Winter `15 Creating Futures_FINALindd.indd

PRESIDENT’S NOTES
THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT!
Greetings,
It’s been a great fall semester at Normandale,
and there have been so many events that showcase
the wonderful talents of our students. From the
Normandale Performs to return to Mall of America.
programs and activities hosted by student clubs and
organizations, to the Fine Arts performances and
the myriad of workshops sponsored by academic
departments, this has been an amazing semester of
campus engagement.
One of the key areas the college is focusing
on this year is health and wellness. An example
of this aspect occurred on October 9, when the
Foundation hosted the second Roar N’ Red 5K
Run/2.5K Walk. This event gathered community
members, faculty, staff and students to run, walk
and offer encouragement to each other while
helping to raise funds for student scholarships and
programs.
The Foundation’s Scholarship and Donor
Recognition event was another highlight of the
fall. The event recognized students who received
scholarships and the generous donors who provide
these opportunities. This is a great way for our
students to show how appreciative they are for their
scholarships, and for the donors to hear remarkable
stories about our students.
In this issue of Creating Futures, you will learn
more about our efforts to promote health and
wellness, including a look at our outstanding
Exercise Science program. You will read profiles
of some of our scholarship recipients and donors
about the difference scholarships make. And you’ll
get updates on the amazing accomplishments of
our past students, other happenings from around
our campus, and information on some exciting
grants we have recently received.
I hope you enjoy reading about the stories and
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
The 2016 Creating Futures Celebration gala
promises an evening of entertainment and fun—
all in support of a worthy cause.
Save the date! On April 30, 2016, Normandale Community
College Foundation will host its third Creating Futures Celebration
gala at the Radisson Blu Hotel at Mall of America.
The gala will be an inspirational evening that will feature the
talents of our staff, students and board members. You will also
hear heartwarming student stories about their lives and their
perseverance in the pursuit of their goals. The event will include a
reception, live and silent auctions, an elegant dinner, plus a special
“Metamorphosis…Transforming Lives” program.
Proceeds from the event will help provide scholarships for
deserving, hard-working students of all ages and backgrounds.
Last year, we distributed nearly $615,000 to support student
scholarships and college programs.
Purchase tickets and tables now to receive early bird pricing.
Seat assignments are also made on a first-come, first-served basis,
so it pays to get your tickets soon.
For more information, to purchase tickets, or donate auction
items, call the Normandale Foundation at 952-358-8147 or go to
www.normandale.edu/foundation/events.
Come to the gala, and enjoy a night of fun and excitement while
helping to “transform lives and create futures!”
events going on around campus. Thank you for
your support of Normandale!
Joyce C. Ester, P h.D.
Joyce C. Ester, PhD
President, Normandale Community College
Cover photos, clockwise from top left: Sarah Dibble,
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON
Nahom Mossazghi, Brian Rose, Amanda Gomes Torres,
Ona Pinsonneault, Hai Nguyen-Tran, Ernie Lindstrom,
Muna Abdi.
Creating Futures Volume 11, Number 2
GALA/NORMANDALE PERFORMS
2-3
DOING WELL BY DOING GOOD
4-5, 9
A PICTURE OF HEALTH
6-8
CAMPUS CURRENTS
10-11
ANNUAL REPORT
12-17
ALUMNI NEWS
18-19
FACES AND PLACES
19
Mark your calendars! Normandale is once again coming to Mall of America on Saturday, March 19, 2016 for
the annual Normandale Performs event. Students, alumni, staff, faculty and Foundation Board members will be
on stage at the East Rotunda to entertain audience members and onlookers. As always, the afternoon will
feature a wide range of performances from the college’s gifted entertainment artists.
We look forward to seeing you at the event!
Large photo: student Matt Vinge performs on guitar. Small photos from left: student Heather Vander Tuin,
Interim Dean of Outreach and Enrollment Torrion Amie, student Jonathan Ceballos, student Kihre’e Cherry,
Normandale President Joyce Ester welcomes audience.
3
COVER STORY
DOING WELL BY DOING GOOD
AS THESE EXAMPLES SHOW,
SCHOLARSHIPS HAVE THE POWER
TO CHANGE THE LIVES OF STUDENT
RECIPIENTS—AND THEIR DONORS
Kopp Scholarship donor Lee Kopp
From left: Scholarship recipients Jeremy Hiniker and Sam Lackey,
Pinsonneault Scholarship donors Ona and Wayne Pinsonneault.
From left: Scholarship recipient Amanda Gomes Torres with Ernie Lindstrom,
donor for the Ernie and Jeanne Lindstrom Scholarship. Lindstrom also
was key to bringing the John and Janet Desmond Scholarship
(founders of Tom Thumb Donuts) to Normandale.
B
Student Senate,” says Gomes Torres. “I am a
Normandale was one of the first two-year
more, since that is the key to their success
for a scholarship was overcoming my own fear,” she recalls.
very different person and these experiences
colleges in the state to receive donations
in music.”
have helped me learn a lot about myself.”
from the foundation.
The scholarship provided Dam with time to study and find
“Lee feels you get ‘more bang for your
Gomes Torres is particularly gracious
and that has helped me be successful as a student,” she says. “That
about the Success Through Perseverance
buck’ at two-year colleges,” says Kopp
new funds from the Pinsonneaults and
has done a lot for my self-esteem and confidence.”
Scholarship. “After hearing the story about
Family Foundation Director of Charitable
others, the college was able to award two
John and Janet Desmond’s business at the
Giving Lindsey Lang. “In addition to a great
scholarships for the 2015-16 academic
year.
alancing finances
“Don’t hesitate. If you think you can, you can. And believe in
State Fair and some of the obstacles they
education, it helps students find out what
and academics is
yourself. If you don’t, nobody else will.”
overcame in their lives, I was humbled to
they really want to do.”
one of the biggest
know I was chosen for the Success Through
Amanda Gomes Torres, recipient, Bud Gordon
Memorial and Desmond Success Through
Perseverance Scholarships
challenges in
degree. Normandale has many
students who need to work one
When Amanda Gomes Torres moved to Minnesota from Virginia
or multiple jobs to help pay for
at the start of the last academic year, her goal was simple: Get
their education. Given that, any
amount of financial assistance
can help a student find the right
balance, one that allows him or
her to complete a degree and
find academic success.
Through the generosity
of organizations, businesses
Vy Dam (right) with her
grandmother.
Vy Dam, recipient,
Robert Farley Ogden
Memorial Scholarship
Vy Dam came to Minnesota
and members from around
from Vietnam three years ago.
the community, Normandale
The transition to college wasn’t
Foundation provides more than
easy, largely due to a language
200 scholarships each year to
barrier which made it hard
deserving students who use the
for her to understand course
assistance to reach their goals.
content.
As the experiences of these
students and donors illustrate,
Dam’s other challenge: she
needed a job to afford her
the scholarships make a
tuition. Initially unsure about
tangible, lasting difference.
applying for a scholarship,
encouragement from
classmates, friends, counselors
Pinsonneault and her husband Wayne
endowed their scholarship in 2008. With
success in her classes. “I feel like I can spend more time studying,
Her advice to students thinking about applying for scholarships:
pursuing a postsecondary
4
and instructors eventually swayed her. “The biggest part of applying
through school. Thanks to scholarship opportunities and getting
involved on campus, however, she says she has grown into a
completely different person.
Gomes Torres admits she didn’t know anything about
scholarships, and that she initially wasn’t interested in Normandale’s
clubs and organizations. A couple of chance encounters changed
her course. One of her club advisors, Craig Miller, told her she
would be a good candidate for scholarship opportunities available at
Normandale. He prompted her to apply, and she did.
“I am glad I applied,” says Gomes Torres. “It is such an awesome
thing that the Foundation does to set up these scholarships, and I am
so appreciative to receive them.”
