New scholarships, Distinguished Alumni and more news
 
Dear Alumni,

Spring weather is around the corner. As we look ahead to the end of the academic year, plans have begun for Commencement on Friday, May 13.

Commencement is one highlight of the year, mainly because it marks both an end and a beginning for our graduates. An end of working hard to earn a diploma, certificate or degree. A beginning of a new phase in life, utilizing knowledge and skills in the workforce or continuing education.

The 2016 graduates will be joining the ranks of Alumni. They will be happy to identify with you, following paths similar to yours and knowing that your time at Riverland contributed to your success as well.
 
Enjoy this issue of the newsletter, and as always, we look forward to hearing from you. Stop by my office if you are in the vicinity. Marijo or I will be glad to give you a tour of the campus.
 
Sincerely,
Adenuga Atewologun, Ph.D.
 

Austin Beta Sigma Phi Creates Endowed Scholarship

The Beta Sigma Phi, Xi Kappa chapter of Austin has been sponsoring an annual $500 scholarship to support local non-traditional women attending Riverland since 2011 with a goal to raise enough funds to endow the scholarship. Endowments start at $10,000. Only interest income funds scholarships, providing the scholarships in perpetuity.

Earlier this year, Beta Sigma Phi had raised $8,500 toward their goal, $1,500 shy of the endowment. Dr. C. Jerry Nelson, a distinguished alum of Riverland, decided to help them achieve their goal.

Dr. Nelson donated the final $1,500 needed to endow the scholarship and added an additional $500 to provide for a scholarship during the first year.

"Beta Sigma Phi, Xi Kappa chapter has definitely worked together to help build hope, create dreams, and change the lives of Riverland students." Steve Bowron, dean for institutional advancement at Riverland said. "I am so proud of what they have accomplished through their fundraising efforts and generosity."
Albert B. Cuppage Foundation Donates $2,000 to Riverland Foundation

Trustees of the Albert B. Cuppage Foundation donated $2,000 to the Riverland Community College Foundation to launch a new annual scholarship that supports students enrolled full-time in a career and technical program located at Riverland Community College's Albert Lea campus.

"On behalf of the Cuppage Foundation, we are thrilled to assist students with the funding of their technical training and education," said Don Savelkoul, a trustee of the Albert B. Cuppage Foundation. "We really appreciate that Riverland is focused on expanding the training needed for expanding our workforce, and helping students improve their lives."
 
News Bites

 

Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce awarded Riverland Community College the Large Business of the Year award.

 

Five members of the Riverland volleyball team received academic excellence award in the Minnesota College Athletic Conference for maintaining highest GPAs while taking full academic loads, lead by student-athlete Hannah B took 18 credits and earned a perfect 4.00.  

State of Minnesota Leveraged Equipment Matching funds of $106,371 allowed Riverland to purchase $212,742 worth of instructional equipment in health sciences, diesel, carpentry and agriculture/food sciences.

 
Nominate Distinguished Alumni by March 1

Nominations are open for the 2016 Riverland Community College
Distinguished Alumni Award which recognizes contributions Riverland
alumni make and increases the pride all alumni, students, staff and faculty have for Riverland.

Nominees for the 2016 award will be evaluated on making a significant
contribution to the achievement of Riverland's vision, establishing and/or strengthening Riverland's community partnerships and contributing to a community in a significant way.

To nominate a candidate, use this online form. Deadline to nominate is
Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at 4:30 p.m. Late nominations will not be
considered.
Who are Riverland Alumni? 
Riverland Community College is proud to serve southeast Minnesota and beyond from our three campuses in Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna. If you attended Riverland or any of the predecessors--
  • Albert Lea Manpower Development and Training Center
  • Albert Lea Technical Education Center
  • Albert Lea Area Vocational Technical Institute
  • Albert Lea/Mankato Technical College
  • Albert Lea Technical College
  • Albert Lea Technical Institute
  • Austin Area Vocational School
  • Austin Area Vo-Tech Institute
  • Austin Community College
  • Austin Junior College
  • Austin State Junior College
  • Austin Technical College
  • Austin Technical Institute
  • Minnesota Riverland Technical College
  • Owatonna Extension Center/Austin State Junior College
  • Owatonna TTC
  • South Central Technical College (Albert Lea)
we are proud to call you an alum!
We salute the generations of students, faculty and staff as well as the three communities that host our campuses for forming a foundation for Riverland Community College. Your excellence inspired our vision to achieve BEST-IN-CLASS status in programs through excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.


Riverland Community College Alumni Association
laura.helle@riverland.edu - 507-433-0664 - www.riverland.edu