Meanderings is a publication
of the Riverland Community
College Alumni Association.
Fall 2012
Issue 5
Its purpose is to update our
readers (alumni, donors, and
community members) of
Riverland and alumni news,
programs, and activities.
Campus News
Riverland WelcomesLiberal Arts
& Sciences Faculty members
Introductions and photos submitted by Jan Waller, Dean for
Liberal Arts & Sciences
Jenny Corey Gruenes, English – Jenny has been a part-time English instructor and also
taught for two years in our summer college prep academy – Be Your Best. She holds a
Master’s Degree in Teaching, English from MSU, Mankato and her undergrad degree from the
College of St. Benedict is in Philosophy with a minor in Psychology. Jenny has already been
discussing the possibility of building more learning communities here at Riverland and hopes
to develop something for either spring or fall semester 2013.
Jenny Corey Gruenes
Rayce Hardy, Economics – Rayce has been a part-time Economics instructor and also
taught concurrent enrollment in Economics at Austin High School. In addition, he has
participated in our concurrent enrollment professional development workshops. Rayce has a
Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction – Economics Education from the U of M, Twin
Cities. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from MSU, Mankato in Education - Social Studies.
We appreciate the Austin Public School connections Rayce brings with him to build and
enhance our school partnerships not only in Austin but our other Riverland communities.
Rayce is an alumnus of Austin Community College.
Heather Rissler, Biology (photo not available) – Heather comes to Riverland from
Rayce Hardy
Dakota State University in Madison, SD. She has solid experience in teaching biology and
chemistry at a the University of St. Thomas, College of St. Catherine, Carleton College, and
variety of MnSCU institutions. Heather holds a Doctorate in Biochemistry from Arizona State
University. She has experience in online education and she taught an A & P II summer course
for Riverland this summer. She will teach courses in biology and chemistry this fall.
Sue Knoll, Biology – Sue has taught biology at Riverland for many years and was an
Sue Knoll
integral part of the department during that time. Sue has been eager to adopt technology for the
classroom and teaches courses in the traditional format, hybrid and online. Sue holds a
Master’s Degree in Biology, a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry from
MSU, Mankato. At present she is collaborating on a cell culture biology grant funded by
MnSCU to “bring cell culture techniques into introductory biology and chemistry courses.”
Tanya Whitehouse, Philosophy – Tanya is working on her Doctorate from the
Tanya Whitehouse
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. She holds a Master’s in Philosophy from Texas Tech
University and a Bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University. She has extensive
experience teaching online through the University of South Florida and also taught Riverland’s
online Ethics courses this past summer. Tanya has taught for Century College (MnSCU), the
University of Wisconsin, River Falls, New Mexico State University, and Central Washington
University.
Campus News
Riverland bids farewell to President Leas
Page 2
After nine years at Riverland Community College, my delightful career as its president
came to a close on August 1. Although I was not actively searching for a new position – I
was happy at Riverland and had planned to complete my career here – Big Bend
Community College offers exciting opportunities for professional growth that are not
available to me at Riverland. Moreover, Moses Lake, Washington is located within three
hours of both our children’s families. Watching our grandchildren grow up on Skype has
been a challenge for Loyal and me.
I have enjoyed every year at Riverland because of the superlative faculty and staff
members who have devoted themselves to excellence in teaching and learning and to the
success of our students. Our employees genuinely care about helping others achieve their educational and career goals.
I encourage all of you Riverland alumni to stay connected with Riverland Community College and its foundation. Your
support of student scholarships and college programs will ensure students have access to a higher education and one that
delivers excellence in teaching and learning.
Once again, I thank all of you who have made my nine years at Riverland so rewarding. Your support of this
wonderful college is a powerful example of how all of us working together can help students achieve extraordinary
results.
Campus News
Riverland welcomes Interim President Kent Hanson
I am excited to be spending the next year as Riverland Community College’s interim
president. I see Riverland as a college with unlimited potential while serving three
impressive campus communities and the surrounding region. One thing that I noticed
immediately upon my arrival is Riverland’s overwhelming dedication to student success.
With the academic year just beginning and the nationwide search for Riverland’s new
permanent president moving forward, I felt this was an excellent opportunity to introduce
myself and my plan for Riverland this year.
I have been working in education for 21 years. I served as provost and vice president for
academic and student affairs at Northland Community and Technical College since 2003.
Prior to Northland, I spent 12 years at Northwest Technical College where I served as
radiology program director from 1991 to 1999 and health and human services dean from
1999 to 2003. In addition, I was an adjunct faculty member at Park University and the
University of Minnesota-Crookston.
Some of my major goals are to:
 Facilitate Riverland’s transition to a new president and to maintain trust and enthusiasm through stability and
consistency in leadership.
 Explore resources that will help us develop a strong enrollment management plan.
 Make sure that we remain good partners with our system colleges and work collaboratively to better serve the region.
 Strengthen branding at the Owatonna campus and clarify the partnerships with other institutions.
 Focus on our student success measures and move the dial in a positive direction. Areas I would like to see improve-
ment are in retaining students, successful degree completion or transfer, and related employment of our graduates.
 I also want to make sure we maintain a strong financial position moving into the future.
Overall, my main goal is to help develop trust, comfort, enthusiasm, and optimism as we move forward and hire the next
Riverland president.
I am thrilled to be here and look forward to serving you!
Campus News
Riverland Welcomes Mary Davenport, Interim
Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs
Page 3
Story by Trey Mewes, reporter, Austin Daily Herald 8/21/2012
Riverland officials selected Mary Davenport as the interim vice president of Academic
and Student Affairs. Davenport replaces Ron Langrell, who left the college in July.
Davenport comes to Riverland from Saint Paul College, where she was the interim dean
of Health and Service Programs. Prior to that, she served in the system office of
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities as executive director for state and federal
government relations.
Davenport’s career in higher education began in 1981 with eight years of teaching at the
university level at Truman State University, University of Wisconsin-Stout and Colorado
State University. She served the next five years as academic administrator at Hibbing
Technical College, followed by two years as the chief Tech Prep Program manager for
the State of Minnesota under the Technical College System. When the systems merged,
Davenport served as the system director for Educational Grant Programs, which included working as the chief
administrator for Minnesota’s Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act program. She led efforts to deliver
the first collaborative joint state plan, bridging secondary and college career and technical education pathways.
“I am very impressed with Mary’s background,” said Kent Hanson, Riverland’s interim president, in a press release.
“She has a very open and collaborative leadership style that will be a good fit for Riverland.”
Dr. Davenport earned her Ph.D. in occupational and educational studies at Colorado State University, Fort Collins,
Colorado, an Education Specialist degree in guidance and counseling at the University of Wisconsin – Stout, Master of
Science degrees in textiles and related art, and family and consumer science education from the University of WisconsinStout and a Bachelor of Science degree in family and consumer science education from the University of WisconsinStevens Point.
