Devil's Advocate - Riverland 75th Anniversary

Riverland at 75: A long-term look at the future of the college

By Adenuga Atewologun, PhD Riverland Community College President

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he surviving graduates of the first class of students admitted to Austin Junior College, now Riverland Community College, are at least 92-years old. Those first graduates were in their 20s during the decade 1940 to 1950. The “20somethings” of today are the so called “Millennials,” so I am going to imagine a conversation between a granddaughter (20+) and her grandfather (90+): Granddaughter: Grandpa, what were the roads like when you were my age? What buttons came with your microwave? Did you text your friends in complete sentences observing the rules of proper grammar? Or did you just stick to emails? Which social media were popular then? Did your cell phone come with enough memory to take and store photos? How did you take selfies—with or without a selfie stick? Was Pluto a planet then?

Grandfather: Excellent questions, Gigi. Where do I start? Let me start with the Pluto question…

Granddaughter: And one more thing grandpa, you were at Riverland in 1940. How cool! And I am at Riverland now as well.

Grandfather: Well, it was called Austin Junior College at that time.

Granddaughter: Junior College?

You mean, you guys didn’t have real

Riverland Community College President Dr. Adenuga Atewologun prepares to speak at an August press conference in Austin’s Town Center building to discuss a Hormel Foundation $263,200 grant to Riverland to help for the Center for Agriculture and Food Science. Herald file photo

college level classes?

Grandfather: Of course we were a real college. Let me explain…or would you rather I answered your original

questions first?

Granddaughter: Oh yes, let’s talk about those questions first. What were…you wanted to start with the Pluto question.

Yes, worlds apart! Riverland’s longterm future will be just as different from what we see today. Students are asking for more opportunities to complete baccalaureate degrees on site. They are choosing more online instruction. Ninety-two percent of the 520 graduates at this year’s commencement have taken at least one online course. In 1940, there was no online instruction.

Nearly 40 percent of credits sold

by Riverland today is online. The trend will continue. There was no person of color in the class of 1942.

In contrast, 16 percent of the class of 2017 is non-white. Instead of the cautious and traditional approach, the bold, innovative, and entrepreneurial employees and students will shape the future.

Agriculture, manufacturing, and medicine/healthcare will remain the main drivers of the region’s economy. Technology would be a common thread weaving all three industry sectors together. Riverland would forge stronger partnerships with businesses and community organizations. Because of the workforce needs, pressures to enroll students from non-traditional sectors

will continue to rise. The college will right-size, and compete on the basis of signature programs. Stronger emphasis will be placed on retention, persistence, and goal attainment. We would be held more accountable for outcomes. The number of unfunded mandates will increase. Our beautiful landscape and large real estate would be premium assets, but in the intervening time, we must maintain our facilities properly and use space efficiently.

Now is the time to lay a solid foundation for public-private partnerships and build robust endowments. We must intensify our efforts to cultivate deep relationships with our alumni, friends, and former employees so that they can invest in the future of the College. We must keep seeking external grants from private foundations and governmental agencies. Above all, we must attract and retain talented people who will, without prejudice, genuinely care for our students and the community. Then the future of the College would be a future of which we and our progeny would be proud.

Yes, the future will be different. It will be better, it will be driven more by technology, and it will be more learner (consumer) centered. Happy 75th Riverland! Keep “inspiring personal success through education” for years to come.

Technology always changing at Riverland

By Dan Harber and J.C. Turner Riverland Community College Instructors

As various forms of computing and related technology began to be available, the innovations were also adopted by the community and technical college predecessors to the current Riverland Community College.

In the early 1980s, IBM minicomputers and terminals provided word processing capabilities for business and office classes, later being replaced by standalone PCs that used 5.25-inch floppy disks, and WordPerfect software.

During the 1980s, mobile computing was introduced, as some farm business management instructors had Compaq PCs. These 27-pound “luggable” (as opposed to “portable”) suitcase-style computers allowed instructors to bring the technology to their student farmers.

Networking of computers first came during the 1980s in the form of Novell Netware server software. By the 1990s, Ethernet was used to connect office computers, and Minnesota Riverland Technical College purchased dedicated

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56KB circuits between Austin, Faribault, and Rochester; these were the first nonmodem connections for the institution, using the Noteworks email system.

By 1995 when Riverland was formed, most employees in all three merged institutions had a form of email, which was combined into a single system shortly after that.

In terms of technology in classrooms, during the 1980s and 1990s LCD display panels were used in combination with overhead transparency projectors to allow computer images to be displayed on projection screens. LCD projectors became the primary method of sharing computer content during the 1990s.

Projector screen resolutions and brightness levels continue to improve each year, and now HD-quality images provided by computers (desktop or laptop), document cameras, and blu-ray players have become the latest classroom standard.

Instructional television (ITV) was first used to deliver courses between campuses in 1992, and ITV is still used

today, allowing courses to be offered to students in multiple locations, including in partner high schools with ITV classrooms. Each academic year there are also courses offered at Riverland via ITV in collaboration with other institutions across the state. Riverland’s ITV rooms have been upgraded to HD resolution, providing a much-improved experience for both instructors and students.

With the arrival of digital recording capabilities, lecture capture has become an increasingly popular teaching tool.

Classroom lectures can be recorded as they happen, or an instructor can record presentations from their office or home, using a laptop or desktop computer and a webcam. These recordings can then be streamed to students on-demand. This allows students to watch a lecture they may have missed, review a presentation to help clarify their notes, or watch the recording at a time that better-fits their schedule.

Riverland branched into offering online courses beginning in 2000, and

RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE ~ 75TH ANNIVERSARY

the first online certificate, accounting clerk, began in 2005. The percentage of Riverland’s credits generated by online and hybrid courses continues to grow each year, from less than 1 percent in 2001 to nearly 40 percent in 2015.

Online courses allow students from anywhere to take Riverland classes, and during the summer of 2015 there were students who were able to complete their Riverland courses while living Sweden and Singapore. Riverland has also made a commitment to ensure the quality of these online offerings, by seeking Quality Matters course certification. Quality Matters is a peer-review process for online and hybrid courses, and Riverland leads all public higher education institutions in Minnesota, with more than 60 QM-certified courses. This helps ensure that students have a high-quality experience in their online classes.

Technology will always be improving and evolving. Riverland will continue to find ways to incorporate those technology improvements into delivering an exceptional education for students.

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

College working with area schools to offer concurrent classes career and technical classes and programs.

Last year Albert Lea High School piloted a nursing assistant course and a three-course One of the areas of significant growth firefighter series. Both were popular and apat Riverland is concurrent enrollment.

Concurrent enrollment is a program where peal to students who may not be interested in pursuing an Associate’s degree after high qualified area high school teachers offer school on their way to a Bachelor’s degree.

