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October 2008
Message from Marty - The Ingredients for a Great College
I think the best recipe for a successful college comes from a mixture of
original ingredients blended with some new ones for added flavor. No matter what
changes take place at HTC, these are the original ingredients that move our
recipe toward perfection:
Consistency of Mission – Since its inception, HTC has made it clear to all those who connect with it that we are here to help our graduates get entry level jobs. We hold tightly to that mission and have been known to vociferously defend it. Anything that people think might not be part of that focus (e.g. Associate Degrees and General Education) is in for significant scrutiny. While we have made minor changes to our mission in the past (like adding the word “global”), we have stuck very closely to our commitment.
Committed/Caring Staff - We are most fortunate to have employees who are devoted to making sure our students have an HTC experience as wonderful as they hoped it would be. Stories abound in the college of positions that our graduates acquire and the difference we make in their lives while they were here, on their jobs and in their plans for the future.
Industry Support – After 35 years of existence, we have our graduates employed in many businesses in the community. Sometimes they are the owners or managers. Sometimes they are the dedicated employees who make the business successful. Over 400 individuals representing many of the Twin City companies serve on our advisory committees doing their best to affirm what we are doing, tweaking the curriculum, or preparing us to make significant modifications. They provide us with supplies and machinery, either as a donation or at a reduced price, to allow us to maintain our state of the art labs.
Positive Reputation – I’m amazed in my travels around the state and meetings held at the Office of the Chancellor in St. Paul at the positive reputation I hear from administrators at other colleges and the people in our communities. While I am not convinced that everyone in the Twin Cities area knows where we have our campuses, I am finding a steadily increasing number of people who know who we are and what our mission is. And virtually every one of them is positive about our influence on their relatives, neighbors, or people they know. This is something you just can’t buy and we definitely don’t plan to ever lose.
Vision for the Future – As a society, we get tired of things that seem to never change. As a college, we are challenged to maintain those things that need to be pretty much the same but to add or modify programs and curriculum so that we can provide the graduates for the needs of the future. That vision is rooted in our mission but needs to allow us the prerogative to change as needed. It is safe to say we know who we are and where we want to go in the future. But today’s vision needs to be constantly honed to adjust to changing needs. We are blessed to have people who are constantly looking for ways to better ourselves to meet future needs.
Growing Foundation – This fall, the HTC Foundation distributed more than $90,000 in scholarship money. These awards helped over 100 students to get into college or stay there. This spring they will help another 100 plus students to do the same. Over 80% of our staff contributes to this wonderful cause. Individuals and companies continue to provide funds to help. While we never collect enough to meet all needs, it has been heart warming to see the continued growth of the Foundation. This speaks to the heart and soul of the college.
Risk Takers and Trust Builders – New ideas will not germinate unless people feel that the college has an internal trust level that allows them to take risks. This then fosters new ideas and methodologies. Many times former employees visit this college and are amazed at all the changes in place. Those of us still working here are tempted to react by indicating that we have made very few changes. But we constantly are in a state of change, mostly minor ones that could lead up to something more major. Without the trust of the risk takers, nothing would ever change. What fun it is to work at a dynamic institution! We may not always enthusiastically embrace the changes but eventually we see the value of the ideas and internalize them.
In our recipe for success, certainly other ingredients can be substituted, added or removed at any time. Any change affects our recipe, but with these seven original ingredients, we can never go wrong. We can only continue to search for those enhancements, the right mixture that will provide us the perfect recipe.
An Exciting Time to Say Goodbye
I have never ceased to be amazed by all the productive activity that takes
place at this college. There are constant committees and meetings with the
express goal to make Hennepin Technical College an even better place for our
students and staff. And I feel this is how it should be. We should always be
finding improved ways to fulfill our progressive mission.
About five years ago, I began exploring “LAHT” – Life after Hennepin Tech. The thought was daunting since I have loved my work and those I have the pleasure of working with. So I began looking for an appropriate time to realize LAHT. I promised myself and my wife that when things finally settled down – when the college quit changing leaders and when other processes quit changing – I would retire. As you have already surmised, this is an unrealistic way of thinking. We should never become staid. For our own organizational health, we want and need to be a dynamic college.
