The Groove - Minneapolis Community & Technical College

What’s Inside:
TRIO Anniversaries
Faculty Awards for Excellence
Mark Welter World Citizen Award
The Groove
A newsletter for MCTC alumni & friends Spring 2013
April, 2013. Spring Issue. The Groove is issued biannually by Minneapolis Community and Technical College

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Connect with MCTC!
1
Letter from our President 2
Recent Happenings at MCTC 3
TRIO Celebrates Anniversaries at MCTC 4
MnSCU Honors MCTC Faculty with Awards for Excellence in Teaching 5
Jack Mader: Reflections on a Photography Career 6
MCTC Students Win World Citizen Awards 7
MCTC Economic Impact Report 8
Career Exploration Begins at MCTC 8
MCTC Foundation Updates 9–10
MCTC Alumni Success Stories 11–12
MCTC and Thermo King Receive $300,000 Grant for Partnership 12
Career and Technical Education (CTE) at MCTC 13–14
Minneapolis Community and Technical College will not discriminate against any person because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital
status, sexual orientation, or status with regard to public assistance or membership in a local commission. MCTC prohibits sexual harassment and sexual violence.
Minneapolis Community & Technical College youtube.com/mctctube
Cover photo:
Archive photo, career
and technical students.
MCTCtweets flickr.com/photos/mctc mctcnews.wordpress.com

Letter from Phil Davis
Dear Friends:
As I walk through the halls of MCTC, I never cease to be
inspired by the diversity of our student body and the
common goal each student has to achieve his or her
dreams. Whether it’s the man who packs his blanket
alongside his books as he leaves the homeless shelter, the
young woman from East Africa who escaped war to be the
first in her family to attend school, the veteran who has
returned from duty or the aspiring biochemist, each
individual has a compelling story that adds to the richness
of our campus.
Reflecting upon this richness and diversity, 2013 was
ushered in with many activities. In January, more than 300
students, faculty, staff and members of our community
celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King by
volunteering at local nonprofit organizations as part of our
annual MLK Day of Service. February provided our African
American Education Empowerment Program a chance to
lead the College in dozens of events commemorating Black
History Month. Additionally, the College’s Explore event
gave prospective students a chance to experience our
career and technical programs through hands-on activities
including a DNA experiment, a construction electricity
demo and a visit to our new Architectural Technology
program area. March began with One World Week, a
celebration of the diversity of our student body, and closed
with our first annual Malcolm X Justice and Peace lecture
series, featuring South African Scholar of Islam, Prof.
Maulana Farid Esack.
Many of the events taking place at MCTC are inspired by
our students, who are known for expanding their college
experience beyond the classroom. In fact, more than 40
student groups were created by and for students so they
could get involved in the community on- and off-campus.
The student-led groups are advised by dedicated faculty
and staff, who go above and beyond the call of duty to
support the energy and creativity of our students.
President Phil Davis
This issue of The Groove provides a chance to reflect on the
excellence of our faculty, the success of our students and
alumni and the innovative partnerships we are creating in
our community to advance the college experience for our
students. Each element is critical in creating a shared voice
to inspire our students to reach for their dreams and assume
responsibility as our future leaders.
Sincerely,
Phillip L. Davis, president
Minneapolis Community & Technical College
2