Riverland classes right in their own disThe nursing assistant will return to Albert trict. These teachers must meet the college Lea High School again this fall and the disinstructor credentialing requirements and trict has added a work experience course are mentored to ensure the curriculum is the same and to ensure the course maintains this year so the students who earned their Nursing Assistant certification can apply our rigorous quality standards. their learned skill on the job in area nursing Last year Riverland offered over 65 conhomes. The Nursing Homes need the skilled current college course sections in four area workers and the students gain a pathway to high schools. This year we will be offering employment and a chance to explore a caover 72 sections to five high schools. When reer field at an early age. a district does not have teachers with adAnother example this school year are the vanced credentials, Riverland will provides agriculture-related course Alden-Conger the college instruction directly in some caswill begin offering. Introduction to Agrones through the use of Interactive Television or by sending a regular college instructor to omy and Introduction to Soil Science are both required courses in the new Riverland teach the class at their site. The concept alAgricultural Sciences degree and will give lows students in large and small districts to students in this district a head-start if they earn college credits early, and has proven to help students complete college degrees more choose to pursue a degree in this field. Other areas where we are currently exploring quickly and in greater numbers. partnerships include welding, manufacPast focus has been on general education turing and transportation-related courses. courses in the high schools. However, there High schools are excited to join Riverland is increasing interest in expanding on the in preparing the future workforce of our options for high school students to enroll in

By Lori Jensen

Riverland Director of College Partnerships & Transitions

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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.

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75th anniversary letters of congratulations I

am pleased to join in celebrating your like yours help ensure the doors of school’s 75th anniversary. opportunity continue to open wide for America’s schools serve all who are willing to dream big. as gateways to opportunity I hope your community takes and engines for our Nation’s pride in the ways your school progress. Inspiring students has touched lives. As you to be the best version of celebrate this special milestone, themselves and equipping I wish you all the best for the them with the tools to thrive, years ahead. our halls of learning can Sincerely, instill in our next generation Barack Obama the fundamental belief that with hard work nothing is Obama beyond reach.

Since your school’s founding, faculty and staff have prepared students to meet the challenges of their time. And by cultivating passion for learning, schools

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am writing to express my congratulations regarding Riverland Community College’s 75th anniversary. During that time, your institution has been on the frontlines of educating and training our workforce.

This work has played a Walz major part in the continued economic growth of the region.

I applaud your efforts and stand with you as we move forward to examine the most effective ways at training the workforce of tomorrow. Having and maintaining a world-class workforce is the most crucial piece to maintaining

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would like to extend my congratulations to the students and faculty members at Riverland Community College on its 75th Anniversary.

As a regional leader in liberal arts and careertechnical higher education, Riverland Community Dayton College encourages learning through innovation, responsiveness, resourcefulness, and collaboration.

For 75 years, Riverland Conmrnnity College has aided communities and

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Southern Minnesota’s economy; an economy that is out performing most other parts of the nation.

Riverland’s mission and vision are a model for how things should be done in higher education. I will take these lessons with me to Washington and look forward to working with Riverland well into the future.

Sincerely, Tim Walz Member of Congress

expanded opportunities for people all across the state.

I wish you a memorable celebration and many years of continuing service to the community.

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t is with great pleasure that I congratulate the Riverland Community College on its 75th anniversary.

Being one of the finest comprehensive two-year colleges in the southern Minnesota region, Riverland Community College has provided many individuals Franken with the opportunity to acquire greater knowledge and to pursue their dreams. Seventy-five years is a remarkable achievement, and one that reflects the quality of education the institution provides.

Greater education is a necessity in

today’s society, and I thank you for providing such education to our community. You should be very proud of this great milestone.

Again, congratulations and I wish you many more years of success.

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ongratulations on Riverland Community College’s 75th anniversary! In 75 years, this institution has served the communities of Southern Minnesota, educated thousands of students and strengthened the economy of our state.

Riverland Community Klobuchar College has gone above and beyond in preparing its graduates for today’s ever-changing economic landscape. The skills that are gained through the programs at your school are exactly the types of skills that our students need in order

to be competitive for career opportunities.

Thank you again for your commitment to education in Minnesota, and to all of those who have made Riverland Community College a strong educational institution for 75 years. It is an honor to serve you in the United States Senate.

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transfer to further education and for employment in highskill, high-wage careers.

I join you, the communities you serve, and your alumni in celebrating 75 years of inspiring personal success through education.

write to congratulate you and Riverland Community College on its 75th anniversary of providing excellence in teaching and learning in Southern Minnesota. Having proudly served there as college president from 2003 to 2012, I know firsthand the superlative work that Riverland’s faculty Leas and staff members do to help students succeed.

Riverland Community College is an economic engine providing high-quality workforce development services to employers and communities in its service area. The college’s focus on individual student success ensures student achievement in preparation for

RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE ~ 75TH ANNIVERSARY

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

75th anniversary letters of congratulations D

ear Administration, Faculty, and impact a successful community college Staff of Riverland Community system can have on its surrounding College, communities.

It is my pleasure and The hard work and honor to congratulate dedication that the Riverland Riverland Community College administration, faculty, and on its 75th anniversary staff have devoted to our of offering high-quality students and our community education for the southern throughout these many years is Minnesota area. What an highly commendable, as is the incredible achievement to contribution of the many hard have maintained the same working students who have gone commitment to preparing our through this college. Thank you, Bennett young adults for their careers Riverland Community College, for this length of time! for 75 years of providing quality For as long as I can remember, education to our communities!

Riverland Community College has been a term in our area that is synonymous with quality education and excellent service. The many young people who have attended Riverland and gone on to productive lives and careers are a living testament to this quality.

Riverland Community College has been a true example of the positive

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ongratulations to Riverland Community College as you celebrate 75 years of serving the people and businesses of Austin!

While more than a decade has passed since I had the honor of serving as your president, I have not forgotten the outstanding Rhodes students, faculty, and staff that make up the Riverland Community College family.

May you continue to improve the lives of those you educate and contribute to the quality of life for all

in the Austin community.

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Under your leadership I’m certain that Riverland will continue to inspire personal success through education.

Best of luck on the next 75 years. I look forward to working together to bring our students the best opportunities our state has to offer.

ear President Atewologun, congratulations on Riverland’s 75th anniversary!

The continued success of your college community is a testament to the quality of programs and atmosphere that you provide our students in southern Minnesota.

Jensen “I’m proud to have a Riverland campus in my district, and am always happy to hear about the opportunities that are being provided to our young people there.

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Sincerely, Gary L. Rhodes, Ed.D. Reynolds Communicty College President (Former Riverland President)

Congratulations again, State Sen Vicki Jensen, District 24

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would like to offer my of the people and businesses congratulations to everyone of Southern Minnesota and at Riverland Community beyond.

You should take great pride in College on celebrating 75 years all that you do to serve students of education excellence! I and the community. I wish have always been proud of the you and your staff continued work you do and appreciative success and hope you will take of what you mean to our some time to enjoy a muchcommunity. deserved celebration of all of Access to quality Sparks your school’s accomplishments. educational opportunities are crucial to our economic success and essential to individual attainment. I am pleased to recognize Riverland Community College for its commitment to the betterment State Senator, District 27

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ongratulations are in order to this 75th year anniversary. It is a strong example of a community college with a Riverland Community College mission to serve, a commitment as it commemorates its 75th to engage, and a record of anniversary as a community success of which to be proud. college in Minnesota.

It is an honor to recognize Community colleges hold Riverland Community College an important place among for its role in building strong higher education institutions community relationships providing opportunities for and educating thousands of students on their life/career regional citizens throughout its journey. decades of existence.

The enduring legacy of a Congratulations to students, good community college is Poppe faculty, administration and its ability to serve students the communities at large who helped and families, develop partnerships Riverland reach this milestone! with businesses and other educational providers, and results in sustaining and strengthening the economic vitality of a region by keeping the workforce supplied with graduates.

Riverland Community College, serving the southern Minnesota region including Freeborn, Mower, and Steele Counties, has proven itself worthy of

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ongratulations to you on the 75th anniversary of Riverland Community College!

