M State News | Page 1

M State NEWSTHE COLLEGE NEWSLET TER FOR M STATE EMPLOYEES April/May 2015

Hello again, everyone! Glimpses of spring remind me that the academic year

is winding down pretty quickly. Our employee recognition cer-emonies are under way, which means spring graduation ceremo-nies are imminent. I know this is a busy time for all of us, and stu-dents and faculty will be especial-ly harried during this time of year. I am con ident that we will get through another academic year, just as we always do!

While we are waiting for spring, we also are awaiting inal decisions about higher educa-tion funding. Although there are several sce-narios, we continue to hope that the $142 million MnSCU system request is approved. We have been meeting separately on our campuses with local legislators and most recently with Minne-sota Of ice of Higher Education Commissioner Larry Pogemiller to showcase the many things we do so well and those metrics that we have of-icially improved. We have also disclosed how

each budget proposed by the governor, the House, the Senate and the MnSCU system will impact M State. The best scenario for M State at this time remains the MnSCU system request.

Regardless which higher education budget is inalized, we still have to work to balance our

budget and improve our Composite Financial Index (CFI). Every MnSCU college and universi-ty has had to make dif icult budget decisions at one time or another. Now we must do the same. I had wanted to move more slowly, but we no longer have the luxury of waiting if we are to ensure that the college remains strong for our students and our communities.

We are carefully reviewing every aspect of the budget and focusing on our core mission, vision and strategic goals. We will look care-

fully at travel, retirements, not replacing vacancies and other less invasive strategies, but for this year we also need to look at equipment, supply and personnel reductions. We should have more speci ic information by the end of the academic year. We will keep you informed as soon as any inal decisions are made.

Even in light of our budget dif i-culties, I want to remind you once

again what a phenomenal college M State is and will continue to be if we work together toward common goals. I also want to thank you again for everything that you do to contribute to stu-dent success. Your efforts are noted and greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Dr. Peggy D. KennedyPresident

Dr. Peggy D. KennedyPresident

Member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universi es System. An Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer. Un Educador/Empleador de Oportunidad Igual.

minnesota.edu | 877.450.3322

Larrwe dicial

eachthe M Strema

Reinal

budgIndety haone tII hadlooongeensustud

Wthe bvisio

INSIDEAcademicsM State academic plan ini a vesDon't miss the chance to make a diff erence

Student ServicesTargets online

Human ResourcesEmployee recogni on celebra onsStaff changes

Informa on TechnologyM State Microso migra on project

Success Stories

Celebrating success at M State

2015 Spring Semester Commencement Ceremonies

Moorhead Campus: 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 13Concordia College FieldhouseDetroit Lakes Campus: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 14Detroit Lakes High SchoolFergus Falls Campus: 3 p.m. Thursday, May 14 Fergus Falls CampusWadena Campus: 7 p.m. Friday, May 15Wadena-Deer Creek High School

M State News | Page 2M State News | Page 2

The academic plan initia-tives will be framed around six academic focus areas:• Learning Environment• Curricular Pathways• Transitions• Technology• Campus Culture• External Relationships

Learning EnvironmentThe M State academic focus on learning environment re-

lects our commitment to physical and virtual spaces that lead to the highest level of student learning and achievement. In a strong academic culture, the learning environment is not based on individual prerogative. Instead, an academic learn-ing environment is the space in which students can achieve success through learning.

The learning environment section of the academic plan could include initiatives in areas such as:

• Campus physical environment • Student surroundings and conditions where learning

will occur• Facility needs• Need for redesigned spaces• Scheduling changes and solutions

Curricular PathwaysThe M State academic focus on curricular pathways re-

lects our commitment to curriculum, services, pathways and developmental education options that will help all students earn a degree, certi icate or diploma, seamlessly transfer to a baccalaureate program or complete an educational experi-ence to achieve 21st century skills. In a strong academic cul-ture, curricular pathways are designed to help students navi-gate their academic pathway from initial inquiry through successful completion of their stated goal.

