Anoka-Ramsey Community College Newsletter by Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Winter 2018 | Issue 4

Newsletter

This Issue: National Excellence | Lasting Impressions | Theatre | Out of This World Opportunities | Golden Rams

A member of Minnesota State

On the Cover “Coral Bleaching Series” Student Art By Grace Simonson

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oral bleaching creates an eerie and awkward whiteness in the deep blue ocean, like a ghostly effect, where colored algae used to live, but have left the coral white due to changing environmental conditions. I experimented with different variables of bleach and acrylic to recreate this awkwardness under the sea on canvas along with different texture mediums to represent ghostly coral-like forms. I am trying to bring awareness to the coral bleaching issue through my paintings.”

In This Issue 3

National Excellence

Lasting Impressions: Alumni Musicians Rock the Airwaves and the Local Music Scene

Making a Difference for Students, Scholardazzle 2018

In the Limelight: Theatre Program Offers Students Interdisciplinary Education, Friendship Forest Golden Rams Athletics, Out of This World Opportunities, Marine Corps Clinic

6 Events Calendar

©2018 Anoka-Ramsey Community College, an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and educator and a member of the Minnesota State system. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Disclaimer, Non-Discrimination Statement, Student Consumer Information such as graduation rates and median debt, can be found here: anokaramsey.edu/disclosures. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling the Minnesota Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-627-3529. 170404CP

Kent Hanson, Ph.D. President

Kent Hanson holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of North Dakota (UND), a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Administrator from Central Michigan University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from UND. Prior to becoming president of Anoka Technical College and Anoka-Ramsey Community College in 2013, he served as interim president of Riverland Community College, and provost and vice president for academic and student affairs at Northland Community and Technical College.

All of us at Anoka-Ramsey send our season’s greetings to you and yours, and best wishes for the new year! I’d like to take this opportunity to say a few words about Anoka-Ramsey’s “Strategic Plan” and the college’s commitment to that plan. Our strategic goals form the basis for the way we operate. The “Strategic Plan” consists of five major goals: 1) Commit to Student Success; 2) Promote Academic Excellence; 3) Foster a Vibrant, Sustainable Organization; 4) Establish a Strong Identity and Reputation for Excellence; and 5) Strengthen and Extend Meaningful Partnerships. One of our goals is to Establish a Strong Identity and Reputation for Excellence. Anoka-Ramsey has a tradition of excellence. We not only know this ourselves; we hear it from you. I’ve mentioned Anoka-Ramsey’s prestigious Aspen Institute designation as one of the Top Ten community colleges in the nation in 2017. We learned in November that the college was named to the Top 150 in the nation, and we are once again in the running to be a Top 10 college in 2019. I am so proud of our college’s ongoing recognition for excellence on the national stage, indicated not only by this award, but by an increasing number of our awesome faculty, staff and students being recognized. To see some of the honors, read the article below. We have also set a “Strategic Plan” goal to Commit to Student Success. Fall semester brought a deliberate and renewed commitment to helping students complete their programs. As a college, we are looking at the barriers to degree completion and how to address those barriers. Change is not a simple task, but we are committed to doing everything necessary to ensure that each student succeeds at Anoka-Ramsey and is fully prepared for the next step in their journey. We are also working to carry out the initiatives in the “Diversity and Inclusion Plan.” Progress has been made toward ensuring an inclusive environment for all students, staff and faculty, but there is much work to be done. It is important to me that the college prepares ALL students and employees for success in an increasingly diverse and globalized society, promoting the dignity and potential of each individual. Moving forward, we plan on continually strengthening our “Strategic Plan.” Recently, we brought together the Strategic Planning Task Force to celebrate our many achievements, and discuss next steps. As I listened to each discussion, I was proud of our accomplishments and motivated to keep up the good work we are doing to serve our students and our community. Thank you for your support of the college and our students.

Achieving National Excellence Named to Top 10, college aims higher

nce again, Anoka-Ramsey Community College was named one of 150 community colleges eligible to compete for the biennial Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence in 2019. Anoka-Ramsey was selected as a 2017 Top 10 Finalist.

Spotlight shines on college through awards

uilding a reputation for excellence, Anoka-Ramsey employees were honored for achievements in many disciplines at state and national levels.

• Deidra Peaslee, Ed.D., vice president of academic and student affairs, received the award for Outstanding Academic and Student Affairs Administrator from the Minnesota State system. • Mary Jacobson, chief marketing and communications officer, was named the Communicator of the Year for District 5 of the National Council of Marketing and Public Relations. • Keven Dockter, Math instructor, received the 2017 Herb Gross Presidential Award, the top service award from the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges, recognizing exceptional service to the association and to the profession. • The Minnesota State Arts Board awarded grants to Art Instructor Rachel Breen, Art Instructor Aaron Dysart, Art Lab Assistant Jes Shimek and English Instructor Elizabeth Tannen.