Gomes Torres also had a classmate convince her to attend a
Student Senate meeting. After initially resisting, she began getting
involved. Not long after, the Senate’s president stepped down and
Gomes Torres was nominated and then elected to the position. In
addition to her presidential duties, she served on the Minnesota
State College Student Association Board and went to Washington,
D.C. to advocate for student education issues this past spring.
“I feel like I accomplished so much this last year, especially in the
The Kopp Family Foundation donates to
Students audition for the scholarship
and also submit academic records and
Perseverance Scholarship,” she says. “It is
many different causes, but Lang notes that
a written statement. “The idea is for the
also humbling because my sister and I were
education is the top priority. “A scholarship
students who apply for the scholarship to
raised by a single mom who came to the
can do two things,” she says. “It can help
achieve a certain level of competency in
United States from Brazil when she was 21.
financially, but it can also give a huge
music,” says Pinsonneault. “We have set
She did a lot for us, and I appreciate it.”
boost in terms of confidence and feeling
up the music program to give students a
good about yourself. It is a great feeling to
background that will allow them to pick
apply and get a scholarship—and know
the area of their choice when they transfer
that someone has confidence in you, is
to their next college. The students who
helping you succeed, finish school and
have received these scholarships have
make a positive impact on the world.”
been prepared to attain high levels in their
Kopp Family Foundation, donor,
Kopp Family Foundation
Scholarship
Lee Kopp was one of the top students
in his class when he graduated from
Minneapolis’ Patrick Henry High School
in the 1950s. Initially unsure if college
would be financially possible, a pair
of scholarships helped him attend the
Ona Pinsonneault, donor,
Ona and Wayne Pinsonneault
Music Scholarship
Ona Pinsonneault was a music instructor
chosen fields, and we are happy to provide
these opportunities.”
Alice Seagren, donor,
Alice Seagren Scholarship
University of Minnesota. After college,
at Normandale for 41 years. She started in
Alice Seagren has always believed in
Kopp went into the U.S. Navy. He credits
1969—one year after the college opened—
the importance of education. Her parents
college and his time in the Navy for
and retired in 2011.
stressed it when she was growing up, and
building the foundation that would help
During that time, she saw what students
it has played a big role in her career. She
him become a successful entrepreneur and
had to juggle while getting an education.
served as commissioner of the Minnesota
investor.
“I saw students struggle with financing
Department of Education from 2004 to
and trying to balance work and study
2011, was also a member of the House
Foundation, which has provided
schedules,” says Pinsonneault. “We
of Representatives, and has served on the
scholarships for high school and college
decided to donate a scholarship that
students around the state. In 1995,
allowed students to work less and practice
In 1986, he started the Kopp Family
Ibusap
Doing Well by Doing Good cont. on page 9
5
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Activities-Based Classes
Activities-based classes are another aspect of the Exercise
A PICTURE OF
HEALTH
Science program. They include courses such as Backpacking,
Badminton, Fencing, Fitness for Life, Soccer, Weight Training, Yoga,
and more. “These classes allow students to explore activities they
might want to learn about or participate in, and be in a situation
where they are not afraid to ask questions,” says Exercise Science
Instructor Jay Kam. “It is also a safe environment for students to get
comfortable with the weight room and other facilities. I find that
students are much more confident in their abilities at the end of
NORMANDALE OFFERS A WIDE RANGE
OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS-RELATED
COURSES, PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
FOR STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF AND THE
SURROUNDING COMMUNITY.
H
these courses.”
Kam has also noticed that a social component develops
among students, something that he feels is helpful to their overall
Normandale experience. When he taught soccer, he set up a
weekly match with the soccer club and his class. Three weeks after
the class concluded, the students took it upon themselves to get
together and play soccer. “It is great when students can participate
ealth and wellness has long been a priority on
in a new activity and find out if it is something they like doing,”
the Normandale campus. This year, the college
says Kam. “It also builds friendships, and I believe when people
has put extra emphasis on it as one of the main
have friends on campus, they are more likely to feel supported and
aspects of the work plan. The goal: Harness and
succeed as students.”
coordinate existing and potential student and
employee opportunities to provide holistic wellness
experiences for the college and the local community.
Normandale Nursing students perform routine care for attendees at the
college’s annual Success Day.
Normandale staff member Lilly
Marquez receives personal training
from student David Haile.
The initiative has taken numerous forms. For example, the
Foundation hosted two Roar N’ Red 5K Run/2.5K Walk events in
May and October. The Fitness Center’s hours have been extended,
along with the offering of many intramural and extramural
“We have set up the curriculum so students can ladder through,”
Personal Training
The Exercise Science program has long provided service learning
activities and on-campus fitness classes. Normandale also provides
says Department Chair of Exercise Science David Barrett. “You
experiences for AS students who want to become personal trainers.
integrated health offerings through Continuing Education, the
can see if you like Exercise Science, get your certificate and then
About five years ago, the program began matching up students
annual Health Fair, a Student Health Expo, and the college’s
decide if you want to get an ACSM National Certification. After
with Normandale faculty and staff members looking for personal
Exercise Science program.
that, you can get an AS and move on to pursue a bachelor’s
trainers.
With a new partnership
with SMSU, students can
stay on Normandale¹s
campus to complete
a bachelor’s degree in
Exercise Science.
Exercise Science Program
Normandale’s Exercise Science program offers Associate of
Science (AS) degree and certificate options for students looking
to pursue health and fitness industry careers. The Certificate path
is designed to prepare students to successfully participate in the
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal
Training Examination and enter the workforce as a personal trainer.
The associate degree path prepares students to also pursue a
6
bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and related areas.
degree.”
Last year, Normandale agreed on a partnership with Southwest
The eight-week program starts with an initial consultation, in
which students determine if the faculty or staff member has any
Minnesota State University (SMSU) to offer an Exercise Science
medical limitations, or if he or she will need doctor’s clearance
BS degree on Normandale’s campus, which started this fall. That
to participate. During the second session, students perform a pre-
combination allows students to stay on Normandale’s campus
fitness assessment and set goals for the client. After that, students
while completing a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science that will
and clients aim to meet twice a week to work on exercises and
give them a variety of career options upon graduation. Students
goals.
going through the program also take several business classes with
“It’s a great experience for students to work with faculty and
Normandale partner Metropolitan State University to prepare for
staff members who have a variety of different backgrounds,” says
the business aspect of the field.
Exercise Science Instructor Angie Effertz. “The campus fitness
“The AS track coursework mostly focuses on fitness and some
of the science behind it,” says Barrett. “However, the BS courses
expand to include rehabilitative sciences. Students who graduate
center provides a comfortable environment for students to learn
techniques and refine their skills prior to their certification exams.”
Effertz adds that it also allows students to work on their
with an AS from Normandale and a BS here on our campus from
professionalism in preparation for the workplace. “This experience
SMSU will have a background to get into occupational therapy,
demands a higher expectation of them,” she says. “They feel as
physical therapy, athletic training or corporate wellness and
if their performance is being evaluated, and they make sure they
fitness. They can work as personal trainers or go to high schools or
present themselves in a positive way. We also make sure that
colleges and work as certified strength and conditioning specialists.
they are tending to current professional aspects of their career
They will also be able to work in community center roles or
development such as updating their LinkedIn profiles and having
management-type roles operating community programs.”
an email signature.”
On-Campus Facilities and Student Wellness Group
Through Normandale Recreational Services, students, faculty,
and staff can play sports during open gym time, check out
equipment for activities, and participate in intramural and
extramural leagues. Normandale students compete in extramural
competition with other community colleges in flag football, ice
hockey and soccer. There is also an intramural basketball league
and one-day tournaments in other sports.
The College offers strength and cardio, boot camp and
yoga group fitness classes. Normandale Recreational Services
Coordinator Aimee Broman is certified to teach most of the fitness
classes, and other instructors come in to teach some specialty
classes such as yoga. “We have a lot of free, fitness-related
resources for students, faculty, and staff on campus,” she says.
Picture of Health continued on page 8
7
Doing Well by Doing Good, continued from page 5
Picture of Health, continued from page 7
money I am getting through the scholarship, financial aid and
Bloomington School Board.
