NHCC Foundation 2012 Annual Report

creating access

Changing Lives Creating Access is at the core of all that we do To me, access means that you don’t have to earn a certain ACT score or be a star athlete to go to college. It means that you don’t have to come from a reputable family or earn a lot of money to get an education and make a better future for yourself and your family. At the NHCC Foundation, we work to ensure access to higher education through scholarships, institutional support, and special programs because we know these things change lives.

In recent years, reduced state funding has caused a steady increase in tuition at public institutions across the country and in . Support from the NHCC Foundation has made it possible for hundreds of low- income, first-generation college students to be able to go to college while avoiding huge college debt and student loan payments later.

Access means taking away transportation barriers. Many of our students take the bus to campus each day and their future is contingent on whether or not they can afford a bus pass. This year, the Foundation provided nearly $10,000 in discount bus passes to NHCC students, removing this potential barrier to their success. Soon, a new light rail system will give our students even more access to the college, with the Bottineau Line scheduled to connect NHCC with downtown and the new Target campus just north of us in Brooklyn Park.

Access also means believing in our students and acknowledging their potential. At this year’s scholarship luncheon, alumna Wendy Hanson shared an inspiring story that touched me and many others. She told us that receiving a scholarship was an honor and a blessing, not only because of the financial relief it brought, but because it showed her that someone believed in her. During Wendy’s time at North Hennepin, she started to see her change reflected in the eyes of those around her - her faculty, advisors, friends, and family. Her identity evolved. Her confidence grew. And her personal goals evolved as she continued to surpass them.

And finally, access means offering facilities, equipment, and programming that one might not expect at a two- year college. NHCC’s unique undergraduate research program is a perfect example of a Foundation-supported program with students receiving national recognition and being selected for coveted research lab positions and internships as a result of their work in modern laboratories, using the latest equipment. The NHCC Foundation can point to many Many Ways to Give achievements that have improved access over the past year, such as the opening of the new Center for Business and Technology, continued support for There are many ways to support North Hennepin undergraduate research and Cornerstones programs, Community College – direct financial support, in-kind launching of a food cupboard on campus, development gifts, or the gift of your time. Gifts may be unrestricted, of two new $5,000 honors scholarships, connections or you may target your gift to a particular program with distinguished alumni like Jon Vezner, Mike Opat, or purpose. and Annette Lund (featured on following pages), and an improved scholarship application process. Annual Fund – Gifts to the Annual Fund provide direct financial support for student scholarships and grants. The Foundation Board continues to strive for creative ways to expand access in the face of economic obstacles Memorial Tribute Gifts – Memorialize someone and there has never been a more critical time for you to important in your life. Some existing memorials include play a role at North Hennepin Community College by monuments, structures, classrooms, benches, and trees. supporting student scholarships, programming, and activities of the Foundation. Matching Gifts – Many employers have programs that may double or even triple your gift to the Foundation. I hope you will consider becoming more deeply committed to the mission and involved in the activities Endowment Gift – Establish an endowed scholarship of the North Hennepin Community College fund as a tribute to an individual, group, or in Foundation that create access to a better life for so connection with a particular academic program at many students. the college.

Warm Regards, Stocks and Bonds – Realize tax savings by transferring stocks and bonds to the Foundation.

Bequests – Include the Foundation in your will or trust, Jennifer Lambrecht or designate the Foundation as a beneficiary in your life Executive Director, insurance policy. NHCC Foundation In-Kind – These are gifts other than cash that can be used directly in NHCC activities. Our annual gala allows donors to support the Foundation through gifts of merchandise, services, and other saleable items.

Event Sponsorship – Various levels of sponsorship opportunities exist at college-hosted events that touch the lives of thousands of students, faculty, staff, and community member s.

Volunteer – You become the backbone of our success when you donate your time and talents to serve on boards, committees, and at Foundation events. Foundation Board of Directors

President Distinguished Alumnus James Garvey Jon Vezner

Vice President Chip Norris When he was young, Treasurer Jon Vezner was Dave Kiser frequently teased. “I had a lisp and club Directors feet, so I’d come home Mark Austin miserable from school,” he says. “I’d Andy Cochrane go to my room, cry, Wendy Hanson and listen to music. Paul Melchior Music was the one Kathy Sandeen thing that spoke to me Terry Sharp kindly. I remember Jim Snoxell thinking, ‘I’d like to Lynette Stenglein do this for somebody Joseph Wallace else someday.’”

