3

president’s notesDear friends,

One of the truly special moments of each Normandale academic year is commencement. Commencement provides an opportunity for all of us to celebrate the hard work our students put in each year and the many sacrifices they make to accomplish their goals. The end of the academic year is also a great time to reflect on all of the latest

accomplishments and events at Normandale.The 2015-16 academic year has produced many

great moments. In January, we were privileged to host the Region V Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) for a second consecutive year. This spring, we also continued our tradition of High School Art Day and we hosted a third annual STEMLink event for fifth and sixth graders on our campus. STEMLink connects K-12 students and educators with partners in industry and higher education who are actively supporting improved education in science, technology, engineering and math. These moments are just a small sample of the role we play in working with our community partners to provide high-level educational events to

all levels of learners.The Foundation also hosted a pair of outstanding

events in the spring: the annual gala and Normandale Performs at Mall of America. These events provided a forum for our students to tell their stories and showcase their wonderful talents to community members, organizations and friends of Normandale. The Foundation also held a fantastic Scholarship and Donor Recognition event in the fall. These are all great opportunities to meet our students, see their incredible talents, hear their

stories, and help them in their educational journeys.In this issue of Creating Futures, you will read

more about this year’s Alumni Achievement Award recipient, and one of our talented students who received recognition at the KCACTF Festival. You’ll also get a chance to learn about a family that has had at least one member attend Normandale every year since 2000; some of our great past and current board members; and several more inspiring stories that have brightened our campus this year.

We hope this issue shows you what a special year it has been at Normandale. We appreciate all of your generosity and support and are excited about the great future we have ahead of us.

Joyce C. Ester, P h.D.Joyce C. Ester, PhD

President, Normandale Community College

3rd AnnuAl

Foundation GAlAThe annual CreaTing FuTures CelebraTion gala CelebraTes The generosiTy oF donors and The posiTive impaCT oF The normandale experienCe on sTudenTs.

1. Student performer Jenni Mezeritski 2. Keynote speaker, student Paul Winchester 3. Guests socialize and browse silent auction tables 4. Board member Mark Adkins shows appreciation for student speaker 5&6. Guests enjoy program 7. President Joyce Ester 8. Foundation Executive Director Colleen Simpson 9. Past Board Chair Carolyn Pratt (top center, in red dress) enjoys festivities with table guests 10. Keynote speaker Deb Warwick 11. Student performers Jeremy Hiniker and Matt Vinge 12. Leslie and Don Stiles, Foundation Emeritus Board member 13. Student performer Madison Frank 14. Emcee, Dean of Humanities Jeff Judge 15. Chancellor of MN State Colleges and Universities Steven Rosenstone (left) chats with Academic Affairs VP Julie Guelich

The evening of Saturday, April 30 was truly a night to remember as the Normandale community gathered for the third annual Creating Futures Celebration gala. The theme this year was “Metamorphosis…Transforming Lives.” Students, staff members, faculty members, Foundation board members, and our generous community of donors came out in impressive numbers to support Normandale students.

Radisson Blu Hotel at Mall of America provided an elegant venue as guests socialized and browsed an excellent selection of silent auction items, dined on a delicious four-course meal, and enjoyed a program comprised of moving testimonies, a live auction and the outstanding musical talents of Normandale students Jeremy Hiniker, Matthew Vinge, Symone Wilson, Jenni Mezeritski, and Anna Rios (accompanied by her husband, alumnus Andrew Crist).

Among the event’s most memorable moments were the presentations of the testimonial speakers. Guests listened with rapt attention as each of the two speakers movingly shared the positive transformation their Normandale experience had on their lives. 2016 graduate Paul Winchester related the struggles and triumphs he experienced as a non-traditional student and Finish Line Scholar. Deb Warwick shared how her

Continued on page 4.

1

3

11

9

10

1513 14

2

4

5

12

7 86

16. Student performer Symone Wilson 17. Guests peruse the silent auction items 18. Auctioneer Jon Barnett and History instructor Lisa Rude conduct live auction 19. Board member Paula Forbes (top center, in black and white) enjoys festivities with table guests 20. Past Board member and Treasurer Ed Meyer (4th from right) enjoys festivities with table guests 21. Board chair Janet Bellows and husband Harvey Worms 22. Chancellor Rosenstone 23. Fred and Alice Seagren, Foundation Emeritus Board member 24. Dean of Business and Social Sciences Michael Kirch 25. Guest enjoys program 26. Handmade fused glass vase 27. Guest visibly moved by student speaker

4

normandale FoundaTion again showCases The College’s asseTs by bringing normandale perForms To mall oF ameriCa.

talent Plus husband and six children attended Normandale as students and how she then became an art instructor. These speakers exemplified the opportunities that scholarships, donor support and an education from Normandale can provide.

The Foundation would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the attendees and volunteers, whose generosity and dedication made the Creating Futures Celebration gala “Metamorphosis… Transforming Lives” such a smashing success!

The Normandale community, friends and family joined hundreds of shoppers to enjoy and support the musical talent displayed by Normandale students, along with faculty and staff members, at the Mall of America Rotunda on Saturday, March 19. Normandale Performs showcased student performances, including classical selections by the acoustic guitar duo of Matt Vinge and Jeremy Hiniker, an original rap number by Yakub Ibrahim, and a moving a cappella vocal rendition of Adele’s “Someone Like You” by Symone Wilson. (Several of these talented performers wowed guests a few weeks later at the Foundation’s annual gala; see page 2.) Table activities and

information about the college also kept the attention of attendees and mall shoppers, including Math Instructor Christopher Axelson’s inventive and interactive activity hub “Math On A Stick.”

