Alumni Stories
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