College celebrates 50 years of transforming lives with a year of events
July 21, 2015 at 10:20 am | Posted in Activities & Events, News | Leave a commentTags: 50 years, Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Cambridge Campus, Coon Rapids Campus, Transforming lives
Anoka-Ramsey Community College is celebrating 50 Years of Transforming Lives during the 2015-2016 year at the Cambridge and Coon Rapids campuses. The public and alumni are encouraged to share, honor and celebrate the college’s amazing journey that began in 1965.
”We sincerely appreciate the dedication the community has shown to both campuses of Anoka-Ramsey Community College,” said President Kent Hanson. “We hope to see everyone on campus during our celebrations this year!”
The opening and closing events include:
50th Anniversary Celebration
A Campus Showcase
Exhibits, Performances, Tours, Refreshments
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015
3 to 7 p.m.
(4:30 pm Program)
Coon Rapids Campus
The college will conclude the year with:
50th Anniversary Celebration
5K Fun Run
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Cambridge Campus
Between the opening and closing events, the community is invited to visit the college calendar for details on other events at both campuses.
Fall Events
Coon Rapids Campus
- Theatre Production
- Choir Concert
- Fall Open House
- Faculty Recital
- Two Rivers Reading Series
- Chamber Ensemble
- Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) Recital
- Student Art Sale
- Collegiate Volleyball
- Collegiate Basketball
- ·
Cambridge Campus
- Harvest Party
- Fall Open House
Spring Events
Coon Rapids Campus
- Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet
- Anniversary Celebration
- English Division 50th
- Theatre Production
- Spring Open House
- Collegiate Soccer
- Collegiate Basketball
- Collegiate Baseball
- Faculty Music Recital
- Choir Concert
- Concert Band and String Orchestra Concert
- Jazz Ensemble
Cambridge Campus
- Scholardazzle
- Theatre Production
- Candlelight Ski
- Science Night
- Spring Open House
- Minnesota Writer Series
- Guitar Festival
- Spring Music Concert
- Earth-Friendly Fair
- Collegiate Fastpitch Softball
Community members are also encouraged to share their Anoka-Ramsey stories, and hear other Anoka-Ramsey stories by visiting AnokaRamsey.edu/50.
For the most up-to-date information about the Anoka-Ramsey Community College 50 Years of Transforming Lives celebrations, visit AnokaRamsey.edu/50
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College hosts Creative Writing information session, July 15
July 9, 2015 at 9:11 am | Posted in Activities & Events | Leave a commentTags: Anoka-Ramsey Community College, creative writing AFA, information session
Anoka-Ramsey Community College is thrilled to host a:
Creative Writing Associate of Fine Arts
Information Session
Wednesday, July 15
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Riverview Room
(11200 Mississippi Blvd NW Coon Rapids, MN 55433)
This information session is designed for current and future creative writing students as well as anyone interested in creative writing. Faculty will be available to review the program guide sheet, suggest course pathways, discuss individual courses, and illuminate our articulation agreements.
RSVPs are requested to ensure enough refreshments, but drop-ins are welcome. RSVP to mary.pietruszewski@anokaramsey.edu.
For more information about Creative Writing programs at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, visit AnokaRamsey.edu/en/classes/Two-Year%20Degree%20Programs/AFADegree/CreativeWritingAFADegree.
Outstanding Students Announced
May 27, 2015 at 9:18 am | Posted in News | Leave a commentTags: Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Coon Rapids Campus, Oustanding Students
Anoka-Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids Campus recently honored its outstanding students for the 2014-2015 academic year.
The overall Outstanding Student of the Year was Samantha Churchill, Crystal, Minn. Churchill also received outstanding student awards for Geography, and for Phi Theta Kappa, serving as president.