The annual Normandale Foundation-sponsored event helps build awareness and visibility for Normandale, and offers a chance for faculty members, staff members and students to interact with our community while showcasing the college’s talent.

5Student performer Jenna Halpin

Student performer Jenni Mezeritsky (left), accompanied by father

Student performer Anna Rios

Interim Dean of Enrollment Management Torrion Amie

Student performer Symone Wilson

Student performer Donald James

Student and staff performers pose with Foundation Director Colleen Simpson (kneeling), and President Joyce Ester (standing behind her)

16

17

19

26 2725

20

2322

21

18

24

Continued from page 2.

Many Normandale alumni can identify specific turning points during their time at the college that changed their lives for the better. Jeffrey Stenbom counts himself among the lucky few who can identify two different Normandale turning points that changed his outlook on life.

In 1997, Stenbom planned to study law enforcement at the University of Minnesota. Instead, he ended up at Normandale. To meet a general requirement, he enrolled in two art classes—not knowing his decision would completely change his life.

“I absolutely fell in love with those classes,” said Stenbom. “They were fantastic—and pushed me to major in art.”

In 1998, Stenbom transferred to the University of Minnesota to continue his art education. After 9/11, Stenbom joined the Army as a cavalry scout. He served four years in Germany, Kosovo and Iraq before returning home. At first he struggled; he was suffering with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. He knew he wanted to continue his education, so he returned to Normandale to finish his associate’s degree.

While paging through Normandale’s course catalog, Stenbom saw a course called Fused Glass, which was being offered for the first time. He never imagined how powerfully the class would impact his life.

“I fell in love with working with glass,” said Stenbom. “It gave me focus; it gave me direction; it filled the void I felt. It was the therapy I needed. The faculty were excellent and ignited my excitement for art.”

Stenbom earned his associate’s degree and remained at Normandale to pursue an associate of fine arts degree. He then earned bachelor’s degrees in both fine arts and art education from University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He completed his master’s degree in art education in May 2015 at New Orleans’ Tulane University.

76

Stenbom has received many prestigious national and international glass awards for his pieces, including the Stanislav Libensky Award during the 2015 Prague Gallery of Czech Glass in Prague, Czech Republic. He recently had his work displayed at the Niche Awards Exhibition in Washington D.C., and is a finalist in the Bullseye Class biennial series of exhibitions in Portland, Ore.

He is currently displaying his art at the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass in Neenah, Wis., and will be exhibiting his art locally at Artistry, Bloomington Center for the Arts in April-May, 2017.

alumni achievement award recipient

Jeffrey stenbomarmy veTeran sTenbom Found his passion For arT aT normandale.

alumni aChievemenT award

Jeffrey Stenbom

forever normandale! paran KAshAni

Normandale Community College has a long history of having multiple members of the same family attend the college. Fathers, mothers, daughters, sons and extended family members have roamed the hallways of Normandale—sometimes together, sometimes during different eras.

Deb and Denny Warwick’s family of eight took this concept to a new level. Deb is the sole family member who has not attended Normandale. Her husband, Denny, started the tradition in 1971 and went on to a long, successful mechanical engineering career.

In 2000, 29 years after Denny left, the next Warwick showed up at Normandale. Their oldest daughter, Jenni, picked up the tradition. Since then, there has been at least one Warwick attending Normandale for 16 consecutive years. In 2002, Jenni was followed by her sister, Laurel, and by brother James in 2005. Three more siblings followed: Laine in 2008, Amelia in 2011, and Walter in 2015.

“At some point, we were wishing for a punch card program,” laughed Deb.

Initially, selecting Normandale was primarily about convenience. However, both Denny and Deb came to appreciate the high quality of education Denny, their daughters and sons all received.

“We share with a lot of different people that it is great to get your start at Normandale,” said Deb. “It’s economical, it offers a great environment, and it’s a quality academic institution.”

Paran Kashani always had a passion for theater, but while growing up she was never sure how to pursue it as a career.

At Normandale, Kashani was encouraged to pursue her passion, and she has flourished since making that decision. Kashani is originally from Iran. Kashani, originally from Iran, split her high school years between there and California. She attended community college in California, and enrolled at Normandale when she moved to Minnesota to live with her older sister.

Kashani was working in the Tutoring Center when Supplemental Instructor Coordinator Adam Perry, a graduate of Normandale’s Theatre program, encouraged her to take an introductory acting class.

“My first acting class was two years ago with Normandale instructor Kurt Schweickhardt,” said Kashani. “Kurt recommended I try out for the Normandale production of “All Shook Up.” I landed a role, and then decided to try the AFA degree program.”

Despite being a newcomer to theater, Kashani was accepted into Normandale’s AFA theater program.

“I had a good GPA, and was determined to succeed,” said Kashani. Over the summer, Kashani acted in a student-run performance at Normandale, and from that experience developed an interest in directing. She took a directing course and, as luck would have it, the Theatre Department decided this year to let one of the students direct its production of “The View from Here.”

Kashani loved directing the play, and thought it was a great experience for the other students who worked on the performance as well.

“The experience was amazing,” said Kashani. “A bunch of us had never done this before. We worked together, communicated about the artistic process, and assembled the entire show.”

