Farmers Invited to Join Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Local Biofuels Initiative
January 13, 2012 at 9:13 am | Posted in News | Leave a commentTags: Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Biodesiel, biology faculty, Cambridge Campus, Ever Cat Fuels LLC, McGyan Biodesiel, Professional Training Center, SarTec Corp
In 2010, Anoka-Ramsey Community College joined forces with biodiesel firms McGyan Biodiesel, SarTec Corp and Ever Cat Fuels to produce a 10-acre energy crop demonstration site at the college’s Cambridge Campus to grow crops for biodiesel fuel. Now, SarTec is seeking area farmers to expand that initiative.
As part of $500,000 Department of Energy grant SarTec received in late 2011, farmers who participate would be educated about how to plant, grow and harvest these low-impact crops and would be compensated for the energy crop they produce. Seed for planting is also provided, and farmers would grow the same crops as the college, Camelina and Pennycress.
The MN Leadership and Investment in renewable energy legislation of 2007 set a goal of 25 percent of the total energy use in the state being derived from renewable energy resources by 2025. The production of biodiesel from non-food energy crops helps rural economies and demonstrates that farmers are able to produce these low-impact crops in addition to their normal production of food crops.
In 2006, SarTec developed an oil-to-biofuel process that converts triglycerides and free fatty acids into biodiesel fuel while occupying a small footprint, and producing no hazardous waste products. The scalability of the process makes it a practical for both decentralized small farm systems and full scale commercial plants.
Anoka-Ramsey’s current Pennycress crop in the demonstration plot is overwintering will be harvested in the spring. The college is also growing 20 small experimental plots at the Cambridge Campus. The plots include pennycress from 10 different origins from as close as Iowa to as far away as Germany, Poland and former Serbia and Montenegro. Photos of these plots can be viewed at: http://webs.anokaramsey.edu/biofuel/IA-USDA%20pennycress%20CC.htm.
College Biology Faculty members, Melanie Waite-Altringer and Debby Filler and Chemistry faculty are working on a grant titled, “Building Collaborative Partnerships to Increase STEM Teaching and Learning.” The purpose of the grant is to help prepare a biofuels industry workforce by building upon the education model developed by the college’s Professional Training Division and educate students about the multi-faceted bio-fuels industry.
Currently, Anoka-Ramsey offers biofuel training designed with the technical guidance of SarTec and Ever Cat Fuel representatives. The first courses began January 2011 and included mechanical foundations, biodiesel fundamentals, OSHA introduction, spreadsheet fundamentals, and technical report writing. This spring, Anoka-Ramsey is offering a Mechanical Fundamentals for the Biofuels Industry and an industry-specific Excel course online.
For more information about the demonstration site and professional training opportunities, contact Anoka-Ramsey Community College Professional Training Director, Steve Jones at Stephen.jones@anokaramsey.edu or call 763-433-1200.
For more information about participating in energy crops, contact Carl Rausch at SarTec at 763-421-1072 ext. 34 or carlrausch@sartec.com.
Join Anoka-Ramsey Community College Annual for Scholardazzle Fundraiser, Jan. 20
January 12, 2012 at 3:11 pm | Posted in Activities & Events | Leave a commentTags: Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Cambridge Campus Foundation, Scholardazzle, scholarships
The Anoka-Ramsey Community College Scholardazzle fundraiser will host its 10th annual event, Friday, Jan. 20, 2012 at the Spectacular Events Banquet Center (1001 Cty Rd 5, Isanti Minn.).
The public is invited to join the festivities: social hour at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., a silent auction from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and a live auction at 8 p.m.
Thanks to the strong support of the community, numerous volunteers and staff, attendees enjoy a gourmet dinner and musical entertainment provided by college Music Faculty. Goods and services are generously donated by area organizations and individuals for raffles, and silent and live auctions.
Scholardazzle is organized by the Cambridge Campus Foundation Board of Directors and college staff, and sponsored by the Cambridge Campus Foundation. Last year’s event drew more than 180 people and raised more than $26,000 in gross revenue for scholarships for local students attending the Cambridge Campus.
Tickets are $55/person or $100/couple and available through the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Institutional Advancement Office at www.AnokaRamsey.edu/alumni/ or by calling 763-433-1968
KC Bohn, owner of Outdoor Edge, has been a five-year sponsor of the Scholardazzle, donating a bicycle each year to the annual Anoka-Ramsey Community College Scholardazzle fundraiser which raises scholarship funds for local students attending the Cambridge Campus. The 2012 year event is Friday, Jan. 20 at the Spectacular Events Banquet Center (1001 Cty Rd 5, Isanti, Minn.).