Your institution has been an incredible resource for the state of Minnesota. You have reason to be proud of 75 years’ worth of academic tradition and excellence. It was a pleasure meeting with you recently and I Petersburg know you will continue to lead Riverland in the right direction.

Again, congratulations on the 75th

RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE ~ 75TH ANNIVERSARY

anniversary of Riverland Community College! Please stay in touch with any legislative matters that concern you.

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Dedicated faculty teach the sciences

By Catherine Haslag and Sue Knoll Riverland Community College

The sciences at Riverland Community College include biology, chemistry and physics. The faculty in these departments are passionate about their subject matter and strive to provide a quality educational experience to their students.

The Biology department at Riverland Community College currently consists of four full-time faculty: Dr. Pamela Tranby, Dr. Alan Erdahl, Charles Meyer and SusanKnoll. These faculty have been involved with a variety of initiatives and have been award recipients. Two of our faculty, Pamm Tranby and Al Erdahl have received the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees Award for Excellence in Teaching. Pamm received the award in 2011 and Al was the recipient in 2013. Sue Knoll has been awarded Riverland Foundation Grants, one in 2013 and one in 2014, towards initiatives in the classroom and community. Al Erdahl was awarded a grant in 2011 to research the effectiveness of various online teaching practices. Pamm and Sue have also completed the American Society for Microbiology Scholar program, and Pamm is currently a case study writer for the national NSF CCURI grant. Pamm served as Vice President of Academic Affairs from 1998- 2001 and Interim Dean of Allied Health fromn 2011-2013, opting each time to return to teaching, completed her Ph.D. in Community College Leadership in 2012 and served as MSCF grievance rep for many years, as well as Assessment Coordinator.

Many initiatives have focused on achieving excellence in the courses that are offered by the Biology department.

Several biology courses have received Quality Matters (QM) Certification for those that are delivered online or in a hy-

brid format. QM Certified courses meet a national design standard set by Maryland Online. Current QM courses are: Biology 1091: General Biology I and Biology 1092: General Biology II developed by Chuck Meyer, Biology 2021: Anatomy and Physiology I and Biology 2022: Anatomy and Physiology II developed by Al Erdahl, and Biology 2040: General Microbiology (hybrid) developed by Sue Knoll.

The number of online courses offered through the biology department has risen. The courses that are currently being offered online are: Biology 1000: Biological Science, Biology 1020: Current Topics in Biology, Biology 1030: Human Biology, Biology 1040: Biology of Women, Biology 1060: Microbes and Society (new in 2015), Biology 2020: Human Nutrition, Biology 2021: Anatomy and Physiology I and Biology 2022: Anatomy and Physiology II. The chemistry department at Riverland currently has one full-time faculty member, Catherine Haslag. She and adjunct faculty teach the following courses: Introduction to Chemistry (CHEM 1000), is offered in hybrid format (lecture online, lab meets on campus weekly) and entirely online. Both are Quality Matters Certified. General, Organic and Biochemistry (CHEM 1121), was developed in 2012 to teach chemistry as it applies to biological systems. General Chemistry I and II (CHEM 1201 and 1202) meets the needs of students who intend to major in a science field.

Chemistry faculty, Catherine Haslag, was honored by the Rotary Club of Austin as Educator of the Year in June for her work on the Science Fair Mentoring Project. Haslag started this program in the fall of 2014 after noticing some Austin elementary school students faced barriers that prevented them from receiving the support required to successfully par-

ticipating in the STEAM Expo (science fair). This program worked with third and fourth grade students at Sumner and Neveln Elementary Schools in Austin to assist them in completing projects for the science fair. Because of this program, over 100 students from these schools participated in the STEAM Expo in March 2015. About 35 students from these schools participated in the STEAM Expo in 2014.

Haslag was also awarded Riverland Foundation grants in 2011, 2012, and 2013 to aid in achieving classroom initiatives.

With the retirement of Dr. Amin this past academic year, the science department has welcomed a new full time faculty member, William Mekeel. Mr. Mekeel will be teaching courses in Physics, Agronomy and Human Geography.

In the last year, Riverland Biology and Chemistry faculty have served on advisory committees that have led in the successful development of the following Associate in Science (AS) programs: Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science. These programs are part of an articulation agreement with Minnesota State University Mankato. Three new certificate programs were also approved: Precision Agriculture, Agribusiness and Food Science. Courses in these programs are being offered this academic year.

Science faculty at Riverland were instrumental in supporting the Science Fair Mentoring Project. The 290 third and fourth graders at Sumner and Neveln came to Riverland to participate in the Science Fair Kick-Off that was held in fall 2014. Science faculty led experiments that introduced these students to the scientific method. Other faculty came to the schools and talked with students about their research experiences during an activity called “Meet the Scientists.” This allowed

students to talk with real live scientists, something many of these students had never had the opportunity to do.

Science faculty have volunteered to judge at local science fairs and have visited with local elementary students when they have toured the Riverland Community College science labs. Chuck Meyer continues to volunteer and lead student involvement with the Nature Conservancy, an organization concerned with land sustainability and protection of the environment.

Sue Knoll and Catherine Haslag collaborated in a 2014 Riverland Foundation Grant to create the Promising Scientist Award. This award was given to students who showed creativity in their science fair project and excellent application of the scientific method in their experimental design. This award was given to six students at I.J. Holton and Southgate who met the criteria set. Each student received a certificate and a subscription to a science magazine of their choice. The science departments plan to continue to offer this award at the 2016 STEAM Expo.

Knoll and Haslag were also awarded a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) grant in 2011 to develop a collaborative laboratory experiment that incorporated cell culture techniques into biology and chemistry courses.

Students learned aseptic techniques and real-world applications in biotechnology careers.

Dr. Abu Amin, Chuck Jahren’s replacement, retired as Physical Science and Earth Science faculty in the fall of 2014.

All of the astronomy, biology, chemistry and physics courses offered at Riverland meet Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and can transfer to other institutions within the Minnesota State Colleges and University (MnSCU) system.

To celebrate anniversary, Riverland’s athletic department inducted teams

By David Lillemon Athletic Director

The Hall of Fame induction started in the fall of 1997 with 10 members going into the inaugural Hall of Fame. Every other year since then there has been six individual alumni inducted into the Hall of Fame. In conjunction with Riverland Community College’s 75th anniversary, the Hall of Fame committee decided that this year would be a great time to induct

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eight teams. Based on nominations from the outside community and from athletic director David Lillemon, the committee then voted in the teams to be inducted.

The ceremony took place on May 29, 2015 at Wedgewood Cove in Albert Lea. There were 115 individuals from these 8 teams to be inducted. Eighty-seven members and/or family members of the inductees were found and invited to the ceremony. With family and friends, there

were 208 people who were at the event.

The following teams were inducted into the Hall of Fame: •Football 1947-48 •Men’s Basketball 1951-52 •Men’s Golf 1965-66 •Baseball 1971-72 •Women’s Basketball 1976-77 •Softball 1979-80 •Women’s Tennis 1986-87 •Men’s Tennis 1990-91

RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE ~ 75TH ANNIVERSARY

The following morning on May 30, the Foundation hosted a “Breakfast of Champions” in the gymnasium of all the teams and families. More than 140 people attended the event. Following the breakfast, there were tours offered of both campuses in Austin and pictures were taken of each team. In the afternoon, the first annual alumni golf event was held at Wedgewood Cove and 38 players teed off in the fundraiser.