Radiography Program News
Story and photos submitted by Sandy Sellner-Wee
The Riverland Community College Radiography Program held its Graduation and
Pinning Ceremony on Friday, July 27th for the Class of 2012. The Radiography
program is a six-semester, 24 month program that is accredited by the Joint Review
Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
The RCC Radiography program’s mission is to educate students to become
Haylee Ollendieck received the competent radiologic technologists who provide exceptional service to the
community. The curriculum includes courses in radiation protection, equipment
JRCERT
Certificate of Excellence
operation and maintenance,
as an Outstanding Student
Radiography Class of 2012
image production and
evaluation, radiographic
procedures and patient care. Clinical education is provided by
various health care facilities in southern Minnesota. Graduates are
eligible to take the nationally recognized American Registry of
Radiologic Technologists exam to become registered technologists
in radiography.
The Class of 2012 has completed the registry exam with a 100%
board pass rate. Congratulations to everyone!
Student & Alumni Updates
Page 4
Photo and story submitted by Sandy Sellner, Program Director, Radiography
Please join me in congratulating Jessica Quinn, Radiography Class of 2013 as she received a
gold medal at the 48th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas
City June 23-27, 2012. Jessica received first place in the nation for her Health Occupations Professional Portfolio which showcased her future career in radiography. The Health
Occupations Professional Portfolio contest recognizes students for their successful
development of a professional portfolio. The competition evaluates the ability of the students
to present themselves to a prospective employer. The contest consists of two parts: a portfolio
notebook and a live presentation by the contestant.
Jessica Quinn
Congratulations and appreciation also go to Janice Blanchard for her leadership and guidance to
Jessica and the RCC SkillsUSA members. Janice serves as an advisor for the RCC
SkillsUSA chapter. Congratulations! You make Riverland proud!!
Photo and story by Trey Mewes, reporter, Austin Daily Herald
April 13, 2012
Jeremy Harmer’s dream is coming true. The 26-year-old local
resident has dreamed of owning his own automotive service shop for
the past 10 years.
After about a year of preparation, Harmer and his family came
together to open JNP Motorsports in Austin in March.
Jeremy Harmer
He has loved working on cars practically all his life, and has tried
for quite some time to get his own shop. Things started to fall into
place last year, as he saved enough money and bought the old
Penske shop space on the west side of the old Kmart building late
last year.
Harmer still remembers coming into the Penske space on the
Thursday before Christmas. It hadn’t been used for anything other than storage in about 10 years, and took a while to
clean up. Yet Harmer, his younger brother, Patrick, his mother, Jan, and his sister, Nicole, transformed the space from
dank closet to professional shop, complete with six bays.
Jeremy and Patrick are two of JNP’s five mechanics, while Jan and Nicole take care of administrative duties. Jeremy
and Patrick are graduates of the Automotive Service Technology program at Riverland Community College.
Though Jeremy has been a mechanic at other places, he enjoys owning his own shop. “I personally think it’s better,” he
said. “It’s a lot of work, but we get more satisfaction out of it.”
JNP has been open for more than a month and is already getting steady work on European cars, though Jeremy says the
shop can do anything and everything from oil changes to engine repairs. The Harmers are still working on a few things
before holding a grand opening, which includes the new tire changer and rebalance machines they had installed.
Business is sure to pick up, as Jeremy said winter and summer are the peak times for cars to fall into disrepair. Jeremy
said residents usually bring in cars for air conditioning issues in the summer, but people can prevent car issues by
getting their oil changed and tires checked in the spring, as well as a preventative tune-up when necessary.
For Jeremy, JNP Motorsports is a dream come true. “It was the right time,” he said.
Article taken from the Albert Lea Tribune, July 7, 2012 - http://www.albertleatribune.com
Kevin H. Peterson was awarded a doctor of philosophy degree from the University of Michigan in December 2011.
His Ph.D. is in mechanical engineering with a focus on automotive engineering. The title of his thesis is “Single Camera,
Three Dimensional Particle Tracking Velocimetry.” It involves high-speed photography of fuel combustion in a
transparent cylinder. Peterson is a 2001 graduate of Albert Lea High School and has a bachelor’s degree from Carleton
College.
He started his automotive studies at Riverland Community College with Jason Merritt. Peterson is currently living
in Detroit and working as a research engineer for General Motors. He is the son of John and Deb Peterson of Albert Lea.
3rd Annual Taste of Nations -
Riverland Students, Faculty & Staff share
their Rich (and Delicious) Cultures with the Austin Community
Page 5
Photos submitted by Miguel Garate, International Student Advisor
Students: Maria Lazaro, Maria Elena
Sanchez, Karem Sales & Claudia Castellano.
Maria Elena Sanchez (student), Nel Zellar
(Enrollment Advisor), Miguel Garate ((Int’l.
Student Advisor), Roberto Torres & Jose Rivera
(students) and Mel Morem (Int’l. Student Advisor).
Student: Linda Dimauga.
Students: Roberto Torres (green shirt),
Jose Rivera (purple & white shirt), &
Ernesto Rodriguez (gray shirt).
Yesenia Mendoza, Multicultural Coordinator (2nd from left), with
students (left to right) Sherome, Karem Salas, and Maria Lazaro.
2012 Be Your Best Students
Participate in July 4 Parade
Miguel Garate, Int’l. Student Advisor, and
Yesenia Mendoza, Multicultural Coordinator.
Congratulations to Donna Schumacher
Riverland’s 2012 Distinguished Alumna Recipient
Page 6
Dr. Schumacher has worked in various nursing positions over the years. She has been a staff
nurse and assistant Nurse Manager on the Pediatric, Intensive Care, Coronary Care, and medical
and surgical units. Dr. Schumacher has worked in the academic field for more than fifteen
years and has taught nursing students at the vocational, associate, baccalaureate, and graduate
degree levels.
Her experience as a nursing instructor includes teaching in the associate degree program at
Austin Community College from 1988 to 2000 as well as acting as Dean of Nursing and Health
Sciences from 2000 to 2002. During that time, Donna developed and implemented many
curriculum changes which advanced and strengthened the nursing program.
From 2002 to the present, Dr. Schumacher has worked in various capacities for Mayo Clinic in
Rochester, Minnesota. In 2002, she acted as a Nursing Education Specialist for the Hematology/Oncology and Blood/
Marrow Transplant Units, then from 2004 to 2011 moved to the role of Nursing Education Liaison and Director of
Affiliated Nursing Programs. Currently, she coordinates the Mayo Multidisciplinary Simulation Center, which serves as
a health education simulator for physicians and other health care disciplines.
Dr. Schumacher has proudly mentored hundreds of nurses, developed and presented more than two hundred healthrelated courses, and published numerous articles. She currently reviews nursing simulation articles for Elsevier.
