On October 19, the system installed Steven Rosenstone as its fourth chancellor to lead our public colleges and universities. He succeeds James H. McCormick, who retired after ten years of superlative service.

During his installation ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda last month, Chancellor Rosenstone shared his vision for what he calls an “extraordinary education” for our students.

Riverland Community Gay-Straight Alliance (RCGSA) will present the award-winning "STAGE LEFT,” a performance of drama, music, and discussion dealing with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) issues. The presentation includes drama, music, poetry, and personal stories performed, primarily, by Riverland students and alumni.

Riverland Community College Farm Business Management Program is one of only six programs nationwide who received the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) Outstanding Postsecondary/Adult Agricultural Education Program Award on November 16 at the NAAE annual convention in St. Louis.

Riverland Community College President Terry Leas announced today that a community Early Childhood Education Center valued at more than $3 million would be added to Riverland’s Austin campus. This capital project, scheduled for completion next summer, addresses one of the top ten needs cited in recent United Way survey results.

The holiday season is a special time for giving. During these difficult financial times, however, many organizations compete for that extra boost that helps them get through the year and supports the many needs in our communities. As you consider ways to make a difference for others this year, please consider a tax-deductible financial gift to the Riverland Community College Foundation.

Recently, Riverland Community College announced a more than $3-million addition of a community Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) to Riverland’s Austin campus. This capital project, scheduled for completion next fall, addresses one of the top ten needs cited in recent Mower County United Way survey results.

Doherty Staffing Solutions recently presented Riverland Community College Foundation with a check for $23,615.17. The money, raised at the Fifth Annual Doherty Scholarship Golf Classic held last June, provides scholarships to students attending Riverland.

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Associate Degree Board of Commissioners recently awarded Riverland Community College, in Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna, Minnesota, initial accreditation for its five business degree programs.

Riverland Community College is pleased to announce the students whose academic achievement placed them on the 2011 fall president’s and dean’s lists. Riverland congratulates these individuals for their outstanding academic accomplishments.

The Riverland Community College Theatre 2011-2012 season continues with the comedy Ring Round the Moon, Feb. 15-19 at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre on the Austin campus.

Ring Round the Moon, by Jean Anouilh and adapted by Christopher Fry, is filled with glamour, romance, intrigue, and laughs!  This enchanting and witty comic tale centers on wealthy twin brothers: Frederic, who is shy and sensitive, and Hugo, who is aggressive and scheming.  To prevent Frederic from entering into a loveless marriage, Hugo devises a plan to save him. The result is a clever mix of comedy and drama, filled with mistaken identities, misguided love affairs, and an unexpected happy ending.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) requested $110 million for its Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement (HEAPR) fund for 2012. Typically, the Legislature has appropriated $50 to 55 million biennially to the entire MnSCU system, which includes Riverland’s three campuses in Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna, and serves about 420,000 students.

Steve Bowron, dean for institutional advancement and Laurie Minehart, associate director of the Riverland Community College Foundation, recently met with Shirley Wright to thank her and her sons George and Charlie for the recent $50,000 donation to the Riverland Community College Foundation to establish a scholarship to honor the memory of Shirley’s husband and their father, Stephen C. Wright.

Stephen C. Wright was Valedictorian of the first graduating class of Riverland Community College (then Austin Junior College) in 1942.

Recently, Minnesota’s House Education Reform committee members considered a bill that encourages school districts to seek funding and develop a plan for helping students make a successful transition to college and employment. The Legislature showed its commitment to this important initiative and approved the bill, part of the Governor’s Workforce Development Council’s All Hands on Deck report, which is a blueprint for strengthening Minnesota’s workforce by closing the state’s skills gap.

Riverland Community College will host a Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) information session at the Owatonna campus located in the Owatonna College and University Center at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 10. The PSEO program is a Minnesota state program that allows qualified high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit that also counts toward their high school graduation requirements.

Riverland Community College, with three campuses in the MnSCU system, recently invested in its commitment to workforce education. After a comprehensive nationwide search, Dr. Scott Williams was appointed as dean of academic affairs with an emphasis on workforce education.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award for Best Musical, the Broadway phenomenon RENT finishes out the Riverland theatre season. The play performs two weekends starting April 20. Considered a modern day classic, RENT is a ground-breaking musical that resonates across generations and reminds us there’s “No Day But Today.” With a book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, RENT is recommended for audiences 14 and older due to language and mature content.

A new Riverland Parent Center opened for business today in partnership with the Austin-based Parenting Resource Center to provide support services to college-age pregnant and parent students. The center is located in Austin West, room A239, and will be staffed by trained Parent Educators from the Parenting Resource Center and Riverland mentors Bruce Heiny, Juan Perales, and Andy Swank.

Riverland Community College will be hosting a Job and Career Fair on Wednesday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at its Albert Lea campus. Over thirty businesses and organizations will be attending, representing Albert Lea, Austin, Owatonna, Rochester, Mankato and their surrounding communities. Job Seekers will learn about full- and part-time career opportunities in healthcare, services/trades, manufacturing, retail and hospitality. Riverland, Workforce Development, Inc. and the WorkForce Center are coordinating this event.