“They are a great way for students to get involved with activities
As a former member of the
and sports in a fun, welcoming environment. We work hard to
Normandale Community College
have as many of these options as we can on campus.”
Broman is also the advisor for the college’s Student Wellness
Committee, which is made up of 15 to 20 students. Last year, the
committee put together the Student Health Expo and the Stress
Management Workshop. “For the Student Health Expo we brought
areas of health, including mental, physical, nutritional, financial
well-being and other areas of wellness development. For the Stress
Management Workshop, we brought in a chiropractor to give
massages, had the Meditation Club promote how meditation helps
relieve stress, offered extra yoga classes and did puppy therapy
to relieve stress. These are great ways to educate our campus
community on some of the important components of a healthy
lifestyle.”
Employee Wellness
Normandale’s Human Resources Department runs a variety of
events to help promote employee wellness. There is a Wellness
Committee that meets to put together events and initiatives for
employees.
That group, along with Human Resource Assistant Mai Lucio,
coordinates events and spreads the word around campus. Events
have included a workshop to help employees figure out their
strengths; the Frosty Challenge, which encourages employees to
maintain health habits over the winter; and a walking club.
Lucio also is in charge of the Health Fair for students, faculty,
staff and the community. In the past, Normandale has brought in
companies and vendors to promote health and wellness. However,
this year Lucio wants to add some new aspects to the program.
“We will be having a lot of participation this year from our Nursing
and Dental Hygiene departments,” she says. “We also plan to have
Continuing Education instructors talk about some of their Integrated
Health course offerings. There will be many great options available
to anyone who wants to learn more about different areas of health
and wellness.”
Normandale also received a 2015 Wellness by Design Bronze
Award for excellence in worksite wellness from Hennepin County.
my two jobs will help me finish on time and have the finances to
continue my education when I graduate from Normandale.”
Upton is taking music courses and is part of the college’s
Foundation Board, Seagren received
Concert Choir and Vocal Ensemble. She is enjoying her music
the Foundation’s Community
classes. “The instructors are great. I’ve enjoyed learning about
Connections award in 2005. “I
music theory and other aspects that are an important foundation
think community college is a very
for what I need to learn to be a music teacher.”
affordable first step for people
in about 25 different outside organizations to educate students
on their particular expertise,” says Broman. “We tried to cover all
thought I would get it,” says Upton. “It really helped out. The
RUNNING ON
ALL CYLINDERS
THE COLLEGE’S SECOND
RUN/WALK EVENT
WAS A ROARING SUCCESS.
Normandale Foundation held its second annual Roar N’
Red 5K Run/2.5K Walk on October 9. Students, community
members, faculty and staff showed their support for student
programs and scholarships by running, walking, volunteering
and cheering on the event’s participants.
While school spirit was on full display at the event, a
number of groups went above and beyond. In particular,
the Student Senate, the Atoms Family (aka, the Chemistry
Department) and the Health Sciences Department all showed
remarkable enthusiasm.
The 5K run route looped twice around campus, winding
through the wetlands and local community. The 2.5K walk
took participants on a scenic tour that included the Japanese
Garden, the wooded hiking trail and the labyrinth.
Roar N’ Red was only one of many recent Normandale
events aimed at promoting health and wellness to the campus
and surrounding community. Sponsors for the event included
Mall of America, Park Nicollet Clinic & Foundation and TRIA
Orthopaedic Center.
Congratulations to everyone who supported Normandale
students by participating!
Mark Adkins, donor,
Adkins Family Scholarship
pursuing postsecondary education,
and I believe that Normandale has
some of the best instructors and
Mark Adkins can appreciate
offerings of any community college in the area,” she says. “I have
the different aspects of life that
always been very impressed with Normandale. All of the programs
Normandale students must
are just wonderful.”
balance. He returned to school
Seagren always enjoys meeting the recipients of the various
as a nontraditional student while
Normandale scholarships, and is often impressed by their desire to
working full time and helping to
get an education—and to make sure others in their family have the
raise four kids. “It was a financially
same opportunity. “I have met so many recipients over the years
stressful time,” says Adkins. “I
with unbelievable stories,” she says. “The great part about talking
decided that if I was financially
to the students is that many of them say that once they get through
successful in my future I would like to give back to help ease the
their education and are successful, they want to give back. I think it
financial burden of students in similar circumstances.”
is great to see them already thinking about that while they are still
in the middle of trying to accomplish their goals.”
Indigo Upton, recipient,
Chorzempa Family
Scholarship
Indigo Upton has long had a
Today, Adkins is a Vice President and Wealth Management
Advisor for the BWA Wealth Management Group of Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. He’s also made good on his promise.
He established the Adkins Family Scholarship in 2014, shortly
before joining the Normandale Foundation Board.
He is happy that his education, hard work and ambition have
given him the opportunity to give back. “I give to Normandale
passion for music. All throughout
because of the diverse student body, and large population of non-
her childhood, she loved singing
traditional students.”
and performing in musicals. At
age seven, she watched Kelly
Clarkson win on American Idol and
decided she wanted to follow in her
footsteps.
She attended the Main Street School of Performing Arts in
Nasrudin Aliy, recipient, Normandale
FoundationScholarship
Before even starting at Normandale, Nasrudin Aliy decided
he wanted to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene.
Normandale’s partnership with Metropolitan State University
Hopkins, and took a year off after high school to volunteer to teach
allowed him to take Dental Hygiene classes for his associate’s
choir at a middle school. That sparked her interest in teaching
degree—and stay on campus to complete his bachelor’s degree.
music. “I really enjoyed being a student teacher for the choir,” she
He appreciated this arrangement, because he could pursue
says. “I always wanted to make my career as a performer, but when
the degree at a more affordable cost. But Aliy also realized he
The award recognizes organizations in the county that make
I was teaching, I realized I love being a part of music, and that I
would need financial help to pay his tuition. So he applied for a
employee health a priority through creative and effective wellness
would enjoy teaching it as a career.”
scholarship, received it and used the support to pay for books and
initiatives. Normandale also received a “+Green” designation for
companies that minimize their impact on the environment.
Upton knew Normandale was her best route to an affordable
and quality education, and she threw herself into the endeavor. She
the balance of his tuition.
Aliy mentions that it is easy to apply for the scholarship, but that
currently works at a Starbucks and a nursing home, and has a full-
it is important to be to make sure you put in a good application.
time, 15-credit course load. Upton knew even with the two jobs,
“My advice to other students is to not wait until the last minute,”
she would need help with her tuition. Her next move: She checked
he says. “Apply early and work on making sure you organize your
out the college’s Web site and applied for a scholarship.
essay to be a quality one.”
She received good news via mail shortly afterward. “When
8
I learned I got the scholarship, I started crying because I never
9
CAMPUS CURRENTS
allow the organization to take advantage of an opportunity to
increase its presence in the customized device market.
The first group of courses will focus on preparing the
SOUND OF SUCCESS
A conversation with a
dean who retired from
Normandale—but who
has never really left the
college.
organization to learn. That foundation will allow ReSound to
develop customized processes and improve how it acts on
A new Minnesota Job Skills
Partnership grant will allow
Normandale to help a local
company—and help keep
the state’s employment base
healthy.
On November 13, Normandale and
Q&A: MANLEY OLSON
customer feedback. The final phase will help ReSound sustain
the learning by preparing in-house mentors, coaches, and
trainers.
“As our organization experiences exceptional growth and
From left: MnSCU System Director for Continuing Education and Customized Training
Mary Rothchild, Normandale President Joyce Ester, ReSound President Kim Lody.
college, the company, and the local community.
ReSound, a Bloomington-based hearing
MJSP grants are awarded by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic
innovation, it is imperative that we focus on the training and
Can you tell us about your
development of our workforce,” says ReSound President Kim
experiences at Normandale and why
Lody. “Partnering with Normandale, an organization in our own
you continue to stay so involved
backyard, was especially important, as many of our employees
with the college?
have roots in the community.”
