2101 15th Ave NW, Willmar, MN 56201 • www.ridgewater.edu/applynow • 800-722-1151 • 2 Century Ave SE, Hutchinson, MN 55350 • www.ridgewater.edu/applynow • 800-722-1151
We are Ridgewater
BASEBALL TEAM
Twenty six members of the Ridgewater baseball team started play on March
5th of this season playing games during spring break in St.Louis , Mo. Against
a very good St. Louis CC team that returned many of their region runner up
team from a year ago. After playing for 5 days the team headed to Centerville
,IA, to play Indian Hills CC one of the top Division one schools in the Midwest for
3 games. The last stop in the difficult spring training part of the schedule was
to Iowa Western CC in Council Bluffs , IA to take on the 3rd ranked Reviers in
division 1JC baseball for 4 games. The team improvement and the opportunity
to play against top notch teams has been very rewarding for the players as
they come back home to finish up the rest of the non-conference schedule and
begin Conference play in the Central Division of the MCAC.
Leading the way for the Warriors will be a solid group of returning sophomores
, pitchers Jordan Thompson and Ben Morken will be on the mound, Cooper
Lamke and Ryan Quast, Keanu Smith will be in the infield. Many 1st year players
are competing for starting jobs on the team and have made great strides in
preparing for the upcoming season. The Warriors have 2 new catchers, a new
shortstop and core of 3 new outfielders which make up the team that will play
this spring. The Warriors 1st home of the season will be April 14th against Iowa
Lakes CC in a DH at Bill Taunton Stadium starting at 1pm. Come and watch a
very talented group of players this season!
Luke Newton • Roseville
Josh Ellison • Flint, MI
Luke Theisen • Howard Lake
Daniel Fernandez • Miami, FL
Jake Gruenhagen • Howard Lake
Ben Morken • Russo
Kal Volinkaty • Litchfield
Diego Martiarena • Mexico City, Mexico
Cooper Lamke • Thunder Bay, ON
Michael Zinniel • Sleepy Eye
Noah Lanter • Cochrane, WI
Jack Paczkowski • Waseca, MN
Isaiah Nowlan • Apple Valley
Ryan West • Surrey, BC
Jordan Thompson • Montevideo
Josh Tinklenberg • Willmar
Christian Berrios • San Juan, Puerto Rico
Braxton Smith • Shelley, ID
Braedon Rybak • Winnipeg, Manitoba
Ryan Quast • Lester Prairie
Cade Leitheiser • Fairfax
Jelani Thomas • Plymouth
Archy Olson • St. Louis Park
Brandon Shaw • Hancock
Brent Wiering • Russell
Keanu Smith • Andover
Miguel Cirino-Allende • San Juan, Puerto Rico
Edwin Martin • Sauk Centre
Back row (left to right looking at the picture): Josh Tinklenberg,
Noah Lanter, Jelani Thomas, Keanu Smith, Kade Leithieser, Jacob
Gruenhagen, Jordan Thompson, Tony Hunstad, Brent Wiering.
Middle row: Josh Ellison, Jack Paczkowski, Daniel Fernandez, Isaiah
Nowlan, Mike Zinniel, Cooper Lamke, Archy Olson, Brandon Shaw,
Ryan West. Front row: Braedon Rybak, Luke Newton, Luke Theisen,
Diego Martiarena, Ryan Quast, Braxton Smith.
SOFTBALL TEAM
The Ridgewater College softball team has established itself as one of the top
two-year, Division III softball programs in the nation. The Warrior softball team
has been ranked nationally in the DIII NJCAA Softball Poll each of the past 13
years. Present Head Coach Todd Thorstad’s teams have won six Conference
titles, and six Region titles and he has coached 11 All-American’s during his
tenure at Ridgewater.
A great fast-pitch environment has been established at Ridgewater College.
Ridgewater softball offers top-of-the-line facilities and opportunities for its
softball players. Many of the current and former players on the team have
opportunities to continue playing at the 4-year college level when their careers
are completed at Ridgewater.
The present Ridgewater softball team recently returned from its annual spring
trip to Florida and is currently ranked #10 in the nation. The team is looking to
build off its play in Florida to compete for conference and regional titles.