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With high rate of retirements, future is bright for graduates

By Gary Schindler Riverland Dean of Students

I have been in a leadership role at Riverland Community College since 1989. First as a counselor and financial aid director and now as the Dean of Student Affairs.

Over those years I have witnessed significant changes in the Riverland student body. Over the past 25 years there are more first-generation students, more women, more students with disabilities, and the most significant change of all, increased ethnic diversity at Riverland Community College. In 1989, our ethnic diversity, as a percentage of the student body, was in the single digits; today it is approaching 20 percent. The shift in the student body demonstrates that our value of access to higher education is real and

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prospering.

What hasn’t changed over the years is the transformation that occurs with our students while they are here. The students at Riverland grow in confidence with each passing semester.

They are excited about the knowledge and skills that they have gained from our faculty and their peers.

They gain a rich awareness of their readiness to join the workforce or to transfer to a university.

What does the future have in store for our graduates?

It will be a world full of opportunity! With 10,000 retirements a day in the United States and a Minnesota workforce that will require 74 percent of all new hires to have a college education, access to college is essential to the economy of the state.

Library will continue to be a space for learning

By Keith Cich

Riverland Library Technician

If it’s been a while since you’ve visited the Riverland Community College Library, now is the perfect time to stop by the Austin campus and reacquaint yourself with our updated layout. We have been working diligently over the past two years to transform our library into a space that is not only ideal for research and studying, but also for collaborative learning and community interaction.

When you walk through the library doors, you’ll first notice a lot of open space. We’ve taken down and relocated many of our library stacks on the first floor to give library users some much needed room to breathe.

Relax with a good book in one of our plush, oversized armchairs or make your way back to our large atrium windows; perfect for soaking up some warm, relaxing sunlight. There are ample tables and chairs for group study as well as collaborative technology for meetings and projects. Need a quiet space to study? Slip upstairs to our second level where private study carrels are available and voice levels must be kept to a whisper.

Another main advantage of our space redesign is the ability to increase our library programming. One of our major program offerings during the academic year is our Library Lecture Series. This open themed series brings in a faculty, staff or community

RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE ~ 75TH ANNIVERSARY

member each month to present over the lunch hour. Previous topics range from a history of African American jazz performers to sailing expeditions around Cape Horn to Germans living in Minnesota during World War II. This has been a well-received series that is free and open to the public.

It is our hope that the Riverland Library will continue to be a learning space in the fullest sense of the word. The library is a place where we find a history of seemingly endless knowledge within our physical collections and digital resources. But it is also a place where we remember many of our most valuable insights and discoveries often emanate from the people we find around us.

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Magic and monsters on the stage Riverland Theatre looks ahead to 2015-16 season

By Lindsey Duoos Williams Riverland Theatre Director

One of the most exciting and challenging parts of my job as Theatre Director at Riverland Community College is planning each season of plays and musicals.

The shows must complement each other, with a variety of styles and subject matter to challenge our students. However, we also want to provide our audiences with an entertaining season that presents both thought-provoking drama and laugh-inducing comedy. Our upcoming 2015-2016 theatre season does just that: while our students take on the challenge of performing Shakespeare to Sondheim, our audiences will enjoy two shows never before seen at Riverland.

This season will kick off with the popular musical “Into the Woods,” playing

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Actors perform a scene in “Legally Bonde: the Musical” last season.

Oct. 7-11. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, this show is a “mash up” of many familiar fairy tales. While the first act follows familiar characters such as Cinderella, Jack, and Little Red as they make their wishes come true, the second act shows us what happens after “happily ever after.” Some of our audience members might have seen the recent Disney film adaptation; we promise that the orig-

inal stage musical is even better, and this show is bound to be a hit.

Next up this fall is the play “Dancing at Lughnasa” by Brian Friel, playing Nov. 18-22. This Tony Award-winning play follows a family of sisters in 1930s Ireland as several unexpected visitors from their past throw their lives into turmoil. This is the first time “Dancing at Lughnasa” has been performed at Riverland, and our audiences are bound to be moved by this beautiful and haunting play.

Riverland Theatre plans to start the new year with some Shakespeare! Feb. 24-28 will bring his classic comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” to the Frank W. Bridges Stage. 2016 will mark the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death, and so it is the perfect time to celebrate his work and legacy through one of his most popular comedies.

The conclusion of our season will be the hilarious Broadway musical “Young Frankenstein.” Mel Brooks’s 1974 film is often called one of the funniest movies ever made, and the musical adaptation is bound to be just as popular with audiences. With a mad scientist, a leggy blonde

RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE ~ 75TH ANNIVERSARY

assistant, a hunchbacked sidekick, and a tap dancing monster, what more could you want? “Young Frankenstein” will run April 21-23 and April 28-May 1.

All of our performances take place at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre at Riverland’s Austin campus in the East building. Season tickets are on sale now online at www.riverland.edu/tickets. Our box office will open for the season on September 8, and tickets can be purchased by calling 507-433-0595. Individual tickets will also go on sale on Sept. 8.

Many people don’t know that participation in our Riverland Theatre productions is open to all community members.

We encourage everyone with an interest in performing to audition, even if you are not a currently enrolled student. Auditions for our fall shows were held in late August, but we will be holding more auditions in future months for the spring play and musical. For more information, visit www.riverland.edu/theatre or like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ RiverlandTheatreMusic.

We hope you’ll consider joining us for another exciting season at the theatre!

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

Le français is for you! Tech driving business classes French classes back at Riverland

By Melissa Siebke English Instructor

French is back! French has not been taught at Riverland Community College for over five years. However, starting in August 2015, French returned. In order to make it convenient and accessible for students, language lover and instructor Melissa Siebke will teach French online. Students will be able to complete the weekly assignments according to their lives without having to restructure their personal and professional schedules. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Siebke by email or phone (msiebke@riverland.edu or 507.433.0561).

Pourquoi (why) French?

Studying the French lan-

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

guage and Francophone cultures opens doors to personal enrichment and professional advancement.

Personally, you will develop an appreciation for Francophone literature, music, and film, increase your global understanding of more than 200 million French speakers on six continents, and make travel more feasible and enjoyable. Since French is the second most widely spoken foreign language after English, you will improve employment opportunities at multinational companies around the world and wage earning potential. There are even opportunities to spend a fully funded year abroad in France; you will make lifelong friends and increase the understanding of yourself and your culture. Le français is for you! Start studying French at Riverland!

By Jill Holmes Business Instructor

The College’s Business Department has seen many changes since the College opened. Some of those changes include program offerings, accreditation for its two degrees, curriculum revisions, technology usage, and changes in the student body demographics.

The department meets the needs of our communities by offering three program options — Associate in Arts (AA) Business Concentration, 60 credits; Associate in Science (AS), Business, 60 credits; and Business Certificate, 22 credits. The Business Concentration’s curriculum is designed for the individual who plans to transfer to a four-year university. The AS Business degree focuses on individuals who are interested in entering the business world or looking to

update business knowledge and skills. Students interested in a one-year program consider the Business certificate which is designed to expose students to business topics. Individuals can begin these options fall, spring, or summer semester.

The AA and AS degrees are accredited through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). ACBSP globally accredits two- and four-year business programs. In November 2011 Riverland was the first rural MnSCU college to earn this accreditation.