Dr. Schumacher’s educational background includes:
1981 Austin Community College, Austin, MN – Associate in Arts Degree (Associate Degree RN)
1988 College of St. Francis, Joliet, IL – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
1995 Winona State University, Winona, MN – Master of Science in Nursing Education
1997 Winona State University, Winona, MN – Post Master of Science certificate Clinical Nurse Specialist
2005 Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO – Ph.D. in Education and Human Resource Studies
Dr. Schumacher received the following honors/awards for specialization focus in community college leadership:
2010 Mayo Quality Bronze award
2012 Mayo Quality Silver award
NOTE: The Distinguished Alumni Award program began in 1979 to honor distinguished alumni in recognition of their
personal and professional achievements, contributions to the achievement of the college’s and/or foundation’s mission,
community leadership that promotes partnerships with the college, and/or significant contributions to society or the
community.
You can find the complete list of distinguished alumni recipients on the alumni webpage at
http://www.riverland.edu/alumni/distinguished_alumni_award_recipients.cfm
Jerry Girton Earns Emeritus Faculty Status
Jerry Girton was awarded Emeritus Faculty status by President Leas in recognition of his twenty-two years of selfless
service to Riverland Community College on April 11, 2012.
Sharon Hyland (psychology instructor), Sue Grove and Frank W. Bridges (fellow emeriti faculty members), nominated
Jerry for this prestigious award.
“Jerry served Austin State Community College and then Riverland Community College as theater instructor
and director for twenty-two years, from 1989 to 2011. During that time, Jerry volunteered for several
committees and functioned as faculty president on several occasions. He was also very active in the college
foundation and assisted with several fundraising events, including establishing a scholarship fund in his
name. In addition, Jerry created, coordinated and directed the community Summerset Theater productions
for the Austin community for fourteen years, and volunteered as a drama, speech and one-act play judge for
greater Minnesota. Jerry deserves Emeritus status and, as an Emeritus faculty, will continue to represent
and support the college in positive ways.”
NOTE: You can find the complete list of emeriti faculty members on the President’s webpage at
http://www.riverland.edu/president/emeritus.cfm
Page 7
Riverland Frequency, directed by
Scott Blankenbaker, performed
“The Lord Bless You and Keep You.”
President Terry Leas welcomes Distinguished Alumna, Dr.
Donna Schumacher, to the stage as Darrel Huish, Vice
Chancellor of Information Technology, looks on.
President Terry Leas
addresses the class of 2012.
Faculty speaker,
Heidi Schara
Student Speaker,
Amelia Holcomb
Distinguished Alumna, Dr. Donna
Schumacher, addresses the class of 2012.
Student Speaker,
Jeremy Pasquale
Darrel Huish, Vice
Chancellor of Information
Technology, addresses the
class of 2012.
Page 8
The Story of an Austin State Junior College Prank (Part 2)
This is Part 2 of the “The Prank” played on college administration during the 1966-1967 school year.
Story, newspaper article, Oliver! album cover, and photos submitted by Gregg Nelson, copyright 2011.
Page 9
Editor’s Note: Enjoy discovering how Gregg and his team put their master key to work, the amazing
prank they pulled on two Austin State Junior College instructors, and who blew the whistle.
The Prank
We now proceeded with the second half of the plan. Main hallways in the building met at 90° angles to each other. At
these junctions there were smaller L-shaped hallways leading to a row of instructor's offices. The instructor’s offices
were all essentially identical with a single door to the hall and one small window which looked out onto an enclosed
courtyard. At that time the college employed two chemistry instructors, Rex Sala and Eugene Auringer. Their offices
were in the middle of a single row of instructor's offices, all alike, and were separated by one other office. This was the
perfect arrangement for us: two offices, of two instructors in the same discipline, only two doors apart.
The plan was to swap the entire contents of the two chemistry instructor's offices without leaving a trace as to how we
did it. We had both the old and new master keys. Opening the offices was easy. After all, we could once again open any
door in the building.
We went through the building to the hall where the offices were located. Since parts of the building were separated by
glass breezeways we had to avoid them so no one on the outside could see us moving about. A few of the breezeways
also had motion sensors installed. To get past the breezeways and motion sensors, each time we approached a breezeway, we turned into the nearest classroom. We used our tunnel door tool to open the trap door in the corner. We went
through the tunnel under the breezeway into the next building and came up through the trap door into a classroom on the
other side. It took extra time but we avoided the chance of being observed or setting off a motion sensor.
We opened the doors to both offices. The office between the chemistry instructor’s offices was left undisturbed. Both
instructors’ desks were piled with books and papers strewn about in a haphazard manner. We had to preserve this
disarray to achieve our goal. So we selected a portion of the papers, put one hand under the stack and another on top and
carried it out into the hallway and set it down on the floor about four or five feet past the door to the destination office.
We went back for another portion of the pile and placed it next to the first portion in the same relation as when they were
on the desk. We moved all the papers from both offices out onto the hall floor this way.
The desks were too long in both dimensions to fit through the door in their normal orientation. They had to be stood
on-end and jockeyed around the door frame an inch at a time. Before we could lift the desks, we removed the drawers
since they were full of the instructor's personal items. Luckily, no drawers were locked. The drawers were removed and
stacked in their normal arrangement in front of the piles of papers from the desktops.
One desk was moved out into the hall in front of the desk drawers and left for now since both desks could not fit into the
hall at the same time. The other desk, standing on-end, was moved into the hall, into its destination office and placed in
its proper location. Then the first desk was moved into its destination office. Taking care to note the locations,
wastebaskets and any remaining personal items were swapped.
Drawers were re-installed in their correct positions and the papers from the desktops were carefully arranged in their
original disorganized layout. Wall hangings were transferred including sheets of paper one instructor had taped to the
windows to block out the sun. The rooms were now complete. We used the spanner wrench to remove the door knobs
from each office and swapped them to the other. We wanted the instructor’s individual keys to work in the locks in their
new location. The final touch was to unscrew the office number signs from the top of the door frames and swap them.
We had accomplished the goal in about two and a half hours.
It was now about 5:00 a.m. We still were not tired from the excitement, danger, and fun of the evening's accomplishments. All that was left was to take the tunnels back to the heating plant, pack up our tools, and head for home. It was
still dark outside with no one in sight as we made our way to a car left by our friend. There were several days of vacation
remaining before winter quarter began and the prank would be discovered.
The following are the recollections of Gene Auringer and Rex Sala upon returning to their offices following the holiday
break.
“Prank” continued on page 10
Auringer: “The fall of 1966 was special for the Austin State Junior College as the new facilities were used
for the first time. The move was made in spite of some deficiencies in the new building - no shelves in the
chemistry laboratory. The enrollment was up to new highs in most areas and the fall quarter was
completed with enthusiasm.
Page 10
Winter quarter started in January after the usual Christmas break. Upon
returning on the first class day, I put my key into the key slot and tried to
turn it as I had done all fall quarter. The key would not turn! I looked at
the number above the door only to find a number that was out of sequence.
Two doors to my left was the number I had expected so I tried that door.
The key worked and the door opened. Even though this room had been Rex
Sala’s office, all of my materials were now in it - desk, file cabinet, and
book case with my books in it.