The curricular pathways section of the academic plan could include initiatives in areas such as:

• Orientation experiences• Connections on campus and to the community• Advising• Stackable credentials• Meaningful certi icates and degrees

• Support services aligned with student needs and integrated into curriculum experience

• Teaching strategies that promote active learning and extensive interaction

• Assessment of student learning outcomes integrat-ed into the entire educa-tional experience

• A culture of evidence and accessible data• Developmental education• Prior learning assessment/credit for prior learning• Alternate delivery modalities and pathways• Learning beyond the classroom

Transi onsThe M State academic focus on transitions re lects our

commitment to our mission to provide educational opportu-nities for all students, regardless of academic ability, income or other factors that might be seen as barriers to educational achievement. In a strong academic culture, transitions build a bridge between where students are and what they would like to achieve.

The transitions section of the academic plan could include initiatives in areas such as:

• Aligning high school completion with college-ready skills• Bridge experiences for students who are academically

underprepared• Placement processes• Multiple pathways to college programs• High school partnerships• Concurrent enrollment and early college experiences• Academic support services (library, tutoring, etc.)• Advising services• First-year experiences• Articulation agreements and transfer pathways

Technology The M State academic focus on technology re lects our com-

mitment to building technology infrastructures to transform teaching and learning in profound ways. In a strong academic culture, decisions about technology infrastructure are made

Academics

Dr. Carrie BrimhallChief Academic Offi cer

M State academic plan initiatives

M State News | Page 3M State News | Page 3

in partnership with Academic Affairs and Information Tech-nology Services. The divisions work together in planning, pri-oritizing and accomplishing the mutual goal of support teach-ing and learning.

The technology section of the academic plan could include initiatives in areas such as:

• Discipline-speci ic equipment• Student learning and engagement technology spaces• Infusion of technology in the curriculum• Support for technology infusion• Videoconference• Modalities of learning• Best practices in utilizing technology to engage stu-

dents and increase learning• Learning management systems• Security• Reduction in printing• Technology training• Use of social media• Quality measurements, analytics and services in tech-

nology-rich environments

Campus Culture The M State academic focus on campus culture re lects our

desire to have a collaborative, authentic and student-centered environment. A strong academic culture is built by recogniz-ing, establishing and supporting connections between divi-sions, campuses and employees as a vital element of the insti-tution’s success.

The campus culture section of the academic plan could in-

clude initiatives in areas such as: • Professional development/leadership development• Support of one another• Collegial, respectful and helpful communication with

students and each other• Exemplary service• Communication processes• Engagement• Collaboration• Celebration of awards and accomplishments• Focus on excellence and highest levels of quality

External Rela onships The M State academic focus on external relationships re-

lects our commitment to our stakeholders. In a strong aca-demic culture, external relationships are recognized as criti-cal to the mission of the college. Through collaborations with stakeholders, the Academic Division will be able to address challenges and opportunities in our future.

The external relationships section of the academic plan could include initiatives in areas such as:

• Market research• Advisory committee interaction• Foundation and alumni relationships• Facility usage• Workforce training• Seminars and workshops• Community visibility and support• Donations and industry sponsorships

The last few weeks of the academic year can seem chao c, cel-ebratory, unraveling and relieving all at the same me. You prob-ably are exhausted, your level of frustra on and anxiety may be up and your energy is star ng to fade …

Don’t lose the hop in your step. In the midst of the craziness, it is more important than ever that you engage with your colleagues, take care of yourself emo on-ally and physically, and remain focused on the great work we have done and will con nue to do in the future.

Support the people around you.Spend fi ve minutes sending an M State Pride award, delivering a coff ee or Diet Coke to a colleague, checking in with someone down the hall or lending a listening ear. Suppor ng a colleague will make a diff erence for both of you. Be the op mis c, fun, em-powering co-worker everyone wants in their hallway.

Take care of yourself emotionally and physically.Our schedules and the stress of the semester can take a toll on our physical and emo onal health. Drink plenty of water, meditate or take a fi ve-minute walk around campus. Li le changes can lead to

improved mental and physical health. And, if you ask a colleague to walk with you, you are also suppor ng the people around you.