With that realization, it is time to step aside, begin experiencing LAHT and
let new ideas and new leadership emerge. This college already has a tremendous
base of programs with quality faculty, staff and administrators. The welfare of
the student is truly at the heart of HTC’s employees.
So thanks for all the wonderful memories. Your friendship means so much. And thanks for taking me along on the wonderful journey I have experienced for the past 36 years. I shall truly miss you all.
~Marty
Welcome President Cecilia Cervantes!
The Office of the Chancellor officially named Dr. Cecilia Cervantes as
President of Hennepin Technical College and will begin at HTC on October 1.
On July 30, the Chancellor accompanied Cervantes to both campuses for a brief program and welcome with beautiful appetizer receptions catered by Taher. Cervantes had an opportunity to meet some of HTC’s employees, the Chancellor’s staff, members of the HTC Foundation Board, legislators, other MnSCU Presidents, members of the community and local businesses.
Cervantes was president of the College of Alameda in Alameda, Calif. Previously, she served as Associate Vice President for Lifelong Learning and Career-Technical Education at El Paso Community College District in Texas; Provost of the Transmountain Campus of El Paso Community College District; Associate Campus Director for Instruction and Associate Professor of Reading at Doña Ana Community College in New Mexico and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Western New Mexico University. Cervantes also serves on the board and executive committee of the American Association of Community Colleges.
Greetings!
The time has finally arrived for me to officially join the team at Hennepin
Technical College! I enjoyed meeting many of you during my visit back in August.
I learned so many good things about the college – the dedication of our
employees, new program development, new construction, and renovation projects,
just to name a few. I also witnessed the huge amount of pride that goes on here
and I feel very excited and fortunate to be able to become a part of it. I look
forward to meeting each of you and finding out about the good work you do at
HTC.
~Cecilia
Marty’s Farewell Receptions
Good-byes are never easy and Marty’s farewell receptions were no exception.
On September 23 employees, retirees, family, community and business members and
representatives from the Chancellor’s office and other MnSCU institutions
gathered to congratulate Marty on his upcoming retirement scheduled for October
1.
Sharon Mohr shared a letter sent in by President Emeritus Sharon (Grossbach) Augenstein and Patrick Johns, President of Anoka Ramsey, shared sentiments on behalf of the MnSCU Leadership Council.
Lisa Larson did an outstanding job emceeing each reception, telling stories and encouraging others to share theirs as well. Joyce Goebel (who is known for her dislike of public speaking) even braved the crowd at the Brooklyn Park reception to share her thoughts. Marty concluded the receptions with heartfelt speeches acknowledging those who have made a difference in his life and the important role HTC has played.
As many of you know, Marty is a golfer and will hopefully soon become part of the NASCAR circuit, driving the bus for his son-in-law. Cakes appropriately read “Retirement = No pressure, no stress unless you play golf” and “Off to the Races”. He will soon find these to be true! After 36 years at HTC, Marty has definitely made his mark at HTC and will truly be missed. Best of luck, Marty…and thanks for the memories!
Building for the Future – Workshop Day
Fall semester would not be complete without the fall workshop! On August 22
employees gathered in the auditorium and were given plastic yellow hard hats
creating awareness of current and upcoming construction projects at HTC. The
day’s activities included a message from the Chancellor, college updates, new
employee introductions, a lockdown practice drill and everyone was happy to
welcome and hear our President-elect Cecilia Cervantes’ address. Marty Patterson
presented Carlo Castagneri, Maggie Vyskocil, Tim Hanly, Tom Wiblishauser and
Dave Eisenreich the President’s Spirit of the Heart Awards for their kind acts.
In addition, many employees were acknowledged with service award plaques and
mementos. The video that recapped the early years of HTC was replayed for those
who did not have an opportunity to view it during the 35th Anniversary
celebrations. Marty wrapped up the activities with an overview of what he had
learned in his 36 years at HTC followed with a standing ovation. Taher provided
a tasty picnic lunch for everyone.
Tech Trek (by Mala Ugargol)
HTC's Tech Trek program is a summer program intended to give incoming
first-generation college students and students not fully prepared for college a
jump start to the college experience. This summer, nearly 60 students
participated in this four-day program. Two sessions were held on the Brooklyn
Park campus and two on the Eden Prairie campus. Students came from all over the
Twin Cities metro area and beyond.
