Renew, Recharge & Refresh was the theme of the 2023 Health Educator Conference, held in Rochester, MN.

April 12-14, 2023, Minnesota West Community & Technical College Health Educators and other colleges from all over Minnesota gathered together to connect. Keynote speakers, ACEN board panel, CNEA Panel, and Minnesota State HealthForce Center of Excellence were all on the agenda, as well as a wellness session for the opportunity to recharge and refresh. The conference gave an opportunity for Health Educators in Minnesota to come together to share and learn in the evolving Healthcare field. Health educators sat together to listen about stress management, culture support, student engagement, and exhibitor demos.

Minnesota West's Dean of Science & Nursing, Dawn Gordon, was an ACEN session speaker on nursing accreditation’s new standards and criteria.

A dinner gala was held Thursday evening where retirees were honored. Dean Gordon was able to honor faculty member Brenda Pomerenke for her 34 years serving us at Minnesota West Community and Technical College and wish her well on her upcoming retirement in May.

Brenda began her career in nursing in 1979 after graduating from Rochester Community College. She worked at St Mary’s Hospital in Rochester before moving to southwestern MN. She’s worked as a director of nursing in long-term care, a medical surgical and psych RN, and a practical and professional level nurse educator during her 44-year nursing career.

We are grateful for the time and education Brenda shared with us and all the students at the college. Congratulations on your upcoming retirement in May, Brenda!