Recent Happenings at MCTC
MCTC receives federal grant to boost transit jobs
u “Green” careers in public transportation will see a boost with a $427,444 grant
from the Federal Transit Administration. MCTC will manage the Metro Transit
Partnership: a collaboration among MCTC and four other Twin Cities-based
organizations. The partnership’s goals are to provide training and professional
development for current Metro Transit bus, rail and building maintenance
technicians and to develop innovative methods of encouraging youths to pursue
careers in public transportation.
Hundreds celebrated the MLK Day of Service
u Hundreds of volunteers celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on
Saturday, Jan. 19 at MCTC’s annual MLK Day of Service. WCCO’s Reg Chapman
emceed the event which featured inspirational speakers, including keynote Dr.
Duchess Harris, author and associate professor and chair of American Studies at
Macalester College, and music from Deliverance for Youth, an inspirational
singing group led by MCTC student Jovonta. MCTC student Matthew McKenney
and faculty member Lena Jones spoke about the life-changing experience of the
summer field-study course “Race in America: Then and Now.” Volunteers then
served at 15 local nonprofit organizations in the community making blankets,
baking cookies, organizing clothing donations and preparing food.
MCTC and U of M Announce Biotech partnership
u MCTC and the University of Minnesota announced a new biotechnology
partnership. In addition to the transferability of the Biotechnology program in its
entirety, the partnership ensures graduates of MCTC’s Biotechnology program with
grade point averages of 3.5 or higher will be enrolled at the College of Biological
Sciences at the U of M, one of the University’s most prestigious schools.
Building Workforce Partnerships with Local Employers
u This spring, MCTC President Phil Davis and Associate Vice President Mike
Christenson met with Todd Ferrara, co-owner of Standard Heating and Air
Conditioning, to discuss the alignment of MCTC’s career and technical programs
with the needs of businesses and the community. Standard Heating and Air
Conditioning is a family-owned Minnesota company with an 83 year history. It
moved its headquarters to North Minneapolis in 2009. Todd Ferrara serves on
the HVACR Advisory Committee for MCTC and has been an advocate for this
program and the HVACR profession.
MCTC and Saint Paul College receive Otto Bremer Grant
u MCTC and Saint Paul College were recently awarded a $300,000 grant by the
Otto Bremer Foundation. The grant includes $200,000 to be shared by MCTC
and Saint Paul College to expand the Power of YOU, a successful program which
provides tuition and intensive academic support to students with limited income
in Minneapolis, Saint Paul and some first-tier suburbs; and $100,000 for MCTC’s
Academic Pathways project to provide students with academic pathways in
college, from the first course through graduation.
3
Tuesday, July 9, 5–7 p.m.
Tour our campus.
Meet with advisors, faculty,
students, alumni and others.
Learn about student life clubs,
resources, academic support
services, career services and
financial aid.
Engineering students launch
balloon into “near-space”
u Five MCTC students spent half a
year performing calculations,
acquiring supplies and planning to
launch a balloon into “near-space.”
With help from advisors in the
MCTC Engineering Club, the
students came together over a long
weekend and launched the
balloon, which rose nearly 90,000
feet above the earth’s surface. The
students attached a weatherproof
camera to their balloon and shared
their video with the MCTC
community. To view the balloon
launch, visit www.minneapolis.edu/
Balloon-Launch

TRIO Celebrates Anniversaries
at MCTC
When Jon Westby returned from his tour in Vietnam in 1971,
businesses were just beginning to proactively hire veterans.
One year later MCTC—then known as Metropolitan State
Junior College—received a federal grant to assist returning
veterans with academic skills and job training. Jon was
hired to work with the brand-new Veterans Upward
Bound program in 1972.
Today, MCTC hosts five such federal programs. TRIO—so
named for the first three projects it encompassed—is
funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
At MCTC, the TRIO programs serve roughly 4,200
individuals each year, most of whom are low-income and first
generation college students. This year those five programs
are celebrating significant anniversaries at MCTC. Veterans
Upward Bound, the first TRIO program started at MCTC, is
celebrating the oldest anniversary and 40 years of success.
“Throughout the 1970s it became apparent many
underprepared students were enrolling in the College and
dropping out because there was no comprehensive
program to assist them once they enrolled,” said Jon. After
submitting several proposals, in 1980 the College received
funding to start the Special Services for Disadvantaged
Students TRIO support program, now known as Starting
Point.
In 1982 MCTC opened its doors to the Educational Talent
Search program, and in 1983 High School Upward
Bound came on board. Both of these programs work with
high school students with limited income to prepare them
for graduation and postsecondary enrollment. In 1988 the
College received funding to begin the Educational
Opportunity Center, which provides assistance to adults
wishing to pursue a college education, and in 1996 a
second center opened in order to expand services to both
Minneapolis and St. Paul. Two more Starting Point projects
were added in 2010 for students with disabilities and for
English language learners.
Heading into the future, Jon sees TRIO providing a crucial
service in an ever-changing world. When Veterans Upward
Bound started, the U.S. was still fighting in Vietnam. Since
then, it has served vets from World War II, the Korean War,
the Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq and numerous smaller
Late Senator Paul Wellstone poses on the state capitol steps with
TRIO students, 1998
actions. “Just as the nature of war has changed over 40
years, so have the veterans,” said Jon. “Today, technology is
a big part of everyone’s life, so we need to make sure, as
educators, we utilize the most up-to-date methods to
communicate and provide instruction. We need to
constantly update our methods if we want to stay relevant to
students and have a positive impact on their lives.”
For more information about TRIO programs at MCTC, visit
www.minneapolis.edu/trio.
Federal TRIO Programs at MCTC
Program and anniversary Description
Veterans Upward Bound
– 40 years
Starting Point (Student
Support Services)
– 30 years
Educational Talent
Search – 30 years
High School Upward
Bound (Upward Bound)
– 30 years
Educational Opportunity
Center – 25 years
Provides counseling, mentoring,
tutoring and academic
instruction to veterans in order
to develop the skills necessary
to enter and succeed in
postsecondary education
Provides opportunities for
academic development and
student support at the College
Offers free educational,
vocational, career and financial
aid information to first
generation, low-income high
school students
Provides counseling, academic
courses and supportive
services to first-generation,
low-income high school
students to help them
successfully complete a
post-secondary educational
program
Helping eligible adults pursue
college education and/or
training
4

