Nickel News
Canby Granite Falls Jackson Pipestone Worthington
Volume 9 February 2008 Edition 5
President's Corner
Ten Years of Change – Part Three
The odyssey of change at Minnesota West is one that included the implementation of a professional development scheme on many levels, the use of a new and robust program review process, and the explosion of new and exciting partnerships with a wide variety of professions, industries, communities and government agencies. The ten year trip has been one in which we can all be proud as it continues to make us question ourselves and how we go about the business of providing a high quality learning environment.
Ten years ago we realized in preparation for our accreditation that we lacked professional development plans. Each faculty member began a process of developing a plan to grow their programs/disciplines and themselves. We wanted to reach beyond a simple sabbatical and conference concept! And we wanted to reach beyond the faculty in the professional development concept. We stepped back and invested in several leadership and growth experiences using the Covey management team from both the corporate headquarters and experienced trainers from Winona State. This set the stage for what fortuitously occurred at the system level. The concept of forming a state-wide Center for Teaching and Learning came to be. While the concept struggled in its infancy across the state we embraced it and included it within our duty days to provide opportunities from which faculty and staff could benefit.
Parallel to this was the recognition for the need to develop a faculty evaluation system that used a third party student input process to separate evaluation from a traditional reward and punishment system to one that embraced growth in the individual. We began the use of the IDEA faculty development system. This in conjunction with the program review system enables the faculty member to get a clear picture of where we have been and plot a path for where we need to go.
Leadership development for tomorrow is so important. Data points to the fact that over half of the current college presidents are over 60 years old. Similar data is observed over other leadership positions. Minnesota West recognizes this and has taken the opportunity to nominate candidates each year to attend the Luoma Leadership Academy. Over the last four years we have had five individuals from a cross section of our faculty and staff participate in the two year program. It has been an outstanding investment in time and funds as each individual has continued to be an asset to the College and grown in their area of expertise.
The ability to maintain a quality learning environment is dependent upon our desire to expand into new endeavors and seek to understand how to best serve the changing student demographics of our region. We have set the stage within our professional development process to help individuals grow their abilities to adapt to the tremendous amount of change faced into today’s global learning environment.
As we moved forward in the professional development arena we realized that to make sound decisions in this era of rapid change that a sophisticated quantitative and qualitative process of program review was required. Over that last ten years we have implemented just such a system of program review. It helps identify issues from both a decline and growth perspective prior to an issue becoming a problem. It does not guarantee a solution to a changing market place, but it does allow for orderly change. Hopefully we have created a culture through our program review process that allows for the administration and program areas to work together to foster change in the least disruptive fashion and to understand why the change has taken place. This sounds ominous but most of the change has been how to move into new areas with newly formed partners.
Partnerships and collaboration has been the cornerstone of our first decade as Minnesota West Community and Technical College. We often forget just how deeply we have intertwined ourselves with others in the region and state. We can look to the renewables and see an early partnership with CVEC and Minnesota Corn Processors (ADM) that jump started our involvement in ethanol and later EMS out of Gary, SD in Wind. The number of partners, grants and contracts in this arena has grown too large to list. Today, the Minnesota Energy Enterprise Center is recognized beyond our boundaries.
Similarly in the biosciences we have moved from our traditional classroom based science programs to a partnership that includes the Worthington School District and Prairie Holdings. Students begin their education in high school moving to the college upon graduation. Part of this partnership is exposing the students to industry experience through internships, job shadowing and lab courses at Prairie Holdings along side of scientist doing research. The opportunities created through this set of partnerships continues to grow and evolve today.
The partnerships in the health field have been a tremendous evolution of not only teaching pedagogy but also in the growth of partnerships. Several years ago we started an outreach nursing program in partnership the Southwest Workforce Council after receiving an H1B Federal grant with the Workforce Council. Today the opportunity to become a nurse in not limited by ones geographical location and mobility. We are able to take our program to areas throughout the College’s service area. During the last three years we have worked with the City of Luverne and Sanford Health Systems to develop a cooperative venture to provide two new programs in what was formerly the Luverne General Hospital. Radiography and Surgical Technician programs began last fall with more to come in the near future. This partnership created a synergy within the community and the region for health care education and learning opportunities.