Kenzie Peterson • New London
Jacie Selseth • Minnetonka
Melanie Adrian • Mountain Lake
Jordin Delzer • Madison, SD
Sydney Knudsen • St. Joseph
McKayla Lobitz • Norwood-Young America
Kendra Spindler • Wheaton
Kristin Wuebkers • Upsala
Katelyn Durbin• Sauk Centre
Courtney Olson • Murdock
Kaitlyn Kienholz • Willmar
Jennifer Sommers • Raymond
ELECTRICIAN
Electricians are critical team members on commercial and residential construction crews as
well as in industrial and maintenance departments.
If you like working with your hands, enjoy working independently as well as on a team, find
reward in seeing tangible results for your work, and you want a high-demand career with great
job placement, Ridgewater College’s Electrician program might be the connection you need for
a great career.
One day you might be installing a programmable logic controller, and another you might be
testing recessed lighting in a new house. The work day of an electrician has plenty of variety.
Student Jason Thorstad chose Ridgewater because of his three years’ participation in
Ridgewater’s Skills Fest technical career exploration competition. “I got to know the instructors
pretty well,” Thorstad said. “They knew me and my name. I really like the hands-on aspect of the
program. About 70 percent of the course work is out in the lab.”
“Students who are willing to dedicate their time and effort into learning the electrical trade will
succeed,” said Ridgewater instructor Leland Floren. “You will truly enjoy your work when you
have confidence in your abilities and competence in your actions.”
Students gain exposure and expertise in a variety of current industry skills through Ridgewater’s
diverse curriculum:
• Solid foundation of electrical code
• Energy efficiencies
• Green products and technologies
• Photovoltaic solar systems
• Heating, venting and air conditioning (HVAC)
• New residential home wiring
100% Job Placement!
since 2012
Why choose Ridgewater?
• Faculty bring 50-plus years of industry experience to the classroom
• Current curriculum that reflects industry specializations
• Hands-on lab and new residential home experience
•Approved by the MN Department of Labor and Industry as one year of credit towards
a Class A Journeyman’s license
Credentials Available
Electrician AAS Degree – 84 credits
Electrician Diploma – 74 credits
“
“
“The job opportunities in the electrical field continue to look abundant both statewide and
nationally,” Floren said. “Ridgewater continues to have high placement for our Electrician
graduates.”
I participated in the electrician competition three times at Ridgewater’s
Skills Fest and have plaques for my second-place finishes each year…. There
is an Electrician Club so I’m part of that. It’s a smaller class, so you really
get to know everybody. The instructors are so willing to help, even willing to
go one-on-one helping with math when it’s tough. Industry is in dire need of
electricians, so it’s nice to know there are jobs waiting for me.
Jason Thorstad, Chokio
Student
ENGLISH AND LITERATURE
Solid foundational English and literature skills open doors for understanding and
communicating every day. There’s a reason variations of English courses are required from
elementary school up to most college degrees. In a digital world where anything you write can
be forwarded, posted or retweeted for the world to see or where a résumé with a mistake can
be rejected in highly competitive fields, English becomes a staple for a good reputation and
opportunities.
Ridgewater College offers more composition credits than any other liberal arts department. You
can take courses face-to-face, totally online, or in a blended combination of the two. You can
take them as part of your major or as a part-time student taking just a class or two to grow.
Who Takes English and Literature Courses?
•
Graphic designers take English and literature so the text in their projects is
error-free.
•Educators take English and literature to be professional role models for their
students.
• Drafters take English so they can communicate technical plans to engineers.
•
Business people take composition to strengthen their critical thinking,
communication, and listening skills.
“English is a cornerstone subject for just about any academic major or career,” said Alan Stage,
Ridgewater dean of liberal arts.
“Read almost any job posting and you’ll discover that good communication skills – speaking
and writing – are always valued,” explained Ridgewater instructor Kathy Steffen. “Jobs with
high levels of responsibility all require good communication skills.”
Ridgewater’s instructors are available for personal attention to help you strengthen your skills.
If your schedule doesn’t match your instructor’s, tutors in the Academic Support Centers are
more than willing to help. Maybe you need a second set of eyes to proof your paper. Supporting
students is at the core of the Ridgewater mission.