Ex Officio Jon couldn’t read John O'Brien, NHCC President music and didn’t play Jennifer Summer-Lambrecht, Executive Director an instrument, but knew he could learn from North Hennepin Community College’s reputable music program. He signed up for piano lessons and a music theory class taught by Dr. Don Dahlin, or “Doc” as Jon refers to him.

“Doc strongly encouraged me to follow my dream of a career in music,” Jon says. “If it hadn’t been for him, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

After completing his studies at NHCC in the 1970s, Jon earned a B.A. in Music Education and Music Theory at Southwest Minnesota State University. He planned to use his degree to teach music, but the pull of Nashville and its strong songwriting community was irresistible.

Artists such as Martina McBride, John Mellencamp, Nancy Griffith, Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, and Ronnie Milsap have all recorded his songs. But it was a song he co-wrote with Don Henry called “Where’ve You Been?” that earned Jon true fame. Recorded by his wife, Kathy Mattea, the song won a Grammy Award for “Best Country Song” and “Song of the Year” from both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music in 1990.

Jon continues to write, produce, and perform, but he also loves to teach and inspire the next generation by holding workshops, seminars, and residencies all over the country.

NHCC President John O’Brien, Jon Vezner, Anette Lund, Mike Opat, and Executive Director Jennifer Summer Lambrecht at 2012 Medallion Awards Ceremony MDikiset iOngpuait shed Alumnus ADninsetitnteg uLiusnhed d Alumna

Mike Opat is the After graduating from Chair of the Hennepin St. Louis Park High Board of School in 1973, Commissioners, the college didn’t seem to governing body for the interest Annette Lund. largest county in Instead, she entered Minnesota, with more the working world as than 1.1 million an assembler and later residents and an as a receptionist. Four annual budget of $1.7 years later, she became billion. He represents a a mother. district that includes more than 160,000 Annette eventually residents in wanted a full-time job Robbinsdale, Crystal, with good benefits New Hope, Brooklyn and growth potential. Center, Brooklyn Park, She joined Diversified and Osseo. Plastics in 1981, and has worked there ever since. She realized early on, however, Between receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University that she would need a higher level of education if she wanted of Minnesota and beginning graduate school at Harvard to grow within the company. University, Mike attended classes at North Hennepin Community College in the 1980s. “I was considering That’s when Annette enrolled at North Hennepin medical school for a time after the U of M. I knew I needed Community College. “Attending college, holding down a to complete a number of science courses and chose NHCC. full-time job, and taking care of my family proved to be The classes were excellent and I will never forget the fantastic difficult, especially after my second child was born. But quality of the instructors. I never completed medical school, NHCC was the perfect choice because it gave me the but that period was very valuable and formed the beginning flexibility that I needed.” Annette received her A.A. in 1983. of my relationship with North Hennepin Community College, which continues to this day.” Annette then transferred to Metropolitan State University, where she earned a B.A. in Business. Her perseverance in Mike’s work on major transportation projects include the school would continue to pay off at work, as she took on current effort to bring the Bottineau Light Rail Transit to new roles at Diversified Plastics. Today, she is the Vice NHCC’s front door. “I’ve enjoyed working with NHCC President, overseeing a sales and marketing staff of seven. folks on this project. NHCC’s former president, Ann Wynia, She also holds the positions of Corporate Secretary to the is a great friend and a passionate advocate for the college, Board of Directors and Trustee for the Employee Stock even now. And President John O’Brien shares her vision, Ownership Plan. understanding that NHCC must engage in the broader community to best serve its students.” Outside of work, Annette is an active community member. She serves on a number of committees in Brooklyn Park Mike is also involved in numerous volunteer activities. He including Come Home to the Park, the North Hennepin serves on the Arc Greater Twin Cities Honorary Board and Area Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts Board of Directors. He also the Business Forward Task Force, and the North Hennepin coaches the Robbinsdale Little League and the Armstrong Community College Advisory Board. Traveling Basketball Association. “I attribute my success to the fact that I was able to continue Mike lives in Robbinsdale with his wife Kim, sons Luke and my education while working. North Hennepin Community T.J., and daughter Tess. College made this arrangement possible.” Eldon Tessman, Mark Austin, Joseph Wallace, NHCC President John O’Brien, MnSCU Chancellor Steven Rosenstone, Chip Norris, Jim Garvey, former NHCC President Ann Wynia, Wendy Hanson, and Executive Director Jennifer Summer-Lambrecht at the Grand Opening of the Center for Business and Technology. April 2012