There are so many partnerships we could talk about, Schwan’s, Suzlon. AGCO, Medisota, etc. What has been the outcome of these partnerships has been a sharing of resources both physical and monetary; a growth in opportunities for our citizens to stay and prosper; and, a building of trust that crosses city, county and state lines.
We can be proud that, in the last ten years, we as a family have been part of an evolving transition in forward movement in a region that had faced significant decay in the prior twenty years. It was because we grasped the need and we took risks!
In the next Nickel News I would like to talk about our position as an institution both financially and from a facility perspective. While to many this is rather boring it is the underpinning in what has allowed us to take risks over the last decade.
NEWS from the President’s Office:
As we roar through the first five weeks of the semester we should take note that if we continue to enroll students at a pace seen in previous years during the remaining months of the spring semester that we will finish the close of the year with a 1.5% to 2.5% growth rate. While not matching the explosive rates seen in the Twin Cities area we can be pleased that during the first decade of our existence that we have remained stable to slightly up given the service area population rate has continued to show a decline.
Financially, we are stable, but will probably have our first deficit during my tenure as President. Given we started with the prospects of a slightly less than million dollar deficit and currently should end between $0 and $300,000 down we continue to be impressively fiscally responsible as an institution. It is a problem that will be a continuous struggle under the current funding methodology that rewards high enrollment growth rate institutions.
We are participating in a number of grants that continue to help us financially. Recently we were awarded with MSU-Mankato a half million dollar earmark and were one of the institutions listed on the $5 million Federal WIRED grant. We will only see parts of these dollars but nonetheless it places us in the queue for opportunities and money.
Lastly, the search for new leadership is progressing well. It is always an unsettling time for all. For me I am adjusting on the run to the inevitable June 30th date. We have adjusted to change for ten years so we are prepared for this change. New leadership brings new ideas and new directions – scary, yet exciting!
Hope all is going well for everyone and we are now to the point in which spring is not far off.
Change in IRS mileage rate effective January 1, 2008
Please note the following when submitting travel forms for travel occurring after December 31, 2007: The Internal Revenue Service announced a change in the optional standard mileage rate effective January 1, 2008. The rate will increase to 50.5 cents per mile for all business miles driven after December 31, 2007. This is an increase of 2 cents per mile. Our contracts are all based on the approved current federal IRS mileage rate. If a state-owned vehicle is not available, employees shall be reimbursed at the approved rate. If a state-owned vehicle is available, but declined by the employee, the reimbursement will be paid at 7 cents per mile less than the approved rate, which is 43.5 cents per mile.
Travel/Expense Reimbursement Form Reminders: When submitting travel expense forms for reimbursement please remember to identify the cost center/s that the expense should be charged to, sign the form and have your supervisors signature, and attach all necessary supporting receipts, documentation or notarized affidavit.
Marble Lutheran Church Membership Preserves Legacy with $30,000 Donation to the Minnesota West Foundation for Nursing Scholarship Endowment
Roger Nelson of Ivanhoe and Elwood Bakke of rural Canby proudly represented Marble Lutheran Church’s historical presence in the Canby/Hendricks area when they presented the Minnesota West Foundation with a $30,000 donation to fund scholarships for area students interested in pursuing a nursing career. A few years ago, the congregation of Marble Lutheran had seen its official membership decline to 12 remaining members. A heartfelt decision was made to dissolve the congregation and join other neighboring churches. The church building was moved, and soon fulfilled Green Lake Lutheran Ministries’ need for a chapel at the Shores of St. Andrew Bible Camp in Spicer, MN.
Although the physical presence of Marble Lutheran Church may no longer exist in rural Canby, the legacy of the church has continued to serve its beloved rural communities.
Minnesota West President, Dr. Ron Wood, accepted the donation, which has been designated for an endowment to perpetually fund the Marble Lutheran Church Nursing Scholarship. Wood talked about the long-term impact of this gift for the region. “This donation, which is the second sizeable gift that Marble Lutheran has made to the Minnesota West Foundation for the educational needs of area students, will serve this community very well. The scholarship will help educate nurses who will be retained in SW Minnesota.” Wood added, “This donation is heartfelt, and is presented by a group of individuals who truly believe in the lasting legacy of Marble Lutheran Church within this community.”
