For Immediate Release
From Anoka Technical College
Contact: Mary Jacobson, 763-433-1315
Wilson Tool Donates Equipment to Anoka Tech for Training
In an effort to enhance the training opportunities for students of Anoka Technical College, Wilson Tool, White Bear Lake, Minn., donated a specialty grinder worth $14,000 to the college. Wilson tool manufactures tooling systems for punch presses, press brakes and punch and die components used for sheet metal applications. This grinder is used to sharpen punch press tooling and will be used to train students in the college’s Precision Sheet Metal labs who may be employed by the various customers of Wilson Tool.
“Anoka Technical College is the only local training center that offers employable skills for the sheet metal fabrication industry – which is what our customers are focused on,” explains Chris Lawless, President of Wilson Tool. “By donating the grinder, we are helping create a better educational experience that will provide the necessary skills that will help graduates find jobs in the sheet metal industry.”
Anoka Tech offers short-term Precision Sheet Metal certificate that leads directly to employment. For additional information about this program, contact Nick Graff, Director of Advanced Technology Center at 763-576-4788.
Tooling manufacturer, Wilson Tool donates a $14,000 grinder to Anoka Technical College to train students in the Precision Sheet Metal Program. Enjoying the moment and the brand new piece of equipment are (from left) Cheryl Kish, Anoka Tech Foundation Director; Nick Graff, Anoka Tech Director of Advanced Technology Center; Jessie Stumpf, Anoka Tech Interim President; Chris Lawless, Wilson Tool President; and Jeff Paulson Wilson Tool Marketing Manager.
FEBRUARY 17-23 RECOGNIZED AS NATIONAL COURT REPORTING AND CAPTIONING WEEK
Anoka Technical College to join nationwide effort to recognize professionals, career opportunities in stenographic court reporting and captioning
The National Court Reporters Association, the country’s leading organization representing stenographic court reporters and broadcast captioners, has announced that February 17-23 has been deemed National Court Reporting and Captioning Week. The awareness week pulls together a nationwide effort to highlight the contributions of stenographic court reporters and captioners to society and to showcase the career opportunities that exist in the court reporting and captioning fields.
Anoka Technical College, a premier court reporting education program based in Anoka, Minnesota, is planning to encourage its student population to get involved with National Court Reporting and Captioning Week by engaging in a grassroots effort to promote the profession and educate local communities about the value stenographic skills bring to today’s marketplace.
“As highly technical career options, stenographic court reporting and captioning require an intricate blend of skill and knowledge,” said Tami Smith, president of NCRA and a court reporter for the 37th Circuit Court in Battle Creek, Mich. “National Court Reporting and Captioning Week not only celebrates and highlights the invaluable contributions that court reporters make to the legal and deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, it also showcases the tremendous career opportunities that are available through stenographic court reporting and captioning.”
National Court Reporting and Captioning Week will be marked with promotional events and marketing nationwide, including a grassroots social media campaign, presentations at high schools across the country about court reporting and captioning career opportunities and community demonstrations such as producing transcripts of veterans’ oral histories. “For 10 years, members of the National Court Reporters Association have volunteered their time and professional skills to capture the oral histories of America’s disabled veterans,” said B.J. Shorak, deputy executive director of the National Court Reporters Foundation. “These transcripts—thousands of important histories that would have otherwise been lost—are preserved at the Library of Congress thanks to the skill and dedication of court reporters and captioners.”
Stenographic skills translate to a multitude of career options—including court reporting, live-event captioning for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, captioning for broadcast and specialized videography—and the strong marketplace demand means court reporting offers an abundance of long-term career opportunities. “Court reporting is consistently ranked as one of the top career options as it offers both flexibility and significant income potential,” notes Jennifer Sati, Judicial Reporting Program Director. “Court reporters and captioners are able to begin a career without a traditional four-year college degree, and these highly trained professionals experience the continuous professional growth associated with an in-demand career.”
For more information, visit www.anokatech.edu or NCRA.org. Career information about the court reporting profession—one of the leading career options that do not require a four-year degree—can be found at CareersInCourtReporting.com.
To learn more about the court reporting and captioning programs at Anoka Technical College, please contact Jennifer Sati at 763-576-4897. The Judicial Reporting/Broadcast Captioning programs at Anoka Technical College are committed to achieving the highest level of professional expertise with educational opportunities.
About NCRA
The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) is internationally recognized for promoting excellence among those who capture and convert the spoken word to text for more than 100 years. NCRA is committed to supporting its more than 19,000 members in achieving the highest level of professional expertise with educational opportunities and industry-recognized court reporting, educator and videographer certification programs. NCRA impacts legislative issues and the global marketplace through its actively involved membership. Forbes has named court reporting as one of the best career options that do not require a four-year degree and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the court reporting field is expected to grow more than 5 percent in the coming years. For more information, visit NCRA.org.
Anoka Technical College Offers Free Workshop to Complete Financial Aid Application
College Goal Sunday Financial Aid Workshop
Anoka Technical College Offers Free Workshop to Complete Financial Aid Application
Financial aid experts from Anoka Technical College invite college-bound students and their families who are seeking financial aid to attend any college in the country to a free Financial Aid Workshop, Feb. 19. College staff will answer financial aid questions and provide one-on-one assistance with completing the financial aid application called the FAFSA. Attendees are also welcome to enter a drawing to win a $500 scholarship to the college of their choice.
Financial Aid Workshop
Feb. 19, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Anoka Technical College, Hwy 10, Anoka, MN
Rooms 132, 134, 135
Free Event, No Registration Required, Public Welcome
For additional information, call 763-576-4760 or email Finaid@anokatech.edu.
Items Needed to Complete the FAFSA
• Social Security number
• Alien registration number, if you are not a U.S. citizen
• Driver’s license number, if you have one
• 2012 tax information or tax returns for you and your parents (if applicable)
• Information on savings, investments, and business and farm assets for you and your parents (if applicable)
• Records of untaxed income
This event is part of a national initiative to bring financial aid professionals together with those seeking financial aid for higher education. Anoka Technical College is one many locations throughout Minnesota offering financial aid workshops. Additional locations can be found at MinnesotaCollegeGoal.org.