KC Bohn, owner of Outdoor Edge
All is Clear and Running Smoothly: Precautionary Measures Taken after Perceived Bomb Threat
December 8, 2011 at 12:48 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a commentAnoka-Ramsey Community College staff, faculty and students put their emergency response plan into action at the Coon Rapids Campus this morning. At 10:30 a.m. security officers at the Coon Rapids Campus were called to a classroom in the Humanities Building due a perceived threat about a backpack that was left in a classroom. Security determined that further investigation was warranted.
As a precautionary measure all students and employees were evacuated from the main campus buildings. The Visual Arts Center, the Performing Arts Center and the Lower Gymnasium were designated as locations for people to stay out of the cold.
The Coon Rapids Police, Fire and the Anoka County Sheriff responded, including a trained dog to identify whether there was an actual threat. All students and employees were able to return to all buildings on campus at 11:25 a.m. once the all-clear was announced.
“I was impressed with how calm, patient and helpful everyone was,” says Mary Jacobson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. “We are so pleased that this turned out to be a safe situation. This event offers a reminder to us all to be as prepared as possible when emergencies occur.”
For more information about Anoka-Ramsey Community College’s procedure for emergency evacuations visit: http://www.anokaramsey.edu/about/Information/Policies/Chapter5/5J1-11.aspx.
For more information about Public Safety at Anoka-Ramsey Community College visit: http://www.anokaramsey.edu/resources/Safety.aspx
College’s Professional Training Receives $336,000 to Partner with Local Business for Training
December 7, 2011 at 9:05 am | Posted in News | Leave a commentTags: Anoka-Ramsey Community College, cambridge, coon rapids, MARCO, MJSP Grant, Sign-Zone
Anoka-Ramsey Community College was recently awarded three new grants from the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) board totaling more than $336,000 to help state business develop their employees and stay competitive in the global marketplace.
The largest grant for $250,000, partners Anoka-Ramsey with MARCO, a St. Cloud-based company with 11 satellite locations throughout Minnesota. MARCO specializes in a variety of business communication services including data networking, voice communications, print solutions, document management, audio/video solutions, facility security, and managed services. From November 2011 through February 2014, Anoka-Ramsey will develop and provide training programs to 314 MARCO employees.
A new technology called TelePresence videoconferencing to reach employees at satellite locations will eliminate the need for travel. All employees will receive the same training to provide consistency and standardization to achieve company and grant goals, including: improved processes, elimination of waste, empowered employees and, continual culture improvement.
“We are excited about getting our entire workforce in Minnesota trained on the Lean 101 and Standard Work methodology,” says MARCO Vice President of Operations, Scott Roeder. “This grant will allow us to easily train employees at remote locations through TelePresence videoconferencing which reduces costs related to travel time and position coverage.”
Anoka-Ramsey and Sign-Zone, a Ramsey-based company manufacturing trade show displays and visual communication products, received a specialized training grant for $44, 047. From November 2011 through February 2013, Anoka-Ramsey will provide training programs for 100 Sign-Zone employees to develop organizational skills necessary to embrace and adapt to continuous change and continuous improvement. This is the college’s second MJSP grant with Sign-Zone. The first grant provided training on individual skill enhancement.
“One of the specific areas of need is change management and adaptation to change,” says Sign-Zone President, John Bruellman. “Our business will only remain competitive in today’s world if our employees are comfortable with, and can embrace, change.”
“Our goal is to become the educational partner of the businesses we work with,” says Stephen Jones, Anoka-Ramsey Director of Professional Training and grant coordinator. “Our partnership with Sign-Zone illustrates this in action. We have become their educational partner, providing their employees the training they need to stay competitive.”
The third MJSP grant partners Anoka-Ramsey with Metro Mold and Design, Inc, a Rogers-based company specializing in molding, mold manufacturing and computer numerical control (CNC) machining. The $42,000 grant will allow Anoka-Ramsey to train 100 Metro employees in the technical areas of dimensional metrology, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing and statistical process control. It will also help with training in essential business skills, such as customer service and project management.
Since 1999 Anoka-Ramsey Community College has received more MJSP grants than any other institution, totaling 49 awards and nearly 9.5 million dollars in funding.