“We are especially excited to work with a company such
aid manufacturer, hosted a ceremony to
Development and aim to help cultivate the skills that will lead to solid employment
as ReSound because of our shared commitment to employee
announce the joint acceptance of a three-
prospects for individuals—and also keep and expand jobs in the state.
development,” says Jeff Hudson, Normandale’s Director
year Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP)
ReSound is part of GN ReSound, one of the world’s largest providers of hearing
of Continuing Education and Customized Training. “We
training grant. The event, which was held
instruments and diagnostic and audiological instrumentation. The company, which
look forward to the grant—and to a long and productive
at ReSound’s headquarters, is a win for the
employs 500 people, will work directly with Normandale to develop courses that will
partnership.”
I was a dean at Normandale for 30 years and had many different
assignments during that time. One area that reported to me was
the Office for Students with Disabilities. After I retired, I decided
that, rather than getting me a gift, I wanted people to give money
to a fund that would help students in the Office for Students with
Disabilities. I helped set up the fund, and talked with the OSD
Director to have the money available for students in that area who
have difficult situations and need financial help.
REWARDING EXCELLENCE
DIFFERENCE MAKER
Normandale’s Robb Lowe recognized for his
innovations in guidance counseling and career
development assistance.
Normandale’s Dr. Orinthia Montague
selected to attend the League for
Innovation in the Community College’s
Executive Leadership Institute.
Normandale Dual Enrollment and
Perkins Department: Academic Affairs
of Student Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer, has been
a 2015 Association for Career and
selected by a national review panel to attend the prestigious
Teaching Education (ACTE)/Region III
Executive Leadership Institute. Sponsored by the League
Career Guidance Award. He was selected
for Innovation in the Community College, the institute
from a host of worthy candidates from
only invited 36 participants, all of whom hold senior-level
Region III, which includes Illinois, Indiana,
leadership positions at U.S. community colleges.
The award recognizes guidance
counselors and career development professionals who have made
The institute, which was held in Phoenix from Dec. 13-17,
2015, allows potential community college presidents or
those in transition to review their abilities and interests,
significant contributions to advocate, educate and communicate the
refine their skills, and participate in leadership discussions
value of CTE as a viable career option to a variety of audiences in their
with nationally and internationally recognized community
communities.
The programs Lowe oversees have followed innovative pathways
college faculty and leaders.
Formed in 1968, the League for Innovation is an
and doubled their enrollment rates in recent years. Lowe has been
international association dedicated to catalyzing the
at Normandale since 2004. His responsibilities include concurrent
community college field. It hosts conferences and institutes,
enrollment, articulated high school-to-college agreements, Online
develops Web resources, conducts research, produces
College in the High Schools, and Post-Secondary Enrollment
publications, and leads projects and initiatives with member
Options. In addition, he works with course equivalencies and prior
colleges, corporate partners, and other agencies—all with
learning assessment, including Advanced Placement, International
a goal of making a positive difference for students and
Baccalaureate, and the College Level Examination Program.
10
A Normandale
instructor shows off
his inventive teaching
methods at the
Great Minnesota GetTogether.
Dr. Orinthia Montague, Normandale’s Vice President
Coordinator Robb Lowe recently received
Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
MATH ON A STICK?
communities.
Normandale Math Instructor
Christopher Danielson has a
reputation for developing inventive
teaching methods. He put those
A year ago, I decided in addition to that program—which
retirees contribute to—we would set up a scholarship for qualified
students in the disability program. This year was the first time the
scholarship was awarded.
For the rest of Q&A: Manley Olson go to www.normandale.edu/
manleyolsonQA.
STATE OF THE ART
Normandale students create a custom mural
to adorn and celebrate Mall of America’s new
expansion.
skills on display this year at the Minnesota State Fair.
Normandale’s Art
Danielson’s exhibit, Math On A Stick, featured a range of fun
Department participated
and useful learning activities. Those activities included a photo
in Mall of America’s
scavenger hunt called The Number Game, and an activity table
Community on Canvas
that allowed participants to make shapes and patterns and look
event with Twin Cities-based
for similarities and differences. Some activities were led by visiting
artist Shane Anderson on
mathematical artists (including Normandale’s own Kevin Lee) who
October 4. Normandale
shared beautiful, mathematical creations—and helped fairgoers
students created a mural
make their own.
Danielson has put together a website called Talking Math with
Your Kids which can be found at talkingmathwithkids.com. The site
is designed to help parents support their children’s mathematical
combining imagery from the
Normandale Japanese Garden and the Normandale Community
College logo.
The students’ mural, along with projects by Anderson and
development. His goal: Encourage parents to talk about math with their
representatives from local art organizations, will be displayed in
kids as they encounter numbers and shapes in their everyday lives.
the mall’s new Central Parkway area.
11
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
FOUNDATION
BOARD CHAIR
SUCCESSION
After serving four years as chairperson
of the Foundation’s Board of Directors,
Carolyn Pratt
Carolyn Pratt was given a warm
thank you for her hundreds of hours
of dedicated service to Normandale.
Carolyn remains on the Board as
immediate past chair. The Foundation’s
incoming Board chair, Janet Bellows,
local branch manager of Amica Mutual
Insurance Company, began her new
duties on July 1, 2015. Heartfelt thanks
to both of these amazing ladies for their
commitment, time, energy and devotion
Janet Bellows
to make a difference in the lives of
Normandale students.
Left photo: Carolyn crosses the finish line in
the Foundation’s second Roar N’ Red Run/Walk
event. Top right photo: Carolyn and Janet pose
with Foundation Executive Director Colleen Simpson
at the Scholarship and Donor Recognition event.
Bottom photo: Janet congratulates scholarship
student while Dr. Ester looks on.
SPOTLIGHT: NORMANDALE JAPANESE GARDEN
Open Year-Round
Normandale Community College’s
Japanese Garden is a two-acre
oasis on its campus. The beauty and
serenity of the garden make it ideal
for contemplation and renewal of the
spirit, as well as special ceremonies and
photo moments. The garden is open
year-round at no charge, except when
reserved for special events.
The Japanese Garden was named by
KARE-11 as one of the “11 Most Relaxing
Places in the Twin Cities.”
For more information, visit www.
normandale.edu/community/japanesegarden, email at japanesegarden@
normandale.edu or call 952-358-8145.
12
Front row from left: Laura Catania, Paula Forbes, Deb Sidd, Dr. Joyce Ester, Mark Adkins, Carolyn Pratt, Colleen Simpson, Marya Robben;
Back row from left: Ryn Melberg, Axel Steuer, Martha Wittstruck, Bernardine Bryant, Rex Gaskill, Mike Lebens, Joe Rapacki, John Etchison,
Nahom Mossazghi, Joe Waldoch. Absent: Jane Welch, Alan Abramson, Janet Bellows, Tia Agate, Larry Jodsaas, Sanu Patel-Zellinger, Duane Spiegle.
NORMANDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION BOARD
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
JANET BELLOWS – Chair
Branch Manager, Amica Mutual
Insurance Company
AXEL STEUER – Vice Chair
Higher Ed Consultant; Retired, Gustavus
Adolphus President
JOSEPH RAPACKI – Treasurer
CPA, Owner, Rapacki and Company
JANE WELCH – Secretary
Principal, Morrison Sund, PLLC
MARK ADKINS – Member-at-Large
VP, Wealth Management Advisor, BWA
Wealth Advisor, Merrill Lynch
CAROLYN PRATT – Past Chair
Professional Musician
ALAN ABRAMSON Sr.
VP and CIO, HealthPartners, Inc.
