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
Minneapolis College’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR) steering committee was proud to hold its 8th annual Veteran’s Day Recognition event on Wednesday, November 10, 2021.
Going beyond simply providing a top-notch education to its students, Minneapolis College is shaping its environment through a more holistic approach, creating opportunities by providing access to basic needs. Attending to mental and physical health, hunger, housing, supplies, COVID and other essential services help ensure students can attain their goals.
Student Health Clinic
The Minneapolis College Sustainability Committee sponsored “Recovery, Resilience and Environmental Action,” a panel discussion and fourth in the Community Pollinators Speaker Series, on Oct. 1, 2021.
The panel was moderated by Ranae Hanson, former Minneapolis College faculty member and author of “Watershed: Attending to Body and Earth in Distress.” The four featured panelists included:
William Timmers uses a passion for succeeding in his personal and professional life as a home designer, husband, father, student and advocate for the Deaf.
