Amidst competition from both Minnesota and Wisconsin, three 黑料网 Welding students and three alumni earned top-three honors in the annual Behind the Mask collegiate and industry welding competition on in late February at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, WI.

Sixteen Ridgewater students from the Hutchinson campus were among the approximately 100 competitors from across the two states competing in various welding skills tests, including shielded stick welding, tungsten, and gas metal welding.

Warrior Cody Simon of Cologne brought home championship bragging rights in the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) division. Lexi Karnes of Howard Lake wasn鈥檛 far behind with her second-place finish. Gibson Kerkvliet of Lester Prairie took second in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW).

鈥淥ur students have the ability to look at a blueprint, and not get nervous, and do quality welds and do them on time,鈥� said John Travis, one of Ridgewater鈥檚 Welding instructors.

Travis added that this competition, which is sponsored by the American Welding Society 鈥� Northwest Section, is great preparation for welders to compete in SkillsUSA in April.

In the industry competition, Ridgewater alumni excelled as well. Caleb Streich of Cokato took third in OxyFuel cutting. Instructor Jason Eastling (Annandale) took first in OxyFuel cutting and third in GMAW, GTAW and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). Former Ridgewater student and instructor Jeremy Hall of Butterfield took first in GMA and second in GTAW and SMAW.

For information about the Ridgewater Welding program, go to .

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黑料网 students Cecelia Lhotka, Melissa Rosenow and Ethan Peterson  have been nominated and will represent Ridgewater on the 2023-2024 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) National Honor Society All-Minnesota Academic Team.

The All-Minnesota Academic Team program provides the opportunity to celebrate some of the state鈥檚 highest-achieving college students in associate degree and certificate programs, considering classroom academic excellence and rigor, plus community service and leadership.

Rosenow of Hutchinson is a Nursing student studying to become a registered nurse. Also of Hutchinson, Peterson is a Liberal Arts and Sciences student on the Hutchinson campus with plans for a computer science career after transferring to the University of Minnesota 鈥� Twin Cities. Lhotka, of Darwin, is an online Peace Officer student looking forward to becoming a state trooper.

The three students will now be considered in the competitive process for the All-USA Academic Team. All-State recognition and nomination to the All-USA Academic Team national program means the three will be considered for special PTK scholarships and will be honored at a special ceremony on April 19 at the Como Park Rainforest Auditorium.

鈥淥pportunities like this are quite inspiring for students,鈥� said Dr. Bradley Wolfe, Ridgewater PTK co- advisor.

In Wolfe鈥檚 nomination letter for Peterson, he highlighted Peterson鈥檚 dedication, intellectual curiosity, and strong work ethic. 鈥淐urrently engaged in the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program, Ethan is on track to complete an impressive 64 college credits with Ridgewater, all while maintaining an outstanding 3.9 g.p.a (grade point average).鈥�

Rosenow鈥檚 nomination highlighted her proactive commitment to the Ridgewater PTK chapter and her passion for helping people in health care. Her nursing background helped the chapter implement an action project using play to support mental health and self-care.

鈥淭he opportunities that this honor provides are unparalleled,鈥� said Lhotka. 鈥淚t will help me further my goal of helping others in their greatest times of need.鈥� The second-year student will graduate in May, take her peace office skills training in Alexandria, and then plans to cap it off with state trooper training at Fort Ripley.

Peterson said he hopes that the honor will give him an edge in scholarship applications as he continues his education. That would helpful Rosenow also, as her plans include continuing to earn her bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees while juggling family.

Minimum requirements include being enrolled in a minimum of six semester credits, having completed 36 credits, having a minimum 3.5 g.p.a. on a 4-point scale, being on track to earn an associate or bachelor鈥檚 degree, being a U.S. resident, and possessing clean student and criminal records.

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黑料网鈥檚 Beth Husman of Raymond was recently honored for her teaching excellence by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System Board of Trustees. The Ridgewater alum teaches in the Veterinary Technology program on the Willmar campus.

Minnesota State will recognize all 2024 Outstanding Educators at an April 17 banquet in St. Paul.

Nominating students highlighted Husman鈥檚 ability to assist students to be successful, her commitment and her ability to make learning fun while being an 鈥渁mazing leader and role model.”

Ridgewater leadership agreed. 鈥淏eth鈥檚 recognition and nomination is well-deserved and demonstrates her strong commitment to the success of the Veterinary Technology program and its students,鈥� said Jeff Miller, Ridgewater dean of instruction.聽鈥淎s a co-program coordinator, Beth also takes on many responsibilities that involve student recruitment, academic advising, program marketing, student club advising, fundraising, and internship coordination, to name a few.鈥�

Ridgewater President Dr. Craig Johnson commended Husman for her commitment to students, community engagement and continuous improvement.