Remain focused on the great work we have done this year.Sit back and spend fi ve minutes refl ec ng on your contribu ons to our success. The progress we have made this year is astound-ing. Every single person in the college has contributed to that suc-cess. Pat yourself on the back – take a deep breath – and know that the college is lucky to have you commi ed to our mission.

“Each day brings you opportuni es to raise important ques ons, speak to higher value and surface unresolved confl icts. Every day you have the chance to make a diff erence in the lives of people around you” (Heifetz & Lindsky, 2002).

It has been such a great year – have an amazing summer!

Heifetz, R. A. Grashow, A., Linsky, M. (2002). Leadership on the Line. Boston, MA: Harvard Business Press.

Don’t miss the chance to MAKE A DIFFERENCE

M State News | Page 4

Student Services

Targets online

We’re getting ready to step up our online marketing, and it’s high time we did. We know

that the majority of prospective students and their key in luencers check us out online instead of coming for a visit. So it makes perfect sense that we devote a portion of our marketing budget to online advertising. I’ll come back to the bene its later. First, let’s igure out what online advertising is like.

Have you ever been online, visiting various websites, only to notice that the same ad keeps popping up from page to page like some familiar stray dog that follows you around? This irst happened to me when I saw an ad for a $15 shav-ing kit from Harry’s. I don’t know how I irst came upon the ad; I do recall that it

did cause me to visit the site. The $15 kit looked like a quality product and a good deal. The phone must’ve rang or the dog needed to be let out, and I left the Har-ry’s website without buying. That ad, however, popped up everywhere during my Web sur ing for days and days. How could Harry’s spend that much on ad-vertising that I saw the ad everywhere I went on the Web?

It’s called site retargeting, and it’s ac-tually an inexpensive way to market on the Internet. Here’s how it works: An Internet user sees one of your ads – it could be online or of line – and visits your site. However, the visitor leaves without converting (in our case, this could be illing out an application). Lat-er, as he browses the internet, your ad comes up on other websites. The “retar-geted” ad eventually captures the visi-tor’s interest and she comes back to con-vert into a loyal customer (or applicant).

And yes, I do now own Harry’s $15

shaving kit.Another method of online advertis-

ing is search retargeting. In search re-targeting, an Internet user is interested in a particular product or service and searches for relevant keywords. One or more of those keywords are among a list of keywords you have identi ied as a trigger for your ad. Later, while sur ing the Web, the user sees your ad, clicks on it and is ready to do business with you.

Lastly, display ads are those straight-

forward ads that appear on a particular website because you want them to be there. Display ads may be text, graph-ics, images, lash, video or audio. Many of these types of ads are based on either a cost per impression or a pay per click model. With cost per impression, you pay for each time your ad is seen. In a pay per click model, you pay for each time a user clicks through your ad to your website, which gives you a better idea how effective the advertising was.

This spring and into mid-summer, we’re entering into the foray with dis-play, site and search retargeting ads for our new fall programs in gas utility con-struction and service, one-year practi-

cal nursing and theatre arts. With our inal campaign for FY15, we’ll be pro-

moting fall enrollment in June and July with an even larger online advertising presence (in addition to our local radio ads). We’ll be looking forward to pro-viding you with reports come fall term on the results we experienced with the online ads.

Here are a few of the bene its of ad-vertising online over traditional adver-tising:

• It’s insanely quick. The time lapse between having your ad copy ready and getting it online is incredibly shorter than getting a billboard, ra-dio, TV or newspaper ad in place.

• It’s amazingly accurate. Ads don’t go out to the entire world; they can be targeted to speci ic ge-ographies, times of day and inter-ests in a way that tapers down the target audience to those folks who are potentially strong prospects.

• It’s sa sfyingly versa le. Unlike a billboard or print ad, an Internet ad can be a still image, video or au-dio.

• It’s surprisingly inexpensive. Reaching a much larger audience is possible with limited spending.

• Most of all, it’s wonderfully measurable. Online, it’s possible to accurately collect numbers of hits, pages visited, how many times the ad was viewed by the same user, how the user got to the ad and whether the ad resulted in a suc-cessful conversion.