“Not only do these courses teach you to write clearly, but they also help develop the essential
skill of reading critically,” Stage added. “The ability to read something, extract the information
you need, synthesize that information into a message, and communicate that message clearly
is invaluable and transferable to almost all areas of our professional and daily lives.”
“
“
Reading and writing – they have for generations been so critical to education that they make
up two of the three Rs that people reference when they promote the basics - “reading, ‘riting
and ‘rithmatic”.
I’ve taken Composition I and II. I think it will be helpful once I start my major because
I’ll be writing lots of papers. Having a solid foundation will help me feel more equipped
to turn in good work.
April Brady, Glencoe
Liberal Arts/Business Student
www.ridgewater.edu/applynow • 800-722-1151
LIBERAL ARTS
Did you know you can get your first two years of virtually any four-year degree at Ridgewater
College?
Choosing to start at Ridgewater makes sense…and also saves you a few dollars!
“Minnesota higher education has become much more versatile and collaborative,” explained Sally
Kerfeld, Ridgewater director of admissions. “We all have the exact same goal – to provide the best
possible educational experience for our students.”
Choosing a college should be about starting somewhere that feels right, and for some students,
that may mean starting at a community college
Credentials Available
before transitioning to a university.
Liberal Arts AA Degree – 60 credits
“I chose Ridgewater mainly to save money,” said Nursing, MANE Dario Garcia of Brownton. “I think you get just as BSN Degree – 120 credits
good an education at Ridgewater as you would (At Ridgewater via Metropolitan State University)
anywhere else.” In December, he transferred his Business BA Degree – 128 credits
Ridgewater Liberal Arts AA degree to St. Cloud (At Ridgewater via Concordia University, St. Paul)
State University and is now studying to become a
Biological Sciences
forensic technician.
AS Degree – 60 credits
“We have many students attend Ridgewater College Chemistry AS Degree – 60 credits
who have an educational major in mind,” said Early Childhood Education
Kerfeld. “We also have many students who attend AS Degree – 60 credits
Ridgewater who are not sure what major they want Agriculture Science and Technology
to pursue. Ridgewater is a great choice for both! We AS Degree – 60 credits
have academic advisors to work one-on-one with Health Sciences Broad Field
you to answer questions, help investigate options AS Degree – 60 credits
and help map out your educational plans. If you Law Enforcement/Corrections
are undecided about a major - we can help with AA Degree – 60 credits
that too!”
Professional Nursing
AS Degree – 75 credits
4 Tips for a Seamless Transfer Process:
1. Explore four-year schools and major/program Chemical Dependency Counseling
Certificate – 30 credits
options that interest you.
2.Ask four-year schools about any special transfer Global Studies Certificate – 16 credits
rules or requirements they have for the major you Physical Education Teaching/Coaching
Certificate – 10 credits
are interested in pursuing.
3. Work with an academic advisor to select the
right courses for your intended degree program and create a transfer plan.
4. Always stay in communication with the four-year school about updates or changes to the major
you are hoping to pursue there.
“My transfer went really well,” Garcia said. “All my classes and credits transferred very smoothly. I
feel very prepared in my new classes.”
Why choose Ridgewater?
• Receive personal attention through small class sizes
•Choose the convenience of online learning from a college ranked in the US top 25 for
online degree programs
• Enjoy the great value of lower community college tuition
•Take advantage of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Liberal Arts AA degree package
that is guaranteed to transfer to any public college or university in Minnesota!
For more information about transferring to or from Ridgewater College, contact Student Services
at 800-722-1151 to visit with an admissions representative/academic advisor. To learn more about
transferring within Minnesota, go to www.mntransfer.org.
LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES INFO SESSION
Upcoming Information Session
Discover why Ridgewater College is a great first step!
Monday, April 18, 6:00 p.m.
Want a reminder?
To receive messages via text, text @rclibarts to 81010. You can opt out
of messages at anytime by replying ‘unsubscribe @rclibarts’. Trouble
using 81010? Try texting @rclibarts to 952-649-5493 instead.