In January, Kashani received several merits at the Region V Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (hosted by Normandale and attended by 1,500

Midwest students), including one for directing “The View From Here.” She also won a national award for Allied Craft/Make-Up Design, which qualified her to attend the United States Institute for Theater Technology (USITT) National Conference in Salt Lake City.

This fall, Kashani plans to begin work toward a bachelor’s degree in theater at the University of Minnesota. Ultimately, she would like to earn her master’s degree in directing and teach it in college.

“I can’t sum up in words what the Normandale Theatre Department means to me,” said Kashani. “It is full of people who want to support you and give you opportunities. I am so thankful for the opportunities they gave me.”

Deb Warwick (3rd from right) with family at daughter’s wedding.

seven members oF The warwiCk Family have aTTended The College,inCluding aT leasT one per year For The lasT 16 years.

pursuing her passion

sTudenT proFiles

“I fell in love with working with glass…it filled the void I felt.”

“I am so thankful for the opportunities

(Normandale Theatre Department) gave me.”

“A Place of Change”

“Cause and Effect”

98

One of the Normandale Foundation’s newest board members brings the insight and expertise of a select cadre with him. Axel Steuer, Ph.D., made his way from the ranks of faculty to executive assistant to two presidents of Occidental College in California, then served as president of Gustavus Adolphus College

in St. Peter, Minn. for 11 years. He is also President Emeritus of Illinois College, where he served for 10 years before retiring.

Steuer joined the Foundation board in 2014 after being invited by Colleen Simpson, Foundation executive director, whom he met in the Edina Rotary Club. He was impressed by the dedication of faculty and the stories he heard from students. “I thought I knew something about fundraising and administration, so here I am,” he said in a recent interview. Steuer’s fundraising skills were particularly usefull in rebuilding when the Gustavus Adolphus campus was hit by a devastating tornado during his Presidency.

The challenge for community colleges

The challenges for community colleges that most interest Steuer are “having the resources to follow their missions and being clear about what is distinctive about their institutions and missions.” He notes that strategic planning is somewhat new for community colleges, and that clearly stated values and consensus are critical in guiding the vision. Compared to some, “Normandale is particularly strong in these areas.“

Raising funds for a community college is somewhat different from doing so at private colleges, where he spent his academic and administrative career, Steuer observes. Private colleges and public universities have a long history of building alumni relationships which translates into support for the institution, he explains, but until recent decades, community college systems pursued centralized support. Steuer’s conversations with students reveal that they connect to Normandale through relationships and programs,

an insight that informs goals for his board service. “First, help facilitate a more robust alumni program by encouraging bonding opportunities for students such as study abroad programs, student-faculty research opportunities, service learning, and other ways to foster connections,” he says. Second, he wants to help strengthen the scholarship program, including endowed scholarships, and secure more funding for resources for faculty.

Family history shaped life direction

Steuer’s experiences have shaped his strong belief in ready access to higher education for all. “I’ve been an immigrant and refugee myself,” he says. From eastern Germany (now Poland), his mother and her three children fled before advancing Russian troops in 1945 on a harrowing odyssey. “The hero is my mom—I was only a year old,” he notes. Finally reaching the U.S. as new immigrants, he remembers teachers paying for his haircuts and getting food and care from the Salvation Army—the generosity and goodness of strangers was key all along the way. He credits good opportunities and good luck in pointing him toward his achievements. This brings us back to Normandale, where “I saw the diversity of students and the number of immigrant students, and I wanted to get involved,” he says. With decades of leadership and teaching experience to share with the board and faith in the power of education to change lives, Dr. Axel Steuer is embracing an active and purposeful ‘retirement’.

axel steuernew board member brings experienCe as College presidenTTo impaCT The lives oF oThers.

board member proFile

“I saw the diversity of students and the number of immigrant

students, and I wanted to get involved.”

“Normandale Community College has built a strong reputation for being accessible to the community and providing a quality education that enables students from many different situations to achieve their academic goals,” says Ernie Lindstrom, attorney. These fundamental principles match up perfectly with those of the John and Janet Desmond Foundation (named after Lindstrom’s friends and clients) which set up an impressive scholarship program through the Normandale Foundation in 2014. Each year, the Desmond Foundation provides 25 Normandale students with a $1,000 scholarship.

John and Janet Desmond founded and operated the Tom Thumb Donut concession at the Minnesota State Fair. Through the years, they provided thousands of Minnesotans with a tasty treat and a moment of joy. The Desmonds were also generous about helping others and often supported local communities. John died in 2003; when Janet passed away in July 2013, Bob Everett, Rod Beltz, and Lindstrom began looking for organizations and institutions for the Desmond estate to support. Lindstrom had been the Desmonds’ family attorney for years and Beltz and Everett—both of whom attended Normandale—had long worked with the Desmonds, starting as teenagers working at their Tom Thumb concession stands. The trio quickly agreed that Normandale would serve as an excellent recipient of support from the Desmond Foundation.

“Success Through Perseverance” Scholarships “Success Through Perseverance was the main concept that we

wanted to use because it embodied the spirit of John and Janet Desmond,” said Lindstrom. “They also lived right around the corner from Normandale, so it seemed natural to support their community through scholarships for Normandale students.”

Lindstrom had plenty of experience working with Normandale. As a member of the Minnesota state legislature from 1967-74 (and House Majority Leader from 1971-73), he pushed to grow funding to state universities and community colleges. Lindstrom also served as member of an advisory group to Normandale’s first president, Dale Lorenz, and helped build the first foundation at the college. He and his wife, Jeanne, both value education and have themselves funded scholarships for Normandale and other colleges and universities.