Husman graduated from the Ridgewater Veterinary Technology program herself and holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree from South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. She is a certified and registered veterinary technician and holds credentials in artificial insemination and professional compassion.

Since 2000, Husman has been a Ridgewater educator. Her focus is veterinary nursing procedures, surgery and anesthesia preparation, clinical dentistry skills, hospital procedures, and resume鈥� and internship preparation. Being involved with local, regional, and national practitioners keeps her connected to industry standards to ensure graduates are well-prepared to enter the profession, Miller added.

鈥淭his is just so humbling,鈥� Husman said. 鈥淭wenty-four years ago, by answering a random phone call at my clinic, I fell into my teaching position at Ridgewater and was given the opportunity to do what I now know was and is my life’s calling.聽I am so humbled and honored.聽I am blessed that I get to do this every day and impact students鈥� lives.鈥� One way she helps students build community relationships is to organize the semi-annual dog washes and vaccine clinics.

Husman said she strives to help students be successful in the program as well as becoming well-rounded people. 鈥淚 am a counselor, parent figure, mentor, friend, mediator, and some days, even a punching bag,鈥� she explained. Many students call her Mom. 鈥淚 used to think we were here to just teach students a skill or a profession, but more and more, I believe we teach them that plus so many life skills. Teaching is relationships.鈥� They are what make teaching so rewarding for Husman.

For more information about the Minnesota State awards, go to聽.

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More than 830 graduates celebrated their academic success at 黑料网 last week. Graduates and their families and friends joined together with Ridgewater faculty and staff to honor student achievements last Thursday at the McLeod County Fairgrounds in Hutchinson and Friday at the Willmar Civic Center.

Approximately 350 eligible graduates participated in ceremonies with packed venues of family and friends. Ridgewater employees shared a collective round of applause that made many in the graduate processional smile in thanks at the ceremonies.

Hutchinson Student Senate President Samuel Choy of Bloomington delivered the student address in Hutchinson. The Marketing and Sales Management graduate shared a motivational message with tips for graduates heading into their next chapters. 鈥淚 want you all to remember.: 1. Never give up, 2. Be better 1% every day, and 3. Every day is a good ol鈥� day.鈥� He highlighted how time is not certain for anyone and how a positive mindset can help people push forward with their eyes on the prize.

At the Willmar commencement, the student speaker was Ridgewater Student Ambassador Juan Santiago Espinosa Hernandez, Mexico and Kerkhoven, graduating with a Liberal Arts and Sciences Associate鈥檚 degree.

鈥淣o matter if you are continuing your academic career, or if you want to start working for that company you have always dreamed of, remember that your school prepared you well,鈥� Hernandez said. 鈥淒on鈥檛 be afraid of conquering the world like you are supposed to. You never know if you might ever inspire someone to do something important one day鈥�. I am proud of each and every one of you who fought for a dream. No matter how small it was, it was a dream, and only fighters and hard-working people are the ones who get to accomplish them.鈥�

The 2023 guest speaker for both ceremonies was Erika Kellen of Edina Realty and a 黑料网 Foundation board member. Kellen, who holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in mass communications and a master鈥檚 degree in higher education, spent 17 years in post-secondary education at St. Cloud State University and 黑料网. Her second career is as a licensed Realtor in Hutchinson, but she maintains her passion for education and helping students by serving on the Ridgewater Foundation board.

鈥淐rown yourself with confidence that you have received an excellent education and are prepared for tomorrow鈥檚 new chapter,鈥� Kellen said. 鈥淚t is okay to stumble, fall, fly and soar.鈥� She encouraged graduates to become persistent, critical-thinking problem solvers. 鈥淣o one but you can move yourself in the path of success.鈥�

Kellen鈥檚 strongest message, however, was one of encouraging graduates and all attendees to find gratitude in life. 鈥淚f you focus on gratitude, the good will come鈥�. Wake up every morning and make sure your first thoughts focus on something that you鈥檙e grateful for and meditate on that thought. When you repeat this habit, you will begin your day with a positive vibe that will reverberate throughout your day.鈥�

Among 2022-23 Ridgewater graduates were 442 from the Willmar campus, 271 from the Hutchinson campus, and 118 online students from all over.

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Months of brainstorming and hard work came together on Wednesday, April 26, when the Willmar Police Department (WPD) dedicated a unique canine statue, thanks to 黑料网鈥檚 Welding program.

For several months, Ridgewater Welding students and faculty have been working to create a life-size, stainless steel German Shepard sculpture to recognize the value of K-9 officers within the police, emergency and military services.