Other area students earning this recognition in an academic area or an activity included:
Outstanding students in an activity:
- Gail Ann Wilson, New Brighton, Minn.: Contribution to the Student Newspaper
- Kevin Parker, Coon Rapids Minn.: Student Senate
- Mataya Racek, Rexford, NY: Athlete
- Kayla Coffland, Anoka Minn.: Vocalist
Outstanding students in a discipline:
- Michael Maroney, East Bethel Minn.: Health, Physical Education, & Recreation
- Jared Krier, East Bethel Minn.: Biology
- Victorine Forcha, Ramsey Minn.: Chemistry
- Zachary Chavis, Anoka Minn.: Computer Science
- Katie O’Neal, Minneapolis Minn.: Physical Therapist Assistant
- Mutesima Dzaferovic, Blaine Minn.: Women’s Studies
- Kalie Eileen Havener, Circle Pines Minn.: Humanities
- Charlene Kuhl, Blaine Minn.: Nursing
- Marina Kirkeide, Andover Minn.: AMATYC 3rd place
- Shan-Marie Herbst, Blaine Minn.: Computer Networking & Telecommunications
- Brandon Osero, Blaine Minn.: Theatre Arts
- Jacob Christy, Ramsey Minn.: AMATYC 1st place
- Christina Schlauch, Anoka Minn.: Integrative Health & Healing
- Darrin Rickbeil, Blaine Minn.: Mathematics
- Connor Rystedt, Coon Rapids Minn.: English
College finishes 2014-2015 academic year with graduations
May 27, 2015 at 9:15 am | Posted in News | Leave a commentTags: Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Cambridge Campus, Commencement, Coon Rapids Campus, Graduation, Nurse Pinning
Both campuses at Anoka-Ramsey Community College finished the academic year by sending students off to their next ventures. Both Cambridge Campus and Coon Rapids Campus hosted graduations, and the Coon Rapids Campus hosted a nurses pinning ceremony.
Graduations
Students eagerly take their place just before the processional at the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Cambridge Campus 2015 Commencement Ceremony, May 15.
Graduates of Anoka-Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids Campus pause for a class photo after receiving their college diplomas during the 2015 Commencement Ceremony, May 15.
Nurse Pinning Ceremony
Nursing graduates of Anoka-Ramsey Community College await their pinning ceremony at the Coon Rapids Campus Performance Gym, May 14.
Anoka-Ramsey Community College Mathematics instructor named Minnesota’s top two-year teacher
May 26, 2015 at 10:04 am | Posted in News | Leave a commentTags: Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Coon Rapids Campus, Mark Omodt, Minnesota Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges, MinnMATYC
Mathematics instructor Mark Omodt recognized by MinnMATYC and Anoka-Ramsey for excellence in teaching
Anoka-Ramsey Community College Mathematics instructor Mark Omodt was named the state’s top two-year mathematics professor by his peers at the Minnesota Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (MinnMATYC) conference in April.
Nominated by peers, MinnMATYC’s Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes the top mathematics teacher at two-year colleges in Minnesota for “outstanding contributions” to the field. Omodt, a 21-year veteran of Anoka-Ramsey, was also recognized as the college’s top overall teacher for 2015 as he was named the school’s Golden Chalk Award winner. The Golden Chalk Award recognizes the top teacher at Anoka-Ramsey as voted by students.
“Mark brings an unparalleled passion for mathematics, teaching and his students to each and every class,” said college President Kent Hanson. “Being recognized by his peers at MinnMATYC and the students at Anoka-Ramsey shows how effective he is as an educator and a leader in the field. Mark shows a real ability to break down mathematics into everyday terms and concepts that resonates with our students.”
“To be recognized both by students and by peers in the same year speaks to Mark’s abilities to make an impact both in the classroom and within the profession,” Hanson said. “Our state’s two-year colleges have very innovative teachers and programs, and still Mark stands out.”
Previously, Omodt was recognized with a national Teaching Excellence Award in 2013 by the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC). He was also recognized with the Golden Chalk Award in 2010 from Anoka-Ramsey. In fact, he’s been a finalist for the Golden Chalk Award every year since 2008.
Omodt holds an annual math alumni day drawing alumni and students to campus to discuss their careers and how mathematics is used in their careers.
“It is wonderful to be recognized by my students and fellow math teachers,” Omodt said. “But the best part is making math accessible, useful, and interesting to all kinds of students. Some of my students have been intimidated by or uninterested in math before taking my classes. Others want to become engineers, physicists, actuaries, or software engineers. I love working with students to help them accomplish their goals.”