Yes, there are some downsides, but they’re far outweighed by the bene its. I’ll leave it to you to Google terms like click fraud and banner-blindness. But when you do, keep one eye on those on-line ads, eh? Some of them just might be following you around.

Dr. Peter WielinskiVice President of Student Development and Marke ng

“Never wear a red t-shirt to a Target. I enjoy helping people,

but not every two minutes.”

– Kevin Nealon

“Targets are aimed at. Goals are kicked at.”

– Tom Hodgkinson

Learn more at minnesota.edu/alumniMember of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity.

If you would like to make an investment in M State, contact:

Denise Laymon Chief Development and Alumni OfficerDetroit Lakes Area College Foundation& Wadena Area College Foundationdenise.laymon@minnesota.edu218.846.3720 or 218.631.7931

Lori Larson Executive DirectorFergus Area College Foundationlori.larson@minnesota.edu218.736.1514

Mark Altenburg Director of AdvancementMoorhead Community and Technical College Foundation mark.altenburg@minnesota.edu218.299.6826

Did You Know?When you make an investment in M State, you are:

• Providing accessible and quality education through scholarship opportunities for students

• Providing innovative and state-of-the-art classroom resources that allow hands-on learning experiences

• Supporting economic and community progress

Your gifts allow you to leave a lasting legacy while you help enhance the education we provide at Minnesota State Community and Technical College.

FFOUNUNDADATIOION

Mary BrenkPublisherDetroit Lakes Newspapers and Park Rapids EnterpriseDetroit Lakes Campus ‘75

Robert Iken IIExecutive Vice PresidentMid-Central Federal Savings BankWadena Campus ‘79

Newzad BrifkiFounder/DirectorKurdish Community of AmericaMoorhead Campus ‘06

Douglas DuncanChief EconomistFannie MaeFergus Falls Campus ‘73

Riana Kaul HendricksonSurvey TechnicianMoore Engineering, Inc.Detroit Lakes Campus ‘14

Wayne WoldenBusiness ManagerMinnesota State Community and Technical CollegeWadena Campus ‘83

Dave LenzmeierCEOMilk Specialties GlobalFergus Falls Campus ‘84

Bob Footitt, Sr.FounderBob Footitt Construction, Inc.Moorhead Campus ‘69

COMMUNITYCOMMUNITYBuilding

PARTNERSHIPSPARTNERSHIPSBuilding

Real People. Real Education.

Real Results.

Enhancing education to support our region’s workforce for more than 50 years!

M State News | Page 6

Employee recognition celebrations

Human Resources

Employees are invited to attend the upcoming employee recognition celebrations hosted by President Kennedy to honor accomplishments, years of service,

Distinguished Achievement Awards and retirements for calendar year 2014.• Detroit Lakes – 3 p.m. April 16 (We hope you had the opportunity to attend)

• Moorhead – 3 p.m. April 23 • Fergus Falls – 3 p.m. April 30

• Wadena – 3 p.m. May 7 Perham employees who will be recognized for a years of service award will be able

to choose the campus they would like to attend for the recognition.Dacia JohnsonChief Human Resources Offi cer

5 YEARSDETROIT LAKESMegan AdamczykJames DonehowerGenevieve FreemanJulie HibmaGary NansenMark NelsonLeslie Thielen

FERGUS FALLSRachel BergerudJennifer Bieniek

Michael BoothLaurie BrekkePeg KalarJoel KotschevarAnn SchwalboskiErin Warren

MOORHEADCynthia BoePenny BrynildsonArvid BurnsMichele BurnsLeonard CookShannon Dahms

Kris HiltonCasey JensenErin JohnsonJoni MassieRobin Ma sonShannon MohnDiana SchirmerAlicia SwansonTravis Swenson

WADENAJana Shepard

10 YEARS

DETROIT LAKESClyde EklundDoreen HaugeBruce HurtAnthony Parker

FERGUS FALLSLinda GnahnThomas PrieveJason Retzlaff

MOORHEADJames BainerNoureddine Benchama

Jennifer BeyerDonald DrummondDiane EllwangerJennifer GanyoLeRoy HagenCrystal JensenLynn KaiserTravis KitchJohn Wagner

WADENAJanice CarpenterCindy DukowitzDonald Line

15 YEARSDETROIT LAKESPamela Cummings

FERGUS FALLSJudith HackingDavid KenyonSteven King

MOORHEADEvonne BarnumShari NeeceGreg Peterson

YEARS OF SERVICE AWARDS

I am pleased to announce the M State Dis nguished Achieve-ment Award recipients for this in-augural year. We proudly celebrate the contribu ons these individuals make to the college!