My office had somehow moved two doors down the hall. My colleague,
Rex came around the corner obviously upset. “My blinkety-blank key
doesn’t work!!” I pointed to the numbers above the office doors and he
moved two doors to the right, saw his number affixed above the door, tried
Rex Sala, left, and Gene Auringer at the
his key and the door opened. His brief case - one latch open, pointed
door to Auringer’s former office in
upward and the other closed sitting in the middle of his office and all his
April 2012.
materials were found just as he had left them.
We both took a quick inventory only to find nothing missing in either office. The security of the offices
had been breached and we were concerned. An investigation was needed but we made no public
announcements relative to the situation. We decided that it had to be one of the students in one of our
chemistry classes. The Dean of Students was notified and we remained silent. Of the pranks encountered
this is of the highest caliber.”
Sala: “We finished the fall quarter and broke for the holidays (Christmas and New Year’s). We may have started
the new quarter the week before we broke for Christmas--my memory fails me here. At any rate I returned
after the break, probably just a few minutes before my first class as was my habit, and tried to get in my office
and, of course couldn't. This upset me and I went off in search of a custodian (who was nowhere to be found)
and when I returned, Auringer had showed up and found his key wouldn't work either and then we figured that
we had been HAD.
Once we understood what had happened, we were in awe of the magnitude of the prank, and I was in awe of the
attention to the details of placing the papers and other materials exactly as I had left them. My desk was always
messy and how someone was able to transfer all that from one room to another was astounding.
We immediately wondered who had done this and suspected that it might have been our lab assistants or our
students. I no longer remember, but suspect that we must have questioned "why us?" I am sure that we were
greatly concerned about the prank because we knew that somebody had access to the entire building, including
dangerous and valuable chemicals in the labs, and that the integrity of our exams was now compromised.
Gene and I were in no position to conduct an investigation and my memory is that Dean Meland was upset
and directed the Dean of Students, Bill Goblirsch, to investigate. I think that to aid the investigation Gene
and I remained silent, figuring that something this good could not be kept a secret for very long. I have no
memory of telling other faculty about the prank but it had to be obvious to others in our suite. I am sure
that knowledge of the incident spread throughout the faculty. I am sure that both of our lab assistants,
John Lollar and Dick Fetterly, were aware of the prank because we worked so closely with them. Once
you were found out and Bill Goblirsch told you that the incident was closed, his word was as good as gold,
and that was the end of it. I am sure that he gave Gene and me the details but that no general
announcement was made to the faculty.”
Winter Quarter
College classes resumed. Participant 2 returned to the University of Minnesota. I was back in Rex Sala's
chemistry class. The two chemistry instructors employed a student lab assistant. The lab assistant came under
“Prank” continued on page 11
immediate suspicion for the prank as he had a large key ring with keys to all student lab lockers and the
doors to the chemistry classrooms. He, however, did not have keys to the instructor's offices or the building
master key.
Page 11
I believe the fact that two chemistry instructor's offices were swapped caused the administration to immediately
suspect a chemistry student. I spoke with the lab assistant on several occasions since I knew him personally. He
apparently was given the task of asking other students what, if anything, they knew about the prank. He asked if I
knew anything about the office swap. I, of course, played dumb. There was no general announcement to the student
body about what had taken place. The administration didn't want it known that students, in all likelihood, had a master
key to the building, especially since they had already made the single change of master key allowed by the lock's
design. Another change would have required re-keying all locks and been expensive.
I handled lighting for the winter quarter play, Shaw's Major Barbara. The rest of winter quarter passed without
incident.
Spring Quarter Play Announced
Following the final performance of Major Barbara, theater director Frank Bridges announced the spring quarter play
would be the musical, Oliver! That immediately struck a chord in me. After watching two plays from the lighting
control booth in the back of the theater, I was itching to be in front of an audience myself. A vehicle like Oliver! was
perfect. It allowed much more latitude for broadly played comedy than the two more cerebral plays that year, The
Emperor Jones and Major Barbara.
I had closely watched the performances of my college classmates in both earlier plays. These were students who had
been active in high school theater and were not completely new to the stage. However, I thought I detected a flaw in
many of their performances. It seemed to me they were self-consciously watching themselves playing a part, rather
than immersing themselves in the character. They were attempting to shield themselves from humiliation and ridicule
by holding back, rather than “becoming” the character they were playing. Looking foolish or silly had to be avoided
even if it fit the persona of their character at the moment. On the other hand, a play like Oliver! freed one from that
straitjacket and allowed enormous opportunity for bits of funny-business and low comedy. I believed I could give a
better performance after watching what seemed to me less than convincing efforts.
I purchased the LP album of the Broadway cast recording of Oliver! and listened to it every spare moment. I wasn't
familiar with Dickens' “Oliver Twist” and so didn't immediately understand who all the characters were. However, I
managed to learn every song on the record album by heart. By that point, I had a better idea of the characters and
decided I wanted to play the part of “Fagin.” By listening to the record dozens, if not hundreds of time, I was able to
copy Clive Revill's British accent and low, gravelly tone of voice. (Ron Moody played Fagin during the three-year
London run and in the 1968 film).
It seemed obvious to me the character of Fagin would immediately appeal to the audience as a rascal with a heart of
gold. He's a thief who sends his boys out into London to steal for him, “You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two,” but
worries about their well-being in “Be Back Soon.” He examines how his life could be different with “Reviewing the
Situation,” but in the end decides “I'm a bad-un and bad-un I shall stay.” However, in the final scene of the play
Fagin asks, “Can somebody change?” and answers his own question with, “It's possible” then decides to “Turn a leaf
over” and wonders, “Who can tell what I may find?”
When auditions were announced, I was prepared. Frank Bridges, theater director, and Don Gunderson, choir director,
were the judges. I knew them and they both knew me from me running the theater lighting systems and participating
in the Briars choir. One after the other the more experienced student actors gave their auditions. It was pretty obvious
none had put the time and effort into preparation that I had. I was still terribly nervous and deathly afraid I might be
turned down for the part of “Fagin” or might be offered some other part which would be a colossal disappointment.
After performing a few verses from “Reviewing the Situation” I stopped and waited. Gunderson and Bridges put their
heads together and began whispering. I waited less than a minute, which seemed to stretch out forever. Frank then
turned to me and asked, “If we give you the part of Fagin, would you still be willing to help with the lighting?” I was
so overwhelmed and relieved I could only stammer my reply, “Of, of course! Ab, ab, absolutely!” They then said I
could have the part. I was overjoyed!
“Prank” continued on page 12
Page 12
After all the actors had been chosen, Frank passed out the dialog books. When putting on a copyrighted
play like Oliver! the college rents a package from a service. The package consists of dialog booklets for each
character, sheet music for the musicians, and a master book containing all parts plus suggestions for stage direction for
the play's director. As we began the first few rehearsals, I looked over Frank Bridge's shoulder at the stage manager's
book. I could see some hand-drawn diagrams of portions of the set.