Both Nelson and Bakke commented on Marble Lutheran Church’s desire to provide funds to support health care efforts in the region. According to Nelson, the congregation is able to make this gift to the Minnesota West Foundation thanks to the generous estates of long-time Marble Lutheran Church members, Henry and Burmie Lindahl and Carold Olson.
Bakke noted, “There’s just such a need for quality health care with our aging communities. Henry, Burmie and Carold wanted to give back to the community in which they cared for so deeply. They instructed us to utilize the estate to best benefit the community in their memory.”
Julie Stevenson, Foundation Director commented, “The opportunity to work with many local partners such as Marble Lutheran Church and The Schwans Food Company, helps to foster continued growth and development within our area communities.” Through the 2008 Schwan Food Company Challenge Grant, The Schwan Food Company has generously agreed to contribute $1 for every $2 donated to the Foundation from January 15, 2008 thru November 30, 2008.
Per the criteria established by the membership of the Marble Lutheran Church estate, recipients of the Marble Lutheran Nursing Scholarship will be chosen based upon the following criteria:
a. Residents within a 20 mile radius of the former location of the Marble Lutheran Church This includes the Minnesota towns of Canby, Hendricks, Ivanhoe, Porter, and Taunton; and the South Dakota towns of Astoria, Gary, and Toronto.
b. Incoming students entering the nursing profession who plan to work in the Canby or Hendricks Hospital/associated medical facilities or within a 50-mile radius of the former location of the Church at other area nursing homes upon graduation from Minnesota West.
c. Current employees of the Canby or Hendricks Hospital/associated medical facilities or area nursing homes who pursue an LPN or RN Degree through Minnesota West.
Scholarships will be advertised over the next year, and awarded for the first time in the 2008-2009 academic year. The Scholarship Committee of the Canby Campus will coordinate the process for the Marble Lutheran Church Nursing Scholarship. The number of scholarships given and the amount of each award will be determined by the annual interest gained on the endowed account.
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Pictured from left is President Dr. Ron Wood, Director of Nursing Dawn Gordon and presenters Elwood Bakke, Dalphine Bakke, Roger Nelson, and Vangie Nelson.
Custom Training - Continuing Education
Customized Training & Continuing Education Services is one of the economic development entities for Minnesota West Community & Technical College. Our department is responsible for delivering short term credit and clock hour courses, continuing education courses, and customized training programs to business and industry, individuals, and service agencies. The training is delivered on-site, on any of the Minnesota West College campuses, at the training center in Marshall, or at convenient community meeting locations throughout Southwest Minnesota.
Customized Training Services Catalogs Available!
The Winter/Spring Customized Training & Continuing Education catalogs are available on each of the campuses and were distributed to nearly 10,000 individuals and business representatives throughout our service area. Check out our course offerings on our web page too at training.mnwest.edu
Do You Know About CTES?
Customized Training and Education Solutions is a partnership between Customized Training Services at Minnesota West, Ridgewater Community and Technical College, and Southwest Minnesota State University. The partnership is a MnSCU CT/CE initiative for the purpose of combining the training and continuing education resources to enhance the professional development opportunities offered to the employers and workforce throughout the entire region.
The regional initiative has established a separate identity using the name Customized Training and Education Solutions and created a new website at www.mnctes.com. To represent the regional initiatives, Denise Pfeifer was appointed as the Southwest Regional Coordinator.
Denise Pfeifer has been with CTES for approximately one year and is responsible for representing the regional customized training and continuing education initiatives throughout the region and is the liaison to the MnSCU Chancellor's Office. Denise resides in Marshall, MN and has established a solid network with the regional Workforce Center representatives and Economic Development professionals in order to assess the regional and industry training needs. To learn more about CTES contact Dawn Regnier at Dawn.Regnier@mnwest.edu
Les Kvam and James Wee: Customized Training Representatives For
Manufacturing and Applied Technology
Les Kvam and James Wee are the Customized Training Representatives for the manufacturing and applied technology training areas. The primary emphasis for the training programs concentrates on the workforce skills necessary in production manufacturing and industrial technology.