– Dr. Peggy Kennedy

Computer Help Center TeamJade Buermann, Tracy Crawford, Chris DeBaere,

Dan Elstad, Darren Hage, Jeff Haukos, Chris Klein and Nate Nims

Each and every day, the Computer Help Center team provides excellent service to all of their customers. Many times customers are not happy and things are not going as planned. Technology can be down-right frustrating. The CHC staff members put the customer’s needs irst to work to resolve all issues and continu-ally go above and beyond the call of duty. Many of these staff members stay late and come in early to make sure things run smooth. This team is always will-ing and ready to help, participating in M State’s open houses and registration

events and promoting M State in a very positive manner.

This team has worked on many proj-ects that affect everyone: StarID, imple-mentation of the ticket system and, most recently, moving users to the Microsoft domain and implementing Of ice 365. The team members continually experi-ment, research and do all they can to en-sure the customer has the best technol-ogy experience. Sometimes their role is a very “thankless” job and, through this award, they can receive the recognition they deserve.

Team members are also working in their communities and make signi icant contributions in the broader community.

Nominator: Lisa Ziegler

Pam Cummings, Faculty

Pam is an excellent teacher and a strong advocate for M State. Her passion and caring personality make her infec-tious – she is someone you want to work with, partner with and just plain be around. She is very serious about teach-

ing and advising, and she brings a smile to every task. It makes working with her very enjoyable. She is an effective mentor, teacher and leader who always goes above and beyond and has gained the trust and respect of everyone with whom she works – faculty, staff and stu-dents. She is the irst to volunteer for any project on campus. Pam also is a cheer-leader for positive morale.

Pam has strong character, passion-ate drive and an innovative spirit. She is willing to challenge old ideas, she works very hard, she is responsive and she is always well-organized. She always works to ind the right answer or solu-tion. Pam is not stuck on the “way things have always been”; she has a very fresh perspective and will continue to imple-ment amazing things at the college be-cause she utilizes the strengths of those around her.

Nominator: Bryan Christensen

M State News | Page 7

DETROIT LAKESMarie SandsmarkGerald Wiese

FERGUS FALLSNeil BondCarolyn GlesneJim GnahnDeborah KelmanLon LaagerDennis Zilmer

MOORHEADThomas BoeKim BrewsterMarilynn LebahnRandolph MannCarole Steidl

WADENAPat KisackyStephen Johnson

WADENABill EvansMarlo Hieb

20 YEARSFERGUS FALLSKent Quamme

MOORHEADSharlene AllenDean WeberDaniel Willoughby

WADENAPatrick LeePeter Wielinski

25 YEARSDETROIT LAKESGlen Bucholz

FERGUS FALLSTracy MorstadTeresa Thompson

MOORHEADMichele Jenson

Dennis Wagner

30 YEARSDETROIT LAKESSandra Smith

MOORHEADRennae Weiss

35 YEARSFERGUS FALLSKevin ClarkAnn Porter

MOORHEADMarla Field

WADENAArmond Swanson

40 YEARSMOORHEADMary Hetland

Human Resources

2014 RETIREES

Angela Mathers, Director of Student Engagement

Angela is in luential in promoting and attaining an excellent working relation-ship with M State faculty, staff and stu-dents through her pleasant demeanor and professionalism. She is well-respect-ed by her co-workers. She demonstrates attention to detail and diplomacy, and she brings a cheerful disposition to all of her endeavors. She provides excep-tional service to all and continually goes “above and beyond the call of duty.” An-gela advises the Student Government Association as well as Pulse, the student programming board. She ensures Pulse is mindful to bring diverse entertain-ers, speakers and activities to encom-pass our diverse student population. She sends out a survey at the end of spring semester each year to gather student feedback in regards to student life activi-ties and participation; she uses this data to ind new ways to encourage increased student involvement. She exhibits lead-ership and dedication to everyone she comes in contact with.