Three Semifinalists for President of Anoka-Ramsey Community College and Anoka Technical College Named
Campus visits scheduled for January 25, 30 and 31
ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 13, 2013 – Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) has named three semifinalists who are under consideration to be president of Anoka-Ramsey Community College and Anoka Technical College. The candidates are Kent Hanson, Ann Krause-Hanson and Guy Mills.
The candidates were recommended by a search advisory committee comprised of students, faculty, staff and community leaders and chaired by Sue Collins, president of the Northeast Higher Education District (a consortium of five state colleges: Hibbing, Itasca, Mesabi Range, Rainy River and Vermilion). The three candidates are scheduled to visit the Anoka-Ramsey Community College campuses in Cambridge and Coon Rapids and the Anoka Technical College campus in Anoka January 25, 30 and 31. The campus visits present an opportunity for faculty, staff, students and members of the community to meet and offer feedback on each of the candidates. Details of the candidates’ campus visits and the process for providing feedback are available here. (See http://www.anokaramsey.edu/en/about/PresidentialSearch.aspx).
Kent Hanson has served as interim president of Riverland Community College since August, 2012. Prior to Riverland, Hanson served nine years as provost and vice president for academic and student affairs at Northland Community and Technical College. His previous experience also includes 12 years at Northwest Technical College, where he served as radiology program director from 1991-99 and health and human services dean from 1999-2003. In addition, Hanson was an adjunct faculty member at Park University and the University of Minnesota-Crookston. Hanson holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of North Dakota, and a master’s degree in human resource administration from Central Michigan University. His visits to the Anoka-Ramsey Community College campuses and the Anoka Technical College campus will take place January 31.
Ann Krause-Hanson has served as vice president of academic affairs at Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin since 2011. Prior to Mid-State, Krause-Hanson spent 19 years at Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville, Wisconsin, where she served as dean of health, human and protective services from 2002-2011, dean of general education and service occupations from 2000-2002, and mathematics instructor from 1992-2000. From 1974-1991, Krause-Hanson was a middle school, high school and community college mathematics and computer science instructor. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis, higher education from the University of Wisconsin—Madison. Krause-Hanson’s visits to the Anoka-Ramsey Community College campuses and the Anoka Technical College campus will take place January 25.
Guy Mills has served as president of Northwest Kansas Technical College, Goodland, Kansas since 2009. Prior to his work at Northwest Tech, Mills served as associate provost and dean of the School of Education at the University of Texas—Permian Basin from 2005-2009; dean of the College of Education and Human Services at Minnesota State University Moorhead; associate professor and professor of education at the University of Missouri—Kansas City; and as associate professor of education and department head and associate director, grant program for rural school and community renewal at South Dakota State University. Mills also served in K-14 education in Missouri as a community college administrator and teacher, a school superintendent, elementary and secondary principal, and high school classroom teacher. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Missouri—Kansas City, a master’s degree and education specialist degree in school administration from Central Missouri State University, and a doctorate in higher and adult education from the University of Missouri—Columbia. Mills’ visits to the Anoka-Ramsey Community College campuses and the Anoka Technical College campus will take place January 30.
The MnSCU Board of Trustees is expected to act on Chancellor Steven Rosenstone’s recommendation on a final candidate at its February 26 meeting. The new president is expected to begin in July 2013.
135 Graduate During Anoka Technical College’s Fall Commencement
Troy Gemmill receives his diploma and congratulations from Anoka Technical College Interim President Dr. Jessica Stumpf (center) and Vice President, Dr. Catherine Gatewood (left). Gemmill is one of 135 graduates to earn an associate’s degree at the fall commencement ceremony, Oct. 20.
Anoka Technical College deans were all smiles during the fall commencement ceremony, Oct. 20. Pictured from left are Gary Schindler, Dean of Student Affairs; Sherry Wickstrom, Dean of Academic Affairs; and James Clark, Dean of Academic Affairs.
Anoka Technical College Pins 35 Practical Nursing Graduates
A pinning ceremony to officially mark the completion of the practical nursing program for 35 Anoka Technical College graduates took place on the Anoka campus, Dec. 19.
The pinning ceremony was partially supported by donations from the Midwest Center for Reproductive Health and Good Shepherd Community.
The Practical Nursing (PN) program at Anoka Technical College offers students two full-time program completion options. Students may either enroll as a PN Diploma-seeking student (53 credits) or a PN Associate of Applied Science degree-seeking student (63 credits). Both program options are designed to be completed in four semesters.
Anoka Technical College is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. The PN program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing, and is specifically designed to train graduates for the specialized field of Licensed Practical Nursing.
Nursing Lab Assistant member Patricia Johnson places the official pin on nursing graduate Jessica Corfman during the Dec. 19 pinning ceremony.
Anoka Technical College’s nursing department members look proudly on their 2012 fall nursing graduates. Pictured from left include lab assistants Connie Wright, and Patricia Johnson, and faculty members, Tamara Thell, Mary Ann Eich, Laura Blesi, Kristine Simoni, Lori Wahlberg, Christina Wilson, and Vikki Dahlvang.
Anoka Technical College’s fall 2012 practical nursing graduates participate in the pinning ceremony.
Anoka Technical College Unveils Ceremonial Mace
Anoka Technical College will publicly unveil its first ceremonial college mace at its December graduation ceremony Dec. 20.
The mace was designed and constructed over the past year by college Machine Trades Faculty members Jesse Oldenburg, Jerry Showalter and Jim Peterson. Each year, the senior faculty member will be asked to lead the commencement processional at the fall and spring ceremonies. This year, Marietta Saxon, Occupational Therapist Assistant Faculty member will lead carrying the mace to honor her 30-plus years of service.