Student loan debt in the United States The most underserved populations Six out of ten community college Federal reserve data shows the exceeds one trillion dollars; that’s more are among the least able to afford students work more than twenty hours consumer student loan debt than the total amount of credit card steeply rising tuition, least likely to a week, and twenty-five percent work increasing 275 percent from 2003 debt owed by all Americans. enroll in college, and least likely to more than thirty five hours per week. to 2012. complete degree and certificate programs if they do enroll. By 2018, 85 percent of new jobs Overall, higher education The number of undergraduates Four out of five reasons students cite created in Minnesota will require some borrowing increased 10 percent attending Minnesota institutions for dropping out of college are post-secondary education, and over between 2009 and 2011. increased 8 percent from 2009 to financial. Nearly three-quarters of half of these will require a certificate or 2011, which in turn led to an Minnesota college students graduate two-year associate’s degree. increase in all types of financial aid with an average debt of more than for students. $27,000. 2012 Scholarships & Grants Finances e Foundation had a very successful year building support for student scholarships and Institutional Grants $18,873 (16%) NHCC programs. Community members showed their support in many ways: financial donations, in-kind gis, gis of stock, and attendance or sponsorship of the golf Access Scholarships tournament and gala. $25,000 (20%) Academic Scholarships $76,515 (64%) One of the newest efforts of the Foundation includes participation in Minnesota’s Give to the Max Day – a 24-hour on- line fundraising effort by non-profit organizations across the state. We look forward to even more support during the 2012 FY2011 / FY2012 Fund Balance Give to the Max Day this November. Assets FY2011 FY2012 You have been generous with your financial gis Cash and Equivalents ...... $882,415 ...... $968,651 in past years, and we are thankful for your Accounts Receivable ...... $37,850 ...... $808 continued support. Total Assets ...... $920,265 ...... $969,459

Liabilities Accounts Payable ...... $7,419 ...... $1,343 Long Term Liabilities ...... $0 ...... $0 Total Liabilities ...... $7,419 ...... $1,343

Fund Balance Unrestricted ...... $100,989 ...... $182,861 Permanently Restricted ...... $811,857 ...... $785,255 Total Fund Balance ...... $912,846 ...... $968,116

Total Liabilities and Fund Balance ...... $920,265 ...... $969,459 Endowed Scholarships

Sharon A. Johnson Endowed Scholarship Miriam Hazzard Nursing Endowed Scholarship Established in 1990 in memory of Sharon A. Johnson, a member of the college staff from 1977 to Established in 2001 in honor of Miriam Hazzard, member of the Nursing faculty for 28 years, by 1990, by her family, friends, and colleagues. her friends and colleagues.