TIA AGATE*
Student Representative, Phi Theta Kappa
BERNARDINE BRYANT
Retired VP, Administrative Services and
Interim President, Normandale Community
College
LAURA CATANIA
Retired, Chief Administrative Officer,
GMAC Residential Capital
DR. JOYCE ESTER*
President, Normandale Community College
JOHN ETCHISON
Senior Director IT, United Health Care
PAULA FORBES
CEO, Forbes Solutions PLLC
REX GASKILL
Retired, Dean and Instructor, Normandale
Community College
LARRY JODSAAS
Retired CEO, PolarFab
MIKE LEBENS
Vice President, Senior Relationship
Manager, Wholesale Banking, Wells Fargo
RYN MELBERG
Independent Consultant
NAHOM MOSSAZGHI*
Student Representative, Student Senate
SANU PATEL-ZELLINGER
Senior Manager, Best Buy
MARYA ROBBEN
Partner, Lindquist and Vennum LLP
DEBRA SIDD*
Faculty Member, Normandale Community
College
COLLEEN SIMPSON*
Executive Director, Normandale Foundation
DUANE SPIEGLE
VP Real Estate and Support Services,
Park Nicollet
JOE WALDOCH*
Japanese Garden Committee Representative
MARTHA WITTSTRUCK*
Faculty Member, Normandale Community
College
FOUNDATION STAFF
COLLEEN SIMPSON
Executive Director
JAYNE TEVRUCHT
Director of Corporate and Foundation
Relations
NICHOLE AXTMAN
Alumni and Donors Relations Manager
BRIANNA MALM
Development Office Manager
SHERRILL MOZEY
Interim Development Office Manager
*Ex officio, non-voting
13
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
SOURCE OF GIFTS
Foundations & Corporations
$596,755
Individual Giving
$208,009
In-Kind
$87,897
TOTAL
$892,661
HIGHLIGHTS: FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015
Academic Affairs VP Julie Guelich, Foundation Executive Director Colleen Simpson,
Foundation Chair Janet Bellows and President Joyce Ester with 2015-2016 scholarship recipients
at the Scholarship and Donor Recognition Event in November 2015.
PROGRAM SUPPORT
EQUIPMENT SUPPORT
■ Made possible through a gift from HealthPartners and matched
by a Leveraged Equipment grant from Minnesota State
Colleges and Universities (MnSCU), the Normandale Nursing
Department purchased a Junior Sim(ulator). This programmable
and computer-controlled mannequin of an adolescent child
will provide active, hands-on learning experiences for nursing
students to develop clinical reasoning and response skills.
DONORS
■ A grant from the Best Buy Foundation enabled Normandale’s
Total of 692
Vacuum and Thin Film Technology faculty to develop and
Students from first year cohort of Finish Line program with
former Program Coordinator Richard Webb (center, back row).
35%
high school students. Fifty-five students with the TRIO Upward
Bound and ETS Programs learned about degree and certificate
programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
55%
■ Normandale Foundation received a grant of $200,000 from
SCHOLARSHIPS
10%
Finish Line Program supports students within two semesters of
conducting the activities and sharing college experiences.
2014-2015 Scholarship and Donor
OSD, Otto Bremer Foundation, the
completing an associate’s degree through performance-based
Recognition event in April 2015 to
Russ Smiley Memorial, and Wells Fargo
scholarships with required program activities that include
recognize student scholarship recipients
scholarships.
academic planning, transfer application, resume writing, and
possible. In total, 360 students received
$369,181 in scholarships, an increase of
150% over the previous year.
financial literacy. In addition, a grant of $14,000 was awarded
■ Normandale Foundation also established
to facilitate discussion of best practices among the 10 MnSCU
the Roar N’ Red Scholarship with funds
institutions receiving Finish Line grants through the services of
raised from the first Roar N’ Red 2.5K
The Improve Group.
Walk/5K Run held in May. In total, 300
faculty, staff, students and community
■ Normandale’s Hospitality Management Program received a
members participated and volunteered
grant of $358,137 over three years from the Carlson Family
established and awarded in the 2014-
in an event designed to foster school
Foundation to provide job skills training and employment
15 academic year, including the Aaron
spirit, encourage a healthy lifestyle, and
assistance to unemployed or dislocated workers, low-income
Hilden Memorial Jazz, Adkins Family,
promote the college and its beautiful
adults, recent immigrants, and youth for the hospitality,
Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IME),
campus.
travel, and tourism industries. Hospitality Pathways will
■ Several new scholarships were
10%
Nadine Bordwell Dental Hygiene,
provide tuition and textbooks, mentoring, skills training, and
academic counseling as well as an internship or job shadowing
MEMORIALS
GIFT DISBURSEMENT
with the grant. In addition, Normandale STEM and Education
students assisted industry professionals, faculty and staff in
scholarships and program support
55%
the Otto Bremer Foundation to improve semester-to-semester
retention and on-time degree completion. The Normandale
and generous donors who help make
35%
through hands-on experiments and computer tablets purchased
Normandale Alumni, Olson-Dunne
■ Normandale Foundation held the
experience.
TRIO students at Best Buy-sponsored STEM camp.
■ With funding from Donaldson Company and a match from
MnSCU’s Leveraged Equipment grant, Normandale’s Fabrication
Laboratory acquired a profilometer to measure the thickness and
accuracy of thin film coated experiments. Donaldson Company
Foundation, together with Xcel Energy Foundation, H. B. Fuller
Scholarships
$369,181
Program Support
$219,857
Endowments
$4,981
Emergency Aid to Students
$5,405
TOTAL
conduct a one-day camp of career exploration for middle and
$599,424
A memorial tree has been planted in memory of Fred Moyer,
Foundation, Thomson Reuters, Bloomington Noon Rotary Club
former Normandale head football coach and instructor who passed
Foundation, and Julie and Robert Guelich, fund scholarships for
away March 30, 2015. The tree’s dedication took place at the annual
STEM students in Normandale’s Academy of Math and Science.
Foundation-hosted retiree luncheon in October.
Now in its ninth year, 37 Academy students received $54,349 in
In his 22 seasons, Moyer led Normandale to 12 state conference
scholarships during this academic year.
championships, 11 appearances in postseason bowl games, and 10
Top-10 national rankings. He is ranked as the fourth-winningest coach
From left: Marketing VP, Bloomington Convention &
Visitors Bureau Jan Kroells, scholarship recipients
Elizabeth Cooper and Erin Devereaux,
Hospitality Management Instructor Brandon Supernault.
in the history of the National Junior College Athletic Association
(NJCAA). Retiring in 1991, Moyer was elected to the Minnesota Community College
Conference Hall of Fame in 1992 and inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame in 2000. Fred
14
loved his players, often stating, “These are not just football players. They are my sons.”
11
15
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
THANK YOU to Our 2014-2015 Donors
Gifts received July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015
Visionary, $200,000
and above
Bonnie and David Westermoe
Xcel Energy Foundation
Otto Bremer Foundation
Dean, $1,750 - $3,999
Trustee, $100,000 $120,000
The Curtis L. Carlson Family
Foundation
Regent, $20,000 - $50,999
Donaldson Company, Inc.
Larry Jodsaas
John E. Desmond and
Janet C. Desmond Foundation
Kopp Family Foundation
Mall of America
Chairman, $10,000 $15,000
Bloomington Rotary
Foundation (Noon)
Julie and Robert Guelich
H. B. Fuller Company
Foundation
HealthPartners
Mahendra and Asha Nath
President, $6,000 - $9,999
Amica Insurance
Best Buy
Chorzempa
Family Foundation
DoubleTree by Hilton
Bloomington-Minneapolis
South
Mae and Sylvester Weiss
Foundation
Vice President, $4,000 $5,999
Bloomington Crime Prevention
Association
Bloomington Daymakers Rotary
Foundation
Eden Prairie AM Rotary
Foundation
James and Tamarra Giertz
Institute for Mexicans Abroad
Kraus-Anderson Companies, Inc.
The Laura Jane Musser Fund
Edward Meyer, Jr. and Peg Meyer
Greg and Deb Peterson
Polar Semiconductor, Inc.
