Riverland Quarterly Showcasing brief examples of how we serve our region. Published July 2024

Empowering Health: Riverland's Event for Latina Women in Austin

On Saturday, June 15th, Riverland hosted a significant event at our Austin campus, aimed at supporting Latina women in our community. In collaboration with Community Health Services Inc. from Rochester, the event provided free health exams to attendees. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to becoming a Hispanic-serving institution, and we look forward to continuing to offer such valuable services to our community members.

Shape the Future: Contribute to Riverland’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan

Riverland Community College is actively developing its Strategic Plan for 2025-2030 and recently held public listening sessions in Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna to gather community input. If you missed these sessions, your ideas and suggestions are still invaluable. We encourage everyone to share their thoughts on how we can enhance our role as a community and technical college, ensuring that Riverland meets the evolving needs of our region. Your input is crucial in shaping a future that benefits all.

Launching Solutions: Riverland's Training Program for Water and Wastewater Operators

This quarter marks an exciting development as cities across Southern Minnesota, facing a critical shortage of water and wastewater operators, rally around a collaborative solution. Riverland Community College, particularly through its Austin campus, is set to spearhead this initiative. With a recent state appropriation of $350,000, the college will develop and launch a training program in the coming months. This strategic investment not only addresses immediate community needs but also ensures ongoing support for these essential services.

Insights and Trends: Riverland’s Annual Farm Business Management Review

On April 5, Riverland held its Farm Business Management (FBM) Annual Financial Review at VFW Post 5727 in Zumbrota, MN. This pivotal meeting showcased a comprehensive analysis of crop trends, presented by FBM instructors along with Dean Okechukwu Ukaga. Attendees gained valuable insights into the latest data, helping to navigate the complexities of farm management and optimize agricultural strategies for the coming year.

Community Care: Riverland Cosmetology Students Serve Steele County

Lisa and Jesse from the Cosmetology Department at Riverland Community College, along with their students, hosted a day of community service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna. For over a decade, this initiative has provided complimentary haircuts and manicures to Steel County residents in need. This event not only offers vital resources to the community but also enables students to refine their skills through real-world experience. The engagement fosters a sense of accomplishment and pride among students as they contribute meaningfully to community service.

Exploring Careers: Riverland's Interactive Event at Fairmont Area High School

On April 10, Riverland took a dynamic approach to career exploration at Fairmont Area High School. Spearheaded by Dean Kim Nelson and Instructor Al Lawrence, the event showcased engaging activities like the DeWalt Challenge, led by Instructor Adam Hahn, and informative sessions on Diesel Technology by Dan Longsdorf. This initiative provided students with hands-on experiences and valuable insights into potential career paths, emphasizing practical skills and industry knowledge.

Books for Africa: A Milestone of Generosity at Riverland

Dr. Barb Houle, a psychology instructor and coordinator of the Books for Africa project at Riverland, highlights the recent successes of the initiative. With over 1,800 books collected from IJ Holton on May 2nd and an additional 800 donated at Riverland on May 9th, the community's generosity shines brightly. The Riverland truck driving department has played a crucial role by transporting these books to the Books for Africa Warehouse in St. Paul. These efforts culminate later this month with the shipment of these books to Africa, where they will help establish libraries and empower students to achieve their educational dreams. Dr. Houle extends her gratitude to all the donors and participants who have made this project a resounding success.

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