RCTC’S CALENDAR REPORT IS PUBLISHED ANNUALLY FOR MEMBERS OF THE RCTC COMMUNITY.
PUBLICATION STAFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING, AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS
NATE STOLTMAN
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
JENEE MCGURREN
MARKETING SPECIALIST/COPYWRITER
MICHELLE MESSENGER
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
BEN HAIN
MICHELLE MESSENGER
JENEE MCGURREN
ALLISON PASSON
RCTC ATHLETICS
NATE STOLTMAN
CONTENT MAY BE REPRODUCED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE RCTC COLLEGE RELATIONS OFFICE. COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS CAN BE SENT TO:
COLLEGERELATIONS@RCTC.EDU
RCTC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND EDUCATOR.
ALTERNATIVE FORMATS OF THIS DOCUMENT ARE AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES AT 507-280-2968.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Established in 1915 through a proposal by Dr. Charles Mayo, Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) holds the distinction of being Minnesota’s oldest public two-year college. Over its 110-year history, RCTC has witnessed countless graduates crossing its stage and achieving their academic goals. RCTC empowers students to thrive in an ever-changing, diverse society by providing access to exceptional education. We remain committed to improving lives through learning.
As a significant driver in the regional economy, RCTC supports 1,785 jobs and has an estimated regional economic impact of $234.9 million. Additionally, the College generates approximately $18.7 million in tax revenues for state and local government. Furthermore, the degrees awarded by RCTC are projected to yield an additional state income of $6 billion due to increased productivity. We continue to strive to amplify the College’s influence through diverse collaborations with community and business partners to advance economic impact and career preparedness.
Our 2024-25 Annual Report highlights the remarkable achievements of our exceptional students, faculty, and staff. We are proud to serve students from diverse backgrounds. Our commitment to reducing achievement gaps is evident through intentional student support services and the positive relationships we build with our students. We have also observed an increase in concurrently enrolled students, and we eagerly embrace the opportunity to guide them through their college journey. Our studentathletes delivered outstanding performances this year. The women’s soccer team captured both the conference and regional championships, while the women’s volleyball team earned a spot in the National Tournament. Additionally, the men’s wrestling and women’s basketball teams triumphed as national champions. Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or part of the staff, there’s a sense of pride and camaraderie that comes with being part of this vibrant Yellowjacket community. Let’s celebrate the achievements together!
On behalf of the entire RCTC community, we express our gratitude for your support and invite you to be part of our future success stories.
Sincerely,
Jeffery S. Boyd, Ed.D. President
RCTC empowers students to thrive in an ever-changing, diverse society by providing access to exceptional education.
STRATEGIC PLAN
2024-2028
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Achieve equitable student outcomes through inclusive collaboration, innovative teaching, and active learning environments that meet the ever-changing needs of students, employers, and the community.
OBJECTIVE 1
Foster a culture of professional growth that expands expertise in culturally relevant pedagogy, innovation, technology, and active teaching strategies
OBJECTIVE 2
Cultivate inclusive and cross-campus collaboration that supports excellent educational outcomes
OBJECTIVE 3
Utilize innovative technology and learning spaces to improve the educational experience and academic outcomes
OBJECTIVE 4
Assess programs, curriculum, modalities, and learning experiences to support continuous improvement in accessibility, equity, and learning outcomes
OBJECTIVE 5
Leverage the experiences and address the unique needs of our ever-changing student body
STUDENT SUCCESS
Maximize student potential through equityminded practices, proactive academic planning, comprehensive support services, personalized communications, and relationship building.
OBJECTIVE 1
Offer students relevant programming, pathways, and wraparound services that support student achievement and growth
OBJECTIVE 2
Provide clear guidance to students to facilitate achievement of personal, education, and career goals
OBJECTIVE 3
Elevate the student voice in decision making and increased student governance
OBJECTIVE 4
Build a more inclusive campus community where students see themselves in all aspects of the College
SUSTAINABILITY
Optimize the College’s growth and viability by creating an inclusive culture of excellence and accountability that maximizes resources.
OBJECTIVE 1
Recruit, develop, grow, and retain employees that reflect the diverse communities that we serve
OBJECTIVE 2
Steward current resources and establish additional revenue streams for long-term growth
OBJECTIVE 3
Allocate resources for exceptional facilities, space utilization, energy efficiency, and technology infrastructure for the benefit of our students and community
OBJECTIVE 4
Increase student educational access and opportunity to ensure a healthy institution
OBJECTIVE 5
Nurture a culture of continuous improvement driven by community and employee engagement, transparent communications, creativity, risk-taking, and data informed decision making
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Amplify the College’s influence through diverse collaborations with community and business partners to advance economic impact and career preparedness.