25th Anniversary Endowed Scholarship Sarah Robinson Pollock Endowed Scholarship Established in 1991 by founding members of the college faculty (John Balfe, Clair Coughlin, Don Established in 2002 by the Sara Robinson Pollock estate to promote educational opportunities for Durand, Susan Lehner, James Johnson, Roger Johnson, Barbara Mantini, Dr. Norma Olson, and re-entry women. Jean Swanson) to provide continuing support to the students. Eldon A. and June E. Tessman Nursing Endowed Scholarship Buffalo Lions Club Endowed Scholarship Established in 2003 by Eldon A. and June E. Tessman in memory of Eldon's mother, Esther J. Established in 1992 by members of the Buffalo Lions Club to assist residents of Buffalo who wish Tessman who worked as a Dakota County Public Health Nurse. to pursue higher education. Paul and Sheila Wellstone International Student Endowed Scholarship Osseo Lions Club Endowed Scholarship Established in 2003 in memory of Senator Paul and Sheila Wellstone to aid students from another Established in 1992 by members of the Osseo Lions Club to assist residents of Osseo who wish to nation studying under a foreign student visa or students that were born outside the United States. pursue higher education. Joseph Iten Business Endowed Scholarship Dr. John F. Helling Endowed Scholarship Established in 2004 in memory of Joseph Iten by family and friends in support of a student Established in 1993 by John F. Helling, NHCC President from 1967 to 1990, in support of NHCC entering the field of Accounting, Management, Finance, Marketing or Building Inspection. graduates who wish to continue their pursuit of higher education. Charlotte Howe Nordby Endowed Scholarship Evans-Nordby Endowed Lectureship Established in 2005 in memory of Charlotte Nordby by family and friends in support of a student Established in 1993 by Charlotte and Keith Nordby to serve the community by creating new studying Nursing or Elementary Education. opportunities for education in the area of grief. Joseph Gazzuolo Endowed Scholarship Idelia T. Loso Endowed Scholarship Established in 2005 in memory of Joseph Gazzuolo, member of the Art faculty, by his family, Established in 1993 in memory of Idelia T. Loso, NHCC's first Dean of Instruction, in recognition of friends, and colleagues. her outstanding leadership and service. Neil F. Sands Endowed Scholarship West Suburban Industrial Supplies Business Endowed Scholarship Established in 2005 in memory of Neil F. Sands, founding member of the Chemistry faculty, in Established in 1995 by Craig and Sandi Annis in support of students pursuing an education in support of a student studying chemistry. business. Albert D. Law Veteran Endowed Scholarship Brooklyn Park Rotary Club and Foundation Endowed Scholarship Established in 2006 in memory of Albert D. Law by Don and Bev Levens in support of a veteran or Established in 1995 by members of the Brooklyn Park Rotary Club and Foundation in support of a child of a veteran pursuing a career in health care. residents of Osseo and Brooklyn Park who wish to pursue higher education. Graduating Student Nurses Association Endowed Scholarship Mary Jane and Chuck Thompson Health Careers Endowed Scholarship Established in 2006 by Darlene Sitko, faculty, alumni and friends in support of a graduating nurse Established in 1997 by Mary Jane and Chuck Thompson in support of students pursuing a career who will continue to pursue a bachelor's degree after graduation from NHCC. in health care. JoAnn Jones Nursing Endowed Scholarship Barbara K. Mantini Phi Theta Kappa Endowed Scholarship Established in 2007 by JoAnn Jones in support of a student pursuing an education in Established in 1998 in honor of Barbara K. Mantini, Phi Theta Kappa advisor at NHCC from 1970 Nursing. to her retirement in 1997, by alumni and friends to recognize and reward an outstanding member of Phi Theta Kappa. Edinburgh Pro Am Scholarship Endowment Established in 2008 through the generous support of Edinburgh Pro Am to promote educational Dr. Barbara J. Johnston Endowed Scholarship for Re-Entry Women opportunities for students attending NHCC. Established in 1998 by Dr. Barbara J. Johnston, member of the Sociology faculty, with the advice and support of an Alumni Advisory Board of NHCC re-entry female graduates. John Diedrich Memorial Scholarship Endowment Established in 2008 in memory of John Diedrich by Mary Diedrich, family and friends to provide Alan LePage Second Chance Endowed Scholarship financial support of a veteran or a child of a veteran pursuing an education at NHCC. Established in 2000 in memory of Alan LePage by his family to support students overcoming alcohol or substance abuse who are ready to make a positive change and pursue higher June E. Tessman Memorial Scholarship Endowment education. Established in 2008 by Eldon A. Tessman in memory of his wife to support a deserving student attending NHCC. Carillon Endowment Established in 2000 by Alice Tessman to maintain the NHCC Carillon. Luther Toyota City & SCION Scholarship Endowment Established through the generous support of Toyota City SCION to promote educational Charles Long Physical Science Scholarship opportunities for students attending NHCC. Established in 2000 in memory of Charles Long, member of the Science faculty, by family, friends and colleagues. Gary Wynia All Minnesota Academic Team Scholarship Endowment Established in 2008 in memory of Gary Wynia to support NHCC’s recipients of the All Minnesota Beth and Jerry Sandvick Baccalaureate Endowed Scholarship Academic Team Award competition. Established in 2001 as a Baccalaureate Scholarship by Jerry Sandvick in memory of Beth Guiney Sandvick, a founding member of the English faculty. The original endowment was established in Evelyn Schmidt Memorial Scholarship 1990 in her memory by family, friends, and colleagues. Established in memory of Evelyn Schmidt, a charter Foundation Board member, by family and friends for students pursuing an education at NHCC. Don Davis Law Enforcement Endowed Scholarship Established in 2001 in honor of Don Davis, member of the Law Enforcement faculty for 22 years, by his family, friends, and law enforcement alumni. New Honors Scholarships Introduced The North Hennepin Community College Foundation established two new scholarships this year – worth $5,000 each – for students enrolled in the college’s Honors program. One scholarship will be awarded to a new student who joins the Honors program and the other will be awarded to a current Honors program student.