“Anoka Tech is such a remarkable college that I was honored to have the opportunity to use my skills to produce the mace as a symbol of the powerful role the college plays in the community and the lives of its residents,” says Oldenburg. “Students got the see the nearly 700 hour process of research, development and production that ultimately produced the mace, and we are very proud of the work.”
Oldenburg adds that the Anoka Tech mace was designed to represent the college’s commitment to excellence as well as to commemorate and pay respect to the college’s history and its membership in the Minnesota Colleges and Universities system.
“Graduation ceremonies are traditional academic rites of passages that mark a student’s transition from being an apprentice to an alum and colleague,” notes Kimberly Roan, college registrar. “We wanted to make sure Anoka Technical College’s commencement embraced the traditional customs by incorporating the mace. We are grateful to Jesse and the others for accepting our idea and working so hard to produce such a masterpiece.”
Mace Materials, Structure and Meaning
The Anoka Technical College ceremonial mace was designed and constructed from distinctive woods and metals. The ebony colored wood, called wenge, is from the Millettia Laurentii tree in the Congo. It was chosen for its tight grain to represent Anoka Tech’s closeness to the community as well as its broad canapé to signify the shade upon the mind as it dreams. The light-colored wood is maple, chosen for its gentle nature and lightness to symbolize the brightness in a student’s eyes the moment fresh knowledge is attained.
The primary metal for the head of the mace is bronze. Often referred to as the “metal of the ages,” bronze remains the metal of choice for memorialization. It was selected for its antiquity to commemorate and honor the college’s history and its membership in the Minnesota Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system.
The base of the Anoka Technical College ceremonial mace contains a spiral with seven spaces to represent the seven values the college stands upon. The body of the mace contains aluminum rings inscribed with the names of Anoka Technical College’s current and past presidents. Finally, the head of the mace consists of the laurel leaf wreath, an emblem of prosperity and a symbol of victory, the MnSCU logo and the Anoka Tech logo. The college logo is in a shield to signify the protection provided a student through the uncertainty of their journey to knowledge. Inscribed beneath the Anoka Tech logo is the Latin phrase Ex Umbra in Solem, meaning “From the shade into the sun.”
“I am so thrilled that Anoka Technical College will be participating in this timeless and significant tradition,” says Dr. Jessica Stumpf, Interim President of Anoka Technical College and Anoka-Ramsey Community College. “We know how important commencement is to our students. The addition of the mace to the ceremony will add to the importance and significance of our commitment to scholarship and integrity for our graduates. I am so proud and thankful for the remarkable work that our Machining Faculty—Jesse Oldenburg, Jerry Showalter and Jim Peterson—dedicated to instituting this tradition at Anoka Tech. By designing and creating the college’s very distinctive mace, they have instilled even greater significance in its use.”
History of the Ceremonial Mace
The mace was originally a weapon of offense, carried into battle by princes and medieval bishops. By the fourteenth century, the mace became a symbol of lawful authority carried by city mayors and college rectors. Like the rector of the medieval university, the modern college president is charged with protection of the special mission that society has vested in higher education. Thus the ceremonial mace has emerged as a symbol of the authority of the president in attainment, preservation and transmission of knowledge by the college in a service to society.
Oldenburg is currently working on a glass case to display the mace, which will be stored in the vice president for academic and student affairs office when not in use.
Anoka Technical College Manufacturing Faculty members (second from left) Jerry Showalter, Jesse Oldenburg and Jim Peterson present Occupational Therapist Assistant Faculty member Marietta Saxon, the new ceremonial mace that they created for the college. As the most senior faculty member, Saxon will be the first to carry the mace at the college’s graduation commencement Dec. 20.
Student Receives $1,000 Scholarship from Garden Club
Anoka Technical College Horticulture program student Sandy Romsdahl was recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Men’s Garden Club of Minneapolis.
The club awards at least one $1,000 scholarship to area horticulture students annually. To be eligible students must be working toward a degree and career in horticulture, landscaping, or a related professional. Over the past 18 years, the club has awarded more than $50,000 in student scholarships.
“I am thrilled to receive this scholarship,” says Romsdahl. “These are some serious gardeners, and it's great that they support others who share their love of gardening. Their financial help will bring me closer to my dream of opening my own greenhouse/cut flower business in the not too distant future.”
More About Men’s Garden Club of Minneapolis
The Men's Garden Club of Minneapolis is a group of men and women interested in home gardening and landscaping and improving the communities in which we live. It is a membership organization for all people interested in gardening. The membership is about 40% female and members come from communities all over the Twin Cities metropolitan area, from all walks of life and have diverse gardening interests.
“We are interested in helping students whose careers will serve the needs and interests of our gardener members,” says club spokesperson, Kent Petterson.
“We believe Sandy Romsdahl will serve gardeners in her career and we wish her well.”
The club is celebrating its 70th year of existence in 2012, having been chartered by the Men's Garden Clubs of America in October 1942.
For more information about the Men’s Garden Club of Minneapolis, visit minneapolismensgardenclub.org.
Anoka Technical College Horticulture program student Sandy Romsdahl recently received a $1,000 scholarship from the Men’s Garden Club of Minneapolis.
Got Questions? Tech College Offers Answers at Open House Nov. 29
High school seniors, returning college students, and adults considering a technical education can find the answers necessary for an informed decision at the Anoka Technical College Open House, Nov. 29, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
This Open House provides the perfect opportunity to visit the college, learn about the programs and ask the faculty and admissions staff questions about how to begin and how to succeed.
Attendees will have a chance to:
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tour the campus
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meet with admissions and financial aid representatives
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preview the program options with faculty members
No advance reservations are needed to attend this free event.
“Prospective students often find an open house a much richer experience than making several phone calls and viewing our Web site to get answers to their questions,” says the Director of Admission, LeAnn Brown. “At events such as this people can get answers to all of their questions about admissions, financial aid and about their program of interest, and then move ahead with their plans.”
Students Receive Coveted Scholarships from Occupational Therapy Association
Two Anoka Technical College Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program students, Connie Mills and Kari Roble received coveted scholarships at the annual Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association (MOTA) conference held the last weekend of October in Bloomington, Minn.