Omodt, a resident of St. Anthony, Minn., is married with three sons. He has been active in coaching youth sports and the YMCA’s Voyagers program in St. Anthony. He holds undergraduate degrees in Mathematics and Spanish from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn., and a master’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Washington in Bellingham, Wash.
For more information about the award-winning faculty members at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, visit www.AnokaRamsey.edu .
Anoka-Ramsey Community College Mathematics instructor Mark Omodt was named the state’s top two-year mathematics professor by his peers at the Minnesota Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (MinnMATYC) conference in April.
Joint Letter from the Leadership of Anoka Technical College and Anoka-Ramsey Community College
May 5, 2015 at 9:26 am | Posted in News | Leave a commentTags: Anoka Technical College, Anoka-Ramsey Community College
An investment in the public colleges in our community is an investment in the people and area business. Anoka Technical College and Anoka-Ramsey Community College offer immeasurable, life-transforming impact on the lives of students and the success of local businesses. For example, 90% of Anoka Tech graduates are employed in a job related to their program of study within a year of graduation.
Another example is the story of Victorine Almo Forch, a mother of five children and immigrant from Cameroon who is transforming her life and the lives of her family members by completing her pre-pharmacy associate’s degree at Anoka-Ramsey. She will transfer to the University of Minnesota Pharmacy program to complete her bachelor’s degree. Forch has a 4.0 GPA and advises others considering college to “not limit yourself. Believe in yourself. Have a dream and go for it!”
We relate this story because it illustrates one of the many powerful ways that Anoka Technical College and Anoka-Ramsey Community College provides opportunities for all Minnesotans to create a better future for themselves, for their families, and for their communities. This particular example was possible because of the outstanding work of our dedicated faculty and staff, but also because we had the resources to make it happen. We made an investment in higher education and it paid off.
The legislative session has just six weeks until completion. Legislators are considering many important investments, among them funding for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, which of course includes Anoka Technical College and Anoka-Ramsey Community College. Maybe you’ve heard about our funding request and maybe you’ve been wondering what it’s for and why it’s so important. If so, here’s what you need to know.
Our colleges and universities have two primary sources of funding: tuition from students and appropriations from the state of Minnesota. Thanks to the legislature and Governor Dayton, we have frozen tuition for the last two years, making college more affordable for students in East Central Minnesota and the northwest metro region. With the exception of a funding increase last session, over the past 15 years, state support for higher education has been on a steep decline. Since 1999, Minnesota has cut higher education funding by 53 percent. We used to lead the nation when it came to supporting our state colleges and universities but now we lag far behind. Once we were 21 percent above the national average and now we’re 20 percent below. It has become increasingly difficult to offer opportunities like the one Victorine Almo Forch has.
And our ability to offer these opportunities has never been more important. Within five years, fully 74 percent of the jobs in Minnesota will require some postsecondary credentials. At a time when the demographics of the state are such that 70 percent of our growth will come from underserved populations, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is the only resource able to respond: our colleges and universities serve more first-generation students, more students of color and American Indian students, more low-income students, and more veterans than all of Minnesota’s other higher education options – combined.
As you hear about all the many investments being considered this legislative session, I hope you will keep higher education in mind. Making college accessible to all Minnesotans, meeting the future workforce needs of Minnesota, and protecting our ability to deliver the programs necessary to make that happen are all things worthy of our investment.
Kent Hanson, President
Andrew Aspaas, MSCF Faculty President Anoka-Ramsey Cambridge
Mary Falk, AFSCME Staff Anoka Tech
Dana Gangl, AFSCME Staff Anoka-Ramsey
Valerie Knight, AFSCME Staff Anoka-Ramsey
Noel Lutsey, MAPE Staff Anoka-Ramsey & Anoka Tech
Jeffrey Mammenga, AFSCME Staff Anoka Tech
Thomas McCarthy, MSCF Faculty President Anoka-Ramsey Coon Rapids
Shayla McKinney-Buck, Student Government President Anoka-Ramsey Cambridge
Julie Myers, MSCF Faculty President Anoka Tech
Kevin Parker, Student Government President Anoka-Ramsey Coon Rapids
Wendy Walentiny, AFSCME Staff Anoka Tech
Adam Welter, Student Senate President Anoka Tech
Art Faculty and student work populate the spring arts scene
April 27, 2015 at 2:48 am | Posted in News | Leave a commentTags: Aaron Dysart, Anthony Chapin, art, art department, Art-a-Whirl, Erick Wiger, Hennepin Theatre Trust, Jessica Shimek, Made Here, Meg Bussey, Megan Patry, Minneapolis Institute of Arts
While Anoka-Ramsey Community College Art Faculty member Aaron Dysart’s installation of a giant disco ball at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) ended April 19, (details here: http://new.artsmia.org/100/mia-presents-surprise-party-an-unexpected-installation-by-aaron-dysart/), other college artists are poised to show their works!