鈥淲e were approached last summer by Willmar Police Chief Jim Felt to build a sculpture to display in their lobby,鈥� said Cody Sarsland, Ridgewater Welding instructor. 鈥淲e鈥檝e had numerous students involved in bending, cutting and welding the many pieces of this sculpture and are excited to install and help dedicate it.鈥�

Police Chief Felt had the vision. He said he is a dog lover and had been pondering ideas for recognizing K-9s. 鈥淓veryone can rally around dogs,鈥� he said. So he began looking online for ideas and was drawn to a Russian artist鈥檚 design that was a sort of metal origami. After exploring possible fundraising to purchase and ship a sculpture from the artist, Felt instead decided to reach out to Ridgewater to see if Welding faculty and students wanted to take on the project. The WPD had had a great partnership with the former Ridgewater Carpentry program when students built boxes and ladders to help train canines.

鈥淭he artist was selling his plans on how to create the sculpture so our department purchased the plans and Cody and his students made it happen,鈥� Felt said. Fortunately, fundraising wasn鈥檛 even necessary because the project was created from scrap metal and materials donated from local businesses. In addition, the Ridgewater Auto Body Collision Repair students volunteered to put a finishing touch on the work with a protective clear coat.

鈥淭he project was a perfect fit in our second-year Fabrication classes,鈥� Sarsland said. 鈥淭he students learned how to communicate with each other on each step of fabrication to end up with well-finished, complicated project. I also believe it helps students feel comfortable with our local police. We had great interactions and conversations with Police Chief Felt in our shop. Students learned that welding job opportunities can come from a place you don鈥檛 typically think of. We were happy to donate our time and skills as a class to the ones who help protect us. It鈥檚 the least we could do.鈥�

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黑料网鈥檚 Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society chapter is having quite a rewarding and awarding year.

First, it celebrated students Lizza Dinndorf and Zoey Lovold for being named to the Minnesota All-Academic Team. Then Ridgewater鈥檚 Heidi Olson, dean of students, received the 2023 Distinguished College Administrator Award for efforts in 2022.

Now Ridgewater PTK officers Leigh Baker of Watkins, and Darcy Martin and Max Pohlman of Hutchinson have earned a PTK Distinguished Chapter Officer Team Award and Advisor Dr. Bradley Wolfe has earned a 2023 Paragon Award for New Advisors for 2022 efforts.

OFFICER TEAM

鈥淧TK was not very active during the COVID pandemic, but these students brought much-needed energy to make PTK active on campus again,鈥� said Advisor Wolfe. Although there were many factors involved in the award selection, Wolfe shared a few highlights that made the team deserving of 2023 recognition for their work in 2022. 鈥淒arcy did a great job setting the goal for us to be a five-star chapter, which the Hutchinson chapter did for the first time in our history. Leigh brought enthusiasm to our bake sale and joined Darcy and me at a regional conference in Fargo last fall. Max has been a consistent presence in our meetings and has helped spread the word about PTK throughout his networks. They contributed a lot to PTK and our college to deserve this award.鈥� All three officers are studying Liberal Arts and Sciences.

CHAPTER ADVISOR

Wolfe has been a Ridgewater Communications faculty and PTK advisor for almost two years, bringing the student organization back to life after COVID paused most student activities. In addition to working with students to revive it, he accepted sole leadership for the organization when the Willmar campus co-advisor resigned, and the two campus chapters united in January of 2023.

鈥淎lthough it was extra work and with students whom he didn鈥檛 know, Bradley assumed full advising leadership without question and with strong commitment,鈥� said Heidi Olson, Ridgewater dean of students. 鈥淭o do so, and to also include fully online learners, he created a virtual hybrid version of their meetings so students could attend from either campus or wherever they were located – a first for either Hutchinson or Willmar chapter. This has really opened opportunities for more of our students to be involved.鈥�

“I’m honored that the students and the college nominated me for the award,鈥� Wolfe said. 鈥淚’ve put in a lot of effort to help rebuild the chapter, and I am excited about our future.”

Wolfe was also recognized for his initiative to connect with other regional and international PTK networks, his time commitment, student support, communication, leadership to empower and inspire his officers and chapter, and his creativity to work with the Ridgewater Foundation to guide the chapter to host its first online silent auction fundraiser to create scholarships for active PTK members. He continues to lead officers in their goal to become a five-star chapter.