“These grants help our business partners grow and develop, while strengthening our economy and expanding the skills of Minnesota’s workforce,” says Anoka-Ramsey Executive Director of Professional Training, Sherry Wickstrom. “Grant funding also provides Professional Training the opportunity to conduct research and develop new educational programs to meet emerging training needs. Our Professional Training Directors, Stephen Jones and Eric Staupe, were the successful applicants and will serve as the grant managers.”
To learn more about these grants or other grants, visit call 763-433-1200 or visit www.AnokaRamsey.edu/Training.
Renowned Writers Visit Anoka-Ramsey Community College
October 6, 2011 at 10:00 am | Posted in Activities & Events | Leave a commentThe Anoka-Ramsey Community College Two Rivers Reading Series will host readings and discussions by renowned authors this fall semester at both campuses. The events are free and open to the public.
Wednesday, Oct. 12: Penumbra Theater Company, 1 to 1:50 p.m. reading; and 2 to 2:50 p.m., Coon Rapids Campus Legacy Room
Penumbra staff and actors will read and discuss August Wilson’s play, Two Trains Running, a probing and evocative portrait of Black America set in Pittsburg in 1969.
Joining the reading and discussion is Sarah Bellamy, Education Director at Penumbra Theatre as well as the company’s principal scholar and editor. Her work includes the research and composition of the contextual essays to accompany Penumbra’s main-stage productions. She also oversees the creation of standardized, original curricula for educators to engage culturally specific arts in their classrooms. Bellamy has designed several programs to engage patrons of the theatre in critical thinking, dialogue and action around issues of race and social justice.
Tuesday, Nov. 8: Poet Todd Boss, 7 p.m., Cambridge Campus Rm. G202
Boss’s poems have appeared in Poetry, The London Times, The New Yorker, NPR, and Best American Poetry. He is also co-founder of Motionpoems, a poetry film initiative. This event is part of the Minnesota Writer Program at Cambridge Campus.
Boss grew up on an 80-acre cattle farm in West Central Wisconsin, where he helped his parents in the garden, pasture, field and forest. Currently, he lives in north suburban Saint Paul with his wife and children.
For more information about the Two Rivers Reading Series or other exciting events at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, visit www.AnokaRamsey.edu.
Support Education at Food Tasting, Auction Sept. 22
September 15, 2011 at 11:21 am | Posted in Activities & Events | Leave a commentTags: Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Coon Rapids Campus, Courtyards of Andover, Foundation, fundraiser, Prairie Home Delights
Anoka-Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids Campus Foundation invites the community to support education by attending its annual Prairie Home Delights scholarship event, Sept. 22, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Courtyards of Andover.
The evening includes food tasting from local restaurants, and live and silent auctions to benefit scholarship funds for Coon Rapids Campus students.
“More than 70% of the students at Anoka-Ramsey are the first generation to go to college,” says fthe foundation’s Executive Director, Marc Johnson. “Scholarship support for our students creates their future. More and higher educated students translates into greater economic health and satisfying lives.”
The live auction will include many high-value items such as a John Deere D130 tractor, a full day guided fishing expedition on Lake Mille Lacs and a Jim Brandenburg print.
The silent auction will also offer specialty baskets and items such as:
- wine basket
- collections of books on CD
- spa basket
- family game night basket
- gift certificates to area restaurants
- 18-hole golf passes
- and much more!
Last year, the event has hosted more than 200 people and raised more than $20,000.
More About the Coon Rapids Campus Foundation
The Coon Rapids Campus Foundation promotes an awareness and understanding of the college and its educational, cultural and developmental value to the surrounding communities. Foundation volunteers accept donations for scholarships and other enrichment projects not provided through regular college funding.
Since its inception in 1987, the foundation has raised more than $3,088,158 in financial support, and provided over 1,958 scholarships ($1,240,000) to area residents. The foundation has also purchased over $516,000 in equipment, and $115,500 has been awarded to faculty members for projects designed to enhance the classroom experience for the student.
To learn more about the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids Campus Foundation, donate or to purchase a ticket to the Prairie Home Delights, please contact the foundation Executive Director, Marc Johnson at 763-422-6112 or Marc.Johnson@AnokaRamsey.edu. www.AnokaRamsey.edu/advancementevents.
This John Deere D130 tractor is just one of many items up for auction at the Coon Rapids Campus Foundation annual Prairie Home Delights scholarship event, Sept. 22, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Courtyards of Andover.
Campus Foundation Welcomes Three New Board Members
September 15, 2011 at 11:20 am | Posted in News | Leave a commentTags: Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Coon Rapids Campus Foundation
In August elections, the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids Campus Foundation elected three new members to their board of directors: Raquel Berg, Kristi Riley and Scott Schulte.