Russell T. Lund Charitable Trust
Allan and Deborah Schneider
Colleen and Kirk Simpson
Thomson Reuters
Wells Fargo Bank
Downtown Office
16
Janet Bellows and
Harvey Worms
Henry and Diane Benz
Bloomington Convention
& Visitors Bureau
Richard Brown
Doherty Employment Group
Robert and Kathleen Hauer
Thomas and Beverly Horak
Ryn Melberg
Ona and Wayne Pinsonneault
Carolyn Pratt and
Jackson Thatcher
Joe and Julie Rapacki
Alice and Fred Seagren
Shakopee Rotary Scholarship
Foundation
Carole Smiley
Axel and Loreli Steuer
Stiles Foundation
Don & Leslie Stiles
Timothy Stommel
TRIA Orthopaedic Center
US Bank–Bloomington
US Bank–Normandale Branch
James and Linda Wallace
Ambassador, $1,300 $1,749
Mark and Joni Adkins
Chanhassen Rotary Foundation
Embassy Suites Bloomington
Kent Erickson
Robert and Rhonda Gibbs
Metropolitan
Mosquito Control District
Orinthia Montague
NETA (Nat’l Exercise
Trainers Assoc)
Manley and Ann Olson
RJ Ahmann Company
Kim and Pete Segar
Lisa and Richard Wheeler
Executive Director, $1,000
- $1,299
Adolfson & Peterson
Construction
Bank of America Foundation
Colleen Brickle
Laura Catania
Chick-fil-A
Ramona Damiani
Joy and David Drummond
Judith and Charles Dunne
Angela Effertz
Robert and Nancy Erickson
Excelsior Rotary Foundation
Beth Heinz and
Mark Werkmeister
Hilton MinneapolisBloomington
Larkin, Hoffman, Daly
& Lindgren
Ernest and Jeanne Lindstrom
Janet Meyer
Minnesota Twins
Moe Family Charitable Fund
Leslie Nelson
Normandale Community
College Dental Department
David and Karen Tsurusaki
Jane Welch and
Dan Schowengerdt
Martha and James Wittstruck
Director, $600 - $999
Susan Ant
Kris Bigalk
Catherine and Jay Breuer
Gale Chovanec
Matthew Crawford
Dan and Janice Creed
Erin and Stephen Daly
Brenda Dickinson
John and Kathi Etchison
Rex Gaskill and Paul Strandberg
Patricia Gonzales
John Haugen and Alicia Reeves
John and Coral Houle
Michael Kirch
Lancer Hospitality
Michael and Megan Lebens
Norman and Sharon MacDonald
Marco, Inc.
Richard and Peggy Meyer
Aaron Moe
Normandale Community
College Art Department
Normandale Community
College STEM and Education
Division
Jack Norton and Alexa Pragman
Park Dental Resource Group
Donald Reznicek
Corey J. Ruff
Duane and Susan Spiegle
Linda Tetzlaff
Beverly and Dale Throndson
Andy and Amy Tix
Chair, $450 - $599
Anonymous
Torrion Amie
Katherine Andersen
Anime Twin Cities Inc.
Bailey Nurseries
Consilium Wealth Group
D&K Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
Joyce Ester
Amy Fowler
Frank and Beth Grund
Karen Hanson
Jeff Hudson
Charles and Sarah Jacobs
Cary Komoto
Lehner Law Office, LLC
Elizabeth Longley
Joseph McCulloch
Craig and Debra Miller
The Nekola Family Charitable
Fund of InFaith Community
Foundation
Gary and Mary Margaret Ness
Northern Tools and Equipment
Joseph P. Opatz and
Mrs. Pamela Steckman
Park Nicollet Health Services
Quality Bike Products
RBCU
Science Museum of Minnesota
Debra Sidd
Meredyth and Bill Stern
Stephen Sullivan
United Health Foundation
Weber Deegan, Ltd.
Mentor $255 - $449
Anonymous
Sunny Ainley
Linda Armstrong
Angela Arnold and
Jack Kronebusch
Shirley Beil
Bloomington Affiliated
Garden Club
Brainerd International Raceway
John C. Chalberg
Michael Churton
Douglas and Nancy Claycomb
ComputerFixx Chanhassen
Jennifer Crawford
Anthony Dunlop
Vicki Erdmann
Mary Estlick
Laurie Frahm
Carol Fung Kee Fung
Janice Hardin
Sharon Harvey
Hilton Minneapolis
Jennifer Isaac
Barney Johnson
Jill Johnson
Geoffrey Jones
Erika and Herb Kahler
Karen Kilzer
Cindy Koopman and
Steven Porter
Howard M. and Arlene S. Kurs
Amy Lau Fong
Lexus of Maplewood
Minnesota Orchestra Association
Leonard and Karen Nordstrom
Normandale Community
College Bookstore
Normandale Community
College Center for Applied
Learning
Normandale Community
College Sociology Department
Patrick O’Donnell
John Olson
Sanu Patel-Zellinger and
Fred Zellinger
Douglas Pearson
Dean’s List, $100 - $199
Joanna Piotrowska
Catherine Pulling
Raderstorf/Armstrong
Family Fund
David Rayson
Bernard Smith
Ryan and Courtney Smith
Gerald Swarsensky
Brooke Thaden-Koch
Holley Thompson
University of Minnesota
Gloria Westerdahl
Anonymous
Anonymous
Mark Ahrens
Ralph and Rebecca Anderson
Raymond and Barbara Anschel
David Barrett
Suzanne Beatty
Judith Benka
Pam Bentzien
Terry and Peggy Berndt
Birch’s Restaurant & Bar
BMW of Minnetonka
Brave New Workshop
Aaron Brosier
Joseph Bueltel
R. Tom Burgess
Burnsville Toyota
Annette and Sean Byrd
Kristine Carey
Denise Chambers
Bonnie and John Chase
Colleen Childers Fogarty
Chipotle
Johan Christopherson
Clarion Research, Inc.
Carol and William Connelly
Culligan Water
Michael Cummins
Christopher Danielson
Mary Daunis
Edward Donahue
Raechelle Drakeford
Peggy Duffy-Johnson
Edina Professionals Inc.
Warren and Adele Eidsness
Jane Erbele
Karen Ford
James and Kelly Frankenfeld
Karen and Edward Gleeman
Alan Goracke
Gordon and Janet Graham
Green Mill Restaurant and Bar
Melissa Gross and
Brian Henning
Lyman Hawbaker
Kathleen Hayden
Monica Haynes
Kristen Henry
Brooks Herrboldt
Minda Hill
Hoigaard’s
Neena Ingvalson
Ronald and Michelle Jackelen
Krista Jordheim
Jeffrey Judge
William Jurney
Sarah Justad
Yvonne and William Kelly
Kincaid’s Steak Chop &
Fish House
Kimberly J. and
Roderick A. Klein
Steven Koch
Susan Krook
Hella Lange
Carol Larsen
Lindberg Chiropractic
The Loppet Foundation
Gene S. Luckfield
Carol March
Noel Martinson
MB25 Media Solutions
Sara McAtee
Patricia McGowan
Educator, $200 - $254
Robin Arneson
ASPIRE Beverages
Balanced Care
Nicholas and Karen Basil
Terry Bongard
Bremer Bank
Bernardine Bryant
Susan Cammack
Martin Chorzempa Jr.
Lucille Christianson
Dionne Doering
Christopher Ennis
Mary Ernst
Terrence Glarner
Olive Grose
Michele and Kent Grosser
Brian Holcomb
Coralie Hunter
Michael and Kimberly Jackelen
Ani Janzen
David Jones
Carol Joslin
Basant Kharbanda
Duane Kramer
Marina Kuksenko
Clare and Tom Larkin
Lawrence and Betsy Lee
James Lemmer and
Patricia Brennan
James and Dolores Lucas
Lacey Mamak
Peter and Barbara Meyer
Mugshots Coffee Company
New Mart
Emi and Naoya Nobuhiro
Normandale Community
College English Department
Normandale Community
College Human Resources
Department
Normandale Nursing
Department
Normandale Community
College Theatre Department
Normandale Electric Co.