Tech Trek students had an opportunity to network with other new students, interact with college staff as they explored the resources on campus, and built new friendships during an off campus community activity with their classmates. One of the week's activities included the Amazing Campus Race, during which students traveled in pairs around the campus and explored various departments and resources on campus in a fun and interactive way. Students participated in team-building activities, researched careers, discovered their learning styles, used D2L, explored campus resources and materials, and learned about time management. They also demonstrated their knowledge by participating in a game of HTC Jeopardy. The culminating event was an off-campus activity, which included a trip to the Walker Art Museum, the Minnesota History Center, the Science Museum, the Landscape Arboretum, or Valleyfair.
Jonathan Stuart, Paul Howlett and Andrew Thul facilitated the Tech Trek classes this summer and helped prepare students for their educational journey at HTC.
Eligible students who complete at least nine credits at HTC in the fall semester and meet HTC's satisfactory academic progress standards will be eligible to receive free tuition for up to two semesters. The Tech Trek program was started in 2007 through a grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation.
Fulfilling our Mission through Partnerships
It is always an honor to recognize graduates of our customized programs who
have worked so hard to better themselves with technical training that could open
doors for advancement within their company. The following graduations were held
on July 31, 2008:
Ford ASSET:
These graduates become Ford Motor Company’s primary source of new technicians trained with the basic knowledge, skills, and experience to become successful and productive career professionals. The objective of the program is to produce graduates with in-depth knowledge of Ford Automotive Service Technology and an Associates Degree in Applied Science. This was Ford’s 22nd commencement ceremony with ten graduates.
Graco:
Graco has partnered with HTC’s Customized for nearly 10 years providing an opportunity for Graco employees to earn college credits while obtaining hands on training in CNC machine operations.
Congratulations, Ford ASSET and Graco graduates!
A Campus Addition!
A much needed addition was added to both the Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie
campuses this summer…the name of our college on our buildings! New electronic
marquees are in the works for both campuses.
New Doors through Renovation: Science Labs and Nursing Simulation Classroom
Construction is Underway (by Jared Laabs)
To open doors to educational opportunities for students, HTC is building new
science labs at both the Eden Prairie and Brooklyn Park campuses. In addition,
simulation classrooms are being added to the nursing lab on the Brooklyn Park
campus. The new facilities will be ready for use in Spring Semester 2009. The
projects are aligned with the college’s master academic and facility plan in
which a capacity for science was the highest priority need.
The science labs enable the college to strengthen offerings for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. In addition, the college plans to expand partnerships with business as a result of increased training opportunities made possible with the new labs.
The nursing simulation classrooms will provide students in health care programs the opportunity to apply what they are learning in a realistic environment. This new lab complements the existing simulation lab on the Eden Prairie campus. The goal is to improve student learning through hands-on and virtual reality simulation.
With a vision for the future, HTC continues to increase access to quality programs that prepare students for success in an ever-changing global work environment.
Award for Innovation
Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration presented an award
to HTC’s M-Powered program in category of Leveraging the Power of Partnerships
during the Workforce Innovations Conference in July. Marty Patterson and Joe Fredkove proudly accepted the award. With a projected increase of 4 to 11
percent in the number of openings for welders, cutters, solderers, brazers,
press machine operators and tool operators between 2002 – 2012, the M-Powered
program was developed through a partnership with HIRED. This three phase,
fast-track program certifies new and incumbent workers in metal trades with a
95-100% satisfaction rate among the trainees and participating employers.
Pictured: Marty Patterson, Interim President, HTC, Joe Fredkove, Customized Training Director for M-Powered Program, HTC, Tony Vandanacker, Engineer, Meier Tool, Tamra Anderson, Safety/HR Director, Morrissey, Inc., Charlie Kiland, Press Operator, Morrisey, Inc., Jane Samargia, Executive Director, HIRED, Nancy James, Employer Services Director, HIRED, Judy Swanson, Program Manager for the M-Powered Program, HIRED.
Congratulations Skills USA Winners
The Minnesota SkillsUSA delegation returned to Kansas City June 23-27, 2008
for its 44th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference, a showcase of
career and technical education students. More than 14,000 students, teachers,
education leaders, and representatives from more than 1,100 national
corporations, trade associations, businesses and labor unions attended the
event. Special highlighted events were the SkillsUSA Championships June 25 and
26 with 91 hands-on skill and leadership competitions.
