Riverland Community College

Janelle Koepke

Dean of Institutional Advancement
507-433-0695

Janelle recently joined the staff at Riverland Community College as Dean of Institutional Advancement.  She is eager to play a role in developing new opportunities for growth and raising support for Riverland and its students.  Janelle comes to Riverland with nearly 20 years of experience in the development profession working to strengthen and increase fundraising capacity for a variety of organizations including Gustavus Adolphus College, Wartburg Theological Seminary, the University of Dubuque, Area Residential Care, and Goodwill Industries.  As a committed fundraising professional, Janelle is passionate about developing collaborative relationships between donors and strong missions so they can work together to make a difference in the community.

A Nebraska native, Janelle attended Dana College in Blair, Nebraska and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree double major in Communication and Spanish with a minor in Business.  She also earned a Master’s degree from the University of Dubuque in Organizational Communication and Leadership.  Janelle has been active and held leadership roles in AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals), ALDE (Association of Lutheran Development Executives), and she holds a CFM (Certificate in Fundraising Management) from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Janelle lives in Albert Lea with her husband, Shane who is lead pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, and their two children.

Laurie Minehart

Associate Director of Foundation
507-433-0630

Laurie Minehart is the Associate Director of the Foundation and Resource Development at Riverland Community College Foundation. She has held this position since 2010.  Prior to coming to Riverland Laurie worked 29 ½ years at Streator, Inc. in Albert Lea, Minnesota.  Laurie is passionate about the Riverland Foundation and supports the Foundation and college in every way that she can. Laurie enjoys going to the theatre, traveling and spending time with family and friends. She has four children and eleven grandchildren.

Tia Andree

Administrative Assistant
507-433-0597

Tia Andree is the Administrative Assistant of the Riverland Community College Foundation. Tia graduated from Riverland Community College in 2018 with an Administrative Assistant degree. In January 2019 she became the newest member of the Foundation. Tia lives in Rose Creek, Minnesota, with her husband and son. Much of the year you can find her outside, in the garden, or walking her dogs. During the winter, there’s nothing she loves more than curling up with a hot cup of coffee, a warm blanket, and a great book!

Board of Directors