’s business story — headlined “Which hair product is a cut above the rest?” — recounted an RCTC chemistry student’s research into the effectiveness of hair conditioners.

Tracie Lee placed third in arts and entertainment reporting for her feature headlined “No scientists needed for ‘The Local Experiment,'” which profiled a locally produced web series.

All three are 2015 RCTC graduates. Sindt, who was the Echo’s editor in chief from October 2014 through December 2015, transferred to Winona State University.

Boyum, a staff writer and columnist for the Echo from 2013 to 2015, is continuing her education at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Lee, who served as the Echo’s editor in chief in 2014, has been working as a freelance writer and as a paraprofessional for the Byron School District.

The students received their awards January 28 at the Minnesota Newspaper Association’s annual convention in Bloomington.

RCTC’s Quarterback Named Male Athlete of the Year Rochester Community and Technical College Yellowjacket Football team quarterback, Nick Rooney, was named Male Athlete of the Year at the Rochester Area Sports Banquet held on January 26. A Minnetonka native, Rooney led the Yellowjackets to an 11-1 season; a Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC) state title; and a National

Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) championship game appearance, the Mississippi Bowl.

During his playing career, Rooney amassed 11 RCTC records:

year, honors outstanding mathematics educators at twoyear schools. There were four instructors from across the country who were honored this year. ViAnn also won the MinnMATYC statewide Minnesota award in 2014.

• • • • • • • • • • •

RCTC Football Plays in NJCAA National Championship The Rochester Community and Technical College Yellowjackets competed at Northwest Mississippi Community College for the NJCAA Division III National Championship in the Mississippi Bowl VIII. The Yellowjackets were ranked #2 in the NJCAA poll and Northwest Mississippi Community College was ranked #1. The national championship game was played on December 6 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Although the Yellowjackets did not win the national championship, they proudly finished their season 11-1. Congratulations Yellowjackets!

Passing yards in a game at 569 Passing yards in a season at 4,341 Passing yards in a career at 7,884 Highest passing percentage in a season at 67.8% Highest passing percentage in a career at 65.5% Passing touchdowns in a game at eight Passing touchdowns in a season at 57 Passing touchdowns in a career at 105 Total offense of 559 yards in a game Total offense of 4,304 yards in a season Total offense of 7,816 yards in a career

Of these RCTC records, Rooney set three new NJCAA records: passing touchdowns in a season, career passing touchdowns, and career passing yards.

Rooney has been awarded first team NJCAA All-American, first team AllRegion, and first team All-Conference and Division honors. In addition, he was named RCTC Football’s team MVP and was a four-time NJCAA National Player of the Week. Congratulations, Nick!

RCTC Nursing Honor Society, Alpha Delta Nu, Holds First Induction RCTC honored 16 Associate Degree Nursing students at the Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society’s first induction ceremony on January 21. RCTC’s Delta Alpha chapter of Alpha Delta Nu was granted chapter status in October of 2015.

RCTC Disc Golf Club Wins Bid to 2016 National Championship RCTC’s Disc Golf Club won a bid to the 2016 National Collegiate Disc Golf Championship. RCTC landed a second-place win and automatic bid to the nationals, which were held in April in North Augusta, South Carolina.

Club members include: Clay Ebertowski, Dominique Whitehorn, Eric Jenneke, James Sandifer, Justin Kindle, Nate Zaske, Steven Gabrielson, Dan Seechan and Tim Bowe.

RCTC Women’s Volleyball Win NJCAA Nationals!

For the first time in College history, the RCTC women’s volleyball team won the National NJCAA Division III Championship! The RCTC Yellowjackets finished their season 27-6 overall with their victory over Brookhaven (Texas) in the NJCAA DIII Volleyball championship match.

Congratulations, Yellowjackets!

The Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society recognizes the academic excellence of students in the Associate Degree Nursing major. Students applying to the Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society must have a 3.0 GPA or better in all of their nursing classes and demonstrate conduct that reflects integrity and professionalism in all clinical areas.

RCTC Instructor Receives Teaching Excellence Award RCTC Math Instructor ViAnn Olson, Ed. D., was awarded a 2015 Teaching Excellence Award from the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC).

Olson, a 28-year faculty member, was presented the award on November 21 at the AMATYC convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. The award, given every other

Photo Credit: Rochester Amateur Sports Commission

RCTC Volleyball Players and Head Coach Receive Awards at National Tournament RCTC’s Jessica Foster was selected the Most Valuable Player at the NJCAA DIII Volleyball Championship Tournament. Jessica is a returning sophomore and setter on RCTC’s 2015 National Volleyball Championship team. Four additional RCTC players were named to the National Volleyball All-Tournament team. These players include freshmen Ashley Bichel (MB), Jesnasha Jamison (OH) and Carly McCabe (L) and returning sophomore, Tori Peterson (MB).

The team’s head coach, Amber Zitzow, was selected Coach of the NJCAA DIII Volleyball Tournament. Amber has been honored with three consecutive Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC) Southern Division Coach of the Year awards (2013, 2014, 2015). Amber was also named NJCAA Division III Region 13A Coach of the Year in 2014 and NJCAA Division III District E Coach of the Year in 2014.