鈥淒r. Wolfe has encouraged and guided us to think critically, set goals, and know how to network and utilize resources, be it locally, or anywhere!鈥� stated the students in the nomination. 鈥淲e are very proud to have Dr. Wolfe serve as our advisor to provide resources and opportunities to students across our two campuses.鈥�

鈥淗is qualities, efforts, commitment, and contributions – not only to 黑料网, but to the community, as well – make him an excellent choice,鈥� the nomination letter stated.

This award is based on nominations from the chapter and the college. PTK will formally recognize Ridgewater award recipients during the PTK 2023 annual convention in Columbus, Ohio, April 20-22.

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Welders, electricians and auto body techs, oh my! 黑料网 students put their skills to the test recently at the annual collegiate SkillsUSA-Minnesota annual Leadership and Skills Conference in the Twin Cities at multiple locations on March 30-April 2, bringing home one team gold medal and two individual gold medals.

SkillsUSA is a national career and technical student organization that challenges secondary and post-secondary students to test their skills in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. More than 275 students competed in 50-plus events.

WELDING

Four of seven competing Ridgewater Welding students came home as champions in the SkillsUSA team Welding Fabrication and Individual Welding categories.

In the Welding Fabrication team event, gold-medal honors went to Ridgewater鈥檚 John Daniels (Delano), Kyle Roth (Waconia), and Sam Hershley (Buffalo).

鈥淭he challenge for the contest this year was that we weren鈥檛 given the idea for the project or the blueprints until a day before the competition,鈥� explained Welding instructor John Travis. 鈥淥ur team spent most of the day prior to the competition composing a workflow plan, dividing tasks, and entering critical information to finish the blueprints. On competition day, they stuck with the plan, worked well as a team for the six hours, and were able to finish a great weld table project on time to win the competition.鈥� 

Ridgewater鈥檚 John Gosswiller, second-year student from Cokato, became the gold medal champion for the individual competition. He performed six different methods, including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) stick welding with two different electrodes, Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) MIG welding with solid and flux-cored wires, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) TIG welding with aluminum, and Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC) torch cutting. Competitors also tested their welding knowledge with a written test.

鈥淲e are very proud of our students鈥� hard work and ability to overcome challenges,鈥� Travis said.

ELECTRICIAN

Glencoe鈥檚 Emma Becker in the Ridgewater Electrician program earned Gold in the Electrical Construction Wiring division.

鈥淭he competition itself was very fun, and I really enjoyed being a part of it,鈥� said Becker, a second-year Electrician student. 鈥淭here was a test portion where you are judged on your knowledge of the National Electrical Code, and an actual wiring portion where we were given a task to complete. I knew exactly what I was doing on the wiring part of the competition, but I didn’t feel as confident with the written test.鈥� Confident enough though for the top podium step.

鈥淲e in the Electrician program are very proud of Emma and what she has accomplished,鈥� said instructor Leland Floren. 鈥淗er skill, speed and precision during competition impressed many people. It will be interesting to see what doors open and what opportunities present themselves to her as time goes on.  She is an outstanding student, and I am certain she will achieve whatever she sets her mind to.鈥�

Becker is no stranger to trade competitions. Earlier this year, she finished in the top 5 in a national IDEAL Elite Electricians Championship in Florida.

The SkillsUSA welding and electrician championship performances qualify the students to compete at nationals in June in Georgia, but it is uncertain, at this time, whether the students will be able to attend.

AUTOMOTIVE BODY COLLISION REPAIR

Four students from Ridgewater鈥檚 Automotive Body Collision Repair program competed in the Auto Body and Refinishing categories.

Tristian Lang of Hutchinson earned third-place podium honors. Others competing included Ethann Newport of Little Falls, Jacob Raak of Jasper, and Jeremiah Karels of Howard Lake.

鈥淎ll four did an incredible job finishing just a few points short of being on the podium,鈥� said Ridgewater instructor Kelly Rue. Some of the tasks they performed included painting, dent repair, estimating, welding, and plastic repair.

For more information about Ridgewater Electrician, Welding or Auto Body Collision Repair programs, go to .

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Nearly all 26 Ridgewater students who attend national competitions place in top 10

WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN 鈥� Five Ridgewater Agriculture students recently placed in the top three at the National Professional Agricultural Students (PAS) conference held March 15-18 in Des Moines, IA. In addition, Ridgewater PAS advisor and Agriculture instructor Curt Yoose became the 2023 National PAS Outstanding Advisor.

Twenty-six Ridgewater students competed in 15+ different categories with about 400 other participants. Twenty-five of the Ridgewater students placed in the top 10 in at least one category.

Three students became second-place winners in their challenges: Emma Ascheman (Benson), Career Planning 鈥� Agribusiness Systems; Hayden Jensen (Hutchinson), Career Progress 鈥� Agribusiness Systems; Lauren Huchel (Cloquet), Employment Interview.