Mills received one of the five annual MOTA Sunja Klein Ford Scholarship in recognition of her 3.5 grade point average and her financial need, as well as for her work promoting the occupational therapy assistants profession through awareness building events, fundraising and lobbying efforts.
“I feel so honored to receive this scholarship,” says Mills. “It is my first step to becoming a professional peer in the organization. I want to thank everyone who was part of the nominating and selection process.”
Roble received the annual MOTA Student Scholarship in recognition of her 3.6 grade point average and her financial need, as well as for her work advocating for the OTA program through her student memberships in MOTA and American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA), fundraising and for her roles as a senator for the college’s Student Senate and Activities Liaison representing the OTA program’s TeCOTA club.
“Both of these students are very deserving of these recognitions,” says college OTA Program Faculty, Marietta C. Saxon, who nominated both students to MOTA for the scholarships.
“Along with her positive attitude and active participation in the OTA program, Connie works as a personal care attendant with elderly clients and cares for an elderly mother and a niece who is learning disabled and mentally ill.”
“Kari, though very active on campus, is also active in the community raising funds for underprivileged children and promoting activities for veterans’ activities.”
Anoka Technical College Connie Mills received one of the five annual Sunja Klein Ford Scholarships from Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association (MOTA) at MOTA’s annual fall conference in Bloomington, Minn.
Anoka Technical College Kari Roble received the annual Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association (MOTA) Student Scholarship at MOTA’s annual fall conference in Bloomington, Minn.
More About MOTA
Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association’s (MOTA) mission is to enhance the professional development of its members, promote the profession of occupational therapy, and advocate for the provision of occupational therapy services across all practice arenas, populations and geographic locations in Minnesota.
Faculty Honored for Lifetime Commitment, Dedication to Court Reporting Profession
At the Minnesota Association of Verbatim Reporters and Captioners (MAVRC) annual fall convention in early October, Anoka Technical College Faculty member Jennifer Sati received the Distinguished Service Award for her lifelong commitment to court reporting advocacy and education.
This lifetime achievement award, voted on by her peers, is given to only one person annually. The award acknowledges Sati as a constant advocate within the profession consistently demonstrated through her volunteer work, advocacy, networking, recruitment, and other activities that keep the profession thriving.
"It is a tremendous honor to receive this recognition from MAVRC, our state court reporting association,” says Sati. “I am passionate about court reporting and will continue to be an advocate and educator to advance the exciting realtime careers that are in high demand."
Along with teaching, Sati’s professional experience in the field includes: official court reporter, freelance court reporter, CART provider and captioner. She has helped create the only court reporting program offered at a public institution in Minnesota, and one recognized as one of the best court reporting programs in the U.S. 
Anoka Technical College Faculty member, Jennifer Sati received the Distinguished Service Award from the Minnesota Association of Verbatim Reporters and Captioners (MAVRC) at their annual fall conference for her lifelong commitment to court reporting advocacy and education.
More About Court Reporting
Anoka Technical College offers a 70-credit, Judicial Reporting (Court Reporting) program designed to be completed in two years. All curricula meets or exceeds the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) standards set out by the Council on Approved Student Education (CASE). The program is approved by NCRA.
Judicial Reporters can work in courtrooms as Official Reporters, creating accurate verbatim written records of all the proceedings. Official reporters are employed by the State. Deposition reporting (also known as freelance reporting) is a popular field because it is interesting and allows for flexible scheduling.
The mission of MAVRC is to promote the use of stenographic reporters to capture the record in depositions and courtrooms and to provide closed captioning and CART services. For more information about MAVRC, visit mavrc.org.
Veterans Invited to Share Stories for History Project at Tech College Nov. 10
Veterans and the civilians at home who supported them are encouraged to visit Anoka Technical College Saturday, Nov. 10 to share their stories as part of the Veterans History Project. U.S. citizen civilians who were actively involved in supporting war efforts (such as war industry workers, USO workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers, etc.) are also invited to share their valuable stories.
The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center collects, preserves and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.
Anoka Technical College Judicial Reporting program students will record shared wartime experiences for the Library of Congress:
Saturday, November 10, 2012
noon to 2:30 p.m.
Anoka Technical College
1355 W Hwy 10, Anoka
Rm 157 (Enter through the west door W6)
Light refreshments will be served.
“Volunteer Judicial Reporting students donate their time to this event to honor and express gratitude to those veterans who sacrificed and dedicated their lives so that we, as citizens of the U.S. may live in freedom and prosper,” says Deb Longley, Judicial Reporting Faculty member. “Veterans are invited to share their stories in order to inspire and invoke future generations to be aware of the sacrifice and history that is embedded deep within our great nation.”
Reserve your spot in history by contacting Anoka Tech Faculty member, Deb Longley at 763-576-4848 or dlongley@anokatech.edu by noon, Nov. 9.
The Judicial Recording and Broadcast Captioning program at Anoka Technical College has hosted this event for the past five years.
More About the Veterans History Project
The United States Congress created the Veterans History Project in 2000. The authorizing legislation (Public Law 106-380) received unanimous support and was signed into law by President William Jefferson Clinton on Oct. 27, 2000.
AARP is the founding corporate sponsor of the Veterans History Project. In addition to providing initial major funding for the project, AARP also spread the word to its legion of volunteers and almost 37 million members, encouraging them to get involved. Numerous state chapters have also been involved in the project.
The Veterans History Project collects first-hand accounts of U.S. veterans from the following wars:
World War I (1914-1920)
World War II (1939-1946)
Korean War (1950-1955)
Vietnam War (1961-1975)
Persian Gulf War (1990-1995)
Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts (2001-present)
For more information, visit: loc.gov/vets/.
Tech College Faculty Member Receives National Award for Quality of Online Learning Efforts
Anoka Technical College Faculty member, Deborah Allen, was recognized recently for championing online teaching and learning with a 2012 Making a Difference for Students Award by Quality Matters (QM), an organization which supports the quality assurance efforts of more than 650 academic institutions and K-12 systems nationwide.