Automation Skills, Welding, Boiler Operation, Lean Mfg., Commercial Vehicle Inspection Recertification, and AutoCAD are some of the training programs we provide for area employers and individuals. Many of the programs focus on maintenance employees and the skills they need to operate efficiently in the production facilities.
Lean Manufacturing is a program that manufacturers incorporate into the facility operation in order to improve production efficiency and eliminate waste in both material resources and human time. Lean is a way of thinking designed to simplify business processes by eliminating waste. Lean focuses on shortening lead times, reducing costs, improving quality, and creating highly flexible processes. This is achieved and maintained by a culture of continuous improvement
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James and Les have been instrumental in delivering the Lean Manufacturing training to AGCO, Inc. in Jackson and to Suzlon Rotor Corporation in Pipestone in addition to a variety of other business operations. For more information about Lean Manufacturing contact Les.Kvam@mnwest.edu or James.Wee@mnwest.edu.
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Les Kvam
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- James Wee
Canby Campus
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Chad Leibel, Otter Tail Area Service Representative; Kevin Kouba, Otter Tail Area Manager; Tim Sanderson, Wind Energy Technology Instructor; and Rebecca Weber, Canby Campus Manager.
New Scholarship Opportunity for Wind Energy Students
Rebecca Weber, Canby Campus Manager, is excited to announce the addition of a new scholarship opportunity for Wind Energy Technology students on the Canby Campus. The Otter Tail Power Company has donated $6,000.00 in scholarship dollars to the Wind Energy Technology Program. This money will be awarded as twelve $500 scholarships to returning students that are pursuing the two-year Wind Energy Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree. To be eligible for this scholarship, students must have been registered for a minimum of 12 credits, achieved a Grade Point Average of 3.0, and maintained a 90 percent attendance rate throughout their first year of study. Each $500 scholarship will be applied toward the chosen recipients' tuition in Fall of 2008.
January Tech Search Event another Success!
The staff and faculty of the Canby Campus are proud to report another successful Tech Search event held on January 24th, 2008. Thirty-eight students, along with a handful of parents and chaperones took part in the event. Students spent the day shadowing one or two technical programs, while parents and chaperones were able to attend a Q & A Session on Financial Aid, Admissions, etc. The Canby Campus Student Ambassadors once again did a great job of leading the campus tours, and introducing the prospective students to their program areas.
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A group of students observe Auto Mechanics
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Diesel Technology Student Tyler Klein talks to a prospective student about the Diesel program.
New Look for the LARC
Over the past few months, the LARC has slowing been changing looks. With the new paint job finally complete, you won’t believe the transformation. Stop by and see for yourself next time you are on campus!
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The way it was......
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Student Senate Opens NEW Campus Fitness Center
The Spring Semester brought the opening of a newly furnished Fitness Center to the Canby Campus. Members of the Student Senate, along with Advisor Judy Drown, worked to purchase new fitness equipment for the campus. The Senate purchased a new treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike, bench press, and new floor matting to get the gym started for $8,945.64 with the hope they new equipment could be added each year. The Fitness Center is located in the old Bookstore, off the Student Lounge. A large Minnesota West logo was also painted on the wall. Thanks to the Student Senate for all their hard work on this project!
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Judy Drown and Student Senate Members.
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Electrical Students Jon Tucker and Sam Alfano testing out the new equipment.
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- New fitness equipment.
Mark your Calendars:
Canby Campus Xtravaganza!
Thursday, March 13th
Whopper Feed 11am – 7pm
Diesel Technology Building
Granite Falls Campus
Granite Falls Campus hosts Youth Energy Summit
110 High School students were on the Granite Falls Campus on Tuesday, January 15th for the Youth Energy Summit Winter Workshop which is a part of the year-long seminar that has teams from various high schools participating. As a part of this event, teams are challenged to take on an energy action project of their choice to initiate change in their communities. Duane Carrow and Rose Patzer, Instructors in the Renewable Energy Program did presentations to the guests on ethanol production. Renewable Energy students also participated in the event by assisting the high school teams in completing experiments. A presentation was also given by Tim Sanderson, Wind Energy Technology Instructor from the Canby Campus.