Also taking podium honors were third-place finishers Annabelle Pronschinske (Rollingstone), in the Career Planning 鈥� Animal Systems category, and Ascheman, in Prepared Speakers in Agriculture.

鈥淚t is great to see our students do so well,鈥� said Ridgewater PAS Advisor Curt Yoose. 鈥淢any of them invested lots of time and effort into practicing and perfecting their competition. We are so proud of how they represented not only themselves, but also 黑料网 and the agriculture industry in general.鈥�

Warrior Top 10 Finishers

Ag Sales: 5, Tristan Van Dam, (Jasper); 7, Isaac Striemer, (Welcome)

Agronomy Specialist Team: 5, Striemer, Hayden Jensen (Hutchinson), Joe Carlson (Litchfield); 9, Isaac Starke (Hutchinson), Evan Gillham (Princeton), Kait Diederich (St. Bonifacius)

Agronomy Specialist Individual: 10, Striemer

Ag Machinery Service Technician: 7, Caleb Hoff (Sacred Heart), Van Dam; 10, Luke Kroska (St. Cloud)

Career planning 鈥� Agribusiness Systems: 2, Ascheman; 7, Taylor Brandt (Clontarf)

Career Progress – Agribusiness Systems: 2, Jensen

Career Planning 鈥� Animal Systems: 3, Pronschinske

Dairy Specialist Team: 8, Hunter Michalowski (Rollingstone), Craig Willenbring (Richmond), Payton Nathe (Melrose); 10, Pronschinske, Matthew Middendorf (Sauk Centre), Cody Brott (St. Cloud)

Employment Interview 鈥� Forestry and Natural Resources: 2, Lauren Huchel (Cloquet)

Equine Specialist Individual: 10, Renee Schneider (Cold Spring)

Precision Ag Specialist: 5, Huchel

Sheep and Goat Specialist Team: 4, Aidan Rucker (Oronoco), Tyler Kreidermacher (Rollingstone), Gable Speltz (Altura)

Sheep and Goat Specialist Individual: 8, Speltz

Speakers for Ag 鈥� Impromptu: 8, Caleb Hoff (Sacred Heart)

Speakers for Ag 鈥� Prepared: 3, Ascheman

Swine Specialist: 7, Ascheman, Cadence Larson (Benson), Brandt

National Outstanding Advisor

Ridgewater鈥檚 Curt Yoose of Spicer was named the 2023 National PAS Outstanding Advisor at the national conference. Yoose, who has taught in the Agriculture Department for 25 years, primarily teaches in the Agronomy and Precision Agriculture programs.

鈥淐urt has a proven track record of providing a high-level engagement with students in our Agriculture programs and is a statewide leader in agriculture education advocacy,鈥� said Jeff Miller, Ridgewater dean of instruction. 鈥淗e is committed to making strong community relations with our industry partners and the ag community in general. We are proud to have Curt as a member of the 黑料网 faculty.鈥�

鈥淚t is an honor to receive this award, but I cannot take solo credit,鈥� Yoose said. 鈥淭his is not possible without three key ingredients: passionate students who are driven to seek knowledge and opportunity; a supportive institution like Ridgewater that allows for these experiences to happen, and great coworkers. We have 12 other instructors in our department who are just as deserving, especially co-advisor Kari Slinden.鈥�  

Slinden modestly stated that it is indeed Yoose who is deserving of the award.

For more information about Ridgewater Agriculture programs, go to .

Cutline

黑料网 is no stranger to honors at the Professional Agricultural Students (PAS) National Conference. This year, Ridgewater PAS advisor Curt Yoose, center, was named 2023 Outstanding Advisor. He celebrated the honor with outgoing national PAS officers from 黑料网: Vice President Makayla Breth of Albany and President Bryce Thompson of Buffalo.

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黑料网鈥檚 Wade McDonald of Hutchinson was recently honored for his teaching excellence by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System Board of Trustees. McDonald teaches in the Professional Photography and the Photography and Design programs.

Minnesota State will recognize all 2023 Outstanding Educators at an April 19 celebration banquet in St. Paul. For now, the Minnesota State website recognizes all honorees with photos and highlights at . 

鈥淢cDonald has led innovative student-centered changes to the program and throughout the college, using digital tools to support flexibility, exposing students to cutting-edge technology, such as virtual reality, and promoting interactive and collaborative learning,鈥� states the Minnesota State website.

