WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – Fourteen ������ technical students recently competed at the annual Minnesota SkillsUSA competitions in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud in late March. Four Welding students qualified and will head to nationals in Atlanta in June – one individual champion and one team of champions.

Ridgewater’s Jackson Owens of Spicer earned gold champion honors in individual welding, while the team of Justin Deinken (Morton), Bradee Dwinell (Waconia) and Katheryne Noll (Norwood Young America) earned gold in Welding Fabrication.

This annual state contest event highlights the talents of Minnesota’s top Career and Technical Education (CTE) students. More than 500 students from 27 schools competed in nearly 60 trade, technical, and leadership contests in hands-on, real-world environments thanks to partnering industry professionals.

The individual welding competition was at the St. Paul Steamfitters Pipefitters Local 455. “Jackson’s competition consisted of six different welding contests: SMAW E7018 & E6010, GTAW, FCAW, OAC cutting torch, and a written knowledge test,” explained Cody Sarsland, one of Ridgewater’s Welding instructors. “He placed second last year and was determined to place first this year. Jackson had been working hard improving his overall welding skills, and it showed on competition day.”

The team fabrication contest was at Minneapolis Pipefitters. “The teams were tasked with building a portable rocket stove from raw materials in six hours,” Sarsland explained. Dimensions and weld quality were key. “Our gold winners were returning champs from last year. They will return to Atlanta to try to improve on last year’s first try at national competition.”

Ridgewater earned silver and bronze honors also in team Welding Fabrication. Silvers went to the team of Owen Utendorfer (Green Isle), Nicholes Turbes (New Ulm) and Isaac Gutwasser (Kimball). Team bronze included Josh Sellner (Sleepy Eye), Logan Day (New London) and Ben Strickland (Atwater).

In addition, Natalie Campagne (Willmar) earned bronze for her welded sculpture titled, “Childhood Garden,” and McKenzie DeCasas (Howard Lake) and SaVanna Christophersen (Kimball) took sixth and tenth places, respectively, in individual welding.

“Natalie’s inspiration came from years of working with her father in his family garden,” Sarsland said. “Her outstanding welding skills were greatly demonstrated on her sculpture.”

In the Automotive Technology contest, Dawson Blair (Starbuck) earned a bronze in the high school division. He competed in multiple automotive testing stations, including engine performance, brakes and suspension, electrical diagnosis, a written test, and a job interview.

To learn more about the Ridgewater Welding program, go to www.ridgewater.edu/welding. To learn more about Ridgewater automotive careers, go to www.ridgwater.edu/automotive-technology.

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ST. PAUL, Minn., April 22, 2026 – The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities has named Cheryl Norman to serve as president of ������. The appointment becomes effective July 1, 2026.

“Dr. Norman brings a proven track record in enrollment management, developing data-driven strategies that strengthen student recruitment, retention, and completion,” said Scott Olson, Minnesota State chancellor. “Her ability to lead initiatives that drive equitable student success and post-completion outcomes will serve ������ and the Willmar and Hutchinson communities well.”

Dr. Norman has dedicated her career to higher education at Minnesota State colleges as well as outside of the Minnesota State system. She currently serves as the vice president of academic and student affairs at Central Lakes College (CLC) in Brainerd and Staples, Minn., a position she has held since 2023. In that role, she provides strategic leadership for academic programs, student services, accreditation, workforce partnerships, and institutional planning. At CLC, she has successfully led efforts to align programs with workforce demand, strengthen employer partnerships, and advance fundraising and scholarship access through advisory board engagement and community collaboration.

Prior to joining CLC, she was the dean of assessment and academic administration at the University of Northwestern (UNW) in St. Paul from 2017-2023. While at UNW, Dr. Norman led the analysis of 65 programs using mission, metrics, market, and margin indicators to ensure institutional sustainability and responsiveness to workforce needs, resulting in the growth of core programs and launch of new programs to meet market demands. She also was the accreditation liaison officer to the Higher Learning Commission and served as adjunct faculty in the School of Education.