Laurel Smiglewski hired as Student Services Advisor on the Granite Falls Campus
Laurel Smiglewski, a native of Granite Falls, Minnesota has been hired as the new Student Services Advisor on the Granite Falls Campus of Minnesota West. Smiglewski earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall and has worked previously in the Registration Office at Southwest Minnesota State University. Smiglewski states “I am looking forward to working with students in an educational setting, and helping advise them in their various areas of study that are offered at Minnesota West.” Smiglewski and her boyfriend, Chad Christianson, live together in Granite Falls with their son, Kian. Smiglewski began her duties on January 11, 2008. Smiglewski replaces Linda DeGriselles who was promoted to Campus Manager in November.
Granite Falls Campus hosts High School Business Professionals of America Competition
The Granite Falls Campus hosted the Region 8 High School Business Professionals of America event on Friday January 26th. Over 250 students, advisors, and guest judges visited the campus that day to participate in the yearly event. Minnesota West’s BPA group assisted in the organization of the event.
Jackson Campus
Students Attend the Minneapolis Cycle World International Motorcycle Show on February 1st
Presented by Toyota, this very popular motorcycle show has become an annual field trip for Power Sports students at the Jackson Campus. As instructor Ed Reinders states, “This year turned out to be another great trip where my students got to see all the latest in motorcycle technology plus a wide array of choppers and custom bikes and ATV's.”
The event, held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, included the Motocross America show entitled, 'The Tour'. This feature provided a look back in time at the evolution of motocross in the United States. Advanstar and the AMA Hall of Fame Museum brought elements of their most popular display. The display features a continuation of motocross' evolution with an added element that was recently dedicated at the Museum recognizing Malcolm Smith's success and contribution to dirt sports.
In addition, the Antique Motorcycle Club of America (AMCA) - Viking Chapter showcased their collection of living legends. Some of the vintage motorcycles on display included a 1946 Indian Chief "Bobber" (see photo).
Reinders’ students also toured Crashedtoys.com in Stillwater, MN, a salvage company which features an online auction. The last stop was stop at Sport Wheels in Shakopee, MN. Sport Wheels offers a huge inventory of dirt bikes, road bikes, street bikes and spans over twelve acres in two locations making it the largest motorcycle liquidation center in the U.S.
Mixed Blood Theater on Campus
Dr. King’s Dream, a presentation described as “a brilliant depiction of the life and career of the great civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, from its beginning during the Montgomery bus boycott to his death in Memphis” was performed by the captivating Mixed Blood Theater from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Actor Marvin Grays portrayed Dr. King. Students, as well as staff, were invited to the noon hour show on Tuesday, January 22, 2008. Kathy Handke, Support Services, was the campus facilitator for the event. Mixed Blood Theater uses theater as a vehicle for both social change and entertainment. Mixed Blood is committed to showcasing all peoples of this country in an important light, playing close attention to differences.
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Actor Marvin Grays
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Stage/Tour Manager Justin Hassle and Technician Luke Walchuk
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Kathy Handke, Support Services
Jim Prepares His Famous Chili
Jim Grove welcomed his faculty back to campus after break with a special treat – "Every now and then it is a tradition," states Grove, "to arrive early to stir up a batch of chili for faculty and staff.” January 11, 2008, was that day, a day of meetings, preparation and great tasting chili. Deb Buschena/admissions provided oven fresh rolls.
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Jim Grove stirs chili.
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- Pictured enjoying the meal are, from left: Instructors Jerry Deuschle/Electrician, Danylle Espenson/Cosmetology, CEO Jim Grove, Chrissy Glenn/Cosmetology, Mark Temple/Automotive.
Automotive Technology Student Has Help in Setting Higher Goals for Himself
When Jesse Kitzerow was a senior in high school, he thought he knew what life had in store for him. He was a new father and ready to get to work once he graduated. But by signing up for Fairmont’s (MN) Rotary Club STRIVE program, his eyes were open to bigger and better things. His older brother, Josh, recommended the program to him. Not that many years ago, brother Josh had won a scholarship through the same STRIVE program in Fairmont. According to Kitzerow, rotary members meet once a month. His mentor started talking to him about going on to school after graduation. Eventually the Rotary mentor made progress with Jesse, stating over and over that he could improve his chance of getting a better job, along with increased wages. Jesse knew he wanted to provide a better future for his daughter.