Ridgewater administration agrees. 鈥淲ade was nominated and recognized for this award because of his outstanding commitment to 黑料网, the Professional Photography program, and most importantly, his students,鈥� said Matt Feuerborn, Ridgewater dean of technical programs. 鈥淎s a teacher, he is committed to the process of teaching and learning with a commitment to being as effective as possible in his classes. As a professional photographer, he keeps a finger on the pulse of the evolving trends and best practices to help ensure that students are prepared to enter today鈥檚 workforce.鈥� 

McDonald has been an educator at 黑料网 since 2015. He began at the Willmar campus but broadened his impact by working with his Photography colleague, Amy Pawelk (two-time Outstanding Educator nominee), to convert the program to an online format with complementary in-person studio and lab time at both Willmar and Hutchinson campuses. Students who take the online courses receive the necessary photography equipment to complete all the hands-on projects. 

As one of two curriculum and instruction specialists, McDonald assists all faculty in modernizing their curriculum through technology. In this role, he co-leads a professional growth podcast with colleague Mary Gruis (2015 Outstanding Educator) titled Rethink, Relearn, Repeat, and co-facilitates a book club specifically addressing a variety of themes, including culturally responsive teaching, inclusive instruction, and student-centered pedagogy.

McDonald holds a Master鈥檚 degree in Educational Technology from Minnesota State University, Mankato; a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design; and a Bachelor of Art degree from Minnesota State University, Moorhead.

鈥淭o be nominated and then chosen by the committee to represent 黑料网 for this award is an honor,鈥� McDonald said. 鈥淚 know there are a lot of other faculty members who do amazing jobs 鈥� for their students, the college, and the community 鈥� and deserve this award also.鈥� More than 20 Ridgewater faculty were nominated for the award.

鈥淲ade is an advocate for continuous learning and professional development and models these behaviors in all that he does,鈥� Feuerborn added. 鈥淗e has an unwavering commitment to innovative teaching practices and course delivery, culturally responsive pedagogy, and dedication to professional development and growth.鈥� 

The Outstanding Educator nomination commends McDonald for creating engaging and comfortable learning environments, helping students manage course deadlines, and being readily available to foster a climate of connection and support. 

鈥淲ith this recognition, Wade joins an elite group of outstanding educators at 黑料网,鈥� said 黑料网 President Dr. Craig Johnson. 鈥淚n addition to his strong commitment to students, Wade excels in his contributions to collaboration, innovation and service to the college community. We are very fortunate to have Wade on our faculty at Ridgewater!鈥�

鈥淭his award means a lot to me,鈥� McDonald said. 鈥淚鈥檝e been in the visual communications industry since I graduated from college about 20 years ago. Working at 黑料网 has been a great opportunity to bring together my experiences doing portrait photography, graphic design, and commercial photography to enrich students鈥� education with real-life examples and scenarios that have been built into the curriculum. Working alongside my colleagues Pawelk and Amy Maher (2008 Outstanding Educator), we鈥檝e had fun collaborating and expanding the Visual Communications department.鈥� 

Service to the college outside of the classroom for McDonald has included enthusiastic involvement in career exploration and outreach, online student orientation, Minnesota State College Faculty representative for the computers and technology division, faculty governance, and the Academic Affairs and Standards Council. Community involvement has included board membership for the Hutchinson Center for the Arts and varied involvement with the Hutchinson Photography Club and numerous community clubs and efforts.

For more information about the Minnesota State awards, go to . For more information about 黑料网, go to .

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Ridgewater Wrestling Warriors Cole Holien and Wil Yasseri earned All-American honors last weekend when they each placed seventh at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III national championships in Iowa.

Yaseri, a sophomore from Rogers competing at 165 pounds, finished the tournament 5-2 with opponents from Iowa, Illinois, Idaho, and New York. Holien, a freshman from Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, competed in the 141-pound weight class and tallied a 4-2 record event record. His competitors came from Kansas, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Wyoming, Michigan. Freshman Austin Schlangen, a 285-pounder from Eden Valley-Watkins, competed both days of the tourney, putting up a 3-2 win-loss performance.

With fellow Warriors Brady Holien, Taedon Nichols and Rick Jones, Ridgewater finished 17th place with 39.5 points among a field of 51 teams scoring points there.

Warrior Co-Coaches Logan Peterson and Travis Deegan were pleased with their Warriors. 鈥淚 am extremely proud of how our team performed at the national tournament this year,鈥� Peterson said Monday. 鈥淭hey all worked hard to get to that point, and they put on a good show. Every one of them won matches and came ready to fight and give it their all. Wil and Cole had some of their best matches all year, so it was nice to see them rise to the challenge and achieve what I knew they were capable of.鈥�

For Yaseri, the tournament was his last competitive outing. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really fun competing at that level,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou know that every match is going to be a fight and no points come easy鈥�. It was a great way to finish off my wrestling career.鈥�

鈥淐ompeting at a college level is a lot of fun and you learn a lot,鈥� said Warrior Cole Holien. 鈥淚 was happy with my performance at the tournament and can’t wait until next year!鈥�

Coach Peterson commended the two All-Americans. 鈥淐ole is a rare athlete who is willing to work hard with no complaints and he has no fear of losing, only a desire to win,鈥� he said. 鈥淲hen you put those two things together, they become a dangerous combination for any of his opponents. I was not surprised at all that he became an All-American with his mindset.