Anoka Technical College Faculty member, Deborah Allen (left) received a 2012 Making a Difference for Students Award from Brenda Boyd, Director of Professional Development & Consulting at Quality Matters (QM), an organization that supports online learning quality assurance efforts of more than 650 academic institutions and K-12 systems nationwide.
“As Anoka Technical College prepares for the Higher Learning Commission’s accreditation visit in 2013, Quality Matters will be an integral part of demonstrating the quality of online courses our institution offers to its students,” says Allen. “As for this wonderful recognition I received, I am very proud of any role I can play in promoting the highest standards in online learning at our college.”
Allen received the award at the 4th Annual QM Conference in Tuscon, AZ the first weekend of October for her efforts to initiate, develop and maintain a system for measuring the quality of online instruction at Anoka Tech. Since taking her first QM course in 2010, Allen has become a QM master reviewer, and the Anoka Technical College’s institutional representative for QM. She also initiated and was named chairperson of a college wide committee charged with reviewing the college’s online offerings.
“The recipients of the awards demonstrate different but impactful approaches to improve the learning outcomes for their students through the implementation of QM standards, practices and processes,” explained Brenda Boyd, Chair of the awards committee and Director of Professional Development & Consulting. “Their transformative efforts result in making the student experience more consistent and coherent. They demonstrate a systematic commitment to assuring the quality of their online courses— resulting in significant impact on student learning,”
In June, a Composition course designed by Anoka Tech Faculty member Dr. Diana Gander Ostrander was the first to be reviewed and approved by a trained Quality Matters Peer Review team consisting of three faculty members from different colleges across the U.S. Ostrander’s course was taken through the QM rubric to ensure that it covered all the components that QM identifies as essential for a quality online course. Courses, such as Ostrander, that successfully meet QM standards are eligible to carry the certification mark, a protected trademark.
Since Allen’s initiation of the QM program at Anoka Tech, more college faculty are enrolling in QM courses and using the materials to strengthen their online curriculum. Allen has been also been asked by the Minnesota System Institutional Representatives for Quality Matters (Elizabeth McMahon (Northland Community and Technical College) and Linda Jacoby (Minnesota State University, Mankato) to participate as a Master Reviewer in some of the upcoming course reviews managed by the Minnesota Online Quality Initiative (MOQI).
To learn more about QM in Minnesota, visit qmprogram.org/about
Three Anoka Tech Students Awarded Set of Tools for CNC Machinist Program
Riverside Manufacturing, Ramsey, MN donates $5,000 for Tools, Scholarships
Reinforcing its commitment to higher education and manufacturing careers, Riverside Manufacturing, Ramsey, Minn., donated $5,000 to the Anoka Technical College Foundation in support of students of Anoka Technical College. The donation included three $1,000 sets of tools and two $1,000 scholarships. The tools were awarded Sept. 11 to three first-year students enrolled in the CNC Machinist program at Anoka Tech. Upon graduation these students will have a great set of tools to start their jobs in the manufacturing industry. The scholarships will be awarded January 2013.
“A total of 18 students wrote essays to compete for one of three tool sets required for the program,” says Cheryl Kish, director of the Anoka Technical College Foundation. “The essays focused on educational goals, career goals, financial need and any special circumstances. We are very proud of our students who graduate fully prepared for employment in manufacturing and our faculty care very much about students’ success. Riverside recognizes this Anoka Tech is an asset.”
Riverside Manufacturing representatives presented the tools to CNC students Corey Jones, Jason Kutnick and Sam Knutson. Riverside Managing Partner, Scott Robertson reminded the students to consider applying for employment at his firm after they complete their educations at Anoka Tech.
Robertson is also challenging other manufacturing companies to support the next generation of machinist by making a donation to the Anoka Technical College Foundation to continue and expand this worthwhile project that will provide tools and scholarships to individuals enrolling in Anoka Tech’s Machine Trades program. For more information call the Anoka Technical College Foundation at 763- 576-4755.
Three Anoka Technical College students are awarded complete sets of tools—donated by Riverside Manufacturing—for use in their CNC Machinist program. Pictured from left are Mick Weishaar, Riverside Manufacturing National Sales Manager; Jim Peterson, Anoka Tech Faculty; Cheryl Kish, Anoka Tech Foundation Director; Nick Graff, Anoka Tech Director of Advanced Technology; Cory Jones, Student and tool box recipient; Sheldon Mayer, Riverside Manufacturing President; Jerry Showalter, Anoka Tech Faculty; Sherry Wickstrom, Anoka Tech Dean; Jason Kutnick, Student and tool box recipient; Scott Robertson, Riverside Manufacturing Managing Partner; Sam Knutson, Student and tool box recipient; Cathi Gatewood, Anoka Tech Vice President; Cassy Knudson, Anoka Tech Faculty; Kristine King, QPA President; and Jessie Oldenburg, Anoka Tech Faculty.
Anoka Technical College VP Contributes To Book on Diversity
Dr. Catherine Gatewood, vice-president of academic and student affairs at Anoka Technical College, contributed to the book Even the Janitor Is White, by M. Gail Hickey and Brian K. Lanahan, which was published this summer.
Gatewood’s chapter, titled “Making the Uncomfortable Comfortable: How deliberate conversation and interaction among education majors can bring about more profound awareness of the self with regard to diversity” was written in collaboration Kenneth Hall to address challenges faced by teacher educators who are committed to diversity education.
“The idea for this book to help teacher educators came out of an impromptu conversation during a meeting of social studies teacher educators like myself from small colleges,” says Gatewood. “We realized the lack of resources and help on the diversity for those preparing future teachers for their future classrooms. With the publication of this book, all of us contributors are simply grateful to see this information out there. Hopefully, it can help professors of social studies education prepare their students for the classrooms in which they will one day teach.”