Anoka-Ramsey Community College Newsletter • Winter 2018

The President’s Message

Lasting Impressions

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Alumni Musicians Rock the Airwaves and the Local Music Scene

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Originally from Wisconsin, Bekkers said he moved to Minnesota with the goal of studying music. He also graduated with an Associate of Fine Arts I just degree. Though he plays percussion, he met knew that Friedl in the college choir. ol lie if we kept at it and “If it wasn’t for my friends and family r telling me how good the Music department we worked hard on was at Anoka-Ramsey, I would’ve had no a game plan, we idea,” said Bekkers. “A friend of mine who could make it. joined the band convinced me to come here. - Randi Rae Friedl It turned out to be the best decision I ever made.” From Tom Petty and Queen to Guns N’ Roses, the band is best known for their performances of popular cover songs. They also produced an EP in 2015, titled “Back to Reality,” and performed in a release party at The Pourhouse in Minneapolis. With the help of Friedl’s connections in the music world and the business acumen they obtained in their college courses, the band was picked up by an entertainment hile most people come to community college to find company that now books their shows. The members of Midwest education, some discover much more than that. When Mayhem perform as professional musicians. They have performed they attended Anoka-Ramsey Community College throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, and they have graced the in 2016, Alumni Randi Rae Friedl, Erin Bekkers and Dallas stage at venues like River City Saloon, The Park-MN and The Red McMains discovered lasting friendships, business relationships Carpet. They were even featured on the Twin Cities airwaves, and rewarding careers in the spotlight. when they were invited on the 93X Loud N’ Local show. As lead vocalist for the band Midwest Mayhem, Friedl has “It was always my dream to start a band,” said Friedl. “I just had the good fortune to pursue her passion in everyday life. She knew that if we kept at it and we worked hard on a game plan, graduated with an Associate of Fine Arts degree from Anokawe could make it.” Ramsey in 2016, and she is following in the footsteps of her Some of the original band members have gone on to follow grandmother, Betty Rydell – a singer who won the Winter Texan other paths, but their Anoka-Ramsey pride lives on in Midwest Times Entertainer of the Year Award and was inducted to the Mayhem. When Friedl and Bekkers look back, they are amazed Minnesota Rock and Country Hall of Fame. Friedl has also had at how far their community college education has taken them. the unique privilege of performing among some of her closest “People cut down community colleges, because they don’t community college friends. know much about the programs they offer,” said Friedl. “What Midwest Mayhem, a band known for their rocking sound they don’t realize is there are so many different people you meet, and classic covers, began as a group of Music students who were and you literally become a family. We get one-on-one time with pursuing two-year degrees at the Coon Rapids Campus. The five the faculty, and the staff are so helpful. They teach you so many original members joined forces to start a rock band, and the band skills you can use in the real world.” has been getting bigger and bigger shows ever since. “If it wasn’t for the Music program, we wouldn’t be where we “We all met at Anoka-Ramsey,” said Friedl. “We just started are today.” holding jam sessions in somebody’s basement, and it kind of (Pictured above, left to right, are Alumni Dallas McMains, took off from there. We quickly went from jamming every day to Erin Bekkers and Randi Rae Friedl, and new band members Vinny playing shows almost every weekend.” Olmsted and Cole Guimont.)

Lasting Impressions

Planting a Friendship Forest

s part of a public art project, the college community came together Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, to plant a Friendship Forest on the south lawn at Anoka-Ramsey’s Coon Rapids Campus. The forest symbolizes a commitment to caring for the city, caring for each other and breaking down barriers by uniting people through the act of growing trees.

Anoka-Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids and Cambridge Foundations’ mission is to support the financial needs of our students to ensure their success. Each year, budget constraints force many of our students to choose between college and working full time. Too often, our students have no choice but to put their dreams and successes on hold to address everyday living. Our foundations award scholarships that allow students to pursue higher education with dramatically less financial worry.

Become a part of transforming lives Many of our students are experiencing financial hardships, and they need your help. Can you support a student in need today? Every gift, no matter the size, is valuable and appreciated. “I will never forget this gift, and I give you my word that I will use it to not only better myself, but to also share my time, talents, and all that’s been given to me to give back to those around me to the best of my ability. Thank you for helping me achieve my goals and dreams.” – Julie Larson, Scholarship Recipient

Make a difference for students

• Attend Scholardazzle 2018 • Donate online: AnokaRamsey.edu/donate • Give by mail: Anoka-Ramsey Coon Rapids Foundation 11200 Mississippi Blvd NW Coon Rapids, MN 55433 Anoka-Ramsey Cambridge Foundation 200 Spirit River Dr S Cambridge, MN 55008

Stay Connected Are you an alumni? Stay connected! Share your story, talent and experience with our community. Contact Lindsey Schiller at 763-433-1352 or Lindsey.Schiller@AnokaRamsey.edu to learn more. Help Anoka-Ramsey students succeed through scholarships, Random Acts of Kindness or Leave a Legacy. With your help we will transform lives. Consider giving today! AnokaRamsey.edu/donate

The Cambridge Community College Center Foundation invites you to a special evening in support of students.