Dr. Norman held several positions at Minneapolis College from 2011-2017 including customized training and workforce development representative (2016-2017), academic liaison (2014-2016), learning outcomes assessment director (2012-2016), and was a faculty member in education, English to students of other languages, reading, informational technology, and first year student experience (2011-2017).

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University St. Paul, a master’s from Shenandoah University in Virginia, and a doctorate from St. Cloud State University.

Dr. Norman succeeds Craig Johnson, who has served as president of ������ since 2018 and has announced his intention to retire.

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WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – “King Ed” will hit the stage of the ������ Theatre on the Willmar campus at 7 p.m., May 7-9. Tickets are available at the box office one hour before showtime.

Written by director Matt Hegdahl, “King Ed” is a tragic comedy about a king who is trying to determine how to save his city from destruction. Events don’t go as planned, and his daughter is forced to make some difficult decisions.

“The play has stylings borrowed from Greek theatre, Shakespeare and the theatre of the absurd,” Hegdahl said. “The play is light-hearted and comical at times, but the looming destruction of the city and King Ed’s paranoia push the characters into situations they never thought they’d have to deal with.”

This production is appropriate for ages 13 and older.

Performances are set for 7 p.m., Thursday, May 7 through Saturday, May 9. The box office opens one hour before showtime. Tickets are $10. Admission is free for Ridgewater students and staff.

Characters and Student Cast Members
Jona – Hali Ahrndt of Sunburg
Gin – Lilly Wattnem (Atwater)
Anne – Ella Olson (Mapleton)
Citizens – ReAnn Stalboerger (Belgrade) and Javin Lucas (Raymond)
King Ed – Nathan Saulsbury (Kensington)
Messenger – Lindsay Lopez (Renville)

Characters and Community Cast Members
Harmon – Skai Heim (Montevideo)
Citizen – Devan Ragland (Winlock, WA)
Advisor – Justin Brainard (Willmar)
Kreen – Christoper DeLong (New London)

For more information, contact Ridgewater Theater Director Matt Hegdahl at matt.hegdahl@ridgewater.edu.

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ST. PAUL, Minn., March 19, 2026 – Minnesota State has named four finalists in the search for the next president of ������. The candidates are Rushton Johnson, Luca Lewis, Cheryl Norman, and Lester Sandres Rápalo.

The candidates were recommended by a search advisory committee that was comprised of students, faculty, staff, and community leaders, and was chaired by Joe Mulford, president of Pine Technical and Community College. The candidates are scheduled to conduct campus visits the week of March 23. The campus visits provide an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and members of the community to meet each of the candidates and offer feedback. Details of the candidates’ campus visits and the process for providing feedback are available at /presidential-search/.

Rushton Johnson currently serves as the vice president of student affairs at Pellissippi State Community College in Tennessee, a role he has held since 2018. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member for the college since 2021. Previously, between 2011 and 2017, he was the vice president of student affairs for Atlanta Technical College and served as the executive director of student life at Southern Oregon University from 2009-2011. His classroom experience includes serving as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Georgia in 2016, as an instructor from 1999 to 2001 at Stillman College in Alabama, and as an assistant professor from 2008 to 2009 at Nicholls State University in Louisianna. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Birmingham-Southern College, Alabama, master’s degrees from Jacksonville State University, Alabama and Harvard University, and a doctorate from the University of Alabama. He is scheduled to visit ������ on Wednesday, March 25.

Luca Lewis serves as interim president of Ventura College in California, a position he has held since September 2025. Prior to that, he served Ventura College as vice president of student affairs in 2025. From 2022 to 2025, he was the associate vice chancellor of education and student services at West Hills Community College District, California. Between 2015 and 2022, he served as vice president for student services at Whatcom Community College in Washington. Additional prior roles include dean for student success and retention at Edmonds Community College, Washington, from 2012 to 2015, director of high school programs for Bellevue College, Washington, between 2010 and 2012, and interim student affairs specialist at the University of Washington from 2006 to 2007. He has also served as adjunct faculty or instructor at several colleges. He holds a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree from the University of Idaho. He is scheduled to visit ������ on Thursday, March 26.