The winners included HTC students Emily Ralph of Brooklyn Park (Advertising Design) and Justin Van Loo (Cabinetmaking).
Working against the clock and each other, the participants proved their expertise in job skills for occupations such as electronics, technical drafting, precision machining, medical assisting and culinary arts. There were also competitions in leadership skills, such as extemporaneous speaking and conducting meetings by parliamentary procedures.
Continuous Quality Improvement Network (CQIN)
A college team made up of Marty Patterson, Lisa Larson, Ron Kraft, Diane
Paulson, Marguerite Dummer, Linda Davis, Maggie Vyskocil, Joy Bodin, Bill Vann,
Jenny Joa, and Jerry Mefford traveled to Sarasota, Florida for the CQIN Summer
Institute. CQIN is dedicated to “raising the bar” on how we can work smarter,
with greater agility, to meet our learners’ needs and expectations. Ritz
Carlton, two time winner of the Malcolm Baldridge Award, was the learning
partner of this conference with a focus on legendary service, engaging employees
and relentless improvement. The CQIN team was invited to the College Advisory
Council (CAC) where the two groups worked on an action plan to incorporate what
was learned into practices at HTC.
Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP)
It is time to start preparing for the AQIP Systems Appraisal, scheduled for
Feb. 11 – 13, 2009.
A team of two commission-trained reviewers who are familiar with HTC’s portfolio will affirm the accuracy of the portfolio, review the action projects, assure continuous quality improvement and confirm compliance with accreditation expectations.
The HTC Systems Portfolio shows evidence that HTC is meeting the Higher Learning Commissions criteria for accreditation through the nine AQIP Categories:
- Helping Students Learn
- Accomplishing Other Distinctive Objectives
- Understanding the Needs of Students and Other Stakeholders
- Valuing People
- Leading and Communicating
- Supporting Institutional Operations
- Measuring Effectiveness
- Planning Continuous Improvement
The portfolio, available at http://hennepintech.edu/about/images/AQIPSystemsPortfolio.pdf, is continually updated to reflect changes in the college’s systems and processes.
Worldwide Instructional Design System (WIDS) Update
HTC faculty are working hard to meet the December deadline for submission of
their updated course outlines. Instructors are using WIDS software as a tool for
meeting college curriculum standards. At this time, approximately one third of
HTC’s courses have been approved by the HTC Academic Affairs & Standards
Council, and many more are near completion. Congratulations for the great job!
To schedule an appointment for assistance in completing course outlines, contact Lori Katz, Curriculum Facilitator, phone ext. 2460 or email – lori.katz@hennepintech.edu.
Great Minnesota Get Together
A 150-year timeline that traces the beginning of the Minnesota State Colleges
and Universities system was on display in the system’s State Fair booth. The
timeline is part of the state’s sesquicentennial celebration and shows the
system had its beginnings when Winona State University was founded in 1858. The
booth also featured a giant interactive map of Minnesota showing all 53 system
campuses.
Fairgoers had the chance to win prizes once an hour by spinning the "Wheel of
Luck." State college and university presidents including HTC’s Marty Patterson
and Cecilia Cervantes, along with Mary Babcock and members of the Board of
Trustees staffed the booth to meet fairgoers and discuss educational
opportunities.
Construction – Going Green
For more than 30 years, the carpentry program at Hennepin Technical College
has been known for its students’ annual building of new homes with partner
cities. This year, the college will build a Minnesota GreenStar-certified home
in Brooklyn Park and a LEED-certified home in Minnetonka. Both projects will
implement green and sustainable building practices.
The projects involve instructors and students in four HTC program areas: architectural design, carpentry, cabinetmaking and landscaping. In addition to learning about environmentally responsible construction practices, students are involved in making presentations to city councils.
Construction begins in September and the keys to the houses will be turned over to the cities by August 1, 2009; most work will be completed by the spring semester. Ultimately, the cities will assume ownership and sell the homes.
Some of the technology the homes will utilize include passive and active solar, computer-controlled ventilation systems and high efficiency appliances and furnaces. Landscaping will be designed to preserve rainfall run-off and include catch basins and pervious paver driveways.