MnSCU Honors MCTC Faculty
with Awards for Excellence
The highest honor earned by faculty members
in the MnSCU system is The Board of Trustees
Award for Excellence in Teaching, given by the
Office of the Chancellor. MCTC’s Marcella Jones
and John Plomondon have been honored with
the award this year, which recognizes
achievements above and beyond the call of
duty and address important outcomes
connected to student learning.
“MCTC prides itself on academic excellence and its
faculty leads the way in making this possible,” said
Phil Davis, president of MCTC. “A common theme
between Marcella and John is their immeasurable
commitment to supporting their students and
recognizing each person’s ability to be successful.”
Marcella Jones: Nurturing the
Individual
“None of us possess the capacity to see what another
person is capable of or has inside of them,” said Marcella
Jones, math instructor at MCTC, who desires to nurture
each of her students to bring out talents that are sometimes
unseen.
“My students are the flowers in the garden of my life and as a
gardener, I nourish and cherish the flowers,” said Marcella,
sharing her teaching philosophy. “I have a bountiful harvest
when each and every student has gained the mathematical
self-confidence to successfully climb over any mathematical
fence which lies between them and the achievement of their
academic and career goals.”
Marcella began her college career at the University of
Kansas. Prior to completing her bachelor’s degree, she took
11 years off to spend time with her children. She returned to
college at MCTC (then called MCC) which set the course for
her career. “The outstanding instruction I received prepared
me so well for my subsequent classes at the U of M, I was
ahead of the curve,” said Marcella.
When Marcella began teaching at MCTC in 1994, many of
the instructors who had provided her wisdom when she
5
John Plomondon (L to R), Marcella Jones and MCTC President Phil Davis
celebrate the College Faculty Awards for Excellence
studied here were now her valued peers. “Together, we
nourish our students so they can advance in their education,”
said Marcella.
John Plomondon: Electrifying the
Classroom
Walk into one of John Plomondon’s American Studies
classrooms at MCTC and you’ll feel the electricity. “I am
always energized by classroom conversations at MCTC
because they take many different forms,” said John. “The
energy is fed by the students’ thirst for knowledge and the
diverse mix of ages, races and cultures represented on
campus.”
John began as a guest lecturer at MCTC in the mid-1980s
and joined the faculty full-time in 1987. His face lights up
when he talks about his students and his constant goal to
make the classroom a safe and respectful space for
everyone. “When students discover they have an important
voice and learn how to communicate effectively using that
voice, they realize they can share their knowledge with their
own community and make a difference in society,” said
John.
Long after John began teaching, he discovered he had a
great grandfather, also a teacher, named Plato Ross. “I hope
he would have approved of my using the Socratic method of
teaching which asks questions to facilitate thinking, ideas
and dialogue to inspire new ideas,” said John. No doubt he
would have won his great grandfather’s admiration as an
instructor who helps students understand that what they’re
learning in the classroom has meaning in their own lives.

Jack Mader: Reflections on a
Photography Teaching Career
Earlier this year, more than 200 students, alum, faculty and
staff gathered amidst a collection of student photographs at
the Vine Arts Center in South Minneapolis to celebrate the
retirement of Jack Mader, lead faculty in the Photography
and Digital Imaging Program (PHDI) at MCTC. Jack has
been a trusted member of the MCTC faculty for more than
24 years where he has inspired countless students.
When describing his students and alum, motivation,
passion, maturity and respect for the art of photography
are common themes. Alongside his students, Jack built the
PHDI program at MCTC which started as a certificate
under Media Production. Now its own comprehensive
program, certificate and diploma degree options are
available and the program has earned the respect of
professional photographers, becoming a major player in the
Twin Cities photography community.
“Studying under Jack and his team was a great learning
experience,” said Timothy Jones, PHDI alum and owner of
Ray of Light Photography. “Jack presented a mix of theory
and practical information in an engaging, upbeat and
positive way. His experience, enthusiasm and genuine
personality ensured every student’s technical tool box was
filled upon graduation.”
“MCTC is a community of passionate people,” said Jack.
“The faculty, staff and administrators have always supported
the growth of the program and the strong team that stands
behind it.” As a result of the resounding support, in a few
short months, the PHDI Program will settle into its brand
new space, equipped with a digital laboratory, a computer
classroom and six photography studios.
“Our challenge is to always stay current,” said Jack. “The
new program space will be equipped with state-of-the-art
resources to give students every opportunity to learn and
explore their field. Whoever steps into my position at MCTC
will be entering a program where the cupboard is full.”
Jack Mader
Once Jack retires, he will focus his attention on his own
photography which he shows at Homewood Studios in North
Minneapolis. He shares his studio with his wife Kristen.
You can see Jack’s work by visiting www.jackmader.com.
Bike 7585 from the series “Reconnecting With Forgotten Dreams”
The full series can be seen at www.jackmader.com
6