Cheryl Norman serves Central Lakes College (CLC) as the vice president of academic and student affairs, a role she has held since 2023. Prior to joining CLC, she was the dean of assessment and academic administration at the University of Northwestern (UNW) in St. Paul from 2017 to 2023, where she also taught as an adjunct faculty member. Before that, she held several positions at Minneapolis College including customized training and workforce development representative from 2016 to 2017, academic liaison between 2014 and 2016, learning outcomes assessment director from 2012 to 2016, co-lead for the Center for Teaching and Learning from 2012 to 2016, and a faculty member in education, English to students of other languages, reading, informational technology, and first year student experience between 2011 and 2017. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University St. Paul, a master’s from Shenandoah University in Virginia, and a doctorate from St. Cloud State University. She is scheduled to visit ������ on Monday, March 23.

Lester Sandres Rápalo currently serves as ambassador and global advisor on sustainable education for the Organization for Poverty Alleviation and Development (OPAD), a role he has held since 2024. Prior to that, he served as president of SUNY Rockland Community College, New York, from 2023 to 2024. He also served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at CUNY Bronx Community College, New York, between 2020 and 2023 and as provost and dean of the Institute for Intensive English at Union County College, New Jersey, from 2017 to 2020. Between 2015 and 2018 he was the dean of social sciences, business and history at Union County College and from 2016 to 2017 he was the interim dean of American Honors at the college. From 2008 to 2014, he held various positions at Valencia College in Florida, including program director, chair of humanities and foreign language, and professor of foreign language and humanities. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, an MBA from Syracuse University, and a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University, Florida. He is scheduled to visit ������ on Tuesday, March 24.

The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is expected to consider Chancellor Scott Olson’s recommendation at its April 22, 2026, meeting. The anticipated start date of the new president is July 1, 2026.
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WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – Dr. Craig Johnson, President of ������, has been selected to receive the Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and its Board of Directors. The award recognizes retiring college presidents whose leadership demonstrates an enduring commitment to student success and the development of student leaders.

“The strength of each student’s experience is shaped in many ways by the value college presidents place on Phi Theta Kappa,” said Lynn Tincher Ladner, Ph.D., President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Dr. Johnson’s nomination and election reflect a career grounded in student success from the very beginning.”

The Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award is an honor presented to retiring college presidents whose leadership has demonstrated an enduring commitment to student success and to the mentorship of student leaders.

Dr. Craig Johnson, President of ������, will retire May 19, 2026, culminating eight years of dedicated service to the institution. Since assuming the presidency in 2018, he has led the institution through a period of significant growth and renewal. His leadership has been marked by expanding academic offerings, strengthening partnerships in the Hutchinson and Willmar communities, supporting strong enrollment growth, and championing a culture of belonging for students and employees.

“The impact of Phi Theta Kappa is shaped by the commitment of college leaders like Dr. Johnson,” added Dr. Tincher-Ladner. “His nomination is a testament to the gratitude PTK students feel – not only for themselves, but for the generations of students who have benefited from his leadership.”

Dr. Johnson will be honored during the Phi Theta Kappa Annual Convention on March 27, 2026.

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WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – Deann Ober, ������ Nursing Instructor, has been nominated for the Board of Trustees Outstanding Educator Award. The Board of Trustees Outstanding Educator Award acknowledges and provides system-wide recognition for consistently superior commitment to student learning and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence at the colleges and universities of Minnesota State.

Deann was nominated by one of her students that recently graduated from the Practical Nursing program. On the nomination form the student stated that “Deann is committed to ensuring that every student feels seen, respected, and supported regardless of their background.”

Deann’s leadership and influence extend well beyond the classroom. She serves as Department Chair and Program Coordinator, mentors new faculty and staff, and fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Her impact on program quality is equally impressive. She played a pivotal role in the successful Fall 2024 visit by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) to review the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. Deann is deeply engaged in assessment, evaluation, and curriculum development for Ridgewater’s Practical Nursing Diploma Program, contributing to significant growth and higher licensure pass rates.

������ is thankful to Deann for her commitment to the college’s mission and values and congratulates her on this prestigious nomination.