Individually and collectively the following newly elected board members bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to their new roles.
Raquel Berg is the Marketing and Member Services Manager for Connexus Energy. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in Marketing and Mass Communications from Minnesota State University-Moorhead, and is a lifelong resident of Anoka County. She is married with two daughters, ages eight and five.
Kristi Riley is a shareholder at the law firm of Barna, Guzy & Steffen. She holds a bachelor of arts from College of St. Benedict and J.D. from Hamline University School of Law. Born in Benson, Minn., Riley is active in numerous community groups including: Blaine City Charter Commission, Anoka County Bar Association, Minnesota State Bar Association, Minnesota Shopping Center Association, International Conference of Shopping Centers, Minnesota Conference of Real Estate Women, Minnesota Women Lawyers and the Metro North Chamber of Commerce.
Scott Schulte is the Owner and Operator of Hi-Ten Services Center in Coon Rapids, Minn. He studied at Dunwoody College and Anoka Technical College. Schulte was born and raised in Coon Rapids. He is married with five children and seven grandchildren. Schulte also active in the community serving on: the Coon Rapids City Council, Northstar Commuter Development Authority, Anoka County Joint Law Enforcement Council, Homelessness Elimination Project in Anoka County, Coon Rapids Crime Prevention Association Board of Directors, First Advantage Bank Board of Directors, Coon Rapids Rotary Foundation Board of Directors, Coon Rapids Mortgage Assistance Foundation Board of Directors, Church of the Epiphany, Coon Rapids Lions Club, Anoka Technical College Automotive Advisory Board and Union 76 Dealer Council Midwest Region.
The new members of both foundations have committed to the foundations’ mission to build friendships and funds to enrich students’ lives. Foundation members are charged with promoting awareness and understanding of the college and its educational, cultural and developmental value to the surrounding communities.
According to the foundation by-laws, directors are elected for a three-year term and are eligible to serve two consecutive three-year terms. Lisa Dufault’s term ended as the three new board members’ terms began.
“The Coon Rapids Campus Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to welcome these three new community and business leaders to the Board,” says Foundations Executive Director, Marc Johnson. “Their wellspring of expertise and experience will be invaluable as the Board builds friendships and funds to enrich students’ lives.”
Since its inception, the Coon Rapids Campus Foundation has raised more than $3,600,000 in financial support, provided more than 1,830 scholarships ($1,146,900) and purchased over $516,000 in equipment. The Coon Rapids Foundation annually funds scholarships totaling more than $150,000.
To learn more about the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids Campus Foundation, please contact the Foundations executive Director, Marc Johnson at 763-422-6112 or Marc.Johnson@AnokaRamsey.edu.
Anoka-Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids Campus Foundation Board of Directors gather to welcome new members on the banks of the Mississippi River. Shown left to right (back row): Ryan Brandt, Patrick McVary, Mark Ethen, Verne McPherson, Marge Christenson, Jerry Koch, Raquel Berg, Kristi Riley; (front row) Shannon Glenn, Lisa Dufault, Scott Schulte, Jim Gromberg, Mindy Kveton, Tony Palumbo and Interim College President Jessica Stumpf. Not shown: Marc Johnson, Tom Lehn, Julie Gotham, Tom O’Connor, Steve Rice, Andy Schweizer, Natalie Steffen, David Walch and Pam Westlund.
Support Cambridge Campus Students by Buying a Piece of History
September 15, 2011 at 11:15 am | Posted in News | Leave a commentTags: Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Buy a Brick Campaign, Cambridge Campus Foundation, scholarships
Anoka-Ramsey Community College Cambridge Campus Foundation is offering community members an opportunity to be part of the college’s history and support students through the Buy-a-Brick Campaign.
Last year alone more than 70 students received scholarships out of the more than 1,000 who attend the Cambridge Campus.
Here is how the Buy-a-Brick program works:
People can purchase an engraved 4×8” brick with a personalized message.
- A $250 donation purchases one of the limited number of bricks on the outer ring of the ellipse on the East River Courtyard.
- A $100 donation receives a brick in the center of the ellipse on the East River Courtyard.
The engraving on the brick could be: the name of a family member, a student or alumni and year of graduation, a business name or the name of a loved one. The engraving could also be in honor of someone special such as a favorite teacher or in memorial.