Business classes use computers and the college’s course management system for course material delivery, assignment completion, and communication. Classes are available oncampus and online. In fall 2005 the department began offering its busi-

RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE ~ 75TH ANNIVERSARY

ness majors in a fully online format. The Business Department is the first department to have all of its online courses Quality Matters certified, which is a nationally recognized peer review process designed to confirm the quality of online courses and online components. A curriculum change in spring 2013 include the option of an internship.

In looking at our student make-up 75 years ago, most students attended Riverland right out of high school and completed their coursework in a face-to-face setting. Today there is a mix of traditional and non-traditional students.

Many non-traditional students attend classes while working full or part-time and managing a family. The department also has a large number of students who complete their degree or certificate online.

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Music department boasts a rich history

By Scott Blankenbaker Riverland Music Instructor

Overview

The Riverland Music Department is an active and vital presence in the college and its communities. The department offers a variety of courses, performances, opportunities, and concerts. Some students involved in Riverland Music ensembles intend to be music majors, however participation is open to all students.

Riverland offers students wishing to focus on music the opportunity to pursue an Associate in Arts — Music Emphasis. This degree fulfills the student’s general education requirements while simultaneously focusing study on performing, theoretical, and historical aspects of music.

Traditional coursework is enhanced by master classes from nationally and internationally-recognized artists; regular participation in festivals and competitions; the Casual Classics performance series; collaborations with organizations such as the

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Austin Symphony Orchestra, Austin ArtWorks Center, Northwestern Singers, and Southeast Minnesota Chamber Orchestra. Riverland’s ensembles give regular performances throughout the state and region, highlighted by singing at Lincoln Center in 2003 and 2012, and Carnegie Hall in 2000 and 2014.

Then and Now

Music courses were an early offering at the college. In the 1965-1966 academic year director Don Gunderson founded the Vocal Ensemble, known as “The Briars.”

This ensemble featured voices accompanied by instruments and specialized in folk and popular styles of music. Nearly ten years ago the group’s name was changed to “Frequency.” It still maintains the emphasis on popular music, but has expanded to include rock, vocal jazz, Broadway, country, as well as some “classical” music. In its nearly 50-year history, the group has had only three directors — Don

Riverland Community College’s Frequency ensemble performs in May of 2015.

Photo provided by Riverland Community College

Gunderson, Dick Flisrand, and Scott Blankenbaker.

RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE ~ 75TH ANNIVERSARY

See MUSIC, Page 11

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

From Page 10 The College Choir is the college’s concert choir. It is open to any Riverland student without audition.

During the boom years of the 1960s through 1980s the college also boasted a concert band and, for a time, a chamber orchestra. Other instrumental ensembles have included a recorder consort and instrumental ensemble (jazz and rock). Today, students are able to play for college

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

Instructors on the music faculty have included:

Brenda Atzinger, Scott Blankenbaker,* Cheryl Collins, Mark Conway, Holly Dalager, Tim Davis,* Angela Donlon, Neal Erickson,* Richard Flisrand, Wilbur Funk , Janet Gilbertson, Don Gunderson, David Hovland, Kerry Klungtvedt, Brian Koser, Don Lawhead, Lynee Larson,* Sonia Larson, Heath Matthews, Jan Muzik, Coni Nelson, Susan Radloff,* “Chum” Sandeen, Jesse Smith, Scott Stroud, Craig Thompson, Anne Walker, Peter Wangen,* Griffin Woodworth,* and others. *Denotes current faculty credit in the Austin Symphony Orchestra as well as in pit orchestras.

Individual and group lessons are

offered in most common instruments including piano, voice, guitar, organ, strings, brasses, and percussion.

RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE ~ 75TH ANNIVERSARY

The biggest change impacting the field of music in the last several years involves technology, particularly digital recording and production technology. Riverland Music offers “Introduction to Digital Media” and “Introduction to Digital Audio and Music Production” in a dedicated Macintosh lab. Students have access to additional workstations and sateof-the-art software. The department offers music courses are fully online as well as traditional face-to-face courses.

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Riverland History, 1940 to Present 1940: Austin Junior College

This excerpt was taken from Academic Dean Ruben Meland’s document titled “Austin Junior College – Nine Years of Community Service.”

“Austin Junior College opened its doors of opportunity to the youth of this community on September 3, 1940. The enrollment the first year was comprised of 138 freshmen, served by a faculty of five full-time and four part-time instructors.” (See 1966 for name change)

1951: Austin Area Vocational-Technical School

The “Selected Report on Austin Junior College Prepared for Minnesota Junior College Board dated December 1963” (last page) states: “The Austin Area Vocational-Technical School was established in Austin, Minnesota as a part of the public school system in 1951 and at present (Dec. 1963) provides post high school training to an enrollment of about 250 in: Carpentry, Farm Equipment Mechanics, Welding, Machine Shop (tool & die), Automotive Mechanics, Auto Body Rebuilding, Industrial Electronics, Practical Nursing, and Cosmetology (beauty school).”

(See 1972 for name change.)

1966: Austin Junior College moves to new location, changes name to Austin State Junior College

Ruben Meland, college dean and president, wrote in his memoirs some observations about the beginning and the early years of Austin

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Junior College, “In June 1966, we moved our offices into the new administration wing and we opened for classes September 22, 1966, (our 26th year) with about 850 students and a faculty of 40. At this same time our name was officially changed to Austin State Junior College. The new college campus was officially dedicated on January 29, 1967.”

1968: Albert Lea Area Vocational-Technical School Established

“A Brief History of the MN AVTI System and Directors” (page 13) states, “Albert Lea was tentatively approved by the State Board of Education on September 30, 1968. They received the final approval on November 4, 1968.” Mr. Wayne Broecker is the Director of the AVTI at Albert Lea.” (See 1972 for name change.)

1971: Austin State Junior College Owatonna Extension Center opens

An excerpt from a laminated Owatonna People’s Press advertisement dated September 16, 1971 states, “Austin State Junior College Owatonna Extension Center, classes starting Monday, September 20, 1971 at 12:30 p.m.” Another excerpt from a Owatonna People’s Press advertisement headline dated November 17, 1971 states, “Let’s start college in Owatonna, Minnesota, Austin State Junior College.

Owatonna campus [sic] located on the beautiful grounds of the State School.”

1972: Austin Area Vocational-Technical School changes name to Austin Area VocationalTechnical Institute

In an undated document created for the Mower County Historical Society Page 4 states, “During February of 1972 the move from the various sites started and the total moving of all programs to the new Austin Area VocationalTechnical School was completed in March of 1972. It was also during this time that the State Department of Education changed the names of all Area Vocational-Technical Schools to Area Vocational-Technical Institutes.”

Community College was established on July 1, 1996. Austin Community College (established in 1940 as Austin Junior College), Riverland Technical College – Austin (established in 1951 as Austin Area Vocational School) and Owatonna campuses [sic], and South Central Technical College – Albert Lea (established in 1968 as Albert Lea Technical Education Center) campuses merged together to form Riverland Community College.”

1985: Owatonna Higher Education Center opens

2001: Owatonna College & University Center:

A memo dated March 3, 1998 from Tim McManimon, Owatonna community leader, to John Gedker, college president, states, “Riverland Community College has served the Owatonna area for the past 13 years, primarily in the area of customized training for business and industry. It is the Owatonna community vision to create a seamless link between education, work and the community.

