•Trena Thome (2006-08 — RIVERLAND/AFA Theatre, Iowa State University/BS Sociology, Capella University/MS Mental Health Counseling) “I would like to thank Kris Gullord and Jerry Girton for supporting my endeavors even long after my graduation from Riverland. Thank you for inspiring me to do my best. Highlight — Successfully case managing my first client in a mental health setting and co-authorship in publishing a journal article to the American College of Cardiology.” •Kayla Jorgenson (2005-07 — RIVERLAND/AA, UW-Stout) “Riverland was a great way for me to get a head start while doing postsecondary education. I loved Riverland! Great friends and really helped me get out of my box and prepare for future education!” •Renee Lee (1999-2007 — RIVERLAND/ Computer Support, Liberal Arts, Human Services, Mankato State/BS — Developmental and Cognitive Disabilities, St. Mary’s University/MED — Teaching and Learning) “I teach elementary students with special needs. I was nominated within the district for Teacher of the Year. I am in the process of obtaining my Autism Certification. But my true career highlights and achievements lie within each of my students as they learn and grow.” •Keri Levesque (2001-04 — RIVERLAND/Human Services) “The process was smooth and easy. I loved the instructors and they became like extended family. They made learning fun and worth the money I was spending on school.” •Kelsey Seifert McLaughlin (2006-09 — RIVERLAND/ AFA Theatre, Argosy University/AS — Radiologic Technology) “I not only received a great education, but also will treasure and always appreciate the experiences I had there.” •Melanie Hanson (2007-09 — RIVERLAND/Liberal
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Arts, UW LaCrosse/BS Biochemistry and Biology/ UW Madison — PhD Pharmacy — pending) “I learned valuable skills from Riverland that I then went on to apply to my learning in other programs of study. Study techniques, time management, and communication skills were among the most crucial skills I was able to improve upon before moving toward the achievement of my bachelor’s degree.” •Jenny Ingvaldson (2008-10 — RIVERLAND/Liberal Arts) “Riverland is an awesome school to attend right out of high school. It makes the transition from high school to college so much easier. I also loved living on campus!” •Brooke Monson-DeBoer (2007-10 — RIVERLAND/ AA; Winona State/BS; University of St. Thomas/ MS in progress) “Our basketball team holds the record for best team in school history!” •Matt Moritz (2001-07 — RIVERLAND/ Construction Electrician, Carpentry, AA) “Walt Alms and Tom Wilker. . .two of the most knowledgeable carpenters I’ve known. . . I still call them to pick their brains.” •Megan Hyland Blair (2006-08 — RIVERLAND/ Liberal Arts, UW River Falls/BS Psychology, UW River Falls/MS Ed — School Psychology) “Riverland is a college that cares about its students and allows for them to obtain the skills socially and academically to succeed in life and at a higher education level.” •*Marijo Alexander — (1974-75 ACC & 2006-2008 RCC /AA Degree) — Supports the Office of the President — “Wonderful, supportive instructors who went above and beyond…” •*Sue Grove (2000 RCC Travel Classes) Faculty Emeritus “My involvement at Riverland provided me with life-changing opportunities. I can’t imagine my life without it.” •*Erin Sammon (2000-03/Human Services & Liberal
Arts) Former Director of Residential Housing; “I met so many wonderful staff that made sure I kept on track and accomplished my goals. I GRADUATED!” •*Leslie Weber (1998-2001 — RCC/Liberal Arts, Winona State/BS) Former Adjunct Faculty — Theatre/Choreographer; “I met so many wonderful people and have lasting friendships with teachers and other students at Riverland. I was able to get my start as a choreographer through the theatre at Riverland.”
2010s
•McKenzie Hanson (2008-11-RIVERLAND/ Liberal Arts, Crossroads College/BA-Business Administration in progress) “I had so many people from Riverland supporting my success whether it was through scholarships, clubs and organizations, or personal mentors. I wouldn’t be as far in my career as I am today without the support I had at Riverland Community College.” •Alexander Jacobson (2010-11- RIVERLAND/ AA, Mankato State/BS History/Mankato State/ MS History) “Riverland allowed me to grow as a person. Through challenging classes, compassionate instructor, and amazing staff, this transformation occurred rapidly. Without Riverland and the instructors, I doubt I would have become a Graduate Assistant at Mankato. Without Riverland, I might never have known the great people that make up this great college in southern Minnesota.” •Brody Jensen (2011-13 — RIVERLAND/ IMMR, Welding) “Getting the Industrial Maintenance Mechanics (IMMR) degree was a wonderful achievement in and of itself, but I am now the machinist for the city of Austin! I got this job shortly after I graduated. I graduated in May and was offered the job by the end of the summer. The IMMR program was run very much like a job.
RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE ~ 75TH ANNIVERSARY
It helped me get ready for the real world and I learned what to expect from the working world.” •Judy Bluhm (2011-14 — RIVERLAND/Carpentry, IMMR,Welding) “I have a job doing full-time maintenance.” •David Braun (2009-11 — RIVERLAND/ Construction Electrician) “Student Senate led me to run for city government and serve on Wells’ City Council.” •Sadie Burkow (2012-13 — RIVERLAND/ Liberal Arts, UW River Falls/BS Biochemistry) “Allowed me to complete my AA and be prepared for my next adventure to complete my BS.” •Adriana Casillas (2009-10-RIVERLAND/Liberal Arts, U of M/BS Wildlife Biology, Antioch University/MS Candidate in Conservation Biology.” •Kelly Johnson (2012-14 — RIVERLAND/Liberal Arts/Carpentry/Nursing, Bemidji State/Elementary Education) “Riverland made it possible to return to school as a working adult.” •Matthew Novak (2009-11 — RIVERLAND/Liberal Arts, Minneapolis College of Art & Design/BFA) “I enrolled at Riverland with only a GED. Riverland helped me to build up my educational resume so that I would later be accepted into a prestigious private art school.” •Susan Torkelson (2011-14 — RIVERLAND/ AFA Fine Arts, Winona State/Current) “It was a tremendous opportunity for me to challenge myself and move in a positive direction.” •Natalia Marchan (2008-11 — RIVERLAND/Liberal Arts) “I’ve been able to get a good job at a clinic.” •Leslie Meyer (2002-05 - RIVERLAND Liberal Arts/2011-12 — RIVERLAND/ Health Unit Coordinator)”I learned a lot in my HUC program and it helped me get to where I am today in my career. I have a great job at the South Central Human Relations Center in Owatonna, Minnesota.”
DEVIL’S ADVOCATE
College working with area schools to offer concurrent classes By Lori Jensen
Riverland Director of College Partnerships & Transitions
One of the areas of significant growth at Riverland is concurrent enrollment. Concurrent enrollment is a program where qualified area high school teachers offer Riverland classes right in their own district. These teachers must meet the college instructor credentialing requirements and are mentored to ensure the curriculum is the same and to ensure the course maintains our rigorous quality standards. Last year Riverland offered over 65 concurrent college course sections in four area high schools. This year we will be offering over 72 sections to five high schools. When a district does not have teachers with advanced credentials, Riverland will provides the college instruction directly in some cases through the use of Interactive Television or by sending a regular college instructor to teach the class at their site. The concept allows students in large and small districts to earn college credits early, and has proven to help students complete college degrees more quickly and in greater numbers. Past focus has been on general education courses in the high schools. However, there is increasing interest in expanding on the options for high school students to enroll in
DEVIL’S ADVOCATE
career and technical classes and programs. Last year Albert Lea High School piloted a nursing assistant course and a three-course firefighter series. Both were popular and appeal to students who may not be interested in pursuing an Associate’s degree after high school on their way to a Bachelor’s degree. The nursing assistant will return to Albert Lea High School again this fall and the district has added a work experience course this year so the students who earned their Nursing Assistant certification can apply their learned skill on the job in area nursing homes. The Nursing Homes need the skilled workers and the students gain a pathway to employment and a chance to explore a career field at an early age. Another example this school year are the agriculture-related course Alden-Conger will begin offering. Introduction to Agronomy and Introduction to Soil Science are both required courses in the new Riverland Agricultural Sciences degree and will give students in this district a head-start if they choose to pursue a degree in this field. Other areas where we are currently exploring partnerships include welding, manufacturing and transportation-related courses. High schools are excited to join Riverland in preparing the future workforce of our
region by providing early college opportunities to their students. One clear advantage of concurrent enrollment and other college classes in the high school is that these are all transcripted courses just like any other class students take at Riverland. Unlike AP courses or Tech Prep these are all college courses and come with earned college credit. All of the general education classes are fully transferable to any other college in the entire Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. Another advantage that one cannot overlook is the cost savings to students and their families. The average concurrent student enrolls in at least 12 credits but it is not uncommon for some students to take as many as 30 college credits while in high school. At just over $180 per credit with fees, the cost savings to families can be tremendous. One three-credit class will save over $540 on tuition alone. Twelve credits will save over $2,100 and those who take 30 credits (equivalent to one year of college) can save over $5,400 at Riverland current cost standards. Those credits transferred to a more expensive university or private college could equate to a cost saving double or triple that amount. Both Riverland and our partner high
RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE ~ 75TH ANNIVERSARY
schools understand the value to families of providing early college opportunities to their students. We also understand that students who continue to attend Riverland after high school realize additional cost savings and success when preparing for their career and/or university degree. According to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), roughly 60 percent of students who transferred from a two-year institution to a four-year institution had graduated with a bachelor’s or higher degree within four years. Students who earned an associate’s degree prior to their transfer had the highest baccalaureate completion rates at 71 percent, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center AACC Data Points report in June 2014. At Riverland we are actively working with our area school districts to provide early college options within the high schools. There is extraordinary growth potential in what we can do for our students. The focus is on what we can do for them now that will help their future and the region’s future workforce. Success starts here! For more information, visit www.riverland.edu/cis or contact Lori Jensen, Director of College Partnerships and Transitions at lori.jensen@riverland.edu or 507-433-0568.
SEPTEMBER 3, 2015
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