Angela has extensive community lead-ership contributions. She is involved in the 2015 United Way of Cass-Clay 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program, Mat Bus coordinating board, Woodlands and High Plains Powwow Committee and the New Leadership Development Institute steer-ing committee, and she is a Big Sister.

Robin Ma son, Director of Facility Operations and Safety

In 2014, Robin was asked to take on the role of safety director for M State. She always had been a strong safety ad-vocate for the Moorhead campus, and the

feeling was that she would do a great job collegewide. That feeling was correct! Robin has taken on safety and spent countless hours going through safety re-ports from Lakes Country Service Coop-erative, OSHA, Lovergreens and MnSCU, all while completing her other role as facilities director for the Moorhead cam-pus. During this same time, Robin was down 2.0 FTE within her Moorhead staff. This irst year, with the heightened focus on safety from various outside entities, it has been a lot of extra work. Yet Robin has taken on this work without pause. The extra attention to safety concerns not only will ensure our building and shops are safe for our students and em-ployees, but it also will ensure that the college risk for inancial penalties from regulatory agencies is minimized.

Nominator: Pat Nordick

Ka e Tysdal, Administrative Assistant

Katie consistently strives for excel-lence in whatever she does. Katie has transformed the concurrent enrollment reporting procedures to make them more ef icient. In fact, it is reported that some faculty even enjoy completing these reports! Her creation of electronic forms has helped the concurrent enroll-ment program and the grant manage-ment area in developing more ef icient and effective strategies to keep track of important information. Katie has been the starting point in designing many key print pieces, including the FY 15 Strate-gic Priorities document and the Concur-rent Enrollment Handbook. Katie goes above and beyond with each project she is involved in and routinely takes the ini-tiative to make the project better than it was originally conceived in both design

and functionality. Comments about the exceptional service Katie provides are voiced frequently, and I hear them from staff members, faculty, high school part-ners and administrators. Katie’s positive attitude and commitment to providing outstanding customer service to internal and external customers helps everyone in the work environment. Katie wants all of us to do our best, and she is always willing to support the work that needs to occur to make that happen. It is a privi-lege to work with her. Also, because of Katie’s enthusiasm, creativity and lead-ership, M State’s irst collegewide well-ness challenge was a huge success.

Katie is a rare, refreshing source of energy and talent at M State. Add to that an unparalleled level of professionalism and you have someone most worthy of this award. Katie approaches her daily duties with patience, poise and joy. She is a gift to the M State community.

Nominator: Paul Carney

Academics STAFF CHANGESDetroit Lakes• Amy Hochgraber, CTS Industry

Liaison• Melinda Rustad, Curriculum

Development Coordinator

Fergus Falls• Kitra Nelson, SPF PFS Project

Coordinator

Moorhead• Teri Dobbs, Industry Liaison• Lori Vigesaa, SPF PFS Project

Coordinator

Moorhead• Melissa Olheiser promoted to

Industry Liaison

NEW

HIR

ESCH

ANGE

S

Information Technology Lisa Ziegler Computer Help Center Director

This is an exciting time for M State as we are in the process of migrating network services provided by Novell to Microsoft. This is a multi-phase process, with

one very crucial and important piece of the puzzle, migrating all of our users (joining their computers) to an Active Directory Domain.

The President's Cabinet met on April 2 and is fully supportive of IT's plan of migrating our state-owned devices as quickly as possible to the Active Directory Domain. Migrating will allow us to integrate better with other software and services, align better with other MnSCU institutions, enhance security and automate process. This move also will help us prepare our faculty and staff to use the Of ice 365 environment and transition away from GroupWise into Outlook for our email client.

Please note ... the Microsoft migration is a separate process and does not mean we are moving away from GroupWise at this time. Our tentative timeline for switching email systems is the end of fall semester or start of spring semester. There will be more communication and training on this piece of the puzzle.