An Owatonna People’s Press news story dated March 22, 2003 states, “January 14, 2002 was the first day classes were held at Owatonna College and University Center. Currently, Riverland is the host institution at OCUC and also offers classes at the site. Concordia University, St. Paul; Minnesota State University, Mankato; Southwest State University; University of St. Thomas; and South Central Technical College also offer classes.”

1991: Minnesota Riverland Technical College

2008: The Owatonna College and University

A “Historical Overview 1945 – 1995, 50 Years Minnesota Technical College System,” (page 46) states, “Minnesota Riverland Technical College, District #2501, was formed on July 1, 1991. MRTC is comprised of the Austin, Faribault, and Rochester campuses and the Owatonna Technical Training Center.”

1996: Riverland Community College Established on July 1, 1996

(name continues today) A memorandum from John Gedker, college president, dated 11/7/96 states, “Riverland

RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE ~ 75TH ANNIVERSARY

Center (OCUC) is acquired by Minnesota State Colleges and Universities as its 54th campus and designated as Third Riverland campus The OCUC Celebration brochure dated February 17, 2009 states, “In April 2008, Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed into law a bonding bill that allowed the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system to acquire the Owatonna College & University Center. On December 31, 2008, MnSCU finalized the sale. Three Partners. One Purpose. Minnesota State University, Mankato, Riverland Community College, and South Central College.

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

College continues tradition of recognizing grads T

he Distinguished Alumni Award program began in 1979 to honor distinguished alumni in recognition of their personal and professional achievements, contributions to the achievement of the college’s and/or foundation’s mission, community leadership that promotes partnerships with the college, and/or significant contributions to society or the community. Beginning 2004, the award is bestowed every even-numbered year.

1979: James Mork, Judge for Minnesota District Court 1980: LaVonne Painter, Physician 1981: Colleen Ashton, Actress 1982: Phyllis (Dankers) Yes, Artist and Eductor 1983: Stephen Wright, Engineer 1985: Tom Nelson, Senator for State of Minnesota 1987: Mary Weber Keenan,

Student activities and organizations

•ACCENT: A Creative Arts Journal •Amnesty International •College Choir •Criminal Justice Society •Frequency •Gaming Club •Home Builder’s

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

County Commissioner 1988: Paul Good Nature, Educator 1989: Charles Jahren, Austin Community College Instructor 1990: James Flannery, Austin Community College President 1991: Jerry Anfinson, Certified Public Accountant 1992: Fred Robinson, Owner of Robinson Business

Forms 1993: Joe Mott, Crane Community Chapel Minister 1994: J. Douglas Myers, Austin Public Schools Superintendent 1995: Greg Meyer, State Farm Insurance Business Owner 2004: C. Jerry Nelson, Professor of Agronomy 2006: Ardell Brede, Mayor of Rochester

2008: J. Thomas Mott, Minnesota District Court Judge 2010: Scott Richardson, Attorney-at-Law 2012: Dr. Donna R. Schumacher, Nursing Education Specialist for the Multidisciplinary Simulation Center, Mayo Clinic 2014: John Gray, Hormel Cash Manager and Hormel Foundation Assistant Secretary-Treasurer

History of Logos 1984-1989 1940-1946

1987-1990

Austin Area Vocational School • 1951-1972 Austin Junior College Austin Area Vocational School • 1955-1959 Austin State Junior College • 1966-1973

1989-1991 1990-1991

1968-1984 1991 1972-1987

Association •Human Services Club DEEDS •Music •Nursing Student Forum •O.W.L.S. (Older Wiser Learning Students) •Phi Theta Kappa •R.I.O.T. (Righteous Invasion of Truth)

•RCGSA (Riverland Community Gay-Straight Alliance) •Radiography Honor Society - Lambda Nu •Skills USA •Intercollegiate Athletics •Student Ambassadors •Student Senate •Theater

Athletics

•Baseball •Fastpitch Softball •Men’s Basketball •Soccer •Volleyball •Women’s Basketball

RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE ~ 75TH ANNIVERSARY

1991-1996

1973-1992

1983

1991-1996 1992-1996 1983-1984

1996-2007

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13

Riverland Community College Leadership History, 1940 to Present Austin Junior College Est. 1940

(included vocational training classes) 1940 – 1967 Rueben I. Meland, College Dean

Austin State Junior College 1967 – 1969 1969 – 1970 1970 – 1974

Rueben I. Meland, College Dean Rueben I. Meland, President Curtis C. Mac Donald, President

Austin Community College 1974 1976 1982 1984 1990 1992

– – – – – –

1976 1982 1984 1990 1992 1996

Meland

Curtis C. Mac Donald, President Arlan A. Burmeister, President James D. Flannery, Acting President, Dean of Instructional Services James D. Flannery, President Steven R. Wallace, President Vicky R. Smith, President

Riverland Community College Est. 1996

(a merger of Austin Community College (established in 1940 as Austin Junior College), Riverland Technical College – Austin (established in 1951 as Austin Area Vocational School) and Owatonna campuses [sic], and South Central Technical College – Albert Lea (established in 1968 as Albert Lea Technical Education Center).

John J. Gedker, President 1996 – 1999 1999 – 2002 Gary L. Rhodes, President 2002 – 2003 James R. Davis, Interim President 2003 – 2012 Terrence Leas, President 2012 – 2013 Kent Hanson, Interim President July 1, 2013 to present Adenuga Atewologun, President

Austin Area Vocational-Technical School Est. 1951

(established by Austin Board of Education as part of the Austin Public School system).

1951 – 1957 Floyd J. Lueben, Director 1957 – 1972 Morton A. Carney, Director

Austin Area Vocational-Technical Institute 1972 – 1977 1977 – 1983 1983 – 1986 state of MN)

Morton A. Carney, Director Donald C. Ingram, Director Marjorie L. Kirchkoff, Director (first female Vocational Director in the

Austin Technical Institute 1986 – 1989

(a merger of Austin Technical College, Faribault Technical College, Rochester Technical College and Owatonna Technical Training Center).

1991 – 1995 Marlin Wacholz, President 1995 – 1996 Donald T. Olson, Interim President NOTE: 1996 to Present: A merger of Austin Community College (established in 1940 as Austin Junior College), Riverland Technical College – Austin (established in 1951 as Austin Area Vocational School) and Owatonna campuses [sic], and South Central Technical College – Albert Lea (established in 1968 as Albert Lea Technical Education Center).

(Please refer to the leadership of Riverland Community College for presidents.)

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Wayne V. Broecker, Director Dave Sayre, Director

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1989 – 1992

Terry Lemer, President

Albert Lea/Mankato Technical College 1992 – 1993

Kenneth H. Mills, Regional President

South Central Technical College 1993 – 1996

Kenneth H. Mills, Regional President

Riverland Community College Est. 1996

NOTE: 1996 to Present: A merger of Austin Community College (established in 1940 as Austin Junior College), Riverland Technical College – Austin (established in 1951 as Austin Area Vocational School) and Owatonna campuses [sic], and South Central Technical College – Albert Lea (established in 1968 as Albert Lea Technical Education Center).

(Please refer to the leadership of Riverland Community College for presidents.)