Kerim Odqan
Olson Technology
Penny Peterson
R. F. Moeller
Mary L. Renquist
Sharon and James Rupp
Diana Scheff
Mary Seth
Antoinette Somerville
Terry Stirewalt
Charles Tatsuda
Barbara Timmer
William Westerdahl
Laura Willaert
Anne Wilson
Frank and Nancy Zacharias
11
Patricia McPherson
Minneapolis Airport Marriott
James Moore
Phyllis Myers
Mark Nagel
Thomas Naughton
Mark Nelson
Charles Nikles II
Normandale Community
College Dietetic Technology
Department
Normandale Community
College Student Life
Daniel Odegaard
Charles Ojala
Miriam Olson
Arland and Myrna Otte
Jonelle Palmer
PedalPub Twin Cities, LLC
John Pham
Philips Oral Healthcare
Timothy Price
Procter & Gamble, Crest Oral B
Rodney Raasch
Radisson Blu
Lorna Redding
Lynette Reini-Grandell
Margaret Rejto
Richfield Bloomington Honda
Frederick Roos
Kay and Victor Rudek
Lawrence Rust
Ruttger’s
Ruth A. Sanford
Cathy Satern
Scott Schnuckle
Greg Schou
Victoria Schwab
Kurt Schweickhardt
Martin Segal
Carol Sheridan
Jean Small
Niles and Virginia Smith
David Sonju
Andrea Specht
Mary Stark-Johnson
Peter Stiles
Lawrence Stirtz
Laurie Strand
Daryl Sulander
Sharon Sund
Eileen Swanson
The Day Spa
Debra and David Tillman
William and Elaine Treacy
Ultradent Products
Steven Vadnais
Kathleen Vendel
Wilma and Willis Volkmer
Douglas Wagner
Wagner’s Greenhouse Inc.
Theodore and
Maureen Wegleitner
Kathryn Wijesinghe
Wisser Family Fund
Woolley’s Steakhouse
Pamela Yost
YourCause
Ghidei Zedingle
Andrew Zimmern
Honor Roll, Up to $99
Anonymous
Anonymous
Abdallah, Inc.
Vivian Alexander
AmazonSmile Foundation
Patty Lee Anderson
Sharon Anderson
Gloria Aronson
Kent Ashland
Jim Baglio
Barnes & Noble
Joyce Baughman
Diane Baumgartner
Candace Bell
The Benevity Community
Impact Fund
David Berner
Chastity Berquist
Herbert and Nancy Berzelius
Bibelot
Kathy Bielmeier
Michael Bielmeier
Richard and Catherine Black
Frances Bland
Elizabeth and Randy Blazer
Blick Art Materials
Bloomington Theatre
& Art Center
Philip Bly
Evelyn Briggs
Dale Brown
Buca di Beppo Eden Prairie
Rosalie Bunge
Christine Burr
Byerlys
Cafe Latte
Cynthia Carow-Schiebe
James Carr
Norma Chambers
Donna and David Chatfield
Lana Chellsen
Judith Christianson
Brian Clemens
Richard Clough
Alex Cooper
Kristen Cooper
CRAVE
Cub Foods
Robert Danielson
David Fong’s Restaurant
Val Dean
Andrea Deotis
Paul Desjardins and
Amy Sheldon
David and Rita Docter
Aimee DuBois
Richard Dunning
Marilyn Eckerle
Susan Eder
Mary Engelhard
Stephanie Erickson
Ignatius Esele
European Wax Center - Edina
Lavonne Evenson
Earl and Shirley Evenstad
Famous Dave’s
Lana Feddema
French Hen Cafe
Philip Furia
Paula Garland
Tom Gartner
Susan Gekas
Lori Gerval-Bridenstine
Gold Nugget Tavern & Grille
Susan Graber
Jeanette Granger
Nancy Gruber
James Gustafson
Nancy Haik
Amy Hamilton
Laura Handler
Sharon K. Harris
Karen and Mark Hausladen
Dan Henry
Joe Higgins
Jeffrey and Sue Hine
Larry Hines
April Holthaus
JoAnn Hucko
John and Maria Jaros
Elsie Johnson
Jill Johnson
Julie Johnson
Renee and Craig Johnson
Willie Johnson
Paul Kachelmeier
Hanaa Kadry
Beth Kainz
Wanda Kanwischer
Sheila and Graham Kimble
Teresa Klotz
Kowalski’s Markets
Heidi Kreutzer
Mary Krugerud
James Kurschner
Roxanne Lamkin
Kevin Lee
Live, Laugh, Love Gifts
Lorna Livingston
Lucid Brewing
Nancy Ludden
Bernard Maegi
Roland Maine
Bonnie and Timothy Manley
Adam Marsnik
Greg Marutani
Massage Envy Spa
Judy McMillan
Beth Miller
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Vikings Football Club
Minnesota Wild
Stephen Mondy
Motorwerks BMW
Allen Muerhoff
Lori Ann Murphy
Marietta Murphy
Sandra Myers
John Frank Nieszner
Nordic Ware
James and Shirley Norman
Normandale Community College
Office of Student Affairs
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Dick and Marit Nowlin
Older Wiser Livelier, Sierras Club
Barbara Olsson
Glenn Oster
Victor Padron
Park Nicollet Optical
Nancy Pates
Penn Lake True Value
Maren Petersen
Dale and Mary Peterson
Dennis and Maureen Peterson
Heidi Peterson
Nancy and Richard Pointer
Judith Potthoff
Linda Raasch
Gloria Radtke
Samuel Reasoner
Red Balloon Bookshop
Jane Travers Render
JoAnn Rice
Rich Nails
Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy
Mark and Julie Ritter
Gloria Robinson
Edward Roche
Brian Rose
Ava Rosenblum
Jeannine Roufs
Salon Essence
Sam’s Club–St Louis Park
Carol Ann Sander
Sharon Schmidt
Jacquelyn and Kenneth Selby
Robin Selvig
Geoffrey Serdar
Susan Seymour
Jeannene Simonson
Roberta and Kevin Sliwinski
Linda Small
Kimberly Socha
Christine Solso
Mary Solverson
Linda Stahl
Derek Steele
Rae Dean Stockert
Genella Stubrud
Judith and Frank Stucki
Summit Brewery
Surly Brewing Company
James Sutton
Tiger Sushi
Tiny Acorn Portraits
Thomas Tollman and Carol Johnson
Yoneko Tsurusaki
Peter and Cheri Ulmen
Mary Vavrosky
Von Hanson’s Meats
Jean Weinig
Stephen Wiley
Carole Willink
Geri Wilson
Duane and Georgie Windahl
Gene and Debbie Winstead
Carrie Woodley
Steven Wyffels
Catalina Yang
Cheryl Zachman
We apologize for any deletions or misspellings.
Please call 952-358-8147 with corrections.
17
ALUMNI NEWS
ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS
ALUMNI ADVISORY COUNCIL / ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
FACES AND PLACES
Children’s Justice Initiative, Lead Judge
(2004-2014). He lives in Owatonna, is
ERIK ELIASON, ‘06
Eliason is the co-founder and CEO of
married and has three children.
BRIAN ROSE, ‘15
Storefront, which connects brands to retail
Normandale's Alumni Advisory Council recognizes alumni
who have made outstanding achievements in their life with an
Alumni Achievement Award. Nominees must be an alumnus and
living at the time of nomination. The deadline to nominate is
January 19, 2016. The recipient(s) will be honored at a reception
attended by their peers and guests, and the honor announced to
the college and community.
2015-16
ALUMNI
ADVISORY
COUNCIL
MEMBERS
Brian Rose graduated
spaces for short-term rentals. Eliason was
named to “Forbes’ 30 Under 30” in Retail
from Normandale
& E-Commerce. He has also co-founded
Community College
Gemmyo (an e-commerce company
with an associate’s
which makes customized Parisian jewelry
degree in Psychology
accessible) and SocialEarth Media Inc. (the
and Religious Studies.