According to the publisher, Peter Lang Publishing, more than 40% of students in U.S. schools are of non-white ethnicity, yet the majority of teachers are White and middle class. Some teacher education students are resistant to conversations about race or ethnicity in the college classroom, while teacher educators may avoid initiating dialogues about race or ethnicity. U.S. teacher education programs, however, are charged with preparing culturally competent teachers.
The book invites readers to reflect on their own practice as teacher educators as well as consider ways in which that practice might be improved.
Diversity at Anoka Technical College
According to Minnesota Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system, 19.2% of the Anoka Technical College student population in 2011 was of non-white ethnicity. Diversity however is not limited to color. Diversity includes but is not limited to, age, ethnic origin, national origin, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, religious beliefs, creeds and income. The MnSCU system as a whole serves more students of color than any other higher education provider in Minnesota–more than 47,000 in 2010.
More about Gatewood
Gatewood holds a bachelor’s degree in history education at Saginaw Valley State University, a master’s degree in history at Central Michigan University and a doctorate in Instructional Technology and Distance Education from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She became vice-president of academic and student affairs at Anoka Technical College in July 2011.
Anoka Technical College Offers Public Health & Wellness Fair, Sept. 12
Anoka Technical College is offering a free Health and Wellness Fair, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Center. The event is free and open to the public.
Along with activities and prizes, representatives from the following organizations will be available to provide resources and health screenings, such as blood pressure checks and massage:
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American Lung Association
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Anoka County Community Health
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ATC Medical Assisting
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Bank of the West
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Bikram Yoga Minneapolis
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Grass Roots Co-op
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Lee Carlson Center for Mental Health and Well-Being
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Vocational Rehabilitation Services
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Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Services
According to Elena Favela, event organizer and counselor in the college’s Department of Counseling and Student Life, the fair is intended to provide attendees with opportunities to interact with community organizations and learn about the importance of making sound decisions about healthy living.
“Making healthy choices on a daily basis can be difficult, especially as we try to balance so many aspects of our lives, like work, family, and school,” says Favela. “The goal of this event is to share information about what is available right here in the Anoka community, so students are empowered to make choices that will improve their well being.”
For more information about the Health and Wellness Fair, contact Elena Favela at EFavela@anokatech.edu or 763-576-4795.
Local Colleges Join Professional Training and Development to Serve Community
Two leading professional development training centers, the Corporate Center at Anoka Technical College and the Professional Training Center at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, have formally merged operations. The result is one dynamic Professional and Workforce Training center focused on meeting the critical training and development needs of businesses and individuals north of the Twin Cities and in east central Minnesota.
Under the direction of Jamie Barthel, the Professional and Workforce Training center will continue providing development training and non-credit educational opportunities in compliance/OSHA, health and wellness, manufacturing technology and industrial engineering, information technology and computer application, professional and organization development and personal interest.
Working collaboratively with both colleges the Professional and Workforce Training center will give individuals an opportunity to take non-credit classes to enhance their competency levels for both personal development and career advancement.
“By merging our teams and our areas of expertise, we can better serve our clients by offering a comprehensive experience that is customized to their organizational or individual needs,” says Barthel. “The merger presents a significant opportunity to collaboratively bring our services and education offerings to the next level. We are excited to see this come together and to becoming a more resourceful partner for our customers."
Merging the two operations is the result of a larger alignment. In July 2011, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system aligned Anoka Technical College and Anoka-Ramsey Community College. James McCormick, the former chancellor of the system, explained the decision to align the colleges as a means to create efficiencies in administration and better coordination of programs as well as to strengthen partnerships with business and industries.
Anoka Technical and Anoka-Ramsey have complementary and similar strengths and fulfill related missions in helping the business community. The leadership of both colleges views the merger as an excellent opportunity to combine resources.
“The individual strengths of these two college entities have been substantial for many years,” says Dr. Jessie Stumpf, interim president at Anoka Technical and Anoka-Ramsey Community colleges. “The merger makes them even stronger and helps establish themselves as premiere service providers with more resources and an expanded reach.”
For more information about new aligned Professional and Workforce Training, please visit ProWorkTraining.com or call 763-433-1200.
To Meet Demand, Anoka Technical College Offers One Stop Registration
America needs skilled workers, according to a U.S. Department of Education Office of Vocational and Adult Education.
Their report titled, Investing in America’s Future: A Blueprint for Transforming Career and Technical Education (April 2012) has increased awareness about how ‘”essential” career and technical education is to economic growth.
“We want to help people in our service area get the education they need to be successful and to help our region be successful,” says Director of Admission, LeAnn Brown.
To meet the growing demand, Anoka Technical College is hosting several One Stop Registration days to help prospective student take care of all the steps necessary to begin college this fall. No advance reservations are needed.
Anoka Technical College
One Stop Registration
July 31, Aug 7, 14, or 21
8 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.
At the One Stop sessions, staff will help attendees:
1. Complete the application process (need to pay the $20 application fee)
2. Take course placement assessments
3. Register for fall courses
NOTE: Attendees not transferring from another institution must bring a high school transcript or GED certificate and a photo ID. Fall semester starts on August 27.
New dean joins the leadership team
Anoka Technical College recently appointed James "Jim" Clark as a dean of academics, bringing over 20 years of higher education experience as an instructor, researcher and administrator to the two-year technical college.
"Jim’s genuine affinity to teaching and learning, his strength in research, and his familiarity with technical education will help shape how Anoka Technical College delivers technical education and how students learn and succeed," said Dr. Cathi Gatewood the vice president of academic and student affairs at Anoka Technical College. "We are fortunate to have found someone with his caliber of experiences, heartfelt passion and vision to lead the college from great to excellent."
Clark said his passion for life-long learning and helping people unveil their own desires to change the world, led him to higher education. He began his role as a dean on June 1, and set his sights on defining the academic programs to ensure they are at the forefront of a diverse, global, and constantly changing world; assembling faculty leadership opportunities so students have access to the highest quality of teaching; and broadening partnerships with industries to ensure the education at Anoka Technical College exceeds industry demands and standards.