Friday, Jan. 26, 6 pm (Dinner 7 pm) Spirit River Community Center 1321 Heritage Blvd, Isanti, MN Tickets $50/Person

Presented by:

Anoka-Ramsey Community College Newsletter • Winter 2018

Making a Difference for Students

In the Limelight:

Theatre Program Offers

Students

Interdisciplinary Education

ith a draw of the curtain, a flick of the lights and a blast of sound, the theatrical production of “Good N’ Plenty” comes to life in the Anoka-Ramsey Performing Arts Center. It’s the result of hours of hard work and rigorous academic study, two strengths of the Theatre Department. “Most people only know us from the work we do on stage,” said Theatre Instructor Blayn Lemke. “However, Theatre is an academically rigorous program that engages students across disciplines.” Lemke has been busy leading rehearsals and mentoring students, a role that’s illustrated by the many award plaques and student letters that decorate his walls. During the last few years, he has also devoted time to connecting the academic courses to the acting that takes place on stage. “If you think about it, when you’re studying acting, that’s when you are really focused on research,” said Lemke. “There are historical, cultural, political and economic influences on every play and every character. Studying the historical context brings a greater richness to your work, and it expands a student’s understanding of a play, by looking at it through the lens of other disciplines.”

In 2017, students in the Theatre program conducted their own undergraduate research project. Taking a closer look at the concept of gender, they presented “Dramaturgy: LGBT and ‘The Rocky Horror Show’” at the 2nd Annual OSCARS (Outstanding Scholarship, Creative Activities and Research Symposium). They went on to win second place in the research symposium. Building on the strengths of the program, Theatre Instructor Lisa Weaver lent her talents to directing theatrical productions at both campuses. She enjoys studying the work in depth and looking at plays through a global perspective in order to find new layers of meaning. She inspires students of all ages to do their best work on stage. “We definitely try to give students a variety of exposure during their Theatre education,” said Weaver. “From comedy and drama to classical Shakespeare, we rotate the plays so that students can experience a range of styles. In the time a student is here, they will take both technical and acting classes, learning how to do stagecraft, design sets, make costumes and even work with sound.” The Theatre program engages students inside and outside of the classroom, and the department sustains strong community ties. Many faculty, staff and volunteers have

assisted with theatrical productions, helping each new class of students become a success. “Theatre is a great foundation for any degree,” said Lemke. The degree program appeals to students pursuing general education credits, as well as students with different levels of experience. They have the chance to attend and present at regional and national conferences, introducing them to four-year colleges and potential career paths. “I want our students to get a foot in the door and see what goes into the process, especially if they are seriously considering a professional career. The more important thing is our students get to see future educational opportunities and find the best fit for them.” Graduates of the Associate of Fine Arts degree program have gone on to pursue highly-regarded, four-year programs, including at the University of Minnesota Duluth, and Minnesota State University– Mankato. They have also become active in the arts community, sharing their talents. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished,” said Lemke. “From our two-year college, we are expanding and creating an influence on the artistic community in the state and the region.”

Playwright Takes the Stage

im Belden, an Associate of Fine Arts degree student at Anoka-Ramsey, will present one of several plays he has written during the Region V Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) in Des Moines, Iowa. His play, “The Camera,” has been selected for the Ten-Minute Play Festival, a part of the prestigious regional festival which runs Jan. 21 – 28, 2018. The play has a one-in-six chance of going on to represent the region at the national Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in the spring. A scene from Anoka-Ramsey’s production of “The Rocky Horror Show” has also been selected as an “Invited Scene” at the regional festival, giving students the opportunity to perform on stage for nearly 1,500 guests.

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Vibrant student life offers astronomical opportunities

ne of many active student clubs at Anoka-Ramsey, the Astronomy Club took students and guests out of this world with a visit from the Exploradome. Dubbed a 3-D interactive atlas of the universe, the touring exhibit from the Bell Museum invites people inside an inflatable dome where they

view imagery of the stars, constellations, planets and other galaxies. “Ever since I was a kid, I thought stars and planets were pretty cool,” said Elatia Zaffke, club president and a U.S. Navy veteran. “As I continue to learn about outer space, I find it more and more fascinating.”

Zaffke worked with other members of the club, including Sean Oseid and Andrew Bluth, to present four hours of astronomy and science sessions to visitors. Session topics ranged from a planetary tour of the solar system to the possibility of life in the universe.