“We are very careful about what organizations we commit to through the Desmond Foundation,” Lindstrom stated. “Normandale was the first place we donated to—and that funding is the most we have provided for any college,” he continued. “We wanted to make sure the programs match the Success Through Perseverance criteria, and that we can make a strong impact with our donations.”

Lindstrom believes that by donating to impactful organizations, the Desmond Foundation is helping to do two things. The first is to help lift students up and give them a chance to accomplish their goals through education. The second is to let businesses and community members see the difference that can be made by donating to these causes.

Two main purposes for donating “You always feel good when you support great causes like

Normandale,” said Lindstrom. “It is amazing to see the successes that people have in spite of great obstacles. I have attended many Normandale Foundation Scholarship and Donor Recognition Events and have talked to many students. When you hear their stories it is very inspirational.”

Beltz, Everett and Lindstrom also noted that the Desmond Foundation likes to work with the same organizations on an ongoing basis, growing the overall impact of their support. They also believe that, by raising awareness of the need for community support, they can inspire other community members to do more to help. “I have a lot of fondness for Normandale,” said Lindstrom. “It’s a very accessible school that does a lot for young people. It has great instructors who deserve a tremendous amount of credit for the great things they do. I feel very good about what we have done at Normandale—and I know we can do more going forward.”

tom thumb state Fair donuts suPPort normAndAle studentslindsTrom, belTz and evereTT parTner To develop new FoundaTion.

donor proFile

“You always feel good when you support great causes

like Normandale.”

Axel Steuer

Ernie Lindstrom

1110

the yeAr in review

Roar N’ Red 5K Run/Walk

Fused glass art class presents gala auction items

Distinguished Faculty Award recipient Richard Brown

Student Life Recognition Event

Roar N’ Red Spirit Fridays Student Showcase

State congressional visit to campus

Student Involvement Fair

Lunch With Leaders Event

MN Job Skills Partnership grant for ReSound and Normandale

Student cohort, Finish Line program

Normandale Presidential Ambassadors

Cinco de Mayo celebration

Student presenters at STEMTech Conference

Continued on page 12.

Caption can go here.

1312

Recent gifts and grants are benefitting Normandale students and academic work. The David B. Jones Foundation made a five-year grant of $203,650 to support archaeological education and research into the prehistory of the Lake Shetek region of southwestern Minnesota and its early human inhabitants. Building on previous research by Normandale faculty and students, the grant will fund a long-term lease for the site, the purchase of equipment, and stipends for participating students. Previous work led by Anthropology Instructor Susan Krook has already found evidence of human habitation at the site.

Spring 2016 saw the first presentation of the Fred Moyer Memorial Merit Scholarship. It was established in 2015 by a generous donor in Moyer’s memory to benefit students in Normandale’s exercise science A.S. degree program. Moyer was the college’s longtime physical education

Gifts And GrAnts support students and research

instructor and football coach for 21 years. His winning record included 12 state championships and 11 bowl games.

The Great Lakes Foundation awarded Normandale a generous two-year grant that provides assistance to students facing emergencies. The new DASH program distributed its first awards in March 2016, so far providing more than $12,000 in emergency support to 25 Normandale students. Capped at $500 per student, individual support is available to students who are eligible for Pell Grants. DASH funds are to be used for nonacademic needs only, such as housing, medical care, bus passes and food.

the yeAr in review continued

When Nahom Mossazghi received his A.A.S. degree in bioscience and chemistry this May, he left as much a mark on Normandale as the college has left on him. He was born in Eritrea, and completed high school in Uganda before joining family members in Burnsville, Minn. Enrolling in Fall 2013, the soft-spoken and enthusiastic young man quickly found a home at Normandale. His memorable learning experiences? “There are two, actually,” he says. “One is the volunteer work, and the other is academic.”

Admission into the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) student honor society, he says, sparked his campus involvement. He served as legislative director for the Normandale Student Senate. As a lead Senator, he served as a student representative on

meet nAhom mossAzGhi

the Normandale Foundation Board in 2015-16. He was able to share a student perspective on issues, learning how the Foundation board and staff work together on the intricacies of fundraising. He is proud of coordinating PTK’s children’s book exchange this year, which distributed 500 “take one or leave one” books. For his efforts, he was named a PTK Regional and International Distinguished Chapter Member.

When Mossazghi wanted to do a research project for Instructor David Lake’s Biopsychology class, Mossazghi designed

an experiment showing that video game use enhanced plasticity (ability to change) in the user’s brain. Mossazghi’s academic prowess was recognized in his selection as a semifinalist for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship. This summer, he will work with Dr. Timothy Ebner, chairman of the neuroscience department at the University of Minnesota, where Mossazghi will begin a B.S. degree in Neuroscience in Fall 2016.

Normandale Foundation is working to build this new scholarship fund and welcomes gifts from Moyer’s

former players, colleagues, friends and family. Send donations to: Normandale Foundation

9700 France Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55431www.normandale.edu/foundation • (952) 358-8147

Funding broadens Classroom and researCh opporTuniTies; helps sTudenTsCope wiTh unexpeCTed emergenCies.