The set referred to in the director's book was the set used in
the London and Broadway productions. The LP album also
had several photos giving more hints about the set's
appearance and layout. I asked if I could read through the
stage manager's book and Frank allowed me to take it home
over night. The more I learned about the London/Broadway
set (see photo on right), the more I wanted to duplicate it for
our production. Since I was in this play and had a major part, I
wanted it to be the best play I could possibly make it. To me,
that meant doing something stupendous like duplicating the
London/Broadway set.
I started making drawings of parts of the set while pretending
to pay attention in my other classes. I began badgering Frank
to allow us to build the set as shown in the album photos and
director's book. Frank obviously didn't see things as I did and
continued to put me off. I kept at it, producing more diagrams
of the set, and continuing to assure Frank it could be done. At
that point he didn't share my enthusiasm and confidence.
Found Out
1960 London set, configuration for Scene 5,
Paddington Green, a road, wherein Oliver meets
the Artful Dodger and the song “Consider Yourself”
ensues.
About this time I made a major mistake with regard to the prank described earlier. The lab assistant had continued to
ask me if I knew who had perpetrated the prank. I eventually, stupidly, let on it was me. As they say, “Loose lips sink
ships.” And also, “Tell someone, and you will be found out.” I was sitting in a class one afternoon when someone
brought a note to the door. The instructor handed the note to me which said “Dean Goblirsch wanted to see me after
class.”
I arrived at Dean Goblirsch's office and sat down across from his desk. His first question was, “Is there anything you'd
like to tell me?” I had no idea what the meeting was about. I'd never met him in a one-on-one conversation. I actually
thought it probably had something to do with my poor academic performance in another class. I responded, “No, I
don't think so.” He then asked, “What about the keys?”
I immediately knew the jig was up and responded, “Oh that! But we never intended any harm. We didn't damage
anything. We didn't take anything. It was only a prank.” He replied, “Yes, I understand. However, we could have let
the authorities handle this but I think we can avoid that if you'll cooperate. Are any other students involved?” I said,
“No, they don't attend Austin State Junior College.” He then asked, “Do you have the keys with you?” I replied, “No,
they're at home.” He said, “I want you to go get them and bring them back to me, all of them.”
I walked home about as fast as I've ever walked that distance, picked up the billfold containing the keys, and made it
back to the college in record time. I knocked on Dean Goblirsch's door and he asked me in. I gave him both the old and
new master keys, a couple of key blanks, and the tunnel door tool. He asked if that was all, and I answered, “Yes.”
He then stated, “This incident is over. We won't need to take it any further or involve the authorities.” What a relief! I
thanked him and as I left I felt a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. The secret was out and I wasn't going to do any
hard time.
The Conjunction of the Prank and the Play
End of story, huh? Not quite. A few days later we had another rehearsal of Oliver! I again told Frank of my desire to
build a replica of the London/Broadway set and my confidence that it could be done. Unbeknownst to me, Frank
Bridges and Rexford Sala were close friends. Dean Goblirsch had apparently already told the two chemistry instructors
I was involved in the office-swapping incident. Sala told his friend Frank Bridges.
“Prank” continued on page 13
When I again approached Frank about building the London/Broadway set replica, he replied, “Mr. Sala told
Page 13
me you were involved in the office-swapping prank. Is that true?” I meekly responded, “Yes.” He went on,
“If you could accomplish that, I think you can probably build the set. Let's go ahead with it.” Wonder of
wonders, miracle of miracles! Who could ever believe the prank, for which I could have been expelled or prosecuted,
was now the avenue to my fondest wish?
Building the London/Broadway set Replica
There was no time to lose with only about five weeks before the night of the performance.
The London/Broadway set consisted of several large sections, the largest of which, had a twenty-foot-diameter
revolving platform in the center that supported two curving staircases, one along each outer edge, leading up to an eight
foot high platform at the back. Along either side were two additional moveable platforms, called wagons, the left-hand
platform was two stories tall with a staircase leading to the upper story along the back side. The right-hand platform
was low with a staircase of just a few steps at the front leading up from the stage.
The revolve's pivot had to be kept low to keep the top of the revolve platform as close to stage level as possible while
still able to support considerable weight. I went to Carney's Auto Salvage north of town. I explained what I wanted and
that it was for a play at the college. One of the workmen used an acetylene cutting torch to cut off the front axle of a
junked car at the steering knuckle and also included the wheel rim without the tire. No charge!
I drove down to the Spring Valley junk yard Participant 2 and I had visited several times before. This junkyard received
obsolete IBM machines from the Rochester plant. Many of the machines had large, heavy-duty casters that were perfect
for the revolve and had a threaded stud on top. I had to climb up huge piles of old cabinets to remove the casters. The
junkyard's owner, Wilbur, charged me 50 cents for each caster.
I took the casters, axle, and wheel to the Austin Area
Vocational-Technical School welding shop across the street
from the high school. Participant 2 and I had taken a welding
class during a previous summer and knew the instructor, Ed
Johnston. I explained this was for a play at the college and Mr.
Johnston agreed to do the work gratis. I asked him to weld the
axle upright on a horizontal plate so the wheel rotated
horizontally. Part of the wheel's upper rim was cut off and a
flat plate was welded in place of it that matched the height of
the casters. Also plates and straps had to be fabricated to
support the junctions of each of the revolve's spokes and
braces where the casters would be located.
My father let us use his radial arm saw which we brought out
in my grandfather's old trailer. We now needed lumber, and lots of it. Frank Bridges allowed me to spend $200 to
acquire it. I took my grandfather's trailer to a couple of houses being torn down in town. I explained what the lumber
was for and the carpenters said, “Take all you can get in the trailer.” Two loads were sufficient to build most of the set.
The revolve consisted of the wheel and axle, its center was screwed down to the stage floor. Eight ten-foot two-by-sixes
stuck out horizontally from the center like spokes. Two-by-six braces were installed between each pair of spokes at the
mid-points and ends. A caster was bolted in place at each junction where spokes and braces met using the plates and
straps supplied by the Vo-tech’s welding shop. The entire revolve resembled a giant twenty-foot-wide spider's web at
this point. Two-by-two frames in the shape of pie slices were laid on top of the two-by-sixes and covered with one-bysix flooring boards. The floor panels were screwed down to the two-by-six framework underneath. The basic revolve
was now complete.
Next, an eight foot high four-legged platform was constructed on the revolve at the center rear. Two curving
staircases were built that descended from this platform, one on either side, until they reached the level of the revolve.
The right-hand staircase was interrupted about halfway by a landing. A picnic table and benches were built and placed
in the center of the revolve. This spot was used as the Three Cripples Inn for the “Oom-pah-pah” number.
We built a staircase that met the top of the upper revolve platform at the rear of the stage. This was so the cast could
appear to be exiting from the Three Cripples Inn at street level which was at the upper platform height.
“Prank” continued on page 14
This staircase was hidden by a curtain and not seen by the audience. The left and right moveable wagons
were constructed. The left wagon had two stories and a staircase along the back to reach the upper story.
Once again casters were used for mobility.
