Dear Minneapolis College Campus Community,

The outpouring of grief and anger over the murders earlier this year of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, among others, highlights a longstanding pattern of unjust deaths of Black citizens, along with many systemic, racist injustices that impact African Americans, Indigenous Peoples, Latinx, Asian Americans and other populations that are underrepresented in higher education and at Minneapolis College. As a nation, we can — and must — do better.

The Minneapolis College Veterans Day Recognition event, “Honoring All Who Have Served,” was held on Tuesday, November 10 at Noon.

This year's event highlighted the many diverse experiences that Veterans have when they serve, including service during domestic deployments.

As part of the event, President Sharon Pierce delivered a message to Veterans.

“Things in Minneapolis just clicked. This is where I’m meant to be,” said Kate Foley, reflecting on how they ended up here, of all places. Born in Canada, raised along the East Coast, a brief stay in England and now a student at Minneapolis College, the task of understanding the idea of community, after experiencing it in many different ways, has become central to Foley’s journey. 

Minneapolis College is excited to announce that student leader Key Rose has been awarded the Mark M. Welter World Citizen Award from LeadMN. This award is presented to an emerging Minnesota State college or university student for their leadership skills, community service and academic achievement.

The Minnesota Educational Opportunity Center at Minneapolis College has launched an innovative program to assist individuals navigate career exploration during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The legacy of the LeRoy “Lee” Kopp and family remains visible throughout the Minneapolis College campus, even with his recent passing October 9.

 “You are courageous, resilient, creative problem solvers. Being the first in your families to attend college means you are a trailblazer, perhaps even a beacon of hope and role model. Being a first-generation college student can be challenging, in addition to course work, there is a lot to learn. The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if needed, and don’t be afraid to be the help someone else may need. Encourage yourselves and one another. “
 —President Sharon Pierce

The Minneapolis College Beyond the Yellow Ribbon steering committee is proud to announce the seventh annual Veterans Day Recognition Event, occurring on Tuesday, November 10.

The event will kick off with a live flag-raising ceremony at Noon, followed by brief remarks from President Sharon Pierce, story sharing and a panel discussion with Veterans.

Beginning his journey at Minneapolis College in early October of 2020 as the new Student Activities Coordinator, Tonny Yang was eager to immerse himself in his new community. “To me community is a place you can be 100 percent you, yourself, and not be shamed for being yourself and for being authentic,” said Yang. “It’s being seen, heard and trusted. It’s a place where people empower you, build love and challenge you to grow.”

Community Healing Collaborative (CHC) seeks to transform the college into an institution that effectively supports the mental as well as the overall health of its students, faculty, staff and communities served by it.