Alumni Stories
Where Riverland Grads Are Making Their Mark
Every Riverland graduate has a unique story -- of goals pursued, obstacles overcome, and a community that helped make it possible. From nursing and skilled trades to criminal justice and the arts, our alumni are doing meaningful work across southeast Minnesota and beyond. Read their stories and see what a Riverland education can lead to.
Brandon Huston - 1999
Fellow alumni Dustin White, Parker Hanna, Travis Rauenhorst, and Matt Larson joined Brandon to reflect back on how Riverland heled prepare them for their roles at the Albert Lea Wastewater Treatment Plant. “We are proud to be Riverland graduates.”
Mariana Lemus Lara - 2024
“Riverland made college feel possible…As a first-generation student, Riverland walked me through every step. There was always someone here willing to help, financial aid, instructors, advisors, everyone.”
Jason Fornwald - 1994
"I can proudly say that it was the greatest decision of my life to leave home, come to Austin and begin my educational and professional journey."
Chrissy Deluna - 2001
"My father’s work with migrants taught me to be resourceful. My experience as a parenting student taught me that you need to speak up when you need help. Now, part of my job is to help students find a voice to speak up for themselves."
Joshua Walen - 2018
"Riverland is a very important part of my life and is an important part of my history."
Founder of Whalen and the Willows
Rustam Zufarov - 2007
"You can tie all of my achievements and success stories to the first two years I spent in the U.S. to Riverland"
Assistant Professor at University of Illinois at Chicago
Wendy Rivera - 2019
"Riverland gave me all the tools and leadership skills to prepare me for the Nurse Manager position."
RN Nurse Manager at Throne Crest Living
Justin Steinbach - 2020
"Although I have always considered myself as one with a high mechanical aptitude, I learned many new technical things that have helped me in my daily work."
Industrial Maintenance Technician at Viracon
Dave Mullenbach
"Riverland is a great place to get an education in a vocation of your choice."
Retired from IBM - Remote Advanced Customer Engineer
Sonja Sigler Harris - 2020
"Having a Riverland Campus in Owatonna was extremely helpful in my securing the training that I needed for my current career. My advisor was also incredibly helpful."
Certified Nurse Assistant at Benedictine Living Community
Matt Greibrok - 1981
Incredible real-world experience. The hands-on trade training really set Riverland apart for me.
COO Sanco Enterprises
Grace Wobbrock - 2018
PSEO was helpful heading to college. I was able to finish my generals with no expense to me and fast track my way through school.
Student - Viracon - Barista
Dori Etheridge
"My Riverland Experience was invaluable and I love it."
Owner of Peppered Cow Food Truck
Ali Arteaga - 2012
"Riverland helped me develop life skills that have proved to be immensely helpful in the workplace and as a graduate student."
U.S. Air Force - Mental Health Counseling Graduate Student
Karem Salas Ramirez - 2013
"I am grateful for the chance I had to meet so many great people who inspired, encouraged, and strengthened me at Riverland."
Community Impact Coordinator at United Way of Mower County
Daphney Maras - 1982
"The secretarial program at Riverland felt like something I could do and something I could afford when I wanted an education."
City Clerk at the City of Albert Lea
Shari Jensen - 1988
After moving away from the area, Shari returned to become Executive Director at the Albert Lea Chamber of Commerce. She believes Riverland is the answer - whether you're sure of your path or still figuring it out.
Becky Noble - 1976
"All the classes combined gave me all the tools I needed to work in many different office settings throughout my career."
Executive Director at Blooming Prairie Chamber of Commerce
Beau Hartman - 2000
"Affordability, accessible faculty, and small class sizes were a really big deal for me at Riverland."
Lawyer and Owner at Harman Law Office & Co-Owner of The Outlet
Adam Hamberg - 2003
"I would encourage everyone who has the desire and drive to wear the uniform to check out Riverland's Criminal Justice Program."
Patrol Sergeant for the Albert Lea Police Department