Sharing the successes and accomplishments of our NHCC faculty and staff allows us to cultivate a more vibrant community.
NHCC Staff Member Nears Graduation in December to Receive her Bachelor's Degree
Congratulations to Sadie Kruse a member of our Integrated Services team in Records & Registration. She will be graduating in December 2024 with her BS in Applied Leadership from MSU-Mankato!
English Faculty Speaks on an Author Panel at the Minnesota Library Association's 2024 Conference
NHCC English faculty, Eugene Gazelka spoke on a poetry panel this fall about how his works Tender One, Bodies in Transition, and zine compilations fit into the larger picture of libraries and the Minnesota landscape.
NHCC Employee Wins the Trip of a Lifetime with the Minnesota Vikings!
Melissa Leimbek, Dean of Enrollment Management entered a drawing with the Minnesota Vikings and won an all expenses paid trip for 4 to London, England in October of 2024. She and her family spent 5 days exploring London, one of which included end zone tickets to the Minnesota Vikings gave versus the New York Jets. Melissa answered the four questions to enter the sweepstakes drawing back in May and was notified that she won in June. She got an email back saying that she was the ultimate prize winner, but she thought it was fake. When Melissa asked a Vikings employee to verify that the email was legitimate they said, "Yes, it is legitimate. You won a trip for four, all-expenses paid!" On their five-day trip, Melissa said, "We were treated like we were somebody." The Minnesota Vikings paid for all of their tours, food and provided over-the-top service, like letting them bypass the line to get onto the famous, London Eye Ferris Wheel. Melissa and her family were the only sweepstakes winners from Minnesota. While riding on the London Eye Ferris Wheel, they were even served champagne and caviar! Melissa said, "We were treated like queens the whole time! For example, we got private tours of Abbey Road, John Lennon's house, and the Beatles studio. There were fancy chocolates in our bus, I could go on and on! The Vikings paid for basically everything, and it was amazing! Before the game, we went to a Vikings themed tailgate party that was complete with all-you-could-eat food and drinks, a band, DJ, and former Vikings players came as guests! During the game, our seats were located under the end zone." When Melissa told us about this experience, just about all we could say was "Wow!" Congratulations again to Melissa and her family; the memories you made on this trip are sure to last a lifetime!
Craig Larson Recently Named VP of Twin Cities Bicycling Club
Craig Larson, NHCC Librarian was recently named Vice President of Twin Cities Bicycling Club. His main job is to plan the Ride Leader/VIP Picnic next summer. This is his sixth and final year on the board. He has been involved in the club since 2005. Nicely done, Craig!
Thank you to the faculty and staff who shared their recent accomplishments with us!
Faculty & Staff Accomplishments --
From the Archives (October 2024)
Faculty Member Completes Certificate
Steven Ahola, a faculty member in NHCC's EAP program, completed a Graduate Certificate in Writing Center Administration from St. Cloud State University this past May. Major congratulations to you, Steven!!
A Summer of Marathon Accomplishments
NHCC Academic Advising staff, Anong Thor was running like crazy this summer! In June, she ran the Grandmas Marathon and did Boston Qualify there. She also ran the MN Ragnar in August with a team of 12 runners, starting the run in St. Paul, and going all the way to Duluth (over 220 miles and a two day event). Wow, that is incredible! Go, Anong!
Music Faculty Gary Ruschman Joins Progressive Lens Composing Project
NHCC’s Director of Choirs, Gary Ruschman was selected by local teaching artist Andrea Leap to join a cohort of songwriters on a new State Arts Board grant-funded project. Called Progressive Lens, Andrea interviewed a group of older Minnesotans about their lives, hopes, regrets, and joys—and turned over the material to creators to be prompts for new works. With themes ranging from aging, raising children, self-reflection, even dementia and the impacts of war, the cohort worked under the kind guidance of Andrea and Nautilus Music-Theater’s director Ben Krywosz, a specialist in helping artists produce new work. Flutist Julie Johnson, film composer Barbara Cohen, soprano Gabrielle Doran and Gary have written a stack of new pieces in styles ranging from classical art song to bluegrass tunes to be recorded in early October. Below are photos of a section of Gary's lead sheet for his new song, "Wings" the Progressive Lens cohort in a reading session.
Erin Farley Receives Innovative Educators Award
In NHCC Guided Pathways Coordinator, Erin Farley's role, she works closely with our business partner, Innovative Educators on online services for orientation, support & training. Each year they have a conference for the National Orientation Directors Association (NODA). Last month, Erin received an letter from the staff at Innovative Educators, congratulating her on winning an award. Innovative Educators staff, Meg Foster commented, "We are thrilled to congratulate Erin on being named our Most Innovative Presentation (given at NODA) for the 2023-2024 academic year! Your commitment to enhancing the educational experience is truly inspiring. Your dedication and innovative approach are making a significant impact, and it's an honor to witness your achievements. Thank you for your unwavering passion and hard work. We look forward to celebrating more of your successes in the future!" Erin is pictured below with her certificate of accomplishment and personalized award from Innovative Educators. Congratulations, Erin!!
English Faculty and Alumni Shine in 2024: Achievements and Milestones
Thank you to English faculty, Brian Baumgart for sending out an email bursting with accomplishments from the English department! We highlighted the list again, at this link.
That's a wrap on faculty and staff accomplishments for the fall 2024 semester! We can't wait to see what else you'll accomplish this year!