Kitzerow graduated from the Fairmont High School in the spring of 2006. The following fall, he began the NATEF/ASE Certified Automotive Technology Program at the Jackson Campus. Like his brother Josh, who graduated from the same program, Jesse is working part-time for an automotive repair business in Fairmont while enrolled at Minnesota West. His studies, along with his job, have worked well together. “I started (work) by doing oil changes, and now I’ve done things I wouldn’t have had the chance to do otherwise,” Jesse said with a big smile on his face. Jesse will graduate from Minnesota West on May 9, 2008.
Students Named as Otter Tail Power Company 2007-08 Scholarship Recipients
Jim Grove announced that the Otter Tail Power Company of Fergus Falls, MN, awarded four - $500 scholarships to the following students: Steven Baker/Courtland, MN, Rahn Findlay/Herman, MN, Jade Gillott/Montevideo, MN, Tyler Iverson/Waukon, IA. All four students are enrolled in the Powerline program. The Otter Tail Power Company serves 423 communities. Shown in the photograph from left to right: Powerline instructor Don Craig, Steven Baker, Rahn Findlay, Jade Gillott, Tyler Iverson, instructor Tom Erickson. Absent, Jade Gillott.
Alumni Rachelle Neal - relaxation, healing at her fingertips…
Meet Rachelle Neal, a 2005 graduate from the Jackson Campus Massage Therapy program. Soon after earning her 32 credit diploma, she started working as a masseuse and has been doing it since. Her business, Royal Treatment in Jackson, MN offers therapeutic body massage, hot stone therapy and seated chair therapy. Neal offers a 30-minute therapeutic massage for $30, while a 60-minute session is $40.
Neal says things have been going great so far. “I’m very pleased, she said. “Things are working out very well.”
Neal said getting a massage can be quite relaxing, but it also offers many health benefits. “I have heard clients say they’ve had less sickness,” Neal said. “It (massage) improves the immune system and helps circulation.”
She says her favorite part of her job is doing the basic massage, but she certainly enjoys the compliments from her clients as well.
In January 2006, Rachelle returned Minnesota West for training as a manicurist. After completing the program, she began doing manicures, pedicures and artificial nails along with offering paraffin dip for hands and feet, “This intensive moisture therapy nourishes skin, while penetrating heat soothes arching joints.”
Students Judge at High School BPA Regional Competition
Business Professionals of America students, Beth Allen, Dani Moore and Laraya Michel, joined fellow BPA members from the Granite Falls Campus to help judge the Regional High School BPA competitive events conference on Friday. January 25, 2008. The competitive event was held at the Granite Falls Campus of Minnesota West. Beth, Dani & Laraya are all BPA Officers at the Jackson Campus.
Pipestone Campus
Pipe Dreams Do Come True
The pipe dream of having tools, fittings, and piping for plumbing students to learn how to use new technology at no cost to the program came true. The Marketing Service Group of Edina, MN recently donated 1800 feet of PEX plastic pipe for domestic water, 1000 steel clamps, valves, fittings and several PEX crimper tools to the Plumbing program on the Pipestone Campus. Students will use the supplies while working in their mock-up practice area in their shop. Marketing Service Group has been very generous for several years with their donation of supplies as one way to show their support of technical education and the plumbing program.
Girls Take the Lead
Cosmetology students from the Pipestone Campus were part of the December 12th kick-off event of Girls Take the Lead, a new organization started by Western Community Action in Marshall, MN. The 42 young women were treated to manicures and hairstyles by the Cosmetology students. After the 13-18 year-old women exposed their outer beauty they listened to a speaker who spoke of making the best of any situation that you are given. The Girls Take the Lead is a new organization that focuses on the empowerment of young women and addressing issues that these young women are currently facing including: domestic violence, preparing for college, peer pressure and addictions.
Winter Meltdown
Cosmetology and Massage Therapy students from the Pipestone Campus treated local university students to a spa day. They were part of the annual “Winter Meltdown” week at Southwest Minnesota State University. Using their stress reducing skills massage therapy students massage worked out the cold weather muscle knots. Cosmetology students raised the spirits of the students by providing hair cuts and styles. The 30 Minnesota West students were excited to share their skills with over 350 fellow college students while being part of the great “Winter Meltdown”.