Hutchinson and Willmar campuses
Learn how Ridgewater College can get you on the path to your four-year degree in virtually any
major! A liberal arts degree simply means general education — it doesn’t matter whether you
plan to pursue an artistic degree or one that focuses on science, technology or human services.
A liberal arts degree is the first two years of a four-year degree — it’s the broad education that
helps make you a well-rounded person.
During the session you will:
• Explore your options based on your personal situation
• Learn how the transfer process works
• Experience the college atmosphere and personal attention that help
students succeed at Ridgewater
• Explore online course options
To receive messages via e-mail, send an e-mail to
rclibarts@mail.remind.com. To unsubscribe, reply with ‘unsubscribe’
in the subject line.
For More Information or Questions
No RSVP required.
Questions?
Contact Sally at 320-222-5977 or sally.kerfeld@ridgewater.edu
VISIT CAMPUS
Campus visits are an important step for students in deciding which college they will attend and
what program / major they will pursue. After visiting our campuses and exploring our program
areas, we feel confident that you will want to become a Ridgewater student.
Ridgewater College Visit Highlights
• Meet with an admissions representative to help answer any questions you may
have and learn about programs, admission process, financial aid, and scholarship
opportunities at Ridgewater College.
•Take a campus tour. The tour will show a complete overview of the campus and all
the things that are at your fingertips.
• Visit programs and meet instructors. Have the opportunity to see the program first
hand!
Call today to schedule an individual appointment!
Hutchinson Campus Visit
320-234-8500
Jenna Hanson
Admissions Rep /
Academic Advisor
Willmar Campus
Willmar Campus Visit
320-222-5200
Leah Kadelbach
Admissions Rep /
Academic Advisor
Willmar Campus
Jehana Kahn
Admissions Rep /
Academic Advisor
Willmar Campus
Jayne Balicky
Admissions Representative /
Academic Advisor
Willmar Campus
Michael Hanna
Admissions Rep /
Academic Advisor
Willmar Campus
Matt Roberts
Admissions Rep /
Academic Advisor
Hutchinson Campus
Jill Traut
Admissions Rep /
Academic Advisor
Hutchinson Campus
www.ridgewater.edu/applynow • 800-722-1151
MANE NURSING
To serve their communities and their students, community colleges seek industry input to meet
workforce needs. Working together develops strong, successful communities.
When the healthcare industry clambered for more nurses with bachelor’s degrees, nurse educators
listened, put on their innovative hats, rolled up their sleeves, and collaborated for change.
The result? The regional debut of students attending community colleges like Ridgewater College
to not only earn their associate degree in nursing, but also their bachelor’s degree!
“What’s really exciting is how this opportunity is available to the communities we serve in central
and west central Minnesota,” said Lynn Johnson, Ridgewater director of nursing and collaborative
partner since discussions for change began in 2009.
The seamless curriculum works like this: When students are admitted to Ridgewater College and
begin nursing courses, they are dually admitted to partner Metropolitan State University as well.
“Students can complete their entire four years in eight semesters in Willmar and Hutchinson – no
need to travel to the Cities,” Johnson explained.
The nursing education transformation is all about meeting the Institute of Nursing
recommendations to increase the number of baccalaureate nurses by 2020, so that 80% of newly
licensed nurses are baccalaureate prepared.
Johnson said her primary goal from the start has been to remove financial and geographical
barriers for students. “We are definitely the most cost-effective baccalaureate curriculum,” she
said. “Well over 50 percent of the credits are at the most affordable tuition rate, the community
college credit rate.”
Students still have the option to exit the program with an associate degree, but now the bachelor’s
degree is also at their fingertips without starting over at a different college with new classmates
and new faculty. Nursing program students at Ridgewater have a reputation for becoming very
close. Through MANE, that collegiate nursing family can take the next step together.
“We know that a majority of our graduates are going to stay here and work here in the region
to serve and work in a variety of settings,” Johnson explained. “MANE produces a well-prepared,
quality nursing workforce for rural Minnesota.”
Credentials Available:
Nursing Associate of Science Degree – 75 credits (35 nursing and 40 prerequisites/general
education)
Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree – 120 credits (65 nursing and 55 prerequisites/general
education)
For more information, go to www.ridgewater.edu/nursing.