Harvest of Dreams – Save the Date
Mark your calendar for the annual HTC Foundation gala Saturday, October 11, 2008, 5:30 p.m. at Eden Prairie Campus. The evening will feature entertainment by the Marv Dahlgren Jazz Quintet, hundreds of can’t-live-without auction items, extraordinary food by the Culinary Arts students and staff and a program featuring our own in-house stand-up comedian A.K.A. Emergency Medical instructor, Sandy Yetzer, and recent EMT graduate Paul Waletzko.
All employees who participate in the event by donating items to the event will be entered into a drawing for lunch for two at Eden’s or the Hennepin Room.
You can also help by selling raffle tickets or by volunteering your time and talent helping set up both Friday and Saturday and by working at the event. Contact Tina Struck at tina.struck@hennepintech.edu or 763-488-2426 if you can help.
Proceeds from the event provide scholarships and other programs that help students realize dreams. Find out how changing lives is not only rewarding but fun.
Community Partners Event – Save the Date
On, Tuesday, November 18th HTC will be hosting our annual Community Partners
Event including a job fair that will feature Metro Area MnSCU Job Fair
Opportunities. See our website for details or contact Colette Campbell Stuart,
Director of Diversity and Affirmative Action at (763) 488-2633 (ccstuart@hennepintech.edu)
or Cheryl Benkofske, Job Placement Director at (763) 488-2411 (cheryl.benkofske@hennepintech.edu).
Scholarship Luncheon
The HTC Foundation Scholarship Luncheons were held September 16 at Eden
Prairie campus and September 17 at Brooklyn Park campus in the gourmet dining
rooms with a delicious lunch prepared by the Culinary Arts students. This event
recognizes both students receiving scholarships ranging anywhere from $100 -
$2,000 and donors who help make scholarships possible. Carole, Marty and HTC
Foundation President, Richard Bahr (President and CEO of MGS Machine) each gave
a brief talk and presented each recipient a certificate. A total of $103,272.52
was awarded to 126 students for fall 2008.
On behalf of our students, thank you to those who support the HTC Foundation! Your efforts are amazing.
Scholarship luncheon; John Thomas, husband of HTC’s Amy Thomas, accepts the International Student Scholarship from Foundation President Richard Bahr
Retiree Luncheon
Retirees gathered on September 18 for the Foundation’s Annual Retiree
Luncheon. A lavish buffet of southern fare was provided in the Hennepin Room at
Brooklyn Park campus. Those attending had a chance to reconnect with others and
get caught up on all of the exciting things that are happening at HTC.
SunSource Alumni Reunion
The “HTC Comes to You” alumni project put HTC on the road September 24 to
connect with Alumni at SunSource located in Savage. For the past 70 years,
SunSource has been a leader in industrial and mobile fluid power distribution.
The reunion was attended by 23 HTC alums now employed at SunSource as well as
HTC administrators, staff, and faculty.
Thank you to Jeff McCarthy and Tony Hennum for helping host the event and to Ron Ensting for the great tour of the facilities.
Welcome New Employees!
- Armando Arroyo started June 25 as an Evening Custodian at the Brooklyn Park Campus.
- Pauline Arnst returned August 7 as a Purchasing Agent at the Eden Prairie Campus.
- Leah Erickson started August 11 as a Nursing Assistant Instructor at the Eden Prairie Campus.
- Ruth Peterson started August 11 on a permanent basis as a Biology Instructor at the Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie Campuses.
- Tom Phillips started August 11 as an Auto Body Instructor at the Brooklyn Park Campus.
- Darlyn Thomas started August 11 as a Math Instructor at the Brooklyn Park Campus.
- Marcia Christensen returned August 22 as a Library Technician at the Eden Prairie Campus.
Farewell
- Good-bye to Kim Bienfang (BPC) - Sept. 29
- John Heinrichs (EPC) - Sept. 29
- Marty Patterson - Oct. 1
Mark Your Calendars
- Harvest of Dreams Dinner Auction – October 11
- Education Minnesota Days – October 16-18
- College Preview Night – November 6
- Community Partner’s Event – Metro Area MnSCU Job Fair – November 18
- M-Step Conference - November 17 & 18
- M-Powered Graduation – December 16
- Fall Graduation – December 18
- Fall Semester Ends – December 20
- Winter Break – December 21-January 11
Contact HTC at 952-995-1300 or info@hennepintech.edu
Copyright © 2008 by Hennepin Technical College