In honor of National Gratitude Month, North Hennepin Community College hosted a “Celebration of Generosity” event on Nov. 6 to recognize our donors and community partners, to celebrate scholarship recipients and to present the college’s Presidential Medallion and Distinguished Alumni awards.
NHCC is a special place. Our student body is vibrant and dynamic, representing people from all walks of life. We serve over 7,400 students each year, and nearly 60% are students of color. Many are the first in their families to attend college. Our students speak dozens of languages, come from a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and bring with them rich experiences and unique perspectives.
But let’s not overlook the challenges many students face balancing work and caregiving responsibilities with their studies. Financial hardship is common. Housing and food insecurity, health care needs and transportation costs can stand in the way of educational success.
That is why the work we do together is so essential. We know that talent, ambition and potential exist in every corner of our community, but opportunity and access have too often been limited. Our role, as a college, as supporters and as advocates, is to remove those barriers, to stand beside our students as they climb the hill toward success.
With the community's help, the foundation was able to award nearly $350,000 in scholarships to 180 students this year. All donations, whether monetary or in-kind, are celebrated!
Scholarship recipient Harira Hassan had this to share: “This scholarship is more than just financial assistance; it is a guardian angel guiding me in the right direction. Your support is empowering me to focus on my education and explore new horizons that I once thought were beyond my reach.”
The Presidential Medallion was awarded to CCX Media, a pillar of local journalism in the northwest suburbs of the Twin Cities for more than 40 years. Their dedicated news team brings in-depth reporting, covering both timely news and stories that showcase the area’s vibrant diversity.
Our partnership is reflected in the stories they share about student and employee achievements, academic programs and campus events. In addition, CCX Media participated alongside NHCC in the Institute on Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation, the college’s commitment toward racial equity. They also livestream our commencement every year for family and friends who are unable to attend.
Accepting the award on behalf of CCX Media was Shannon Slatton Schwartz, executive director, who said, “North Hennepin has always been a place where we can come to connect with experts. If there's something going on in the state or the country, we know we can come here and find someone to talk to who can give us that perspective.”
Philip Anderson received the Distinguished Alumni award. An inspiring educator and recognized photographer, Phil has dedicated his life to the pursuit and sharing of knowledge. His dual passions for teaching and photography have made an extraordinary impact on his students and photography enthusiasts alike.
As an educator, Phil took positions which enabled him to help students who were planning to study abroad, teach work English to adults seeking employment, and serve students and families in the Osseo School District as an English Language Learner teacher. Later in life, Phil pursued photography as a parallel career to teaching that lead him to North Hennepin Community College.
In his closing remarks, Phil said, “Without the two-year colleges, I probably would not have been able to get my bachelor's degree. North Hennepin Community College and Will Agar have helped me to follow personal passions for which I am very thankful.”
NHCC’s “Celebration of Generosity” highlights the power of community support in engaging students and changing lives. Together, we uplift students, expand opportunities, and build a brighter future. Visit nhcc.edu/foundation for more information about getting involved.