Transformation Timeline
• 2009: Discussions began with potential partners to address nursing industry and
educational needs
•2010: Collaborative Curriculum Planning Group developed to begin melding of
associate and baccalaureate nursing curriculum
•2012: Minnesota Alliance of Nursing Education (MANE) partnership was formed to
open doors for community college nursing students to obtain their bachelor’s degree
at their associate degree colleges in partnership with Metropolitan State University.
•August, 2014: Ridgewater accepted first students into the new Bachelor of Science
Nursing program.
•2015: Honored with the Excellence in Curriculum Programming award and
Innovative Partnering and Collaboration award from the Minnesota State Colleges
and Universities system.
•December, 2015: First MANE Ridgewater students completed their fifth semester for
their associate degree and transition into final three semesters for their BSN.
• May, 2017: First MANE Ridgewater BSN students expected to graduate.
“
“
I was going to school for engineering, but discovered it wasn’t for me…. I began working in a kitchen of a nursing home and got really comfortable in that
environment. My mom is a nurse and suggested maybe I look into health care. I like helping people also, and it just kind of went from there. I got my CNA (Certified
Nursing Assistant) and have been working doing that – that’s how I know that I will like nursing. I chose Ridgewater because they offer the four-year MANE program
that allows you to test for your license after your fifth semester so you can work as an RN while you’re finishing up your bachelor’s. It’s pretty cool. I would definitely
recommend Ridgewater to others. I like that we have smaller classes… It allows you to be more hands-on and one-on-one with your instructors, which has been
especially helpful during clinicals. It’s really fun. There are so many things you can do within nursing.
Peter Wagman, Chaska
Fifth Semester MANE Nursing Student
www.ridgewater.edu/applynow
www.ridgewater.edu/applynow •• 800-722-1151
800-722-1151
MASSAGE THERAPY TWO EVENINGS A WEEK AND SATURDAYS!
100% Job Placement!
Massage has been used since ancient times to promote healing and to relieve pain.
Students who enroll in Ridgewater College’s massage therapy program are learning the
techniques to do both. The program which is certified by the National Certification Board
for Therapeutic Massage (NCBTMB) is offered in both a 60 credit AAS degree and a 32 credit
diploma program.
Students study specialized massage techniques such as:
• Esalen
• Swedish
• Reflexology
• Shiatsu
• Myofascial Release
• Sports massage
• Energy work
• Spa body treatments
Students practice their craft in the Student Massage Center adjacent to the Cosmetology
Salon and Day Spa. Students are learning the techniques to be successful in both spa
settings as well as a therapeutic setting. The program also includes courses in the related
areas of anatomy, physiology and kinesiology for massage, business operations, client
communication and marketing, spa body treatment, clinical field experience, and First
Aid / CPR.
With the recent addition of Katy Lundell Stuhr, D.C. the program has added an increased
focus on therapeutic massage. “Our basis is Swedish Massage, but we add different
therapies such as myofascial release, sports massage and muscle release techniques
which take us beyond the spa massage to therapeutic massage. This allows our graduates
to have even more employment and career options”, said Lundell Stuhr.
The program also includes an exam prep course for the MBLEx exam. This national exam is
currently part of legislation that is being discussed in Minnesota that may affect massage
therapists.
Employment Outlook in Minnesota
for Massage Therapist
Northwest
Southwest
Southeast
“
“
Seven-county Mpls-St. Paul
I originally was interested in attending Ridgewater’s Massage
Therapy course because it was close to home. I toured the facilities and liked
the look of the program. After I met my instructor Dr. Lundell Stuhr, I knew
that I had made the right choice. She is a wonderful instructor and I am
learning a lot.
Northeast
Centra
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
Cassie Smith, Sleepy Eye
Percent Increase
April 21, 22 & 23 House opens at 7:00, show starts at 7:30
Ridgewater College Theater Department presents
“Middletown” by Will Eno Directed by Matt Hegdahl
Tickets are only $5. To reserve tickets call 320-222-7605
Ridgewater College Theatre’s spring production is “Middletown,” by Will Eno. “Middletown” explores the
massive universe that is small-town life in the Midwest, the way individual lives in a town are connected
to each other, and the things we as people do to distance ourselves from others. The play deals with a
plethora of themes, from starting out a new life in a new town, to finally understanding the depth of our
love for the place we call “home.”