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WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – Two hundred and ten local high school students from twenty-six different schools, including homeschools, tested their hands-on skills and knowledge at the annual Skills Fest event at ������, Willmar campus, on Friday, February 6.

Challenges, activities, and tests targeted categories such as: Farm Management Problem Solving, Livestock Dairy Management, Meats, Ag Mechanics, Auto Careers (Auto Tech and Auto Body), Nursing, Veterinary Medicine, and Welding (GMAW, GTAW, SMAW and OAW) contests. Individual and team contests were available.

“We were excited to see the event grow with more students competing this year from all over the state. We had students from Pipestone to Fergus Falls come to compete. Ridgewater faculty do a wonderful job setting up unique opportunities for students to participate. We look forward to seeing the students compete each year” stated Amy Birkland, Alex Grabowska and Mercedes Karg, 2026 event organizers.

The event concludes with a ceremony that celebrates and awards the top three individual and team placings in each category with medals. In addition, first-place winners receive $500-semester scholarships from the ������ Foundation to support future educational goals.

First place winners came from eight different schools including Dream Technical Academy, Eden Valley-Watkins, Glencoe-Silver Lake, Fergus Falls, Holdingford, Lakeview, New London-Spicer, and Wright Technical Academy.

Additional schools attending the 2026 event included Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, Albany, Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart, BOLD, Cambridge-Isanti, Dawson-Boyd, Lac Qui Parle Valley, Lakeview, Little Falls, Marshall, Minneota, Montevideo, Pipestone, Redwood Valley, Renville County Wesst, Royalton, Sauk Centre, Watertown-Meyer and Willmar.

To learn more about ������ visit ridgewater.edu.

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WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – Mike Kutzke, Vice President of Academic Affairs, is pleased to announce the appointment of Katy Lundell-Stuhr, DC as Ridgewater’s Dean of Technical Programs. Katy has been an integral part of ������ since 2014, serving as a Massage Therapy Instructor and Program Director. She has also chaired the Learning Effectiveness Action Plan (LEAP) committee since 2022. LEAP is a comprehensive process to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction.

Katy brings a wealth of experience and expertise in teaching, assessment, and program development to her new role. She previously operated Lundell Chiropractic Health Center, Granite Falls, MN (2010-2017), she earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, Magna Cum Laude, from Northwestern Health Sciences University and she was also honored with the Minnesota State Outstanding Educator Award in 2020.

“I am confident that Katy’s leadership and vision will greatly benefit our technical programs and ������” stated Mike Kutzke.

Ridgewater is also excited to announce that Bethany Sweeney has accepted the position of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean at ������. She will officially begin her role on January 13, 2026.

Bethany holds a PhD in Literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master of Arts in History from the University of California, Irvine. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Cornell University. Bethany previously worked 11 years at a community college in Iowa, where she served as Professor of English and History, Pathway Academic Chair of several humanities and social science disciplines, and Acting Associate Academic Dean of Education, Communication, and the Humanities.

To learn more about ������ visit ridgewater.edu.

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WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – Dr. Craig Johnson, President of ������, is pleased to announce the promotion of Sam Bowen to the position of Vice President of Finance and Operations and Chief Financial Officer.

Bowen has been serving as the Dean of Customized Training and Continuing Education for Ridgewater since 2013. He previously served as the Director of Communications and Marketing from 2004-2013. Before joining Ridgewater, Sam worked in sales and marketing roles for private industry in Minnesota.

Sam holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from St. Cloud State University. Over the years, he has gained additional professional certifications and credentials.

“Sam has a proven record of successful leadership, management and innovation for ������,” stated Dr. Craig Johnson. “He is well prepared to step into this new role, and we are pleased to have opportunities like this to promote people from within our organization.” Johnson also commented that Bowen “brings a strong working knowledge of the college and the Minnesota State system’s finance and facilities processes and has had proven success with financial management in his Customized Training and Continuing Education role increasing annual revenue and achieving a net end-of-year profit.”

Bowen’s new position is responsible for the management of finance and budget, facilities, college bookstore, financial aid, and safety and security for the college. He succeeds Judy Tebben, who will retire on January 2, 2026. Ridgewater is grateful for Judy’s service to the college and congratulates her on her retirement after twenty-seven years of dedicated service to the Minnesota State system.