Rose is currently
leading source for social entrepreneurship
Erik Burns (2000-2002)
news and information, which was
attending Hamline University where he is
Online nomination form is located at:
eventually acquired by 3BL Media). Eliason
pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Alcohol
www.normandale.edu/nomination
graduated from Normandale in 2006, and
and Drug Counseling.
went on to graduate with a degree from
BERNARD AKEM ‘14
Entrepreneurship Management from the University of Minnesota in 2008. He
Past recipients include:
Bernard Akem
also graduated from Harvard Business School in 2011.
Linda Tetzlaff, ‘91
recently graduated
Amanda Lilgreen, ‘08
from Northern Illinois
University with a
2014-15
Antonia Felix (1976-77)
LYDIA WIFF, ‘14
Jake Slegers, ‘91
Wiff graduated
2012-13
Richard St. Germain, ‘10
Nick Schneider, ‘13
Chuck Jacobs, ‘95
2010-11
2014 and is currently
a high-ranking Google executive.
This fall, Wiff headed
Tammy Mencel, ‘90
the ground crew for
the University of North Dakota aviator’s
2009-10
second-place team in the all-women Air
Richard (Rocky) Daly, ‘75
Race Classic.
Jill D. Johnson. ‘88
Barb Teed, ‘07
Rowen Kellogg
(student representative)
NORMANDALE TO HOST KENNEDY CENTER COLLEGE THEATRE FESTIVAL
Normandale will host the Kennedy Center American College (KCACTF) Theatre Region V Festival in January
2016, the second year of a two-year commitment. Normandale is one of only a few two-year colleges in the
history of the event to have hosted a KCACTF Regional Festival. Last year’s festival brought in more than 1,500
participants. Founded in 1969, the KCACTF is a national theatre program involving 18,000 students from
colleges and universities nationwide. The KCACTF also honors excellence in playwriting, acting, criticism,
directing, and design. In 2013, the KCACTF awarded Normandale Theatre Department several honors,
including a Gold Medallion award for Normandale Instructor Anne Byrd.
Funds are being sought for expenses incurred for hosting this prestigious event. Please contact the Foundation
18
education goals. One workshop was led by
of North Dakota.
at 952-358-8147 with questions.
Biological Science.
to transition to college and achieve their
from Normandale in
attending University
bachelor’s degree in
discuss tools and strategies students can use
He completed
research projects in Marine Sciences in
Charleston, S.C., Costa Rica and Alaska.
JOSEPH BUELTEL
Akem graduated from Normandale in 2014
‘82
with an associate’s degree in Biomedical/
Bueltel is a
Medical Engineering, and currently works
District Court Judge,
at Normandale in the Business Office.
chambered in Steele
Akem will be going to graduate school in
County, Minnesota. He
the fall of 2016 to get his master’s degree.
graduated from
JESSICA MAKORI, ‘15
Normandale with an
Makori graduated
AA (Honors) in 1982,
from Normandale in
followed by a BA from the University on
2015 and is currently
Minnesota and a JD (Cum Laude) from
attending Carleton
William Mitchell College of Law. After
College. This summer,
law school, he was a judicial law clerk,
she met with First Lady
in the private practice of law and was the
Michelle Obama as
former Third Judicial District Chief Public
part of the “Beating the Odds” Summit,
Defender. He was appointed to the bench
on behalf of “College Possible,” a non-
by Governor Jesse Ventura in 2002. He is
profit that helps students prepare for and
a member of the Criminal Jury Instruction
navigate the college application process.
Guides Committee, (2005-present), Steele-
At the White House summit, there was a
Waseca Drug Court, Lead Judge, Steele
panel that included the First Lady and U.S.
County (2014-present) and Steele County
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to
DIANA MUNGU ‘15
Diana Mungu
graduated from
Normandale
Community College
with her mother
and brother in the
spring of 2015
earning an associate’s degree in Liberal
Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. This
fall, she started at the Carlson School of
Management at the University of Minnesota
where she is majoring in Marketing and
minoring in Management Information
Systems.
19
Normandale Community College Foundation
9700 France Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55431-4399
Nonprofit Org.
U.S.Postage
PAID
Twin Cities, MN
Permit No. 913
www.normandale.edu/foundation
CREATING FUTURES
Volume 11, Number 2
AS THE CLOCK TICKS TOWARD YEAR 2016
We thank you for your support that is greatly needed, truly appreciated and distributed very wisely. The Foundation
responds to financial needs of our deserving students with emergency financial aid. With a student population approaching
15,000 this year, the growing need for financial assistance is ever present. Every dollar truly counts!
“Metamorphosis...Transforming Lives” is the theme for our April 30, 2016 gala. Join us for a fun, fabulous spring event
featuring our students! Please contact us for tickets, auction donations and volunteer opportunities.
Because our fall gala was moved to a spring 2016 gala, hundreds of 2015 tax-deductible gala gifts did not occur this
calendar year. Your support is vital. Please help us TRANSFORM the lives of hardworking Normandale students as well as
their families, which ultimately builds a healthier economy in our communities.
Warmest regards for a joyous holiday season and a wonderful 2016!
Colleen Simpson, Normandale Foundation Executive Director
SAVE THE DATE!
EVENTS CALENDAR SPRING 2016
THEATRE PERFORMANCES
MUSIC CONCERTS
2016 DATES TO REMEMBER
The Dining Room
by A. R. Gurney
Directed by
Kathleen Bagby Coate
Feb. 25-27 and March 2-5, 2016
The 25th Annual Putnam
County Spelling Bee
Music and Lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Conceived by Rebecca Feldman
Directed by Paul Coate
April 21-23 and 28-30, 2016
Jazz Combo—Feb. 29 and May 2, 2016, 7:30 p.m.
Last Day to register for Spring Semester
classes—Jan. 8
Spring Semester classes begin—Jan. 11
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, No
Classes—Jan. 18
President’s Day, No Classes—Feb. 15
Success Day—Mar. 1
Spring Break—Mar. 7-12
Summer registration begins for current
students—Mar. 14
Scholarship application deadline,
returning students—Apr. 1
Fall registration begins, current
students—Apr. 18
Commencement—May 16
Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble
Mar. 3 and May 5, 2016, 7:30 p.m.
Concert Choir and Vocal Ensemble (at Christ the King
Lutheran Church)—Mar. 4 and May 6, 2016, 7:30 p.m.
Spring Choral Concert with Century College
(at Church of St. William)—May 1, 2016, 7:30 p.m.
ART EXHIBITIONS
Aaron Dysart: Preserve—Jan. 8–Feb. 13, 2016
South Suburban High School Conference Art
Show—Feb. 19–Mar. 17, 2016
Metro West High School Conference Art Show
May 12–19, 2016
Scholarship application deadline, new
students—June 1
PRESIDENT: Joyce C. Ester, PhD
FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Colleen Simpson
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Geoff Jones
EDITORS: Chris Mikko, Foundation staff
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Karla Caspari, Geoff Jones
WRITERS: Nichole Axtman, Steven Geller, Geoff Jones, Brianna Malm, Colleen
Simpson, Jayne TeVrucht
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Steven Geller, Jerry Holt, Pavel Ignatenkov, Sandy May,
Jayne TeVrucht
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: Mary Solverson
Normandale Community College Foundation, 9700 France Avenue South, Bloomington,
MN 55431-4399 • (952) 358-8147 • foundation@normandale.edu
Creating Futures is published twice a year by the Normandale Community College
Foundation. The Normandale Community College Foundation depends upon contributions
from individuals, businesses, organizations, foundations and the community to help
respond to the educational needs of students of all ages. Normandale Community College
Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. Tax ID: 41-1295802. If you do not wish to be
contacted by mail or telephone, please write to the address indicated in the left column.
If you have received duplicate copies or would like to have your name removed from our
mailing list, please contact (952) 358-8147.
Normandale Community College is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
This publication also may be found on the Web at www.normandale.edu/alumniFoundation
or requested in alternate media by calling (952) 358-8623.
A MEMBER OF THE MINNESOTA STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES SYSTEM