Frank W. Bridges, Director

Owatonna Technical Training Center Est. 1983

Minnesota Riverland Technical College Est. July 1, 1991

1969 – 1984 1984 – 1989

Albert Lea Technical College

1971 – 1973

Marjorie L. Kirchkoff, Director

Albert Lea Area Vocational-Technical Institute Est. 1968

Photo provided by Riverland Community College

Owatonna Extension Center (Austin State Junior College) Est. 1971

Marjorie L. Kirchkoff, Director

Austin Technical College 1989 – 1991

This historic picture of the Riverland Community College campus in Austin shows what the school looked like in the early years at the site in northwest.

1983 – 1998 Larry Achterhoff, Custom Training Coordinator, James Wagner, Facilities Manager, and John Gedker, Adult Education/Custom Training Director

Owatonna Higher Education Center Est. 1998 1998 – 1999 1999 – 2002

Rick Casey, Vice President of Advancement Steve Bowron, Dean of Riverland Training and Development

Owatonna College and University Center Est. 2002 2002 – 2008

Peter Scheffert, Academic Dean (Management Education)

Riverland Community College (Owatonna campus) Est. 2008

NOTE: The Owatonna College and University Center (OCUC) is acquired by Minnesota State Colleges and Universities as its 54th campus and as Riverland Community College’s 3rd campus. The above leadership reflects directors who worked for the Riverland Community College president.

(Please refer to the leadership of Riverland Community College for presidents.)

RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE ~ 75TH ANNIVERSARY

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

Riverland MAP: Inspiring personal success for all students

By Mary Davenport

Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs

Riverland Community College has been inspiring personal success through education for 75 years. Today, Riverland Community College continues that focus through a renewed emphasis to help students advance, achieve and graduate as outlined in the Strategic Vision: A Blueprint for Excellence 20152020. In this document, the college commits to offer high quality programming that will promote student success, meet stakeholder needs, and inspire partnerships.

The college community aims to deliver continuous academic improvement in the quest for academic excellence.

Just as a captain will chart a course of a ship, Riverland faculty are navigating their positioning to significantly

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

improve student engagement and learning, guided by successful strategies proven to impact the student experience through a Master Academic Plan, or MAP. The destination is a significantly improved success rate of Riverland Community Davenport College students over the next five years as measured by student retention; completion of a certificate, diploma or degree; and, transfer for continued education or job placement.

Five strategic initiatives plot out the Riverland Community College MAP. Identification of the starting points and components of the MAP are now underway.

Initiative

Goal

Faculty Leader

•Individualized Student Pathway

Increase enrollment by identifying and developing specific procedures to assist each admitted student create a personalized education pathway.

Jeanne Poppe, Counselor

•Course Redesign/Teaching and Learning

Increase enrollment and retention by establishing support for course re-design and restructuring that emphasizes innovative teaching and learning strategies.

Heidi Schara, Speech and Communications

•Student Engagement

Promote learning through civic engagement.

Olle Gladso, Auto Service Technician

•Online Education

Develop online educational pathways for students who desire an Associate Degree.

Dr. Deb McManimon, Business

•First Year Experience

Increase student retention and success by creating and providing a first semester or first year student experience.

RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE ~ 75TH ANNIVERSARY

Dr. Barb Houle, Psychology

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Riverland spotlights 75 students from the past!

Throughout this publication you will find interesting facts and quotes from and by former students. Last fall, the 75th Anniversary Committee decided to conduct a survey on the Riverland website in the hopes of getting at least 75 responses to use for this publication. We achieved 75 completed surveys in the first few hours and eventually received more than 200! This was not a contest — not intended to be the 75 Best — just 75 random students who took the time to reconnect. Included are many current and former employees who attended Riverland and then returned to work at the college. They are marked with an asterisk. We grateful so many people helped make this possible and were impressed with their wonderful memories.

1960s

•Art Keller DC (1966-67-AJC, Mankato State, University of Health Sciences-Lombard BS & Doctor of Chiropractic) “It helped me transition more easily into college life. Successful private practice for 41 years in Austin, MN, and Houston, TX.” •Polly Isham Kinney (1966-68 — ASJC/Art & Theatre, Colorado State College/BA, University of Northern Iowa, MFA) “My experiences that started as ASJC set me on the path that I have chosen for my life’s work. I have been working on Broadway shows, for the Ballet over the years, and beading projects for The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.”

•Diane Dutcher (1968-70 ASJC/Liberal Arts, Winona State/BS in Education, Mankato State/ Adapted Physical Ed) “Wonderful instructors who nudged me to really think about the world and how to contribute to it. Taught for 37 years. Started the girls’ sports programs in Harmony, MN, in 1972.”

•*Jerry Girton (1969-71 ASJC/AA, Southwest State/ BS, Mankato State/ MFA) — Theatre Faculty Emeritus “Choosing to attend ASJC at the last minute was the best educational decision I made.”

•*Jim Mohn (1967-68 AAVTI/ Autobody Rebuilding) Emeritus Faculty; “Riverland is one of the best places that someone can find success in a technical field or academic studies.”

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•*Jan Waller (1968-70 — ASJC/Liberal Arts/ Secretarial Sciences, Winona State/BS, Southwest State/MS) Faculty-Administrative Support Careers/ Administration - Dean of Academic Affairs; “I cherish the friends and professional colleagues relationships made throughout the years here. I am proud to be an alum of Riverland Community College.”

1970s

•Bryce Baker (1969-71 — ASJC/Liberal Arts, U of M-Carlson School of Management/BS Business Administration) “ASJC helped develop independence and critical Thinking.”

•Christine Wilkenson Butler (1970-71 ASJC/ Liberal Arts-Music, University of Arizona, Mankato State/BS El Ed & Music, Southwest State/MA, St. Thomas/Post Masters) “ASJC was affordable, offered unique opportunities and built selfconfidence.”

•Candace Evans-Drees (1973-75-ASJC/ACC, Normandale Junior College/Medical Lab Assistant Program) “A good place to start my post high school education. It helped me to leave home to attend Normandale where I completed the Medical Lab Assistant Program.”

•Don Leathers (1920-72 ASJC/AA, U of M, Minneapolis/BA English/BS Secondary Education)

“ASJC provided me with a solid educational foundation and instilled in me a curiosity to search for the truth. 34 years in the classroom.”

•Alan Madison (1970-71 — ASJC/Liberal Arts/ Music, Luther College/BA) “”ASJC provided an excellent transition from high school to college in the one year I attended. I left for Luther with a better appreciation of what would be expected on the college level.”

•*Michael J. Bute (1977-79 ALAVTI/Diesel Mechanics, 2004/05 RCC/Liberal Arts) — Faculty — 15 years — “”It prepared me for the field I went to work in for many years.”

•*John Drees (1972-74 AAVTI/Agricultural Mechanics) Customized Training and Education; “After graduation I was hired at the first and only job I applied for.”

•*Brenda O’Connor (1979-81 AAVTI/Legal Secretarial Diploma, 1985-86 ACC/Liberal Arts) Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Employees &Technology; “My Riverland story is one of success on so many levels.”

•*Mary K. Peterson (1977-2010 AAVTI/ATI/MRTC/ RCC/Graphics, Liberal Arts) Retired - Business Office “I had a great opportunity as an employee to be encouraged to further my education.”

•*Dean Ulland (1968-70 — ASJC/Liberal Arts, Mankato State — BS/MS) Adjunct Faculty-

RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE ~ 75TH ANNIVERSARY

History; “ William Rupert was my most memorable instructor.”

•*Judy Miller Tabor (1971 — AAVTI/Legal Secretary) Former Personnel Assistant, Human Resources; “Was hired for my first job immediately after graduating and stayed there for 26 years.”