To learn more about ������ visit ridgewater.edu.

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Listening sessions are an opportunity for community members to share their perspectives on the qualities and priorities they believe are important for Ridgewater’s next leader. Feedback will help guide the presidential search process. Interested community members are encourage to RSVP to debbie.ardoff@ridgewater.edu.

Dr. Craig Johnson, President of ������, will retire May 19, 2026, culminating eight years of dedicated service to the institution. To learn more about ������ and the presidential search process please visit www.ridgewater.edu.

Community Listening Sessions

Willmar Campus (2101 15th Ave NW – Willmar, MN)
Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025
Time: 8:00 – 8:45 am
Location: Willmar Campus, Student Center Building, second floor Dining Center

Hutchinson Campus (2 Century Ave SE – Hutchinson, MN)
Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025
Time: 5:30-6:15 pm
Location: Hutchinson Campus, Commons Area

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“We are thrilled to expand our Esthetics program and Ridgewater Salon and Day Spa to the Hutchinson campus and community,” said Melissa Loehlein, Ridgewater Esthetics and Cosmetology instructor. “Today’s esthetics services are no longer considered a luxury—clients seek customized, results-driven treatments supported by advanced ingredient technology and personalized home-care solutions. Our students are trained with the latest tools, techniques, and systems to meet the needs of a rapidly growing industry.”

A cohort of ten students began the 23-credit Esthetics program in August and launched client services at the new Hutchinson salon on Tuesday, November 25. Available services include:

• Corrective skin care treatments
• Makeup application
• Lash and brow design
• Waxing
• Spa services 

About Ridgewater’s Esthetics Programs

������ first launched its Esthetics program on the Willmar campus in the mid-1990s. Due to strong demand and increased enrollment, the program expanded to Hutchinson in 2024. Ridgewater’s Esthetics and Esthetics-Advanced Practice programs are recognized among the region’s leading training options, offering globally recognized educational systems, knowledgeable educators, and state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

The Hutchinson Salon and Day Spa will be open Mondays and Tuesdays, November 25-December 16, 8-11 am and 12-3:30 pm. Beginning January 12, hours will expand to Monday through Wednesday during the same times.

Next Step: Advanced Practice Program Coming to Hutchinson in 2026

With the Esthetics program now established in Hutchinson, ������ plans to expand its Esthetics – Advanced Practice program to the Hutchinson campus beginning Fall 2026, pending approval from the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology. The program offers both a 20-credit certificate and a 60-credit Associate of Applied Science degree.

The Esthetics – Advanced Practice program prepares licensed, experienced estheticians to deliver next-level skin care services such as chemical peels, electrotherapy, microdermabrasion, and microneedling. Ridgewater launched this program in 2022 in response to strong industry demand and expanded licensure opportunities through the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology. The Hutchinson program will accept 10 students for Fall 2026, with classes to be held Thursdays and Fridays.

To learn more or to schedule services, visit ridgewater.edu/esthetics.

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WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – The ������ Foundation has received a generous $60,000 gift from the estate of retired faculty member Bernice Grabber-Tintes, a former counselor and educator at ������. The gift, made in accordance with Bernice’s wishes, will establish scholarships for farm-based programs and nontraditional students, two causes that reflect her lifelong dedication to education, community, and service.

Bernice Grabber-Tintes passed away on May 9, 2024, at Bethesda Grand nursing home in Willmar. A native of St. Francis, Texas, Bernice devoted her life to teaching, counseling, and helping others. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from St. Louis University and a Master’s degree in Religious Education from Loyola University in Chicago, she taught various grade levels before moving to Minnesota in the 1970s to begin her career at ������.

At Ridgewater, Bernice’s compassion and kindness left a lasting impact on both students and colleagues. She later married fellow Ridgewater employee Peter E. Tintes, and together, they not only shared a deep commitment to education, but also developed an organic farm, symbolizing their belief in growth, hard work, and nurturing potential.