OBJECTIVE 1
Grow awareness of the value of an RCTC education and its economic impact
OBJECTIVE 2
Align programming and prepare learners to meet current and emerging needs of employers and the community
OBJECTIVE 3
Model diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts on campus and within the community
OBJECTIVE 4
Establish formal structures to grow partnerships
OBJECTIVE 5
Contribute to regional quality of life through engaging entertainment, meaningful events, and lifelong learning opportunities
SEPTEMBER 2025
OCTOBER 2025
NOVEMBER 2025
DECEMBER 2025
HANUKKAH BEGINS
JANUARY 2026
FEBRUARY 2026
RAMADAN BEGINS* (*Predicted - Date May Move)
ACADEMIC
MARCH 2026
APRIL 2026
MAY 2026
JUNE 2026
JULY 2026
AUGUST 2026
PAST YEAR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND HIGHLIGHTS
COMMENCEMENT 2025
RCTC celebrated its 109th Commencement Ceremony with 923 graduation candidates from fall, spring, and summer terms. Approximately 40% of these students graduated with honors or high honors. More than 346 students participated in Commencement to celebrate this milestone with their families and friends.
FACULTY AND STAFF RECOGNITION
Mike Lester, RCTC Athletic Director, was inducted into the Saint Mary’s University (SMU) Hall of Fame. Before joining RCTC, Lester served as the head volleyball coach at SMU for 18 seasons, where he built a legacy of excellence and leadership. This honor recognizes his exceptional coaching career and lasting contributions to SMU’s athletic program.
The National Football League (NFL) named Health and Physical Education instructor Mary Jane “MJ” Wagenson as part of the High School Officiating Crew of the Year. Nominated by the Minnesota Vikings, the NFL recognized five officials for their performance and contributions to the Minnesota State High School League during the 2024 season. All crew members attended the Pro Bowl Games in Orlando where they had the opportunity to officiate team and skill challenges.
Wagenson was also honored with the Marie Berg Education Award from the National Girls and Women in Sport-Minnesota (NGWS-MN) at their annual celebration on February 3, 2025. The award is named for Marie Berg, a Grand Meadow native and student athlete, who later went on to teach physical education.
Bonnie Robinson and William Frame were named as RCTC’s 2025 Outstanding Educator and Outstanding Adjunct Educator.
Jason Bonde, RCTC’s TRIO Director and Head Women’s Basketball Coach, was named the 2025 NJCAA DIII Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year. The honor comes after his Yellowjacket squad took home the national championship title in 2023, and again in 2025. The Yellowjackets were national runner-up in 2024. Bonde started as head coach in 2019.
The RCTC College Relations Team was awarded a Bronze Paragon in the 2024 National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) annual Paragon Awards. RCTC’s submission was one of the three best entries from two-year schools across the country. This same submission also earned an award in the NCMPR Region 5 Medallion competition last fall. The Paragon Awards are judged by marketing and communications experts who work in those fields.
STUDENT RECOGNITION
RCTC students Brianna Green and Caitlin Hansen, both of Rochester, were named to the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa 2024–2025 All-Minnesota Academic Team. Brianna is currently pursuing degrees in Early Childhood Care and Education, and Liberal Arts and Sciences. Caitlin recently completed the Psychology Transfer Pathway. Both students exemplify a strong commitment to academic excellence and meaningful service to their community. Each student received a $500 Pepsi - Phi Theta Kappa scholarship through the RCTC Foundation.
Students (AJ Muylaert, Khalidah AlKhafaji, Jade Falkenhan, and Bella McGrath) presented their research at the Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium in April. The Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium prepares undergraduates to enter science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields by providing a forum for students to showcase their scientific research, receive comments from professional scientists and peers, and network with professionals in the fields they aspire to enter.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND HIGHLIGHTS
RCTC student senators Sudi Adow and Marco Loera Alvarez were elected LeadMN President and Vice President. LeadMN is the Minnesota two-year college student association which helps to foster leadership skills, advocacy, and drive community impact.
A dominant season for the Yellowjacket Women’s Basketball Team was led by a talented athlete who propelled her team to a national title. Macaya Copeland was named the 2025 NJCAA DIII Women’s Basketball Player of the Year. As a sophomore guard, Copeland ended the year as an NJCAA DIII Women’s Basketball First Team All-American selection. Copeland was named as one of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference Players of the Year. She was also selected as an MCAC Women’s Basketball All-Region 13 member alongside teammate Kara Goetzinger. In addition, Kara Goetzinger, Macaya Copeland, and Nyomi Crushshon were named to the All-Tournament Team.
The RCTC Yellowjacket Wrestling Team took home NJCAA DIII National Champion honors at the NJCAA National Tournament. This win is the second-in-a-row and seventh team title. Head Coach Andy Hackenmueller took home DIII Coach of the Year honors as well.