Anoka-Ramsey Art Club students Andi Rain, Lewis Derry and Derek Prescot, college Art Faculty member Meg Bussey and college Art Studio Manager Erick Wiger are participating in Art in Bloom at the MIA April 30 – May 3, 2015. Participating artists design a flower arrangement inspired by a piece of artwork in the MIA’s collection. For more information, visit http://new.artsmia.org/art-in-bloom-2015.
Works by Anoka-Ramsey Art Department Studio Manager Jessica Shimek, Art program alumna Megan Patry and college staff Anthony Chapin will all appear in Made Here. Led by Hennepin Theatre Trust and Joan Vorderbruggen, the Trust’s Cultural District Arts Coordinator, Made Here is the largest storefront window initiative in the country. Artist installations will appear in the storefront windows of vacant buildings along Hennepin Avenue. The kick-off reception party is June 3, 6 to 9 p.m., in the Marin Courtyard. For more information, visit: http://www.madeheremn.org/.
Ten college Art Club students are participating in Art-a-Whirl. This weekend-long art festival takes place throughout Northeast Minneapolis and parts of North Minneapolis. Artists will have their studios open to the public to talk about their work and sell art Friday, May 15, 5 to 10: p.m.; Saturday, May 16, noon to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 17, noon to 5 p.m. Art Club student work will be displayed and sold in the Grain Belt Bottling House, site 79. For more information, visit: http://nemaa.org/art-a-whirl
For more information about the Arts programming at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, visit AnokaRamsey.edu/en/lifeoutside/Activities/MusicTheatre.aspx
Art work such as the one shown here titled Digital’s City by Anoka-Ramsey Community College Art Department Studio Manager Jessica Shimek will appear in Made Here, the largest storefront window initiative in the country featuring installations in the storefront windows of vacant buildings along Hennepin Avenue.
Minnesota College Students name Kent Hanson President of the Year
April 20, 2015 at 9:42 am | Posted in News | Leave a commentTags: Anoka, Anoka Technical College, Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Cambridge Campus, Coon Rapids Campus, Minnesota State College Student Association, MSCSA, President Kent Hanson
The Minnesota State College Student Association (MSCSA) named Kent Hanson President of the Year during the 2015 Spring Assembly in Brainerd, Minn., April 10-12. Kent is serving his second year as President of Anoka-Ramsey Community College and Anoka Technical College. MSCSA is a statewide advocacy organization that represents the interests of more than 100,000 two-year college students.
“This is such a great honor, especially coming from students,” said Hanson. “I have been (and continue to be) a student advocate since 1991 when I started teaching radiologic technology.”
According to MSCSA representative William Tully, “Kent Hanson was chosen because of his active engagement with students in virtually all college affairs. It is unusual for a president to win (this award) so early in their tenure, however, student leaders at each of his campuses sent testimonials describing they have been empowered by the positive environments created for student government operations.”
With Kent Hanson as President, leadership empowerment through collaboration and positivity are threaded throughout the organizations.
“I am committed to creating a positive culture at our institutions,” Hanson explained. “I am not a fan of hierarchy but more interested in ideas, regardless of where they come from in the organization. I see student, faculty, and staff leaders as college leaders. I completely embrace collaborative leadership, focus on listening more than speaking, and honor a culture where ideas are shared freely and openly for the betterment of our students, employees and the communities we serve. It is a pleasure for me to serve such wonderful students and employees at Anoka-Ramsey and Anoka Tech. I love these colleges and I always will.”