“Bernice had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued, whether it was a student struggling to find their path or a colleague needing a laugh on a tough day,” shared Heidi Olson, Ridgewater Dean of Students, who worked alongside Bernice. “Her warmth and humor were constants, and her genuine care for Ridgewater’s students was unmatched. I’m not surprised by her gift; generosity was part of who she was.”

The executor of her estate shared that both Bernice and Peter “carried to their deaths fond memories of the college” and wished for their bequest to continue supporting Ridgewater’s mission of helping students succeed.

“Bernice’s legacy of compassion and dedication to students will live on through this meaningful scholarship fund,” said Annette Roth, Foundation Director. “Her gift perfectly reflects the heart of Ridgewater: community, opportunity, and care for others.”

The ������ Foundation is honored to steward this generous bequest, ensuring that Bernice’s lifelong commitment to education continues to inspire and support future generations of Ridgewater students.

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The Hunger Free Campus designation is a formal recognition that a public or private college or university is actively working to reduce student food insecurity through coordinated support services. The Hunger Free Campus grants in Minnesota are funded by the Minnesota Legislature through appropriations to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE)

Ridgewater began providing food through the Warrior Pantries in 2021. To date, students have visited the food pantries more than 3,700 times.

“We are honored to receive the Hunger Free Campus designation and deeply grateful for the grant funding,” said Heidi Olson, Ridgewater Dean of Students. “This recognition affirms Ridgewater’s commitment to supporting the basic needs of our students and creating a campus environment where every learner can thrive. Food insecurity should never be a barrier to education, and this support allows us to strengthen our safety net and expand access to essential resources.”

Olson went on to state that the grant will be used to improve and expand the food pantries on both the Hutchinson and Willmar campuses.

Mark Taylor, Ridgewater Community Resource and Inclusion Coordinator, manages the campus pantries. “We are proud to stand with other institutions across Minnesota in prioritizing student well-being and success.”

For more information about Ridgewater’s effort to help students meet basic needs and the food pantries, go to www.ridgewater.edu/basicneeds.

To learn more about the Minnesota Hunger Free Campus program, go to .

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WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – The ������ Foundation proudly awarded 251 scholarships totaling more than $250,000 to ������ students for the 2025 Fall Semester. These scholarships help reduce financial barriers and recognize the hard work, dedication, and academic achievement of Ridgewater students.

Scholarships were awarded to students across a wide range of programs on both the Willmar and Hutchinson campuses. Donor-funded scholarships support students pursuing careers in fields such as healthcare, agriculture, business, technical trades, and the arts.

“At the ������ Foundation, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed,” said Foundation Director Annette Roth. “These scholarships represent more than generous financial support — they reflect the generosity of our community and the promise of our students. I’m honored to be part of this mission and to help expand access to education for even more Ridgewater students.”

Ridgewater students can apply for scholarships twice each year, during the fall and spring application periods. The next round of scholarship applications is currently open for the 2026 Spring Semester at www.ridgewater.edu/scholarships, with a deadline of November 1.

The Ridgewater Foundation awards more than $400,000 in scholarships each year.

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WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – ������ student Jayden Kruse has been selected as an inaugural 2025 Chime Workforce Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Kruse is a Machine Tool Technology student from Hutchinson and an officer for the Ridgewater chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society. Chime Workforce Scholars are selected based on outstanding academic achievement, engagement, leadership potential, and career readiness.

The Chime Workforce Scholarship is generously provided by the Chime Scholars Foundation. It awards $200,000 in scholarships to 200 community college students enrolled in workforce-ready programs. The funds help cover traditional educational expenses as well as costs specific to entering the workforce, such as certification fees, uniforms, and tools.

“We are so proud of Jayden for receiving international recognition through this competitive scholarship process,” said Dr. Bradley Wolfe, Ridgewater PTK co-advisor. “Our Ridgewater honor students have done a great job of representing our college at the highest levels of PTK.”

“At the Chime Scholars Foundation, we believe that career and technical education opens doors to financial progress and long-term opportunity,” said Jeni Izuel, president of the Chime Scholars Foundation.” We’re proud to support students who are working hard to gain in-demand skills and build better futures for themselves and their families.”

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