Sharing the successes and accomplishments of our NHCC faculty and staff allows us to cultivate a more vibrant community.
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!