RCTC’s Wrestling Team was named a finalist for the 19th annual Rochester Sports Banquet. Five finalists in each of six categories were selected by a panel of Rochester media representatives and SE MN sport experts. The 30 finalists represent a wide variety of sports.
CAMPUS NEWS AND EVENTS
RCTC employees were able to brighten the holidays of 46 students through it’s Giving Tree. Each gift package averaged five gifts each, totaling 235 individual gifts given. What is more, nearly 90% of gift requests received were for someone else. Over 30 RCTC employees contributed to this effort.
RCTC was named Best of the Best in Higher Education in 2024 for the 8th straight year in the Post Bulletin’s annual reader’s choice contest.
RCTC received a $30,000 National Science Foundation grant to support faculty development, mentorship, program assessment, and promotion of RCTC’s new Cybersecurity program.
RCTC received a $10,000 grant in September of 2024 to “Grow the Trades.” These funds covered $10,000 worth of DeWalt tools for RCTC’s Career and Technical Education programs.
RCTC received a grant from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education Hunger-Free Campus initiative to increase food access for students at RCTC’s Heintz Center campus. The grant helped to purchase a new commercial fridge/freezer, food, and fund some minor renovations for the Heintz Center Hive Supply.
RCTC’s Physics and Engineering Club held its annual Physics Demo Shows on February 22. Led by physics faculty and students, these engaging and educational demonstrations showcased the wonders of physics with exciting experiments, audience participation, and thrilling displays of lightning, fire, and even a bed of nails!
CAMPUS NEWS AND EVENTS
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND HIGHLIGHTS
RCTC FOUNDATION
On January 8, the business faculty hosted the Business Professionals of America (BPA) Region 3 student competition at RCTC. Approximately 375 high school business students, teachers, and judges were on campus for this competition.
The Academic Success Center is the new name for the former Learning Centers (Math, Science, and Writing), now all located on the second floor of the Goddard Library. The Center provides services that assist students in achieving their educational and personal goals in an environment that accommodates individual learning needs.
RCTC received a grant of $350,000 from the Delta Dental Foundation Grant to expand RCTC’s Dental Assistant and Dental Hygiene programs.
RCTC also received a $50,000 grant from the Mayo Clinic Foundation Community Contributions program. Adding a new state-of-the-art simulation clinic will allow each of RCTC’s dental programs to grow by 25%. The new dental clinic will enrich dental education at RCTC, increase the allied dental workforce, and expand access to dental services in our region.
In November, RCTC was proud to host the annual Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce’s STEAM Summit. The event brought over 2,200 area junior and high school students to campus to learn about careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
With your support, the RCTC Foundation invests in scholarships; supporting student basic needs; enhancing academic and athletic programs; and raising funds to respond to emerging needs and opportunities.
In the past academic year, the RCTC Foundation
sub-committee, by providing information by submitting evidence documents to support our argument claims, and/or by participating in a mock visit and preparing to participate in the sessions during the visit. RCTC will submit its narrative early in the Fall of 2026. The HLC Peer Review Team will visit our campus in November 2026.
• Awarded over 350 scholarships totaling more than $500,000.
• Helped provide 3,079 bags of groceries through our on-campus food pantry, the HIVE Supply.
• Invested more than $50,000 in expanded learning experiences and an additional $50,000 of equipment and other in-kind donations in support of our academic programs.
In January, the RCTC Foundation was awarded a $10,000 grant by State Farm for its “Nourish to Flourish” grant. Funding from this grant will enhance food access for students at the Heintz Center campus through the expansion of the HIVE Supply on-campus food pantry. This initiative aims to address food insecurity and alleviate financial stress, making education more accessible and ensuring that students can focus on their academic success.
ACCREDITATION
As we look ahead to the next academic year, RCTC will be preparing for an upcoming HLC site visit. The HLC Steering Committee was created to plan the writing process for next year. Five sub-committees will be established (one for each of the four criteria, and one for our federal compliance filing).
We will spend the 2025-26 academic year preparing our assurance argument and collecting the necessary evidence files. Everyone on campus will be involved in this process in some way – through participation in a
ART, MUSIC, AND THEATER
RCTC Theater presented its 2025 spring production, “Swimming in the Shallows”. This production was written by Adam Bock and directed by Josiah Laubenstein.
RCTC’s Concert Band, Concert Choir, and Jazz Ensemble celebrated with a “Spring Finale” on May 1st. Music selections included a wide variety such as 1812 Overture, Stand By Me, Times They Are A Changin’ and more.
RCTC Music presented “Joy To The World” in December. The evening featured a collection of fun and festive music by the RCTC Concert Band, Concert Choir, and Jazz Ensemble. William Frame and Nicholas Johnson were conducting.
RCTC YOUTH CAMPS
RCTC offered several camp opportunities again this summer including: Aviation, Fiction Writing, Guitar Improv, Make It and Take It, and several sessions of Youth Football Skills camp.