The Foundation is very excited to offer a program and scholarships based on academic merit and personal motivation. NHCC’s Honors program offers students the opportunity to strive for excellence in an environment that nurtures them academically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually. Through this opportunity, students are encouraged to explore their interests, abilities, and talents at a deeper level.

To be a part of the Honors program, new students are formally invited by letter to apply based on their academic history. To apply for the Honors program and/or its scholarships, students submit an Honors program application and/or Honors scholarship application, along with an essay.

All honors courses, as well as an honorary graduate status, will be noted on the transcripts of students who fulfill the Honors program requirements. Many four-year institutions use this information to help screen prospective student applications. Honors students also are eligible for scholarships at select transferring universities. This year’s first Honors Scholarship recipients were Anelle Mommsen and Michelle Boone (pictured below, left to right). Congratulations! Mission Statement: North Hennepin Community College Foundation creates access to quality education opportunities by energizing and mobilizing community, college and alumni resources on behalf of North Hennepin Community College. Its accomplishments are both measurable in the tangible resources provided and immeasurable in the network of good will created An Unprecedented Need among students, staff and the community.

North Hennepin Community College (NHCC) has been a leading provider of Purpose Statement: higher education in the northwest metropolitan area of Minneapolis/St. Paul since Since its inception in 1981, NHCC Foundation 1966. Located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, NHCC’s 120-acre campus is one of has helped raise the spirit and quality of life in the community by providing financial resources for the largest and most ethnically diverse two-year colleges in the state. higher education and enhancing the image of North Hennepin Community College.

North Hennepin currently serves more than 12,000 students and offers a variety We do this by creating and directing fundraising of programs with flexible scheduling options and affordable tuition including activities to fund scholarships for traditional and non-traditional students and to provide resources associate degrees, credit and non-credit certificates, the Minnesota Transfer to the college and staff and by providing Curriculum, and a number of bachelor’s degrees through partnerships with four- opportunities for the people of the community to come together. year universities.

Why support the NHCC Foundation? 93% of NHCC students are under-represented. 67% go to school part time. • Increasing costs threaten opportunities for 40% are students of color . 43% are over the age of 25. 67% are low-income, Pell students to obtain a college education. Grant Eligible. And 65% are first-generation. • Each year, more students are burdened with higher and higher debt - their load debt continues to increase. • State funding has decreased; tuition Help us create access and change lives... is on the rise. • Minnesota has one of the highest college tuition rates in the U.S. Donate online today at In addition to providing scholarships to students, it is important that NHCC fund programs - these www.nhcc.edu/donate programs allow us to remain competitive and provide excellence in educational opportunities. We cannot do this with state funding alone.

North Hennepin Community College Foundation turns to individuals, corporations and foundations for help in maintaining the quality of student learning and making the dream of a college An Opportunity to Help education affordable to all students. Private support to the college is critical. It comes in the form of gifts of all sizes from generous alumni, committed faculty and staff, and visionary corporations and organizations. Your support, now more than ever, will help create access to college at a time when a college degree is critical to financial stability.

Online donations of any amount may be made at www.nhcc.edu/donate

For more information on planned giving, establishing a scholarship or endowment, or donating a larger 7411 85th Avenue North gift, please call the Foundation Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 Office at 763-424-0815. 763-424-0815 www.nhcc.edu/foundation

Member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. EOEE. For disability accommodations, call 763-493-0555. Minnesota Relay users may call 1-800-627-3529. The NHCC Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. 2012 scholarship recipients

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