FoundaTion news

moyer scholarship Fund

Region V Kennedy Center College Theatre Festival

Years of Service Employee Recognition

Mock interviews at the Opportunity Fair

Fall Economic Outlook event

Spring Fling Scholarship and Donor Recognition Event

Retiree Luncheon Model United Nations Minnesota

sTudenT FoundaTion board member

15

Mathematics Instructor Mark Ahrens, English Instructor Eric Mein, and Geography Instructor Ron Ward were recently designated as 2015 Board of Trustees Outstanding Educators by Normandale President Joyce Ester. All three were recognized for their outstanding teaching and exemplary service to students.

The Board of Trustees award is bestowed upon Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system faculty members to acknowledge and reward exceptional professional accomplishments and to encourage ongoing excellence in teaching. It recognizes the superior teaching at our colleges and universities and proclaims, on behalf of the entire system, the Board of Trustees’ pride in the dedication and accomplishment of our faculty in providing instruction that prepares Minnesota’s college and university students for professional, scholarly and civic lives.

Ahrens also was recognized with a John and Suzanne Roueche Excellence Award, along with Communication Instructor Jennifer Isaac and Dietetic Technology Instructor Linda Armstrong. These awards, which are administered by the League for Innovation in the Community College, celebrate outstanding contributions and leadership by community college faculty and staff members.

normandale fACulty members honored

sTaFF news

2015 ouTsTanding eduCaTors and John and suzanne roueChe exCellenCe award reCipienTs named.

In March, Normandale Community College received the Gies Award for Outstanding Vision by a public or private partner at the American Dental Education Association’s annual session in Denver. Normandale, along with Metropolitan State University, Minnesota Board of Dentistry and the University of Minnesota’s School of Dentistry were partners receiving the Gies Award. This award draws attention to the essential role of dental education in enhancing global oral health.

A five-year, $1.6 million Health Resources and Services Administration grant was awarded to recognize in part the Dental Hygiene Program’s work in advanced dental hygiene practice and dental therapy.

Normandale Dean of Health Sciences

Colleen Brickle collaborated with Metro State University to replicate an innovative education model that allows dental hygiene students to obtain an associate and bachelor’s degree in as little as three years. This affordable, flexible option will be expanded to other dental hygiene programs in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

Brickle was recently a keynote speaker at a prestigious international conference. The “Over the horizon: What will we look like in the next 50 years? 2025/2035/2065” conference held in Melbourne was to honor 50 years of Dental Therapy in Australia. Minnesota was the first state to license dental therapists. Brickle’s presentation was “Breaking New Ground: Dental Therapy in the United States.”

dental hygiene news: program wins Gies AwArdresearCh eFForTs in denTal Therapy help seCure award, win granT and earn naTional and inTernaTional reCogniTion.

From left: U of M School of Dentistry’s Dr. Leon Assael and Dr. Karl Self, Dr. Colleen Brickle, HealthPartners and Board of Dentistry member Dr. David Gesko, Past Board of Dentistry member Dr. Joan Sheppard, and Univ. of Florida School of Dentistry’s Dr. Frank Catalanotto (award presenter).

From left: Ron Ward, Eric Mein, Mark Ahrens.

From left: Roueche Award recipients Mark Ahrens, Jennifer Issac and Linda Armstrong, with Academic Affairs VP Julie Guelich.

14

Dan Barnett and Manley Olson both started working at Normandale Community College shortly after the college opened in 1968. Now, as the Normandale community begins to prepare to celebrate the college’s 50th anniversary in 2018, Barnett and Olson have taken some time to reflect on their years at the college.

Before he came to Normandale, Barnett was an assistant principal at Osseo High School in Maple Grove. While there, he helped coordinate his high school’s connections with local community colleges. In 1969, he applied and was hired as Normandale’s Associate Dean of Students. He advanced to Dean of Students and worked at Normandale for 26 years, retiring in 1995.

Olson was working at the University of Minnesota prior to accepting a job with Normandale. At the University, he was responsible for working out credits with two-year community college transfer students. Olson was highly sought after by the two-year colleges in the metro area. Normandale called him and he met with Barnett and Dean of Instruction John Hillborn. Olson agreed to take a job for one year. It wasn’t until 30 years later, in 2001, that Olson left, retiring as Normandale’s first Dean of Liberal Arts.

While recently visiting Normandale Foundation, Barnett and Olson were excited to give their perspectives on the history of the college.

Did you know that Normandale was almost the host for the 1996 Olympics’ swimming events?

Barnett: “My daughter swam for Edina High School, and there was not a good place at the time to host the state swimming meet. There was a local push to create an Olympic-sized pool for a training facility. When the Twin Cities made a bid to host the 1996 Olympics, organizers developed a proposal to build swimming facilities at Normandale. After the Olympics had taken place, their plan called for enclosing the facility and giving it to the college. A great group of people worked on the project, but unfortunately Minnesota finished second to Atlanta in the bid among U.S. cities looking to host the Olympics.”On Normandale’s original building plans:

Barnett: “When I was at Normandale I was involved with construction meetings and meetings with the (Minnesota State Colleges and Universities) system office about our campus. Files will show that Normandale was only supposed to be a college with a limit of 4,000 full-year equivalents and 6,000 total students. (Normandale had more than 10,000 students when Barnett retired and currently has more than 14,000 students.) This campus was built on that model, but we had some great architects who were very clever in their plans for the campus.”On Barnett’s retirement:

Olson: “I was the acting Dean of Instruction when Dan [Barnett] retired in 1995. One of the things Dan was in charge of as Dean of Administration was building construction. We had been approved to do construction on the front of the main building. When Dan retired, former President Tom Horak called me and asked, ‘How would you like to build a building?’ In 1995, I ended up in charge of the construction project, which was a total remodeling of the front building. I quickly became someone who learned what went into building construction planning.”On the pride he took in the quality education Normandale provided students:

Barnett: “After I retired from Normandale, I taught Ethics at St. Mary’s for eight years, retired again, and then came back to teach Leadership for six years. I had about 50 or so Normandale students while I was at St. Mary’s, and without exception they all came up and told me what a wonderful education they had at Normandale. It was really quite a thrill to hear them say that. I thought the world of our faculty. There are so many wonderful people, it was really a pleasure to work here.”

as The College’s 50Th anniversary approaChes, Two oF normandale’s FirsT employees share Their ThoughTs.