RCTC Hosts Regional Sports Stadium Grand Opening With the third phase of the Regional Sports Stadium complete, RCTC hosted a grand opening on November 3. The expansion increased seating capacity from 1,500 to 5,000 seats; created a new entrance building that includes ticket sales and restroom facilities; and constructed a new stadium building that includes changing rooms, concessions, and restroom facilities.

Stadium expansion work started in 2007. The first two phases included the construction of the original stadium with artificial turf, seating for 1,500, and a press box, all completed in May 2008 along with the later installation of the dome support foundation, related equipment, and inflatable dome fabric, completed in 2009.

RCTC Participates in International Walk to School Day RCTC football players spent the morning of October 7 with students from Pinewood Elementary School during International Walk to School Day. International Walk to School Day is a global event, involving more than 40 countries that started in 1997. This event is celebrated every October and has become a way to designate safe routes to schools and through communities.

RCTC Students Present at Academic High Altitude Conference Rochester Community and Technical College students Andrea Walker and Nathan Brown were presenters on June 29 at the Midwest regional meeting of the Academic High Altitude Conference held at St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul. Andrea and Nathan’s abstracts outlined their experiences with a High-Altitude Balloon (HAB) project, which included a cosmic ray detector.

“RCTC Physics and Engineering had a very successful second balloon launch this month,” said Dr. Rod Milbrandt, RCTC Physics Instructor. “The students, together with Steve Keidl and other retired engineer volunteers, designed, built, tested, and launched a cosmic ray detector to near space altitude (91,000 feet) and retrieved the payload successfully.” Milbrandt notes that early analysis of pressure, temperature and cosmic ray data collected closely matched predictions.

Both Walker and Brown agree that opportunities like these greatly enhance their academic experience. RCTC Physics and Engineering plans to continue balloon launches each spring going forward with different student projects.

RCTC College Relations and Marketing Department Received Paragon Awards The RCTC College Relations and Marketing Department was recognized for outstanding work by the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations. This nationwide group is the only organization of its kind that exclusively represents marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges.

Each year NCMPR hosts their Paragon Awards with thousands of entries from schools all across the country.

RCTC is very proud to be amongst the schools which won awards. In the Novelty category, RCTC received a Gold award for our Centennial t-shirt. In the Annual Report "B" category (larger staff and agencies), RCTC took home the bronze for the 2015-16 Vision Book. Both projects were led by Graphic Arts Specialist, Jenee McGurren.

Shining Stars Dale Amy, Shelli Arneson, Marilyn Baker, Don Baldus, Jon Benson, Simona Baias, Natasha Boe, Chris Bushaw, Jen Bruce, Dave Carr, Jerry Casper, Annie Clement, Michelle Cochran, Shelly Danielson, Beth Diekmann, Cara Fox, Brenda Frame, Greg Frana, Patti Gangl, Lynn Guenette, Lori Halverson-Wente, Andy Hamann, Guy Hamernik, Tara Hammill, Anna Hanson, Steve Herrik, Darin Hoffman, Chad Israelson, Judy Kingsbury, Ron Klavetter, Joe Kollar, Brooke Kosok, Katrina Kuhlmann, Brian LaPlante, Donnie Lien, Jamie Mahlberg, Jenee McGurren, Ajay Mehra, Michelle Messenger, Evan Mitchell, Renea Mohler, Lisa Mohr, Cheryl Morgan, Pam O’Hara, Tricia Olinger, Melissa Pentz, Janell Peterson, Diane Pollock, Randy Rager, Roxy Roadway, Michon Rogers, Anthony Rostvold, Katie Rudolph, Glen Saponari, James Scott, Jeremy Sell, Nancy Shumaker, Ruth Siefert, Heather Sklenicka, Nate Smith, Nate Stoltman, Dan Vedamuthu, MJ Wagenson, Kate Wallace, Jenny White, Pam Whitfield, Shirley Wilson, and Amber Zitzow.

Best Bees April/May – Patti Gangl March – Dennis Olson February – Melanie Callister November – John Buchl October – Team Award: Karla Alexander, Jerry Becker, Mike Froisland, Craig Knox, Marty Leonard, Donnie Lien, Josh Whalen, Andrew Ziebell

• • • • •

Retiree’s • Earle Drenchkhahn • Jamie Prasser • ViAnn Olson • Cloey Haug • Katherine Hanson • Dana Piens • Nancy Hust In Memory • David Carisch, Retired Biology Instructor • Jerry Dabler, Former Business Instructor • Lois Fitzgerald, Retired Athletic Department Secretary • Maureen Hart, Retired Director of Displaced Homemaker Grant • Thomas Hosier, Physical Education Instructor/Former Football Coach • Donald Lavine, Retired Engineering Technology Instructor • Hugh Leslie, Retired General Maintenance Worker • Gordon Meyers, Retired Biology Instructor • John Murray, Retired Director Farm and Small Business Management Program • Gary Schattschneider, Retired Theatre/Speech Instructor

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