¡Hola! We have much to celebrate in September. We welcomed more than 4,900 students this fall, an 8% increase over last year! Seventy percent of our students are enrolled part-time, balancing their education among family and work commitments. Most of our courses have an on-campus component, creating an inviting and energetic buzz on campus, with about 1,200 students taking an evening course. More than 1,100 high school students are earning college credit through PSEO. New this year, NHCC awarded 366 students with the North Star Promise Scholarship, a last-dollar scholarship program enacted by the Minnesota Legislature that provides a tuition-free path to college. Fifty percent of those students enrolled and are taking courses at NHCC.
Of course, behind those numbers are a campus community of staff, faculty and administrators making it possible to deliver on our mission of engaging students and changing lives! Thank you NHCC for all your contributions in creating a welcoming environment to learn, connect and grow.
We recently asked students on our mobile app what they were excited about this semester. We had such an overwhelming response that I wanted to share some of their comments.
Elmir Misir Zada: “I am looking forward to getting into computer programming and learning as much as I can while I’m eligible to study for free thanks to the North Star Promise Program.”
Beth Heinzen: “This is my first time in college. I am looking forward to learning and growing and expanding my horizons!”
Maria Zwolski: “Going back after 20ish years and having a senior in high school myself; being able to learn how to manage that school/work/life balance and learn quite possibly an overwhelming amount of new things.”
William Yates: “Honestly, I look forward to learning as much as I can, not just from my professors but my peers as well! Everyone has something you can learn.”
Ruthianna Somers: “I’m looking forward to my classes, meeting new people, and improving as a student and person.”
Mashaela Blakey: "I’m looking forward to starting my career with NHCC and completing all my current classes with good grades, all while balancing school, family, and work. I’ve always wanted to start college but didn’t know where to begin or how to find the time due to family situations. The NHCC staff made that easy for me! I’m so excited for my first semester!”
Veronica Morin: “So excited to be back and finishing up my associate degree in human services! I’ve enjoyed being at NHCC so much that I think I’ll be sad when I’m done. Bittersweet.”
Taryn Leonard: “Although the first week can feel overwhelming trying to develop a plan to exceed in all classes, I’m humbly excited for this adventure. While being a student at NHCC, I have enjoyed the diversity of students and instructors. Knowing everyone comes from different backgrounds with the same goal in mind, success is an extraordinary thing. This semester, I’m looking forward to learning and building confidence by striving to do my personal best!”
Our students inspire me every day, and I am honored to serve as president. All are welcome at NHCC, whether to learn in a classroom, attend an event, or take part in programming, including our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 19, with keynote Katya Zepada, legislative and policy director for the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs. ¡Bienvenidos!