1980s

•Lisa Lyle Deyo (1979-81- ACC/Liberal Arts, Luther College/ BA Elementary Ed/Special Ed, Walden University-Masters in Education) “The Community College was definitely the right move for me. I saved the money I needed to go to a private school later, was involved in activities that I wouldn’t have pursued in a larger setting, and got a quality education!”

•Danna Lastine Nelson (1988-89-ACC/Social Work, Moorhead State/BSW) “ACC prepared me for a bigger university and allowed me to stay home one more year. I have been a child protection social worker for 13 years and love it.”

•*Walt Alms — (1979-81 AAVTI - Carpentry) (Faculty — Carpentry, 27 years) — “My instructor was not only a mentor, but became a lifelong friend.”

QUOTES continues on Pages 17, 18

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

*Todd Fjeldberg (1982-84 ACC/AA Business Administration / Rasmussen School of Business: Accounting) Accounting Technician — “…helped me get my current job.”

•*Susan Hansen (1982-83 ACC/Liberal Arts,UMD/ BA, Mankato State/ MFA) Adjunct Faculty — Theatre & English; “I had excellent teachers and great friends. I have great memories of my time at ACC. It was a very positive, worthwhile investment where I was supported and pushed to excel.”

•*Rayce Hardy (1982-85 ACC Liberal Arts/Mankato State BS/U of M MA) Faculty — Economics “Faculty all cared about my well-being!

Community colleges are an asset worth keeping!”

•*Cindy Pechacek (1980s ACC/Nursing) Faculty - Nursing “The many people who crossed my career path made me a better person.”

•*Teri Rauenhorst (1983-85 — ALAVTI/Sales & Marketing) Book Store Manager; “I could live at home and go to college. I’m not sure I would have gone away to go to college.”

•*Debbie Sauke (1980 — ACC/Liberal Arts, Winona State/BS) Office and Administrative Specialist; “My experience at ACC gave me the courage and confidence as a non-traditional student to go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree.”

•*Kris Gullord (1987-89 ACC/ Liberal Arts, Winona State/ BA, UW LaCrosse MA) Enrollment Advisor; “I didn’t want to go to college! But made a lot of good friends at ACC who all went to school and I just sort of followed. Now I work in a college, MY college!”

•John J. Gray Jr. (1976-82 ACC/Liberal Arts, Minnesota State University, Mankato/BS) “It was convenient, affordable, a great place to learn and it afforded me the opportunity to advance my career from clerical to management.”

•Suzanne Schmidt Law (1995-97-ACC/RIVERLAND — Liberal Arts, Southwest State/BS Communications) Learning, hands on experience.

Life long memories.”

•Brian Mattson (1992-96 — ALTC/MRTC/ACC/RIVERLAND — Surface Finishing and Plating, Human Services; Mankato State/BS) “Riverland helped teach me how to study and Mrs. Askelson supported and helped give me the confidence to do public speaking.”

•*Christine Brooks (1992-94 MRTC/Administrative Assistant) — Administrative Assistant - “Gave me a good solid foundation to apply to my positions at Federated and Riverland.”

•*Kirsten Lindbloom (1996-98 A-RCC/Liberal Arts, Southwest State/ BA, Mankato State/MA) Adjunct Faculty — Sociology “Returning to Riverland to teach has been a highlight!

•*Melodee Morem (1990-94 ACC/ Liberal Arts, Concordia University — St. Paul) International Advisor; “I think every teacher I had offered help above and beyond what would be expected.”

•*Bradley Weber (1995-99 — RCC/Liberal Arts and Radiography, Capella University and Viterbo University/ BA & MBA) Former Adjunct Faculty — Technical Theatre/Technical Director); “Currently Operations Manager of MRI and the Division of Neuroradiology for Mayo Clinic Health Sysytems. Radiography Certificate from RCC allowed me to pursue and succeed in Radiology.”

•*Karen Richter (1989-92 ALTC/ Accounting) Business Office; “I made good friends here. I enjoyed the faculty and small classes.”

2000s

enabled me to become the experienced and proven leader I am today.

Riverland helped me shape the person I wanted to become and still influences the person I am today.”

•Suzanne Gorvin (1999-2002 — RIVERLAND/Nursing, University of Phoenix/BSN-in progress) “ER nurse for 12.5 years. Great instructors!”

•Erin Halvorson (2004-07 — RIVERLAND/AFA-Theatre, UW-Stout) “Riverland was a fantastic time in my life. I met lifelong friends through Riverland and have too many cherished memories to count. If I had never gone to Riverland I would have never found such amazing friends and instructors; therefore would never have found myself.”

•Tyler Irvin (2000-2002-RIVERLAND/Liberal Arts, UW-Superior/BS Theatre & minors in Library Science and Mathematics, Drexel University/MS Library and Information Science) “Riverland gave me an introduction in theatre and performance in general which helped my presentation skills.”

•Carrie Braaten (2000-06 — RIVERLAND Liberal Arts/Theatre) “Riverland taught me how to have a strong work ethic, dedication, loyalty, and how to work as a team. I thank my experiences in theatre at Riverland for that.”

•Jennifer Miller Brunick (2000 — RIVERLAND/AA, Mankato State/ English & Speech Secondary Education) “I am a lifelong learner, and Riverland was part of what led me to where I am now. “ •Salem Mahmoud (2005-07 — RIVERLAND/ AFA Theatre/AA, St. Cloud State/ BA English & Communication Studies) “Riverland prepared me to attend a university. Without Riverland, I would not have succeeded at a university and I have no idea where I would be today without my university education.”

•Jennifer Bute (2004-07 — RIVERLAND/Liberal Arts & Theatre) Having an Associate degree from Riverland has always given me a step-up toward each goal I strive to achieve. So many of the faces I met as a student, continue to be my closest friends (and family) as an adult!”

•Claudia Roman Jimenez (2007-09-RIVERLAND/Liberal Arts, UW River Falls/BS, St. Thomas University-School of Divinity/MA-Theology pending) “Riverland opened the doors to success and prepared me to walk through them and follow through to the end. My experience there is still the best college experience so far. Thank you!”

•Melissa Johnson (2005-07 — RIVERLAND/Theatre) “”I met the best friends I’ve ever had and I’m still friends with everyone. A truly great group of people.”

•Lonny K. Hagen (1994-96-SCTC & RIVERLAND/Accounting) “The Accounting Diploma was excellent!”

•John Judd (1998-2002-OCUC & RIVERLAND/Law Enforcement/ Corrections/Liberal Arts, Mankato State/BA-Law Enforcement/BS Spanish) “I was able to work part-time as a police officer while pursuing my four year degrees because I got my AS Law Enforcement degree at Riverland. I passed MN POST test on the first attempt.”

•Brandon Kasper (2000-02 — RIVERLAND/ AA, St. Cloud State/BS) “Riverland helped me obtain my undergraduate elective credits without having to rob a bank.”

•Travis Kasper (2003-05 — RIVERLAND/Liberal Arts-Theatre, UW LaCrosse) “It was very valuable to me to be able to live at home and start my higher education with reasonable tuition. I learned how to be a functioning and responsible adult.”

•Bryan Gerber (1999-2002 — RIVERLAND/AA, Mankato State/BA in Dance) “Riverland gave me the diverse education I needed in order to accomplish my work in Minnesota. The valuable education I received through passionate and powerful friends and mentors at Riverland

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•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.”

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