Page 14
A deck was built to simulate London Bridge. It was similar to a
long boat dock without legs. It had to be carried and lifted into
place and spanned the distance between the revolve's upper
platform and the second story of the left-hand movable wagon.
AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
As the date for the performance neared, we were informed the
college had rented the stage for a one-day community event the
weekend prior to the performance! This required dismantling the
entire set and moving it out through a double-door into the scene
shop. Since the set was built in large units it wasn't necessary to
remove every board and nail.
Audience Thoroughly Entertained by
ASJC Production of Oliver!
However, it still took much of the cast a day-and-a-half to
dismantle the set starting Friday after class and going all day
Saturday. After the meeting was over, everyone returned to put the
set back together again which took another day-and-a-half.
Polly Isham, an art student
who was in the play,
copied the pencil drawing
of Oliver’s face from the
original Broadway cast
recording of Lionel Bart’s
OLIVER! (see LP album
cover on right), and I
copied the lettering. We
used these to print posters
which we distributed to
stores around town to
announce the play.
Unfortunately, none of our
posters survived.
The play was scheduled for three performances: Thursday, Friday,
and Saturday, May 11 - 13. All three nights were sold out prior to
the first night, so two additional performances were scheduled on
the following Monday and Tuesday. An Austin Daily Herald
reporter reviewed the first night of the play which the paper printed
in their Saturday edition (see textbox on right). It was everything I
could have hoped for from the beginning when I first auditioned for
the part. Much of the credit for the success of the play goes to
Frank Bridges who was willing to put his faith and confidence in
me and allow me to fulfill my dreams and desires.
On a visit to Austin in 2005, I visited the theater with my sister. We
were at center stage of the empty theater as I tried to recall the
events of our production of Oliver! 38 years previously. Jerry
Girton, whom I did not know, appeared and asked if he could help
us. Girton had taken over as theater instructor and director when
Frank Bridges retired in 1989. I told him I had been in a play back
in 1967. He asked what play and I told him I had been Fagin in
Oliver!
Friday May 12, 1967
FAGIN STEALS SHOW
The Oliver! audience left the Austin State
Junior College Theater Thursday night
thoroughly entertained and humming their
favorite tunes from the ASJC production of
the Broadway musical hit of a few years
ago. Overcoming the usual opening night
mishaps, the cast headed by Dean Minnick
as Oliver Twist, Robert Marlin as Mr.
Bumble, Gregg Nelson as Fagin and Janet
Sand as Nancy gave creditable
performances all around.
Most of the intermission buzz in the lobby
was about Nelson who stole the show as
Charles Dickens’ thief with a tarnished
heart of gold. Nelson, besides having the
best balance of acting and singing voice
(for his part) also was chiefly responsible
for the marvelous set. Ooohs and Ahhhs
were heard from the audience as the set
first revolved as the scenes changed. Once
again, Director Frank Bridges brought the
action out into the audience; during the
changes so little time was lost.
Oliver! is a good play for the actors
because practically everyone gets to sing at
least one song. Highlights of the first act
include "I Shall Scream" with Marlin and
Sue Ann Meineke as the Widow Corney;
"That's Your Funeral" with Mr. and Mrs.
Sowerberrry (Rich Myers and Mary
Becker); "Consider Yourself" with Oliver,
the Chorus, and the Artful Dodger (Robert
Dunlap); "You've Got to Pick a Pocket or
Two," with Fagin and his street boys, and
"It's a Fine Life" with Janet Sand.
Miss Sand's fine voice gets a real workout
in the second act when she sings several
songs including the famous "As Long As He
Needs Me." The pit orchestra, directed by
Charles Gunderson, deserves special praise.
Talented musicians all.
“Prank” concludes on page 15
Jerry Girton introduced himself as the current director and said he had seen our production of Oliver! while
he was still a high school student in Grand Meadow. In fact, he said it was our production that had inspired his
interest in the theater. Girton retired from Riverland Community
College in May 2011.
Page 15
During a visit with Frank Bridges in December 2011, he said
certain members of the college administration, Dean Levine
prominent among them, were of the opinion it was not possible
to perform a Broadway play or musical in the new theater,
presumably because it was too small. Frank said it was our
production of Oliver! and the construction of the London/
Broadway set replica that changed their minds. Frank also stated
that the 1967 production of Oliver!, which occurred exactly 100
years from the first theatrical production in Austin, initiated a
continuing renaissance for theater productions in Austin and at
the college.
Writing this story gave me an opportunity to re-connect
Rex Sala, Frank Bridges, and Eugene Auringer at
with three gracious and accommodating gentlemen. I
Riverland Community College, April 2012..
enjoyed several lengthy and congenial conversations
with Eugene Auringer, Frank Bridges, and Rex Sala who
searched their memories and provided many details
included in the story. I also wish to thank Colette Chaffee
for her generous assistance in locating old Austin Daily
Herald articles at the Mower County Historical Society. ---- Gregg Nelson, ASJC 1967
Artists with ties to Austin and Riverland
showcase their talents at the
Austin Artworks Festival
On August 25 & 26, Austin celebrated its first Artworks Festival at the Historic Downtown Power Plant. The purpose of this two-day festival was to
provide community members and visitors with a vision of how the historic
downtown power plant can be revitalized and transformed into a unique destination.
Visual, performing, media, and literary artists with ties to the Austin community came to showcase their talents. Plus,
many of the artists also have ties to Riverland. Alumni include: Eric Anfinson, Rod Cockrum, Mike Cotter, John
Duren, John Finch, Jim Freitag, Rayna Gasteiger, Donovan Germain, Daniel Goettsch, Thomas Keller, Julie Kramer,
Elizabeth Leyk, Linda Marlin, Paul Reetz, Joseph Sand, Adam Wollenburg, and Zane York. Faculty/staff
include: Rich Campbell, Keith Cich, Tim Jones, and Jim Wegner.
Mark your calendars! Next year’s Austin Artworks Festival is scheduled for August 24 & 25, 2013.
Riverland Foundation News
Page 16
Riverland’s 25th annual Athletic Golf Fundraiser
was a HUGE Success!
On June 4, 2012, 108 golfers participated in the 25th annual Riverland
Community College Athletic Golf Fundraiser at the Austin Country Club.
This event was a huge success as our net revenues were doubled from last year.
These funds will be used to support equipment, travel, and related non-scholarship
costs for our athletic programs.
Congratulations to all who helped support this event!
Photo: David Lillemon, Riverland Athletic Director and tournament organizer (left)
poses with Greg Thoen, who came closest to the pin on Hole 13, a par 3. His teeshot landed just 19 inches from the pin. For his great shot, Mr. Thoen won a Toro
lawnmower donated by Donker’s Hometown Appliances.
Family & Friends of Luke Unverzagt
organize a Car Cruise & Golf Outing to
Honor his Memory
Friends and family gathered at the Eagles Club in Austin on June 16 to drive/ride in the Luke
Unverzagt Memorial car cruise. They made stops at Woody’s in Rose Creek, Sweet’s Hotel in
LeRoy, Skjenke Bom Lounge in Grand Meadow, Oasis Bar & Grill in Dexter, and they ended
their ride at the Mapleview Lounge.