ConversAtions with dAn bArnett And mAnley olson

“I thought the world of our faculty. There are so many wonderful people, it was really a pleasure

to work here.”

From left: Manley Olson, Dan Barnett.

America reads & America Counts honored for helping bloomington youth

Normandale Community College’s America Reads & America Counts (ARAC) group won in the “Community Group” category of the Bloomington United for Youth Volunteer Recognition program. The group was recognized as part of an awards ceremony in the Council Chambers of Bloomington Civic Plaza on Tuesday, February 9.

ARAC is a student-volunteer tutoring program that helps Bloomington school children improve their math and reading skills. Since ARAC’s inception in 1999, more than 1,600 Normandale students have provided nearly 45,000 hours of tutoring to almost 10,000 Bloomington elementary and middle school students.

“Normandale views this program as a win-win relationship between the college and the Bloomington public schools,” said Wanda Kanwischer, director of Normandale’s Center for Experiential Education.

Student volunteers in ARAC typically work with children in small groups or one-on-one. Along with increasing reading and math skills, ARAC boosts participants’ self-esteem and confidence. Normandale student volunteers also benefit in many ways from their participation in ARAC.

Tutoring program helped almost 10,000 area elementary andmiddle school students improve their reading and math skills

normandale team competes in national innovation challenge

A team composed of Normandale Academy of Math and Science students Tim DeCesare, Sophia Flumerfeldt and Naomi Nagel was named a finalist in the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) second annual Community College Innovation Challenge (CCIC). Teams in the competition proposed innovations to address challenges from two of three possible systems: food, energy and water. Normandale’s team proposed using hydrokinetic turbines in wastewater treatment plants to generate renewable energy.

“We wanted to do something that would not require large-scale construction and would not be high cost,” said Flumerfeldt.

As finalists in the competition, Normandale’s team will participate in a CCIC Boot Camp June 20-23 in Arlington, Va., and display their projects at a Capitol Hill reception June 22.

“To be named as finalists by the NSF, these students have done great work,” said Angie Foudray, Normandale physics instructor and their coach. “They were very self-motivated. It was fantastic to see them look at the project, run with it, produce something and get recognition for it.”

Normandale’s team represents the only Minnesota community college to be named as a finalist.

Three Normandale students qualified as finalists in a National Science Foundation innovation competition.

financial literacy event addresses renters’ rights, financial planning

On April 21, The Normandale Economic Institute sponsored the 4th annual Financial Literacy Event, in the Kopp Student Center. Several financial experts, including Mike Vraa, managing attorney and hotline director for HOME Line, a nonprofit Minnesota tenant advocacy organization, and Patrick Furlong, a private wealth advisor for Ameriprise, spoke to about 100 attendees.

Vraa spoke about renters’ legal rights and how to address issues with their landlords as well as what landlords look for in tenants. Furlong talked about dollar-cost averaging, saving and budgeting.

The Normandale Foundation provided a grant for the Economics Department to establish the Economic Institute this year. (Previously the Economics Department was the principal sponsor of the event.) The Economic Institute hosts events and brings speakers on campus to talk about important financial topics for students and to address key local, regional and national economic issues.

Normandale’s Economic Institute hosted the 4th annual event.

a little math magic!

Normandale’s Student Mathematics League team finished 12th in the nation (out of 186 teams) and 1st in the Central Region in the American Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges (AMATYC) 2015-16 Student Mathematics League competition. Normandale students Quang Phung and Ben Novacek

finished 3rd and 15th, respectively, in the regional competition. A total of 166 students participated in the regional competition.

Normandale was the only college from the region and state to place in the top 15 nationally. In the regional competition, Normandale has finished in 1st place for seven years in a row. This is the second time in three years that Normandale has finished in the top 12 in the nation in this contest.

Student Mathematics League team places 1st in region, 12th in nation.

From left: Lim Chheang Sear, student; Hao Hou, alum; Gretchen Davisson, student; Patrick Furlong, Private Wealth Advisor from Ameriprise; Derek Matson, student; Brooks Herrboldt, Normandale business instructor.

1716

Campus CurrenTs

normandale, mall of america team up for opportunity fair

On March 24, Normandale Community College partnered with Mall of America (MOA) to present the first-ever Normandale Opportunity Fair. The day-long Opportunity Fair included presentations by

Timothy O’Neill from the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development, MOA Trend Specialist Sara Rogers and Laura Brandt, president of Laura B, LLC. Normandale students also participated in on-site interviews and talked to representatives from several MOA companies, members of the Bloomington Police Department, and representatives of local nonprofit agencies. Students could also have professional photos taken and have their resumes reviewed.