Purchasing a commemorative brick is an affordable way to raise funds for a scholarship, help students and create a permanent legacy at the Cambridge Campus.
The brick becomes a permanent legacy at the Cambridge Campus and offers an affordable way to raise funds for the scholarship of your choice.
More About the Cambridge Campus Foundation
The Cambridge Campus Foundation is dedicated to making college affordable and accessible to area residents. The foundation encourages, accepts and administers gifts and grants to provide financial support for students and projects which would not be possible through regular college funding. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. During the 2010-2011 school year, the foundation awarded more than $74,000 in scholarships to Cambridge Campus students.
More About the Cambridge Campus
In 1981, the Cambridge Development Corporation built temporary metal pole buildings at the permanent campus site west of Cambridge off Hwy 95. In 1994, the college received an $8 million appropriation to build the Cambridge Campus Center, the current permanent building on campus. It was completed in 1996. A project dedicated in August 2007 added approximately 30,000 sq. ft of new space.
Today more than 2,500 students are enrolled at the Cambridge Campus, and 70% of the students are the first in their family to attend college. The campus offers the full Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), in addition to a top-ranked nursing program (RN), a state of the art science lab and numerous community partnerships that enhance the academic experience for our students. Cultural and athletic events combine to create a vibrant community enjoyed by the students, faculty and the broader community.
To purchase a brick or learn more about the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Cambridge Campus Foundation, please contact the foundation Executive Director, Marc Johnson at 763-422-6112 or Marc.Johnson@AnokaRamsey.edu.
Award-Winning Reporter to Speak at Campuses
September 15, 2011 at 11:14 am | Posted in Activities & Events | Leave a commentAs part of Transfer Week at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Sept. 26 to 29, Tim Sherno, a reporter at KSTP-TV, will be offering motivational words and advice about careers:
- Coon Rapids Campus
Tuesday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m., Legacy Rm.
- Cambridge Campus
Thursday, Sept. 29, 11 a.m., Rm. G201
The events are free and the public is invited to attend to hear about and discuss effective resumes, successful interviewing, networking and more.
Sherno, a broadcasting and advertising veteran with several EMMYS, began his career at ABC News in Washington D.C., and has worked for ABC News in New York, KUSA-TV in Denver, WSVN-TV in Miami and KMSP-TV in Minneapolis/St. Paul.
More Transfer Events
Along with the Sherno event, Anoka-Ramsey is also offering the following to help students and the public understand transfer and career options:
- Monday, Sept. 26: University of Minnesota Transfer Fair, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Coon Rapids Campus, Legacy Rm.
- Wednesday, Sept. 28: MnSCU Institutions Transfer Fair, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Coon Rapids Campus, Legacy Rm.; Bachelor Completion Fair, 5 to 6:45 p.m., Business-Nursing Building
- Thursday, Sept. 29: Minnesota Private Colleges Transfer Fair, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Coon Rapids Campus, Legacy Rm.
For more information, visit www.AnokaRamsey.edu or contact event coordinator and Anoka-Ramsey Community College Academic Advisor, Kacey Gregerson at -433-1564.
College First! Softball Player Earns NJCAA All-American Honor
June 13, 2011 at 8:38 am | Posted in News | Leave a commentTags: All-American, Andrea Schoephoerster, Anoka-Ramsey Community College, athletics, cambridge, Coach Dave Alto, coon rapids, Fastpitch Softball, golden rams, NJCAA
For the first time in Anoka-Ramsey Community College history, a softball player was named a NJCAA Division III All-American: sophomore catcher Andrea Schoephoerster (Champlin, Minn.), Champlin Park High School earned the distinction.
Schoephoerster had a .500 batting average with 86 hits, 25 doubles, five triples, eight home runs, 65 runs scored and 75 runs batted in. Nationally, Schoephoerster finished second in the nation in runs batted in, second in total hits and runs scored, third in doubles, fourth in home runs and in the top 25 for batting average.
“Andi had a fantastic year,” says Head Coach Dave Alto. “She was truly outstanding in all facets of the game. Many of the school records we set this season would not have happened without Andi’s leadership. It has been my pleasure to work with such a gifted all-around player.”
The Anoka-Ramsey Golden Rams finished the season with a 28-26 record, 16th national ranking, a second place finish in the 2011 MCAC State Tournament and a second place finish in the Region 13A Tournament.
For more information about Women’s Fastpitch Softball or any of the award-winning athletic teams at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, visit our Athletic page.
Catcher Andrea Schoephoerster (Champlin, Minn.)
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