Photo provided by
Kevin Coss, Austin
Daily Herald
Family and Friends came together again on July 14 to play in the Luke Unverzagt Memorial
Golf Tournament at the River Oaks Golf Course in Austin. 88 golfers participated in this event.
These events raised over $15,000 for the Luke Unverzagt Electricians Scholarship established
through the Riverland Foundation.
The Riverland Community College Foundation
Bikers of Student Success (BOSS)
had another successful ride on July 28th, 2012
Story submitted by Steve Bowron, Dean for Institutional Advancement
The 12th Annual BOSS Ride fundraiser helped to raise more than $3,000 to support scholarships for Riverland Students
in need of financial assistance to continue on their education/career pathway.
The BOSS ride fundraiser has been very successful over the past twelve years and has raised more than $45,000 for
scholarships. The BOSS ride has been a great way to bring together motorcycle enthusiasts for a scenic ride through
southern Minnesota and raise money for students in need.
A major reason for our success has been because of the generous donations from local companies. Our local business
and industry partners have helped us with the donation of prizes to be given away during a raffle on the day of the
event. We also are able to provide water, pop, and snacks to our riders through sponsorships. A special thank you to
all of our sponsors!
Alumni, please join us for next year’s event to be held on Saturday July 27th, 2013. This BOSS ride will be very
special; we’ll travel a great route and be filled with fun and excitement as it will be our Lucky 13th Ride!
Interview with Alumnus Nathan Smit
Page 17
What attracted you to Riverland Community College? What was the college’s name at the time you attended?
“I began college during my senior year of high school. Riverland Technical college in Albert Lea had an
Environmental Science program that interested me.”
What years did you attend? I attended from 1997-2000.” What year did you graduate? “I graduated in
2000.” What degree did you receive? I received a diploma in the Environmental Technician program.”
What was your major? Environmental technician.
What 4-year university did you attend? What degrees have you earned?
“I attended Kansas State University from 2003-2008 while working full time. I earned my BS in Food Science
and a minor in Business Administration.”
Did you always know you were interested in this field or did a class or teacher inspire you?
“I became interested in the food industry after my internship with Tyson Foods during college at Riverland. I
worked in the chemistry and microbiology lab.”
Did you participate in Club/Sport activities?
“I was President of the Student Senate at the Albert Lea campus.”
Who was your favorite instructor? “Bruce Paterson.”
What was your favorite school-related activity?
“Field trips to an ethanol plant and wastewater treatment facilities.”
Did you work while you were a student?
“Yes, I worked around 34 hours a week after school at Tyson Foods in Albert Lea (Now Cargill.)”
What is your favorite Riverland memory?
“I loved giving back to the students through the Student Senate. We held a lot of games with prizes and free
lunches. I also love how we crashed the graduation party dressed as members of KISS.”
Where are you employed today? What is your position? How did Riverland contribute to your
success?
“I am employed by Hormel Foods and am the Associate Manager of Grocery Products Innovation. Riverland
gave me the science background and industry experience to become a food scientist which became the
foundation for my current position.”
Tell me something about you that most people don’t know.
“I have 1 patent, 3 pending, I have written a book, and I am a WWE superfan.”
Is there anything else you’d like to tell me or your fellow alumni?
“Set your goals high. When you reach the summit of your goal do not look down admiring your conquest, look
to the mountains of opportunity in front of you for your next adventure. Collaboration, commitment, constant
learning, follow through and fun have been my keys to success.”
Riverland Music News
Frequency & Concert Choir members
perform at Lincoln Center
Page 18
In April, twenty members of Riverland’s Frequency and Concert Choir joined three other
community college choirs for a performance in the Alice Tully Recital Hall at Lincoln Center.
William Weinert directed the mass choir, he is the director of choral activities at the Eastman
School of Music. The choirs were accompanied by the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra.
Scott Blankenbaker, music instructor and director at Riverland, explained that participation in
the National Community College Choral Festival in New York City is by invitation only, and
this was Riverland’s second appearance. He said, “To sing with professionals and other
colleges, it takes the performance to a whole other level. To sing on stage at Lincoln Center is an experience itself .”
Student Quotes:
 Carrie Braaten – “Singing with a large choir is a really powerful experience. It’s a different sound than with a
regular choir.”
 Andie Lewis – “The trip was fantastic and the choir learned a lot from the guest conductor.”
The combined choirs rehearse during one of their threehour practice sessions.
Riverland choir members pose with guest conductor, Don
Neuen. He is retired from UCLA, and served as director
of music at the Crystal Cathedral for many years.
Riverland’s Music Department Fall Schedule
THE STORIES OF MUSIC, STORIES FROM HOME
Appropriate for all ages.
FALL FINE ARTS SHOWCASE
Appropriate for all ages.
By Lauren Pelon and Gary H. Holthaus
Date: September 18. Time: 7:30 p.m. in the Frank W. Bridges Theatre.
Lauren Pelon collaborates with poet and storyteller Gary H. Holthaus to present a combined program of music and
literature. Tickets are free for Riverland Theatre season subscribers and students (elementary through college);
$5 for the general public.
Date: December 13 Location: Frank W. Bridges Theatre.
Times: 7:00 p.m. Reception and student art exhibit; 7:30 p.m. Student music and theatre performances. Free admission.
RIVERLAND MUSIC DEPARTMENT PRESENTS A HOLIDAY CONCERT Appropriate for all ages.
Date: Sunday, December 3. Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Christ Episcopal Church, 301 3rd Avenue NW, Austin. Suggested Donation: $5 adults; free for students.
You won’t want to miss a single event! Visit http://www.riverland.edu/theatre/program.cfm for the latest schedule.
Riverland Theatre News
Page 19
Lindsey William’s theatre season finale
this past April was the Broadway
sensation, RENT.
The story is set in New York’s East
Village in the 1990s. RENT is a modernday classic and follows a year in the life of
a group of friends struggling to make it in
the big city.
The book, music, and lyrics were written
by Jonathan Larson.
The Cast of RENT
Songs you may recognize include, Seasons of Love, Another Day, What
You Own,” and La Vie Boheme.”
Williams said, “The basic themes of the play are universal: love, treating others with kindness, and living every moment
as if I were your last.”
The 2012-2013 Season Tickets are $50 and go on sale
September 4 to October 7
To purchase a season ticket or to receive more information, call the Riverland Theatre Box Office at (507) 433-0595, or
e-mail boxoffice@riverland.edu, or visit the website and download the brochure at www.riverland.edu/theatre.
You may purchase individual tickets, Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and one hour before
performances. Individual ticket prices for White Christmas and Little Women are $15; tickets for Eurydice and The
Philadelphia Story are $12. Riverland students receive two free tickets to each production. All performances are
scheduled in the Frank W. Bridges theatre.
EURYDICE
Suggested for ages 12 and over.