Semper Fi New Orleans Marine Corps musicians join rehearsal

I Goal for the Golden Rams Soccer teams claim NJCAA Region XIII Championship

or only the fourth time in soccer history at Anoka-Ramsey, the Men’s and Women’s Soccer Teams both won the NJCAA Region XIII Championship in the fall. The Women’s Team defeated Rochester Community and Technical College by a score of 12-1, securing its sixth consecutive regional championship. Six women placed on the MCAC AllConference First Team, along with two others being named Honorable Mention for their 2017 performance. The Anoka-Ramsey Men’s Soccer Team finished the regular season 7-8-3, also securing a Region XIII Championship.

nstilling students with a sense of pride and patriotism, members of the U.S. Marine Corps Band conducted a clinic with Anoka-Ramsey Music students. Gunnery Sgt. Justin Hauser, Chief Warrant Officer Demarius Jackson and Gunnery Sgt. Nathan Davilmar rehearsed with the Concert Band and the Jazz Ensemble in October. During their visit, they were reunited with one of their own, when Anoka-Ramsey student Sam Peck recognized Davilmar from his time in the service. Peck served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2012 to 2016, attending the Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach, before he assumed his role as a Marine musician and achieved the rank of sergeant. “When I was 23, I decided to enlist to get a sense of direction,” said Peck, who was a percussionist in the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. “In the Marines, you operate at a certain level. In the course of a day, you have to train, stay in shape, rehearse and perform.” With the hope to one day teach music education, Peck enrolled at Anoka-Ramsey after completing his service. He was proud to see other students witness the discipline that Marine musicians bring to the rehearsal room. “It gave a lot of students inspiration,” said Peck. “I think it was beneficial for everybody.”

Anoka-Ramsey Community College Newsletter • Winter 2018

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Out of This World

A member of Minnesota State

Anoka-Ramsey Community College 11200 Mississippi Blvd NW Coon Rapids, MN 55433-3470

Anoka-Ramsey Community College

And follow us:

Events Calendar AnokaRamsey.edu/calendar ART EVENTS All For Art – A Juried, Student Exhibit Feb. 8 – March 2 Visual Arts Center CR (Reception Feb. 8, 5 to 7 pm) Creative Writing/ 2D Design Class Collaborative Exhibition Feb. 8, 5 to 7 pm Rm M203 CR (Student Reading 5 pm, Reception to follow) Associate of Fine Arts Portfolio Exhibition March 22 – April 27 Visual Arts Center CR (Reception March 22, 5 to 7 pm) COMMUNITY/FOUNDATION EVENTS Scholardazzle Jan. 26, 6 pm Spirit River Community Center, Isanti Candlelight Ski Jan. 27, 5:30 to 8:30 pm CC

Earth-Friendly Fair April 14 CC David Walch Memorial Golf Tournament June 19, 8:30 to 5:30 pm Bunker Hills Golf Club CREATIVE WRITING EVENTS Minnesota Writers Series Kelly Barnhill, author of “The Girl Who Drank the Moon” March 24, 7 pm G202 Auditorium CC Two Rivers Reading Series Charles Baxter, author of “There’s Something I Want You to Do” April 4, 12 to 12:50 pm & 2 to 2:50 pm Legacy Room CR Creative Writing AFA Graduates Reading April 26, 4 to 5:30 pm Riverview Room CR

All Ensemble Concert March 1, 7 pm Faith Lutheran Church, Coon Rapids

NURSING EVENTS

Guest Artist Recital with Violinist Eunice Kim March 23, 7 pm Music Building CR (Q&A, Rm M109, 5 pm)

THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

Jazz Ensemble Concert April 27, 7 pm Performing Arts Center CR Choir Concert April 30, 7 pm Performing Arts Center CR Concert Band and Orchestra Concert May 1, 7 pm Performing Arts Center CR

MUSIC EVENTS

Guitar Ensemble and World Drumming Ensemble May 3, 7 pm Performing Arts Center CR

Area Directors Jazz Ensemble Jan. 29, 7 pm Performing Arts Center CR

AFA Student Recitals May 7 – 8, 7 pm Performing Arts Center CR

50th Anniversary Celebration Event April 21 CC “The Boy Friend” Musical by Sandy Wilson Directed by Blayn Lemke Feb. 9 – 10 & 15 – 17 CR “Much Ado About Nothing” By Shakespeare Directed by Blayn Lemke April 13 – 14 & 19 – 21 CR “He Said & She Said” By Alice Gerstenberg Directed by Lisa Weaver March 1 – 4 CC

You are invited to join the Anoka-Ramsey Career Network Group on LinkedIn! www.linkedin.com /groups/7026195

CR Coon Rapids Campus CC Cambridge Campus