"I have found a dedicated group of faculty, staff, and administration since I arrived," said Clark. "With this kind of team and the strongly supportive community, I believe we have the opportunity to shape Anoka Technical College into the premier technical institution in Minnesota."
As one of two academic deans, Clark will oversee the allied health, nursing, certified nursing assistant, science, general education and counseling departments. Clark said he accepted the dean position because it was a great opportunity for him to transition from teaching college students to providing leadership, facilitating change and connecting people in a two-year college.
Prior to Anoka Technical College, Clark was the interim dean of academic affairs and chief academic officer at Northwest Technical College (NTC) in Bemidji, Minnesota. During his 12-month assignment he was a constant force advocating for student success, developing faculty and innovative programs, and for creating intra and inter-institutional partnerships. His efforts included promoting a pilot program that redesigned the remedial education experiences at NTC, creating articulation agreements and consortiums with other colleges and universities, and re-invigorating industry training partnerships in accounting and trade programs. His resume includes spearheading a collaboration of green energy industry partners and the building trades programs at NTC to establish a new Center for Sustainable Environment Technologies.
A landscape architect and agriculture economist by training, his career profile includes in-depth research projects in landscape, planning and design, ecological systems, and in computer systems modeling. He has published nine referred journal publications and design competitions and 15 research and consultancy reports.
Clark began his career in higher education in 1986 as a graduate research assistant at Texas A&M University and later at the University of Arizona. In the late 1980s he got his teaching opportunity at the University of Melbourne in Melbourne, Australia. His endless quest to help bring out the best in people took him to Mississippi State University, North Dakota State University, and Northland Community and Technical College before landing at NTC.
New 10th grade Post Secondary Option ready for use
This fall, for the first time, 10th graders who meet college expectations and have passed Minnesota’s required 8th grade reading test may take a free career/technical course on a college campus. Learn more...
Anoka Tech faculty receives a "Quality Matters Seal" for composition course
Diana Ostrander, composition instructor at Anoka Technical College, received a Quality Matters certification. Learn more...
Spring graduation marks an end and a beginning
Anoka, MN - Citing himself as proof of endless learning, Chancellor Steven J. Rosenstone of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system congratulated and encouraged Anoka Technical College’s spring 2012 graduating class during the college’s commencement ceremony.
The warm evening air on May 10 welcomed hundreds of friends and families to the auditorium in the Lord of Life Church in Ramsey to mark the end of a chapter and to celebrate a new beginning. Over 170 students received diplomas, certificates or degrees; nearly 100 of those students graduated with honors, signifying they completed all of the graduation requirements while maintaining a 3.5 or higher grade point average.
Interim College President Dr. Jessica Stumpf opened the program by speaking about overcoming obstacles and about the difficulties of juggling the demands associated with being a college student while holding a job and or while raising a family. The chancellor advised graduates to keep dreaming, to keep learning and to keep succeeding. Jesse Oldenburg, the faculty union president and Machine Trades instructor at the technical college, encouraged graduates to not let fear get in the way of succeeding and doing what makes one happy.
Anoka Technical College holds two commencement ceremonies per academic year; one at the completion of the fall semester and one after the spring semester. The college offers over 35 career and technical programs specializing in AAS degrees, diplomas and certificates. The college is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
College names Dean of Academic Affairs
May 2012 - Anoka Technical College has named Sherry Butcher Wickstrom as a Dean of Academic Affairs.
“Across the campus, Anoka Technical College can expect to experience new levels of excellence under Sherry’s leadership,” said Dr. Cathi Gatewood, vice president for student and academic affairs at Anoka Technical College. “Her understanding of the role of a Dean of Academic Affairs and the depth of her leadership experience are a perfect fit for the academic needs of Anoka Tech.”
Wickstrom brings eight years of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system experience to the technical college located on Highway 10 in Anoka. As a Dean of Academic Affairs her responsibilities include maintaining high standards for over 35 career programs, directing new program development, redesigning programs to keep them relevant for business and industry, and establishing strong partnerships with business and industry, educational institutions, workforce centers, and other constituents groups to strengthen college.
Wickstrom applied for the vacant dean position because of her past collaborations with Anoka Technical College and because she is an advocate for technical education and career training. “Past collaborative opportunities have allowed me to work with the faculty and staff at Anoka Tech,” said Wickstrom. “I am continuously impressed by the caliber of the staff and faculty at Anoka Tech and have been inspired by the college’s commitment to students, technical education and to the business community.”
Wickstrom is also a strong proponent of technical education and training. “I believe in the importance of technical colleges because they are the economic engines of prosperity that strengthen business and allow Minnesota to be globally competitive,” said Wickstrom. “Anoka Technical College responds to the needs of business and industry, and creates effective workforce and the educational pathways that connect highly skilled students to real jobs.”
Wickstrom’s career history includes art venues, local and state government and education. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, Wickstrom spent many years as a museum curator at the American Swedish Institute and the Science Museum of Minnesota. She helped create the Leadership Institute at the College of St. Catherine, was hired by Anoka-Ramsey Community College to build new educational programs in professional development and was elected to the Eden Prairie City Council, and is serving her 4th term in office. Her career pathway also includes owning a business and teaching history and archaeology to children and adults. In 2006, Wickstrom received an award from the National League of Cities for her commitment to excellence in public leadership and in 2007, she was selected by the University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts, as an Alumni of Notable Achievement.
Only weeks into her new position, Wickstrom is excited about the new and final chapter of her career profile. She admits, “being hired as Dean of Academic Affairs by Anoka Technical College is my final destination that brings together my past careers and allows me to use my cumulative experiences from a variety of fields. I am honored to serve in the position and plan to be a part of the college community far into the future because I know there are great things on the horizon!”
When she is not working, she enjoys jazz dance and spending time with her family at the National Seashore of North Carolina, where she spent much of her childhood.
House designed by students - for sale
March 2012 - For several decades, a small, dilapidated house with cracks in the foundation and rotting siding occupied the corner lot in an Andover neighborhood, but an assignment in an Architecture Technology class at Anoka Technical College and a unique partnership between the technical college and Anoka County Community Development cleared the way for a green-designed, two story house drafted by students and funded with federal money.