By Sarah Ruhl October 4, 5, 6 @ 7:30 p.m. and October 7 @ 2:00 p.m.
Pulitzer Prize finalist Sarah Ruhl reimagines the classic myth of Orpheus through the eyes of its heroine. With
contemporary characters, ingenious plot twists, and breathtaking visual effects, Eurydice is a fresh look at a timeless love
story. Lindsey Duoos Williams will direct.
WHITE CHRISTMAS
Appropriate for all ages.
Based upon the Paramount Pictures film; music and lyrics by Irving Berlin.
November 30, December 1, 6, 7, 8 @ 7:30 p.m. and December 2 & 9 @ 2:00 p.m.
A heartwarming musical based on the beloved film features classics including “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” “How
Deep Is the Ocean,” and of course, “White Christmas.” Lindsey Duoos Williams will direct.
THE PHILADELPHIA STORY
Suggested for ages 12 and older.
By Philip Barry February 28, March 1, 2 @ 7:30 p.m. and March 3 @ 2:00 p.m.
This classic romantic comedy originally starred Katharine Hepburn on Broadway as Tracy Lord, a headstrong and
spoiled daughter of the privileged. Riverland Theatre adjunct instructor Susan V. Hansen will direct.
LITTLE WOMEN
Appropriate for all ages.
Book by Allan Knee, music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein.
April 25, 26, 27, May 2, 3, 4 @ 7:30 p.m. and May 5 @ 2:00 p.m.
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women follows the adventures of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March as
they grow up in Civil War America. Lindsey Duoos Williams will direct.
County Fair Alumni Winners
Page 20
Alumni, thank you for stopping by the Riverland booth at the Freeborn, Mower, and
Steele County fairs. When the fairs concluded in each county, your registration cards
were entered in a drawing. The winners are listed below:
Freeborn County Fair, Albert Lea: Congratulations to Jurene Wick! She is a 1947
graduate who attended Austin Junior College when it was located on the third floor of
Austin High School. She majored in business.
Mower County Fair, Austin: Congratulations to Kasey Schaub! He is a dual
graduate from Riverland’s Albert Lea campus; in1996 (electrician) and again in 2012
(welding).
Steele County Fair, Owatonna: Congratulations to Terry Jensen! He is a 1981
graduate of the Albert Lea Vocational-Technical Institute with a diploma in Industrial
Maintenance and Mechanicals.
For more alumni information, please visit our website, http://www.riverland.edu/alumni/index.cfm.
Remember, our alumni newsletter is the perfect venue for you to showcase your talents and accomplishments, and a
great way to keep in touch with your fellow alumni! Please consider sending your alumni story to Marijo Alexander at
marijo.alexander@riverland.edu. Thank you!
Roger Panzer, retired Riverland Instructor
and Author of Frozen Grief
Hosted a Book Signing Event on May 2, 2012
Text by Roger Panzer. Photos courtesy of Charlotte Elvebak
When a person’s life ends; there is a grieving process for family and friends. The
closer your relationship is to the person, the longer the grieving. The
grieving of your loss doesn’t go on forever and the person is not forgotten. From
time to time, memories of past events will come back. Those memories for the
most part are good for you.
In my case, I am still grieving the loss
of my wife. My wife is alive but her life is a long way away from what she
or I would want it to be or thought we would have. She is not able to do the
many things a grandma would do for her
grandchildren. She is not able to many things for herself, plus, she can’t live
in her own house with me.
Life sucks sometimes.
Many people have a tragedy happen in their lives. For me, in my situation,
what could I do? I only had two choices. I could stay and deal with the
problems and frustrations of being a husband and caregiver or I could leave.
I chose to stay!
What choice did I have really? My wife needed me and I needed to honor and fulfill those marriage vows I took so long
ago.
Frozen Grief is published by Xlibris, and is available in hardcover, softcover, and eBook versions. It is available at your
local bookstore, or you may order online at www.xlibris.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, or www.amazon.com.
In Memoriam
Robert D. Boysen, Austin Area Vocational-Technical School, passed away 3/25/2012.
Page 21
Vicky Bratten (Hartnell), Austin Area Vocational –Technical Institute, passed away 6/01/2012.
Tracy P. Brandt, Austin Community College, passed away 3/31/2012.
James J. Carroll, Austin Junior College, passed away 6/24/2012.
Gerald “Jerry” Dimit, Austin Area Vocational-Technical School, passed away 8/06/2012.
Carol J. Dotzenrod (Fullen), Austin Junior College, passed away 3/16/2012.
Linda M. Ellis (Kaput), Austin Area Vocational-Technical School, passed away 7/16/2012.
Mary E. Erickson (Haney), Austin Junior College, passed away 6/08/2012.
Donald Frederickson, Albert Lea Vocation and Technical Institute, passed away 7/04/2012.
Donald Freeman, Albert Lea Area Vocational-Technical Institute, passed away 6/17/2012.
Ann J. Jacobsen (Friedrich), Austin Junior College, passed away 3/03/2012.
Albert W. Jorgensen, Austin Community College, passed away 7/01/2012.
Carol L. Landgraf, Austin Junior College, passed away 8/02/2012.
Marie Louise (Scheid) Notermann, Austin Community College, passed away 6/15/2012.
Thomas C. Peterson, Austin Community College, passed away 4/04/2012.
Dan A. Ruble, Austin Community College, passed away 4/24/2012.
Lynn Marie Schmierer (Seibel), Riverland Community College, passed away 6/06/2012.
Garth W. Seavey, Austin Community College, passed away 5/06/2012.
Lynne P. Shada (Baxter), Riverland Community College, passed away 6/01/2012.
Michael “Bass” D. Skov, Albert Lea Area Vocational-Technical Institute, passed away 4/14/2012.
Andrew C. Sonnek, Albert Lea Area Vocational-Technical Institute, passed away 4/18/2012.
Michael D. Thostenson, Riverland Community College, passed away 5/08/2012.
Wayne E. Wolfe, Austin Area Vocational-Technical School, passed away 8/02/2012.
Greetings from your Editor
Did you know? The Gateway Building at the Albert Lea campus was built to serve as a “gateway”
between the area high schools and the Albert Lea Area Vocational-Technical School. The building had
large overhead doors that resembled a gateway. In a sense, the Gateway Building was used as a
recruiting tool. Area high schools would send their students to the Gateway Building each week to have
“hands-on” experience in various fields of workforce development. The building was portioned off with
Auto Services, Ag Diesel, and other technical programs so students could see if they were interested in
any of those careers.
Thank you to Judy Enright, Physical Plant Director, and Larry Peterson, Collision Repair Instructor,
for submitting this interesting Riverland Factoid.
REMINDER: Our 75th anniversary is only three years away. Send your ideas to Marijo Alexander at
marijo.alexander@riverland.edu and help us plan a “platinum” alumni celebration in 2015!
About this Publication: Meanderings is a
publication of the Riverland Community College
Alumni Association.
Its purpose is to update our readers (alumni,
donors, and community members) of Riverland
and alumni news, programs, and activities.