Many of you already have migrated to the Microsoft domain. For those of you who haven’t, the CHC staff on your campus will be reaching out to you and setting up a time for you to

complete the process. Migrating is simple and painless and takes only about 10-15 minutes.

We understand that, with inals approaching, some faculty may be apprehensive about making changes to their computers. We want you to know that we are giving faculty the option to come in now or wait until the end of the semester. If faculty choose to wait until the end of the semester, they will be required to bring in their computers to their campus CHC sometime between May 16 and June 1 to complete the process. During that time, our CHC staff may ask to keep your computer for routine maintenance for two to ive days, depending on what needs to be done. This proactive approach will help us determine issues, ensure accurate inventory, update software and improve performance of the computer. If end users fail to bring in their computers, network services maybe disrupted.

Thank you for your continued support of this project. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or your campus CHC.

M State Microsoft migration project

This biannual magazine, in its third year of publica on, describes the highlights of our eff orts and successes to date.

I sincerely hope that you will enjoy the ar cles in this edi on. These are the stories that share the achievements of students who overcome tremendous odds to complete their educa on and enter promising careers with a future; stories about students who transfer to a university to con nue their educa on; and stories of businesses and organiza ons that support the college in numerous ways.

Dr. Peggy D. Kennedy, PresidentMinnesota State Community and Technical College

Available now on

SPRING 2015

Start Start HereHere Go GoAnywhereAnywhereMinnesota State Community and Technical College Transfer PathwaysMinnesota State Community and Technical College Transfer Pathways

O ering quality educa on online and on our campuses in:Detroit Lakes Fergus Falls Moorhead Wadena

M State News | Page 9

Addaway!Graphic Design Technology students Danielle Verhey and Tim Samuel-son collected major industry awards in the student category of the recent ADDY competition sponsored by the American Advertising Federation of North Dakota. Both are irst-year students in the Graphic Design Pro-gram on the Moorhead campus. Verhey’s winning entry in the illus-tration category was a poster that featured an original hand-rendered illustration. Samuelson was award-ed a top prize for a black and white photo in the photography category. As gold-level ADDY winners, their entries advance to the district-level competition.

Our students shine

SUCCESS STORIESSTORIESA success story for every student and stakeholder

Demonstra ng their skillsFour M State students were among the top award winners at the recent Minnesota SkillsUSA annual event in Bloom-ington.Shawn Teal of Dilworth (Diesel Equipment Technology, Moorhead) won irst place in the Diesel Equipment Technol-ogy competition. Ken Bye (Automotive Service Technology, Moorhead) placed irst and Austin Rikhus (Automotive Ser-

vice Technology, Moorhead) placed second in the Automo-tive Service Technology competition. Zachary Ehresman (PowerSports Technology, Detroit Lakes) won irst place in the Power Equipment Technology competition.For winning the top prizes in their categories, Teal, Bye and Ehresman qualify to compete at the SkillsUSA national com-petition in Louisville, Ky., in late June.

Compe ng for M State Automo ve Service Technology were Aus n Rikhus (le ) and Ken Bye.

Compe ng in the Power Equipment Technology category were (le to right) Pow-erSports students Brandon Ortloff , Ethan Lammers, Zach Ehresman and Danielle Maxfi eld.

M State News | Page 10

SUCCESS STORIESSTORIESA success story for every student and stakeholder

Excellent instructorsDr. Eric Wilkens and Randy Roberts are this year’s M State recipients of Excellence Awards from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development in recognition of their ex-cellence in education and college lead-ership. They’ll be recognized formally at the NISOD International Confer-ence on Teaching and Learning in Aus-tin, Texas, in May.Both are instructors on the Detroit Lakes campus, where Wilkens teaches in the Information Technology program and Roberts is an instructor in the Ar-chitectural Technology program.

Building a fi ne careerCarpentry student Kyra (Thomp-son) Johnson, who hopes to com-bine her love of art and building into a carpentry career, has been named an Outstanding Student by the National Association of Home Builders Student Chapters. Johnson is enrolled in the Carpentry AAS program on the Moorhead campus and will graduate in May. She was nominated for the award by her in-structor, Dave Kraemer, and was previously a student in M State’s As-sociate in Fine Arts degree program.