In the spring of 2011, Anoka County Community Development Department approached Jay Boyle, the Architecture Technology instructor at Anoka Tech, with an idea about students drafting a house for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). Grants from the NSP help counties buy or rehabilitate foreclosed, vacant houses that are unlikely to sell in a weak housing market.
Anoka County has a history of collaborating with the two- year technical college, but the project allowed the county to work directly with the students. Students in the Architecture Technology program learn how to evaluate and finish housing plans, but this assignment had the additional benefit of students being able to see the results of their work. "Being able to see the final results of your work and of your ideas is such an important element of learning Architecture Technology," said Boyle a 21-year instructor at Anoka Tech. "Working with the county and within the parameters of taxpayer’s dollars, gave students a learning experience that cannot be taught in a classroom."
With the county’s building specifications and codes in front of them, the students at Anoka Tech chose three pre-designed house plans to fit the property’s shape and topography. After the county chose a design, the students customized the house, added finishing touches and made sure the blueprints met fire, safety and building codes.
The students modified both internal and external features. Students added and removed windows based on solar orientation and external views. The siding of the house and the slope of the roof were altered to fit the context of the neighborhood. And students changed the orientation of the kitchen and the dining room to create a great room that was more open and inviting.
Anoka County is very excited to showcase the property and inform the public about this newly formed partnership and the great opportunity that it has created. An open house will be held on March 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. at which time the public can tour the house located at 14524 Bluebird Street NW, Andover, MN.
"Partnerships like this are what will allow us to succeed as a region," said Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah. "There are multiple winners in a partnership like this: the neighborhood which now has a home that contributes value to the surroundings rather than detracting from it; the students who learn not only from the technical experience but also from the relationships developed along the way; and the taxpayer, who gets maximum return for an already stretched dollar."
Welding students place in the Behind the Mask welding competition
Feb. 2012 - On Thursday, February 23, welding students from across the state and welders in the industry went flame to flame in the Behind the Mask welding competition held at Anoka Tech. Over 90 students and industry welders participated in the annual competition.
Six students from the welding program at Anoka Technical College were among the record breaking number of participants who competed in the competition. Three students from Anoka Tech took 3rd place in three of the four welding categories. Chris Johnson took 3rd place in the shielded metal arc welding competition, Roy Wold, took 3rd place in the oxy-fuel competition and John Dahlgren took 3rd place in the gas metal arc welding competition. All three of the winners are second year welding students.
Participants competed in four different welding processes: oxy-fuel cutting, shielded metal arc welding (SMAW or stick), gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). Contestants entered the contest without the knowledge of what they were to weld and were expected to produce welds to exact measurements. Certified welding inspectors judged the contest and students in the Anoka Technical College student chapter of American Welding Society assisted during the competition.
Sponsored by the Northwest Section of the American Welding Society, the Behind the Mask contest gives welding students and industry welders an opportunity to show their welding talents and to win cash prizes. This year, welding industry leaders attended the competition at Anoka Tech in hopes of recruiting some of the state’s best welders.
LabVIEW instructor wins national credential
Feb. 2012 - Mark Ridgely, an instructor at Anoka Technical College, recently earned the National Instruments Certified LabVIEW Developer Credential. Ridgley has been teaching LabVIEW classes at the two-year technical college for 11 years.
"Mark’s credential demonstrates his professional knowledge, competency and mastery of LabVIEW," said Jamie Barthel title, executive director of the corporate center at Anoka Tech. "He brings a skill level to Anoka Tech that is well above and beyond other instructors." LabVIEW - short for Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Engineering Workbench - is a system design platform and development environment for visual programming language from National Instruments.
According to National Instruments’ Web site, LabVIEW is an industry standard graphical programming instrument used by engineers and scientist to develop measurement, test and control systems. Although it is predominantly used in the test and measurement sectors, many large corporations such as Boston Scientific, Logic PD, Medtronic and the University of Minnesota use LabVIEW.
"Many people using LabVIEW are self-taught," said Ridgley. "However, students enrolled in classes at Anoka Tech, have a better understanding of the LabVIEW development environment, learn the proper techniques and methods for solving problems using LabVIEW, receive hands-on training with useful debugging tools, and they are exposed to best practices for documenting code for readability, and techniques for creating modular applications that they can easily modify and reuse."
Ridgley teaches LabVIEW Core I and II classes at Anoka Tech. Students enrolled in the noncredit classes explore the LabVIEW environment and common LabVIEW architectures in a hands-on learning format. Students learn how to develop data acquisition, instrument control, data-logging and measurement analysis applications. At the end of the course, students are able to create applications using basic design templates and architectures to acquire process, display and store real world data.
Ridgley is able to bring real-world scenarios and experience into the classroom as he has been using LabVIEW for over a decade at Logic PD, a product development company in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. As a Senior Test Engineer, his responsibilities include utilizing National Instruments LabVIEW and TestStand to develop PC-based data acquisition and analysis applications, user interfaces and stand-alone applications; performing all aspects of hardware/software integration; and recommending methods to improve system performance, reliability and test methods.
In order to earn the credential, Ridgley, had to pass through a rigorous credentialing process. In addition to having at least 12 to 18 months of experience in developing medium to large applications in LabVIEW, Ridgley had to achieve a passing grade on the Certified LabVIEW Developer examination. The intense examination is a four- hour, practical application development examination that validates the candidate’s problem solving skills, knowledge and experience in the development of measurement and automation applications using LabVIEW.
As a Certified LabVIEW Developer, Ridgley is required to keep his certification current. "Recertification is important for certified professionals," said Ridgley. "It demonstrates up-to-date expertise with the software as new features are released and maintains the certified professional's presence as a product expert in the technical community."
"Mark upholds the level of expertise and knowledge that students at Anoka Tech expect," said Barthel.
For more information about LabVIEW classes at Anoka Tech, call (763) 576-4800.