Before accepting the position of president at Anoka-Ramsey and Anoka Tech, Hanson served as interim president of Riverland Community College [with campuses in Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna]. He also served nine years as provost and vice president for academic and student affairs at Northland Community and Technical College [with campuses in East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls] and 12 years at Northwest Technical College [in East Grand Forks], first as radiology program director from 1991-99 and then as health and human services dean from 1999-2003.
Hanson actually began his career in higher education as a teacher – training students to become Radiologic Technicians. According to Hanson, “teaching is at the heart of the important work that the college provides.”
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.
Kent Hanson, Ph.D., President of Anoka-Ramsey Community College (Coon Rapids and Cambridge, Minn.) and Anoka Technical College (Anoka, Minn.).
College Hosts Open Houses, March 31 and April 2
March 31, 2015 at 12:30 pm | Posted in Activities & Events | Leave a commentTags: Anoka-Ramsey, Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Cambridge Campus, Coon Rapids Campus, open house
High school seniors, returning college students, and adults looking to shift careers can all find answers to their education and career-planning questions at Anoka-Ramsey Community College Open Houses:
Cambridge Campus
Tuesday, March 31
5 to 6:30 p.m.
Student Life lobby
Coon Rapids Campus
Thursday, April 2
5 to 7 p.m.
Legacy Room (SC270)
Open houses are perfect opportunities for future students to see the college campus of their choice and learn about what Anoka-Ramsey can offer, such as affordable tuition, flexible options, and nearly 100 programs including the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC).
Attendees will also be able to tour the campuses, meet with admissions and financial aid representatives, preview the degree and program options with faculty members, and visit with different student and campus activity groups. No advance reservations are needed to attend this free event.
For more information about the Open Houses or about Anoka-Ramsey Community College, visit www.AnokaRamsey.edu .
Original Production of Flavio Betrayed April 17-25
March 31, 2015 at 12:12 pm | Posted in Activities & Events | Leave a commentTags: Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Coon Rapids Campus, Flavio Betrayed, Scott Ford, theater, theatre
Bring your funny bone along for an Anoka-Ramsey Community College original production: Flavio Betrayed, April 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25, 7:30 p.m., at the Coon Rapids Campus Performing Arts Center.
Written and directed by Anoka-Ramsey’s own Theatre Faculty member, Scott Ford, Flavio Betrayed: A Commedia is a high-spirited, high-brow comedy about romance, deceit, friendship and stinky cheese.
“Creating a new piece of comedy has been a thrilling, daunting, and incredibly entertaining challenge,” said Ford. “It helps that we have a group of smart, funny, and slightly twisted students working on the production. We have been spending weeks and weeks cracking each other up!”
The production focused on an amorous and eager young man, Oratio, who hatches a scheme to steal the hand of the beautiful Isabella from his dear friend Flavio. Meanwhile, Isabella’s father has plans for her to marry Capitano Spavento, a soldier and poet considerably past his prime. Isabella’s faithful and clever servant, Pedrolino, artfully dodges danger as he attempts to keep Isabella and Flavio together. This ridiculously silly show features disguise, deceit, insults, contemporary pop culture references, intellectual humor, comic sword fights, sexy pants, gaudy hats, bawdy bits, slapstick and fart jokes.
Cast List
The following Anoka-Ramsey students have earned roles in the cast:
- Pantalone: Andrew Swaser
- Flaminia: Madeline Larson
- Dottore Gratiano: Robert Fix-Keltner
- Isabella: Courtney VonVett
- Pedrolino: Nate Otto
- Columbina: Melanie Bratsch
- Flavio: Sam Mussmann
- Oratio: Brandon Osero
- Captain Spavento: Jess Hernandez
- Arlecchino: Lance Rohloff
- Burratino: Will Kaiser
The music for the production is also original, written by college Music Faculty member, Melissa Bergstrom.
“Matching the play’s guttural guffaws and sharp wit with some foot-tapping songs and mood-setting incidental music was a fun challenge – think Renaissance Festival and its spirited, raw energy!” said Bergstrom.
Join us for an original and raucous evening that will make you feel smarter and dumber at the same time!
Tickets are $8 in advance at the college bookstore, online at AnokaRamsey.edu/theatre (Buy Tickets Now), or at the door an hour prior to the performance.
For more information, visit AnokaRamsey.edu.
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