“This event was a great win-win for Mall of America, our nonprofit partners and Normandale,” said Wanda Kanwischer, director of Normandale’s Center for Experiential Education. “We can’t wait to see the impact the fair has.”

“This was the first time we partnered with Normandale on an event like this,” said Sue Amundson, MOA human resources director. “We thought they did an extraordinary job.”

Like Normandale, MOA has a reputation for participating in many community enrichment activities. Recently, for example, MOA generously allowed Normandale Foundation to use the highly visible East Rotunda stage for the “Normandale Performs” event that showcased the many talents of Normandale students.

Local businesses and organizations explorecareer opportunities with students.

normandale hosts 7th annual success day

Attendees at this year’s Success Day on March 1 were treated to a broad spectrum of speakers and topics under the theme “United in Learning.” Activities included a health fair, a blood drive and sessions on a variety of topics including careers, finance, leadership and wellness.

The event featured two keynote sessions: a “Normandale Talks” panel, and nationally-known speaker Ryan Sallans. Sallans is a transgender speaker and the author of “FTM: Scouting the Unknown,” a book that describes his personal journey. The “Normandale Talks” panel was composed of Larry Borgen, an alum and current instructor in the Business department; Tina Dixon, a current student and employee; and Hao Hou, an alum who is currently a Financial Advisor at Foster Klima and Company Inc.

The Human Library involved 20-minute sessions where people from all walks of life shared their life experiences with others. Designed to provide a safe space to work through stereotypes and promote new connections between people, each session allowed these individuals (or “books”) to share their stories describing lifestyle, career, illness, homelessness, immigration, unemployment, addiction, and more. The listeners were then given the opportunity to ask questions.

The theme for this year’s event was

writing festival features renowned authors; recognizes student writers

Normandale hosted its 7th annual Writing Festival on April 7. The festival included hourly presentations on all aspects of writing, facilitated by Normandale faculty, guest writers and writing professionals, plus keynote speeches by nationally-esteemed authors Reginald Dwayne Betts and Nina Smart.

A powerful and inspirational speaker, Betts has written two books poetry and a memoir, “A Question of Freedom: A Memoir of Learning, Survival, and Coming of Age in Prison,” the story of a young man confined in the worst prisons in the state of Virginia, where solitary confinement, horrific conditions and constant violence threatened to break his humanity.

Smart was born in communist Romania and spent her teenage years in West Africa. Following a terrifying, life-changing experience, she immigrated to the United States in 1992. The author of the memoir “Wild Flower,” Smart founded SWF International in 2004, a non-government organization that works to eradicate female genital mutilation in Sierra Leone. She has received several international awards for her humanitarian work.

Normandale students, Abigail Bilger (fiction) and Megan Stratford (poetry) were announced as student winners of the Patsy Lea Core Living Memorial Award in Creative Writing during the festival.

Keynote speakers Reginald Dwayne Betts and Nina Smart headlined Normandale’s seventh annual festival.

Human Library session

Nina Smart Reginald Betts

Wellness session

“Normandale Talks” keynote event“United in Learning”

From left: Naomi Nagel, Sophia Flumerfeldt, and Tim DeCesare.

Student Senate President Amanda Gomes Torres provides student remarks

19

fACes and places

18

Kelly Anders `91 “I came back to

college as a non-traditional student, meaning I was a bit older than most students—and

some of the instructors! I absolutely loved the whole Normandale experience. Every class became a family and an incredible adventure that added to my self-esteem and fostered my love of learning. In 2010, I earned my B.S. in Business Management. I have had several careers but my current one is with a company called ITM TwentyFirst, based out of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Minneapolis, MN and New York, NY. I am proud to say that my son, Derek Matson `16, graduated from Normandale this past May and is continuing his studies at Carlson School of Management! A wonderful family tradition!

stAcy Bernt `13Is currently pursuing

her bachelor’s degree in sociology with a concentration in Business Management at Columbia University in New York.

Brenden FOrte `11Recently switched

jobs and accepted a position as the Manager of Tools and Technology at Best Buy Corporate.

MAtt Greiss ’09“I attended Normandale from 2007 to

2009 and went through the Hospitality Management program. After two years, I transferred to the University of Wisconsin, Stout, to complete my B.S. Degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management. In my current job, I work with corporate, sports, association, social, tour/travel, education, faith-based, government and reunion groups, helping them with their guestroom and meeting space needs.”

BAiley Heille `15“I am currently a

senior honors student at Columbia College, Chicago, studying creative non-fiction writing.”

cHucK JAcOBs `95“I attended Normandale

from 1993 to 1995 and graduated with an associate of arts degree in Liberal Education.

Normandale was the perfect fit for me, as I could attend school part-time and work towards an associate’s degree while having a full-time job. While attending Normandale I worked at a PDQ Convenience store near my apartment. After working there 13 years I was fortunate enough to buy the store in Eagan, which I still own, along with a store at another location. Through the years I have continued to take classes at Normandale as I am a firm believer in lifelong learning.”

Andrew lAMers `08“After graduation,

I was immediately accepted into the University of Minnesota. I am now the lead IT/ GIS Analyst for the City of New Richmond,

Wis., and was recently accepted into a master’s program at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. My associate’s degree from Normandale may have just been the start of my education, but I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else without it!”

terri MAttsOn `09“My degree from

Normandale gave me the confidence to go back into the workforce, and after a few years I decided to launch my own business as an

inspirational wellness mentor. Thank you Normandale!”

dAvid vierlinG `15“I am continuing

my education at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, where I am majoring in dairy science.”

