Foundation recognizes outgoing and incoming board members
July 2011 - Their commitment to strengthening the workforce and technical education brought them to the Anoka Technical College Foundation and during the first foundation meeting of the academic year, interim college president Dr. Jessica Stumpf and Cheryl Kish, the executive director of the foundation, recognized outgoing board members John Babcock and Maureen Steinwall for almost a decade of dedication and service. The foundation also welcomed new members Verne McPherson and Sally Anderson to the board of directors.
“The Anoka Technical College Foundation is grateful to John and Maureen for all of their years of service,” said Kish. “They have demonstrated extraordinary talents and commitment to furthering the growth of the college and of the foundation.”
In 2002, Babcock, the Chairman and CEO at The Bank of Elk River, became involved with the foundation and the college because he believes education is essential to having a healthy and successful workforce. “I believe education, technical or otherwise, is a critical component to a strong local economy,” said Babcock. “The vitality of a community influences where people choose to live and where business owners grow their business.”
While a member of the foundation board of directors, Babcock served on the Awards, the Development and on the Executive committees. As he stepped away from some of his responsibilities, he talked of the work he is most proud and how he has enjoyed his tenure. He reminisced about working with other board members who are committed to the same cause and affirmed that good things happen when talented, committed people work together. “I have enjoyed working with the board to strategically position the foundation and the college to meet the challenges presented to technical education. I have also enjoyed collaborating with the college administration and with the board to develop and advance the mission of the college and foundation. Each year I look forward to reading the scholarship applications where I am able to learn about the challenges and the successes students encounter.”
After his departure, Babcock will not be a stranger to the foundation or to the college. As an Emeritus Board Member he plans to stay involved to provide context as the college introduces a new president under the alignment with Anoka Ramsey Community College. “I hope to continue building on the good work the foundation board and the college administration have developed,” said Babcock.
Maureen Steinwall, owner and president of Steinwall, Inc. is also retiring from the foundation. Nine years ago, the president of a precision custom thermoplastic injection molding company in Coon Rapids joined the foundation because she believes technical education is important to the quality of the workforce that supports manufacturing. Over the years, she served on many of the foundation’s financial and strategic committees that advanced the business aspects of the foundation. One of her most memorable experiences was sitting at the helm when hiring the foundation’s executive director and incorporating QuickBooks, accounting software, as the foundation’s method for managing their savings and expenditures. Hoping to stay involved with the foundation, she credits the foundation for teaching her how to move government and labor unions when conflict surfaces and for several new personal and professional friendships.
During the monthly meeting, the foundation also welcomed two new members who will each serve a three-year term. McPherson, president of Tolerance Masters, a precision machining company in Circle pines, is also a member of the Anoka Ramsey Community College Foundation but admits he has a passion for technical education. Sally Anderson, president of Excel Accounting and Consulting, is an alumna of two programs at Anoka Technical College: the Medical Assistant program and the Accounting program. “New members are critical to delivering value to students at Anoka Technical College,” said Kish. “We are excited about the new members and the skills they bring to the foundation.”
Anoka Techncial College Foundation Fall Scholarships Awarded
The Anoka Technical College Foundation Awards Committee has awarded $40,250 in scholarships to 46 Anoka Tech students for the 2011-2012 Fall semester. Over the past year the Foundation has awarded $102,050 in scholarships to 119 students. Click here for a list of fall scholarship recipients.
These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donations by community businesses, civic organizations, individuals, and Anoka Tech employees.
For the first time, the Foundation was able to award five- $1,000 Inspiring HOPE Scholarships to students experiencing long-term unemployment. This past spring the College and College Foundation hosted its first Inspiring HOPE Scholarship Fundraising Event which will fund 20-$1,000 scholarships over the next year.
On behalf of the College, the College Foundation and especially our students, thank you for your support and donations. Your generosity supports accessible and affordable technical education, and opportunities for our students to learn and live well.
