Promise Made, Promise Kept

A scholarship allowed Faith McHugh to graduate debt-free.

By Carmelyn Daley-Hinkens

Faith McHugh did not know what the Promise scholarship was when she first heard of it. But just as the name suggests, the program held a lot of promise for her future.

As a student, Faith was eligible for financial aid when she started the Associate Degree Nursing program but there was still a financial gap. She was intrigued when she was offered the Promise scholarship. If Faith maintained solid grades and provided service to her community, the Promise scholarship would cover all outstanding expenses.

“I knew I could do this,” Faith explains. “If you can complete a program without school loans looming, why wouldn’t you? Being in debt right out of high school is nerve-wracking.”

Having completed the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and basic Emergency Medical Services (EMS) programs at FVTC while in high school, Faith was confident in her grades. And she had long been meeting the service criteria through her volunteer EMS work in the Town of Freedom.

Faith graduated in December 2022 with no college debt. She works full time as a nurse at a local plasma services agency and works part time as a nurse at a skilled nursing facility. She also plans to attend Grand Canyon University later this year to complete her bachelor’s degree. Her promise for the future? She wants to continue to work with elderly patients and one day teach CNA students at FVTC about the joy of working with the elderly.

“I love my geriatric population,” Faith says. “I love when they share their stories. They have taught me so much over the years as a CNA and nurse and I will work with them throughout my career.”

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/FVTCPromise

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/Nursing

98% grad employment for RN-Associate Degree 6 months after graduation

Beyond The Classroom

Members of the Hmong Student Union (HSU) participate in an icebreaker activity during a club meeting. HSU is one of the most active student clubs on campus, with regular social get-togethers, fundraisers and heritage awareness events planned throughout the year.

What classes do you teach?

While I have taught several courses in the Communication Skills department, I primarily teach English Composition I and Oral/ Interpersonal Communication. In Fall 2023, I will also teach the Introduction to Literature course that is a part of our new Associate of Arts and Associate of Science programs.

Why did you go into teaching?

Throughout my entire educational journey, I had teachers and professors who supported and pushed me to be the best version of myself. I wanted to be a part of creating that kind of environment for others.

What do you enjoy most about the classes you teach?

I learn so much about the students. Through the essays they write, the speeches they give and the discussions they have, the students reveal their personalities, goals and even their fears. I appreciate it when students take that journey and commit to developing parts of themselves that they know need some work.

University Transfer

This new option allows students to earn an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from FVTC and transfer with junior standing to a four-year partnership school.

Faculty Spotlight: Q&A with Bob Ebben

Learning is a two-way street for Communication Skills instructor.

By Carmelyn Daley-Hinkens

As a 1999 graduate of St. Norbert College (SNC), Bob began his career as an English teacher at Neenah High School. Bob earned a Master of Science in Education from SNC and joined FVTC on an adjunct basis before becoming full-time faculty in 2010. He is a Communication Skills instructor and the president of the FVTC Faculty Association.

How do you explain the importance of communication skills in the workplace?

The courses I teach dovetail nicely with the college’s Employability Essentials, which are the skills and behaviors we know our employers want in the workplace from our students. Whenever they face a challenging situation, I remind them that they have an opportunity to practice what they’ve learned on how to adapt and communicate effectively and respectfully.

What is one piece of advice you have for students?

Students who learn to use college resources, advocate for themselves and become active members of the college community have the richest and most powerful experiences at FVTC.

• • • More of Bob’s interview available online at: www.fvtc.edu/BobEbben

The programs are financial aid eligible and meet all general education course requirements at schools such as UW Oshkosh, UW-Green Bay and Lakeland University.

• • • Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/UniversityTransfer