Freeborn County's Tuition-Free College Opportunity
The Freeborn County Community Promise Scholarship, launched through a collaboration between Riverland Community College Foundation, Albert Lea Economic Development Agency (ALEDA), and the Albert Lea Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, offers a remarkable opportunity for Freeborn County high school seniors, including the Class of 2024, to attend Riverland tuition-free. Designed as a last-dollar scholarship, it covers tuition costs not met by other financial aid for up to 65 credits across any program at Riverland campuses. This initiative, supported by community and business partners, aims to enhance local workforce development and ensure accessible education for all students, reflecting Riverland's commitment to educational opportunity and community growth.
Riverland Nursing Students' Impactful Journey to the Dominican Republic
In March 2024, a group of dedicated nursing students from Riverland embarked on an educational journey to the Dominican Republic, focusing their efforts on the community of San Jose de Ochoa. This immersive trip allowed them to gain valuable hands-on experience by visiting local diagnostic centers, assisting at elderly homes, and conducting home care visits within the community. This initiative not only provided the students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world settings but also made a significant impact on the lives of the residents of San Jose de Ochoa, showcasing the power of compassion and practical learning beyond the classroom.
Riverland's Annual Fire School: Elevating Firefighter Skills Statewide
Dave Pike, a Riverland instructor, highlights the annual regional fire school held at the Riverland campus in Austin, where over 300 firefighters from across the state gather to enhance their skills in various operations like pump operations and auto extrication. The event serves as a valuable platform for firefighters to network, exchange ideas, and further their education in critical areas such as vehicle handling, building entry, and search and rescue. Testimonials from participants underscore the significance of how this annual Riverland training improves their competencies and readiness to serve their communities more effectively.
Highlighting Education's Role in Community Growth: Insights from Austin Leadership Program
Kellie Benning, a participant in the Austin Leadership program, shared insights into the pivotal role of education in community development, highlighting the significant impact of Riverland Community College. Through the program, Kellie was inspired by Riverland's extensive offerings, which cater to students from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to pursue various educational paths. This experience underscored the value of inclusive education in supporting individual growth and community enhancement.
Viracon and Riverland Connect: Bridging Students with Electrical and Mechanical Careers
Noemi Vatthauer, a member of the Human Resources team at Viracon, attended a placement event at Riverland on the Albert Lea Campus. She engaged with students interested in pursuing careers in the electrical or mechanical fields. The event serves as an interactive platform for students to explore potential career paths, learn about Viracon's operations, and share their aspirations and skills. Activities highlight the mutual benefits between the Riverland program and the career, offering valuable insights for both students and employers. Attendees are encouraged to seize this opportunity to connect and discover the possibilities through the electrical and mechanical jobs available.
Global Perspectives on Women's Empowerment: Riverland's International Women's Day 2024
Riverland celebrated International Women's Day 2024 with a remarkable event featuring three distinguished educators who shared their global experiences. Dr. Bonnie Reese Reeds, former Riverland faculty and chair of the Hormel Foundation, recounted her enriching four-year tenure in Madagascar alongside her husband Tim. Dr. Okechukwu Ukaga, Academic Dean of Food & Agriculture, discussed his contributions to women's development in Nigeria. The event concluded with insights from Dr. Barb Houle, a psychology instructor at Riverland, who highlighted her involvement in the Books for Africa project in Eswatini (Swaziland). These presentations underscored the global challenges women face and the significant impact of educational and developmental efforts.
Bridging Academia and Industry: Riverland's Placement Event for Technical Careers
On March 19, 2024, Riverland in Albert Lea hosted a placement event that brought together six prominent companies and students from Riverland's specialized programs, including Auto Service Technology, Diesel Technology, and Truck Driving. Among the companies were industry leaders like Kibble Equipment, SANCO Services, and NUSS Trucking, all of which met with students to discuss potential career opportunities. This event marks a significant bridge between academic preparation and professional application, offering students a direct pathway to engage with potential employers in their field of study.
Promoting Sustainable Farming: Riverland's Cover Crop Training Session
Riverland recently hosted a cover crop training session aimed at enhancing the knowledge of employees, conservation partners, and agronomists in sustainable farming practices. The event focused on the benefits and management of cover crops for soil conservation and improvement was organized by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Through hands-on activities, including a cover crop identification course, participants learned about various cover crops and their roles in farming ecosystems. The training underscores the commitment to promoting soil health and conservation techniques at a local level nationwide.
Riverland Rehosts Minn-Kota Phi Theta Kappa Conference: A Gathering of Honors and Leadership
Sue Grove, an advisor for the Zeta Eta branch of Phi Theta Kappa at Riverland, is delighted Riverland hosted the spring conference for the Minn-Kota region of International Phi Theta Kappa. The last time Riverland hosted the conference was seven years ago. They were thrilled to welcome the event back to our Austin Campus. This year's conference attracted approximately 70 participants including regional officers and chapters from across Minnesota. The focus was to learn about Phi Theta Kappa honors and action projects, cultivate servant leadership, and ensure a rewarding experience for all involved.