鈥淲il has had a unique season,鈥� Peterson shared. 鈥淗e has been battling multiple injuries throughout the year and bumped up a weight class, thus facing much stronger opponents. Wil would just put his head down and push through all the adversity. That mindset is what allowed him to get key upsets throughout the weekend that led him to receive All-American honors. Both guys were a coach鈥檚 dream, and I am extremely honored to be a part of their journey in achieving their goals.鈥�

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黑料网 Dean of Students Heidi Olson has received a Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) National Honor Society 2023 Distinguished College Administrator award for her outstanding support of student success.

Olson, who is a Ridgewater alumnus and 33-year employee born and raised in Willmar, has been dean of students for 18 years and oversees the college PTK student chapter with faculty advisor Dr. Bradley Wolfe.

The nomination application commended Olson for 鈥渨orking hard to provide more opportunities and stronger pathways to completion, transfer, and employment,鈥� said the award letter. 鈥�(Students) know you support their learning both inside and outside the classroom, and as a result, they have a better college experience because of you.鈥�

Support examples cited in the nomination included some key efforts: 1) helping to increase PTK awareness through visible student-led activities after low engagement times during the COVID  pandemic, 2) improving PTK accessibility through innovative hybrid connections that better engaged online students and others who appreciated the new virtual option, 3) merging the Hutchinson and Willmar PTK chapters, and 4) supportively training the new faculty advisor for leadership success and thus student success.

鈥淲e appreciate Heidi鈥檚 creative problem-solving, her understanding of academic excellence, and how she highlights how our community college is a smart option for students,鈥� explained Wolfe. 鈥淪he has also opened doors for PTK students to gain leadership skills.鈥�

鈥淭his award is an example of Heidi鈥檚 continued compassion and support for students and their success at 黑料网,鈥� said Mike Kutzke, Ridgewater Vice President of Student Success. 鈥淭he recognition exemplifies her passion, leadership, and team approach to supporting our students.鈥�

鈥淩eceiving this competitive, international award is absolutely a true honor,鈥� Olson said. She said she is thankful for the PTK students and Dr. Wolfe for nominating her but feels it鈥檚 really a shared honor. 鈥淎ctual recognition should go to them also for the hard work they have put into rebuilding and merging the chapters.鈥�  Olson also said she hopes that receiving the honor will help create PTK awareness.   

Olson and other recognized college leaders will be honored at the PTK Annual Convention in April in Columbus, OH.

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黑料网 students Lizza Dinndorf and Zoey Lovold have been nominated and will represent Ridgewater on the 2022-2023 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) National Honor Society All-Minnesota Academic Team.

The All-Minnesota Academic Team program provides the opportunity to showcase and celebrate some of the state鈥檚 highest-achieving college students in associate degree and certificate programs, considering classroom academic excellence and rigor, plus community service and leadership.

Dinndorf of Hutchinson (formerly of St. Cloud) is a part-time Legal Assistant student. Spicer鈥檚 Lovold is a Liberal Arts and Sciences Post-secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) student with plans for a veterinary career. The two students will now be considered in the competitive process for the All-USA Academic Team.

鈥淚t is really cool,鈥� Dinndorf said of being one of Ridgewater鈥檚 nominations. 鈥淚t means that my effort has been recognized, and that means a lot to me.鈥� Dinndorf is a part-time, second-year student who works full time and volunteers at the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter when she can.

Lovold said the honor means a great deal to her as well. 鈥淚 plan to transfer and continue my education at the University of Minnesota in Morris after Ridgewater in pursuit of a degree in veterinary medicine. I think that this honor could bring me one step closer to my goals.鈥� Lovold participates in community service activities such as fundraisers, providing meals for people at her church, and chemistry tutoring for student peers.

鈥淥pportunities like this can be quite inspiring for students,鈥� said Dr. Bradley Wolfe, Ridgewater PTK advisor.