“Middletown” contains adult situations and language, and therefore may not be suitable for all ages.
Public Speaker - Anton Switajewski, Willmar
Cop - Mathew Haycraft, Spicer
Mechanic - Cameron Stennes, Montevideo
Mary - Paige Bajari, New London
Librarian/Radio Host - Danae Milbrandt, Montevideo
Tour Guide - Betsy Davis
Female Tourist/Female Doctor - Emily Walz, Spicer
John Dodge - Jakson Martens, Spicer
Greg/Attendent 2 - Trustin Ziemer, Belgrade
Freelancer - Alex Woytcke, Monticello
Sweetheart - Toryee Hald, Spicer
Aunt - Mackenzie Ellis, Litchfield
Woman - Alice Lindgren, Willmar
Man - Adrian Laage, Brooten
Male Doctor/Ground Control - Jonathan Pierskalla
Landscaper - Nate Lundstrum
Science Radio Show Host - Zach Plumley, New London
Female Cop/Receptionist - Theresa Skaalerud, Willmar
Ridgewater Carpentry
HOUSE FOR SALE!
The Ridgewater Carpentry program is finishing their annual carpentry house.
This 2 bedroom, 2 full bathroom home features a master bedroom with an en
suite bathroom and two closets.
The living room, dining room and kitchen is an open concept space with a
vaulted ceiling and a lot of natural light. The kitchen cabinets are a dark stained
alder with a large center island. (the plans show a peninsula but the kitchen
layout has been changed to an island).
The house will need to be moved to a site of your choice.
Follow the Ridgewater College Carpentry program’s Facebook page for
pictures of the house as it is completed and to learn how you c an purchase
this house!
www.ridgewater.edu/applynow • 800-722-1151
Occupational Grants
A new two-year Occupational Grant pilot program through the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System could give you
the financial support you need to take that step toward a rewarding technical career. Check it out!
• APPLY to Ridgewater and be accepted now
• APPLY for financial aid as soon as possible
• ENROLL in one of the many qualifying technical programs now (www.ridgewater.edu/technicalgrant)
• ATTEND Ridgewater for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 years
• RECEIVE tuition and fees for those not covered by Pell and state grants for fall
APPLY EARLY - FUNDS ARE LIMITED!
We recommend that you APPLY to Ridgewater, FILL out your FAFSA​, and REGISTER for classes EARLY!​
Student Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the scholarship, the student must:
Enroll in a qualifying certificate, diploma, AS or AAS program at a public two-year college for the fall term immediately following:
• High school graduation; or
• Completing an Adult Basic Education program; or
• Passing a GED test; or
• Completing a 12- or 24-month Americorps program after high school
Meet the definition of MN resident used for state financial aid programs
• Includes undocumented students qualifying as MN residents under the MN Dream Act
• Have tuition and fee charges not fully covered by Pell and State Grants during fall semester 2016
Have an adjusted gross income (or wages for non-filers) of $90,000 or less reported on the FAFSA (or MN Dream Act state financial aid
application used by undocumented students)
• For a student applying as a dependent student, parental income is used
• For a student applying as an independent student, student (and spouse’s, if married) income is used
Participate in free mentoring services throughout the student’s academic program
Applying for the Scholarship​
To apply for the initial scholarship for the 2016-2017 academic year, students must complete the 2016-2017 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which
is available January 1, 2016. Due to limited scholarship funding, students are advised to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Any additional applications or
questionnaires required for the scholarship will be posted on www.ohe.state.mn.us. By January 2016. Undocumented students should apply using the MN Dream
Act state financial aid application instead of the FAFSA.
To apply for a renewal scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year, students must complete the 2017-2018 FAFSA, which is available October 1, 2016, as well as
any other required documentation.
800-722-1151 | www.ridgewater.edu/technicalgrant
A Member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System and Equal Opportunity Employer/Educator. This document is available in alternate formats by calling
800-722-1151 or using a preferred Telecommunications Relay Service.