Snow Week
The 2008 Snow Week King and Queen for Minnesota West- Pipestone Campus were crowned Monday, February 4, 2008 on campus. Snow Week Queen honor went to Anna Turbes, a Cosmetology student from Redwood Falls, MN. Accepting the honor of Snow Week King was Jacob Buhman, a Plumbing student from Fridley, MN.
The Snow Week Royal Court included: (Pictured left to right) David Skjefte, a heating ventilation air conditioning student from Granite Falls, MN, Lisa Olson, a medical secretary A.A.S. student of Lake Benton, MN, Buhman (King), Dusti West, a plumbing student from Jasper, MN, Jacob Vierhuf, a plumbing student from Hendricks, MN, Carla Anderson, accounting student from Montevideo, MN, David Morales a carpentry I student from Marshall, MN, Lisa Schilling, a carpentry II student from Clear Lake, SD, Jacob Paradis, a heating ventilation air conditioning student from Marshall, MN and Turbes (Queen).
The coronation was just the beginning of the annual Snow Week fun. Students participated in Minnesota West day, pajama day, jersey day, and western day. Games were held throughout the week both indoors and outdoors. Finally a dance was held at the Pipestone American legion with a Texas Hold’m theme. All activities were sponsored by the Student Senate of Pipestone Campus.
Project House Complete!
The Pipestone Carpentry program has just completed its 40th project house. And it is sold! The Pipestone Campus project house will be complete and on display for public viewing on Sunday, March 2, 2008 from 1-4 p.m. Instructors and students will be available for tours of the house and to answer questions. The house is located at 911 9th Ave SW in Pipestone.
This year’s house is 1800+ square feet with 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, breakfast nook, cedar deck, custom oak cabinets, see thru fireplace and culture stone accent on the front. The heated triple car garage features an additional entry into the basement. Carpentry II, Plumbing, and HVAC students all worked together to complete this beautiful, efficient and modern home.
Get Green
A statement heard everywhere. Plumbing and HVAC students on the Pipestone Campus learned to how to get started down the green path with solar energy on January 28, 2008. Presenting to the class was Kurt Koegel of SolarSkies from Starbuck, MN and Scott Williams of Bisbee Plumbing & Heating in Marshall, MN. Koegel discussed and introduced the newest technology in solar panels especially as used in heating hot water. The construction and installation of the panels was explained to the students as well as the opportunities in this growing field.
Worthington Campus
Minnesota Twins Caravan Stops at Minnesota West
Members of the Minnesota Twins who stopped at Minnesota West included Manager Ron Gardenhire, Twins Representative Kevin Smith, Batting Coach Joe Vavra, Pitcher Pat Neshek, and TC Bear.
Team members spoke to twins fans about the upcoming season and signed autographs.
Meet the Jays!
Bluejay fans had the opportunity to meet their favorite basketball player or cheerleader during a recent home game. Posters of each team were handed out to fans of all ages with the opportunity for their favorite Bluejay to sign.
Dr. King’s Dream Presented
Dr. King’s Dream, a presentation performed by the Mixed Blood Theater from was held on campus in the commons for faculty, staff & students. The presentation was a portrayal of Dr. King’s career from the beginning during the Montgomery bus boycott to his death in Memphis.
Pictured is Marvin Grays an actor from Mixed Blood Theatre.
Hollis Watkins Presents
Watkins a civil rights activist spoke to students, faculty and staff about his life and the struggles of being an activist, and the importance of being an activist. Watkins is a co-founder and president of South Echo, Inc. He is focused on leadership development, education, and training for the needs of the African-American Community.
College Visit Day!
Prospective students were invited to campus on Saturday, January 5. Prospective students were given information about the campus, given tours, enjoyed pizza and provided free admission to the Bluejay basketball games.
Holiday Tea
To celebrate the holidays, staff, faculty & students joined together for the Holiday Tea. Goodies and treats were served throughout the day in the LARC and Student Services. There was also a program featuring, the choir, Mr. & Mrs. Claus, and a dancing snowman.
Choir Concert
Minnesota West Collegiate Choir preformed before full house audiences during a matinee and evening performance of their Winter Snowfest Concert.
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