鈥淟izza is a very dedicated student and her work is excellent,鈥� said Colleen Norgren, Dinndorf鈥檚 Legal Assistant instructor. 鈥淪he is an inquisitive student and adds valuable discussion and information to the Legal Assistant classes. Lizza will make an excellent employee at a local law firm or government agency!鈥�

鈥淚t is quite an accomplishment for Zoey to successfully complete her own college courses as a PSEO student and to tutor other students, helping them be successful in their courses,鈥� said Audrey VanBeck, Lovold鈥檚 Ridgewater tutoring supervisor. It鈥檚 an opportunity to combine academic excellence, leadership and service. 鈥淪he has done a marvelous job helping students with chemistry and will also be tutoring English and Introduction to Psychology this semester. She is knowledgeable, dependable, patient, and so kind鈥�. We are fortunate to have Zoey as a tutoring resource.鈥�

Minnesota is one of 38 All-State Academic Team programs, sponsored by Cengage, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, the Coca-Cola Foundation, the American Association of Community Colleges, and Phi Theta Kappa.

Minimum requirements include being enrolled in a minimum of six semester credit hours, having completed 36 credits, having a minimum 3.5 grade point average on a 4-point scale, being on track to earn an associate or bachelor鈥檚 degree, living in the country, and possessing clean student and criminal records.

All-Minnesota Academic Team members will be honored during a special ceremony this spring, tentatively set for March 24 at the Como Park Rainforest Auditorium, where they will receive a medallion and certificate. 

All-State recognition and nomination to the All-USA Academic Team national program means Lovold and Dinndorf will be considered for PTK scholarship opportunities for which they would otherwise not have access. 

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Deans’ List Fall 2022 [PDF]

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Minnesota State recognized Outstanding Educators at an April 20 celebration banquet in St. Paul and recognize the two of them on the Minnesota State awards webpage at .

鈥淭he nominations of Kari and Breann are driven by student and peer feedback,鈥� said 黑料网 President Dr. Craig Johnson. 鈥淚t鈥檚 great to see our faculty receive public recognition for the work they do with our students every day. We are very fortunate to have Breann and Kari at Ridgewater!鈥�

Breann Wozniak

Wozniak has been an educator at the college and secondary levels for 17 years. The Chaska resident began her teaching career at Battle Creek Central High School in Battle Creek, MI, but has spent the last ten years teaching various biology courses from microbiology and human biology to physiology and genetics at 黑料网, Hutchinson campus.

鈥淚 am a passionate educator, and I am so grateful for this nomination’s recognition,鈥� Wozniak said. 鈥淚t is so rewarding to be recognized for doing the work that I love.鈥�

Highlights from her nomination are included on the Minnesota State online recognition: 鈥淲ozniak engages students through meaningful small group work and related assignments, lessons that are tailored to student backgrounds and interests, and applied work, always encouraging students to take ownership of their learning.鈥�

Wozniak鈥檚 nomination support also commended her for her student connections. 鈥淥ne of Breann鈥檚 strengths is her ability to connect with students and extend a level of comfort within a wide range of Biology courses. Through varied instructional and assessment approaches, Breann makes Biology content accessible, engaging and relevant to learners across many different program areas.鈥�

Wozniak holds an Associate of Science degree from Alpena Community College in Alpena, MI, a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI, and a Master of Science Biology Education degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Kari Slinden

Slinden also started her teaching career at the high school level at Buffalo High School and has now taught in seven different programs within Ridgewater鈥檚 Agriculture Department for the last nine years.

鈥淭his award means a lot to me, knowing that a student or students nominated me,鈥� Slinden said. 鈥淚 am doing what I love and try to make my classes better each time I teach them. I really enjoy getting to know students and teaching them hands-on skills they can use in their careers.鈥�

Slinden, who is from Grove City, said the awards program was very professional and inspiring. 鈥淭here are so many awesome instructors in the Minnesota State system!鈥� 

Her nomination highlighted the following related to Slinden鈥檚 teaching: 鈥淜ari Slinden has forged partnerships that give students valuable field experience, and thanks to her ability to connect with students, faculty, and industry, she serves as a role model and informal leader in the college and community.鈥�  

Additional support for her recognition stated the following: 鈥淜ari is a talented and dedicated Agriculture instructor who prides herself in adding value to her students鈥� educational experiences and connecting them to the much larger world of Agriculture. Her determination, sense of commitment, and willingness to partner allow Kari to both challenge and support students to reach their full potential in the Agriculture programs and life.

Slinden holds an Associate in Arts degree from 黑料网 in Willmar, MN, and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education degree from North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND. She has also earned professional certificates in cattle artificial insemination, and pork and beef quality assurance and

For more information about the Minnesota State awards, go to .

For more information about 黑料网, go to .

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Fall 2021 Deans’ List Alpha Order [PDF]

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