PAul winChester `16 “I am thrilled to be a Normandale Finish Line graduate with a dual degree in

Communications and Philosophy from Normandale as of May 16, 2016. As a first generation,

non-traditional, husband and father of three, I didn’t think I’d have the opportunity to go

to school, let alone complete a degree. The demands on my time—between supporting my

family and studies, and of course being a husband and dad—were significant. I almost quit

Normandale, but when I was notified that I was awarded a Finish Line Grant it allowed me

to spend more time to focus on studies and less time at work. My goal to get a degree has

come to fruition. I am excited to pursue my bachelor’s degree at Minnesota State University,

Mankato next fall. I couldn’t have done it without the help of Finish Line and the faculty and

staff at Normandale. Thank you!”

We Want to knoW!keep us informed of your passages, promotions, etc. Call (952) 358-8147 or email alumni@normandale.edu.

Faculty and staff processional

President Ester welcomes guests

Graduate before ceremony

Walking to receive his diploma

Graduate poses with proud family

commencement2016

Graduates’ processional

Foundation Executive Director Colleen

Simpson (center) poses with graduatesGraduate receives congratulatory hug from

administrator

“you’re oFF To greaT plaCes!Today is your day!

your mounTain is waiTing,so...geT on your way!”

— Dr. Seuss, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!”

Graduate poses with “Polaroid” frame

Graduate before ceremony

Graduate before ceremony

Foundation Board Chair Janet Bellows

Outstanding Faculty of the Year recipient Richard Brown

Faculty and staff applaud graduates

Graduates before ceremony

PRESIDENT: Joyce C. Ester, Ph.D.

FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Colleen Simpson

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Geoff Jones

EDITORS: Chuck Benda, Foundation staff, Marketing Communications staff

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Amy Bjellos, Geoff Jones

WRITERS: Alicia Conroy, Steven Geller, Geoff Jones, Colleen Simpson

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Steven Geller, Jerry Holt, Pavel Ignatenkov, Geoff Jones, Richard Tsong-Taatarii

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: Mary Solverson

Normandale Community College Foundation, 9700 France Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55431-4399 • (952) 358-8147 • foundation@normandale.edu

Creating Futures is published twice a year by the Normandale Community College Foundation. The Normandale Community College Foundation depends upon contributions from individuals, businesses, organizations, foundations and the community to help respond to the educational needs of students of all ages. Normandale Community College Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. Tax ID: 41-1295802. If you do not wish to be contacted by mail or telephone, please write to the address indicated in the left column.

If you have received duplicate copies or would like to have your name removed from our mailing list, please contact (952) 358-8147.

Normandale Community College is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

This publication also may be found on the Web at www.normandale.edu/alumniFoundation or requested in alternate media by calling (952) 358-8623.

A MEMBER OF THE MINNESOTA STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES SYSTEM

Normandale Community College Foundation9700 France Avenue SouthBloomington, MN 55431-4399

Nonprofit Org.U.S.Postage

PAIDTwin Cities, MNPermit No. 913www.normandale.edu/foundation

Volume 12, Number 1

Creating Futures

2016 events calendar

Dear Friends,

Have you ever wondered about the tremendous impact that scholarships make in the lives of real people? Have you

ever wanted to see their touching reactions when they discover that they have been awarded a scholarship? Or how these

much-needed funds will make it possible to continue their higher education and improve the lives of their entire family?

Oftentimes this support means our students won’t have to work that second or third job to buy food or pay the rent.

Scholarships allow more time to study. We hear personal stories as our students stop by to express their humble gratitude

to donors. Please go online to see for yourself at www.normandale.edu/foundation. Everyone at Normandale, especially

each scholarship recipient, thanks you for past and future gifts.

Warmest wishes for a wonderful, safe summer!

Colleen Simpson, Normandale Foundation Executive Director

foundAtion eventsRetiree Luncheon Thursday, October 13

Scholarship and Donor Recognition Event Tuesday, October 25

Art eXhibitionsAll exhibitions are in the Fine Arts Gallery. August 8-September 8: Jehra PatrickSeptember 12-October 8: Josh WilichowskiOctober 13-November 10: Matthew Winkler November 14-December 16: Arica Roe

theAtre PerformAnCesCircle Mirror Transformation By Annie BakerDirected by Sean ByrdSeptember 28-October 1 and October 5-8, 2016Black Box Theatre

Hedda Gabler By Henrik IbsenAdapted by Jon Robin Baitz Directed by Amanda WhiteNovember 30-December 3, 2016Premanand Fine Arts TheatreFor tickets, call (952) 358-8884 or email: boxoffice@normandale.edu

musiC PerformAnCesVisit www.normandale.edu/concerts for information.

it’s easy to donate. as we end our fiscal year on June 30, please consider making a gift. Call us at 952-358-8147, mail a check to the return address above,

or go online: www.normandale.edu/foundation.

normAndAle JAPAnese GArden Presents ‘show And tell sundAys’Join us to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Garden. Learn about the unique features: the bentendo, shelters and lanterns, waterfall, bridges, islands, and artfully pruned greenery. “Show and Tell Sundays” are: July 17 (the Garden’s 40th Anniversary Celebration), August 21 and September 18, 2-4 p.m.

JAPAnese GArden festivAl (nihon teien mAtsuri)Saturday, October 8, 12 p.m.

For more event information, contact Kathy Hara at 763-742-9990 or email kathyhara76@gmail.com