Pat on the back

Learn more at minnesota.edu or call 877.450.3322A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universi es System.

Minnesota State Community and Technical College is pleased to be represented by Dr. Eric Wilkens and Randy Roberts at this year’s NISOD Interna onal Conference. These instructors exemplify the excellence in teaching and college leadership that M State values. We are proud of your achievements and grateful to have talented colleagues like you on our college team.

Best wishes for a great conference from M State administrators and your faculty colleagues.

Congratula ons 2015 NISOD Excellence Awards Recipients!

And the verdict is inM State’s Paralegal program has been recognized as one of the top online paralegal programs in 2015 by the college planning site BestColleges.com. “M State has built a quality online program for working pro-fessionals who seek more lexibility than can be found on campus,” the website states. “Programs like yours allow stu-

dents who otherwise might not have the opportunity to earn the credentials to build a strong foundation for their career.”Programs were selected on the basis of their affordability, experienced faculty, convenience and lexibility in schedul-ing and their commitment to producing quali ied, successful graduates.

SUCCESS STORIESSTORIESA success story for every student and stakeholder

M State News | Page 11

Check out these linksThe Fargo Forum featured Chuck Klosterman’s appear-ance on the Moorhead campus,

where he was the featured speaker in the Orator Series.

The Fergus Falls Dai-ly Journal featured M State instructors Lori Cha-

rest and David Stoddard in its recent Progress Edition.

In the News

Did you know

Partnering for SuccessStudents on the Fergus Falls and Moorhead campuses will bene it from a grant designed to cut underage alcohol and marijuana abuse by Minnesota college students. Grant funds through the federal Strategic Prevention Framework Partnership for Success (PFS) were awarded to the Minnesota Department of Human Services. DHS in turn is partnering with the two M State campuses, along with Carleton College, Minnesota State University Mankato, Winona State University, St. Cloud Technical & Community College and Rainy River Community College.The Fergus Falls and Moorhead campuses are scheduled to receive $234,000 in PFS grant funds.

In your faceThe Moorhead chapter of Business Professionals of America whipped up sup-port for its members at the third annual Pie in the Face fundraiser on April 1. Lynn Kaiser, Shannon Mohn, Tom Dubbels, Melissa Hallings, Dave Andersen and Carrin Grubb put their faces on the line; through donations, students and staff voted to pie Lynn, Shannon and Tom with whipping cream. A total of $607 was raised to support the 10 BPA members who recently quali ied to attend the national BPA competitive events in Orlando in May.

Check it out

A fi ne season for the artsThis spring’s upcoming ine arts events on the Fergus Falls campus include:• Concert Band Concert at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 24, in Waage Theatre• Choir Concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May

1, in Legacy Hall• Jazz Band Concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday,

May 8, in Waage Theatre

Tom Dubbles, Lynn Kaiser and Shannon Mohn get creamed during the Pie in the Face fundraiser.

TICKETSAdult: $9 in advance, $11 at the door. Student: $7 in advance, $8 at the door.Available at the M State Box O ce, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and one hour prior to performance, by calling 218-736-1600 or online at mstate ckets.com.

Minnesota State Community and Technical College Music Department presents

minnesota.edu/arts1414 College Way, Fergus Falls, MN 56537

A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universi es System.Minnesota State Colleges and Universi es is an EO/AA/Vet/Disability employer/educator commi ed to the principles of diversity.

Spring 7:30 P.M. Friday, April 24Waage Theatre - Fergus Falls Campus

Directed by Dan Carlson

Minnesota State Community and Technical College Music Department presents

Tuesday, May 57 p.m. • Legacy Hall1414 College Way, Fergus Falls

Recital is free and open to the public.

minnesota.edu/arts

ege Music Department presents

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssoooooooooooooooooooooooooooootttttttttttttttttttttaaaaaaaaaaa............eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeddddddddddduuuuuuuuuuuuuu//////////////////////aaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrtttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

Sophomore Recital