Minneapolis College will host a virtual celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. on Thursday, January 20 to encourage reflection on King’s dedication to equality and the civil rights movement.

“I am mindful of wanting to make King contemporary,” said African American Empowerment Program Coordinator Charles Watson. “The legacy of Dr. King lives on. King is still relevant and timely in this day and age.”

President Sharon Pierce has announced the Outstanding Educators for 2021-2022.

The following faculty members have been selected for recognition by Minneapolis College and the Minnesota State system:

• Lisa Bergin, Philosophy
• Kleber Ortiz, Education
• Jennifer Sippel, Librarian/Information Studies

Each year, the Minnesota State Board of Trustees recognizes excellence in teaching by honoring a limited number of faculty from each campus as Outstanding Educators of the Year.

Minneapolis College is known for creating a learning environment filled with energy and opportunity. During the throws of the COVID-19 pandemic, the halls of the College were virtually empty. Students, however, were fully engaged with their classes, instructors and peers in online learning, striving to reach their goals in new and innovative ways.

Dear Minneapolis College Campus Community,

In the wake of the guilty verdict in the Kim Potter trial for the killing of Daunte Wright, I wanted to offer a few words to our campus community. These are times of unrest. Regardless of the verdict you were looking for, the fact remains that a young man’s life was cut short due to the ills of the antiblack sentiments that continue to plague our society. The lost life of Daunte Wright is felt today in our immediate communities, and it will have a resounding impact for posterity.

The COVID-19 pandemic has generated worldwide social and economic upheaval. We see the impact globally on the nightly news and at a community level within our family, friends, colleagues and in the halls of Minneapolis College.

Minneapolis College recently completed training for 40 members of the National Guard to become emergency Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA). 

Long-term care facilities are severely understaffed — one of the many effects of the COVID-19 pandemic — which prompted Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to activate 400 National Guard members into response teams. Minneapolis College and 15 other Minnesota State colleges have partnered to provide the education necessary to turn Guard members into CNAs.

Suniporn Yotharak doesn’t let anything come between her and her goals and seeks opportunities to fit her priorities.  

“No matter how old you are, no matter where you come from in this world, everyone can do it. It’s not too late to start anything,” said Yotharak. 

Suniporn, also known as Sue, Yotharak came to Minneapolis College in 2010 after earning a four-year degree in her home country, Thailand. In her native country, she earned a degree in Property and Valuation.

Bruce Weihsmantel enrolled at Minneapolis College two years ago, unsure of what he wanted to study but was committed to helping others. His experiences in recovery from chemical dependency led him to a career in social work.

“I had no plans in my life except getting high,” said Weihsmantel. “I lost my job; lost my apartment. I was homeless, living out of suitcases, and suffering from severe psychosis. I decided that living this way was not okay and enrolled myself into an inpatient treatment program at the Pride Institute.”

Minneapolis College provides access to the transformative power of education in a diverse and dynamic downtown environment. Continuing Education and Workforce Development extends the College’s many resources, including faculty, facilities, and its mission.

Minneapolis College is creating opportunities for students to succeed. “We understand every student has needs and goals that are unique to them, so we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Heidi Aldes, Dean of Enrollment Management.

“We provide individualized support to ensure students have what they need to succeed. Accessible onboarding, scholarship opportunities, holistic student support, flexible scheduling and guided learning pathways ensure a clear path to graduation.”

Accessible Onboarding