MCTC Students Win World Citizen
Awards
Partnerships Create Opportunities at MCTC
MCTC has long taken pride in its cultural diversity and its rich
tradition of education that emphasizes global awareness and
the development of fully-engaged citizens. It’s no surprise,
then, that two current students, Eva Madonna Two Crow
and Etonam “Fanny” Okaikue-Woodi, were recently named
as recipients of the Mark Welter World Citizen Award. The
award includes a $500 scholarship and is given annually to
MnSCU students who embody an understanding of the
interconnected nature of the world, its nations and all people.
Eva Madonna Two Crow: The Healing Power of Art
Eva Madonna Two Crow always knew she had a gift for
artistic expression. A member of the Arikara, Hidatsa and
Mandan Native American tribes of North Dakota, she
discovered a gift for portrait drawing at any early age. She’s
since expanded her artistic interests into multiple different
realms and has volunteered extensively at area women’s
shelters and treatment centers. As Eva notes, art is about
more than self-expression. “I consider myself a community
artist,” she said. “My goal is to help people find and express
their voices through emotional creativity.”
“I care immensely about my community and was honored to
receive this award,” she added. “I look forward to continuing
my studies as a visual artist through the field of psychology
and to continuing to work within my community.”
7
Focus on Fitness
Lois Bollman, vice president of academic affairs at MCTC (right)
presented the Mark M. Welter World Citizen Award to students Eva
Madonna Two Crow (center) and Etonam (Fanny) Okaikue-Woodi.
Fanny Okaikue-Woodi: Engineering Environmental
Change
While Fanny Okaikue-Woodi grew up a world apart from
Eva and is following a far different career path, she shares the
same concern for community engagement and healing. A
native of the West African nation of Togo, she was profoundly
affected by the country’s ongoing challenges with pollution
and lack of access to clean water. She’s on track to graduate
this spring with an A.S. in mathematics and plans to pursue a
career in environmental engineering. “We are all connected to
our planet, and we are also responsible for it, and that
responsibility includes educating and helping others,” she
said. “The award was a great honor.”
“I can’t imagine any college in Minnesota that has as many
committed world citizens as MCTC,” said Lois Bollman,
MCTC’s vice president of academic affairs. “Eva and Fanny
are valued citizen workers who represent math and the arts,
two important areas of study for many students at MCTC.”
Last fall, students worked to bring a campus recreation and wellness coordinator on
board at MCTC. Since then, fitness has been a focus. In February, the first ever MCTC
Fitness Challenge began energizing more than 200 students, faculty and staff to get in
shape. The Fitness Center weight room is filled to capacity over the lunch hour, and
fitness classes have upwards of 80 students and employees in attendance.
The new focus on fitness is part of a push by students to build a healthier campus. Intramural
basketball, soccer and tennis leagues offer students an opportunity to take a break from their
studies and get active. MCTC students are known for expanding their college experience
beyond the classroom by getting involved in initiatives and activities across campus—more
than 40 student groups provide opportunities to get involved in their community on- and off-campus.
Photo: Campus Recreation and Wellness Coordinator Drew Rongere offers personal training to an employee over her lunch hour.

MCTC Generates Annual Economic
Impact of $377 Million
MCTC’s annual economic impact in the metro area tops
$337 million, according to a new study conducted by St.
Paul-based Wilder Research. That ranks MCTC’s economic
impact among the highest in the Minnesota State Colleges
and Universities (MnSCU) system, placing it fourth behind St.
Cloud State University, Minnesota State University-Mankato
and Normandale Community College.
Based on the Twin Cities metro economy of $190.7 billion, for
every $1,000 produced in the Twin Cities metro area, $20 is
directly or indirectly related to MCTC.
“We are pleased to see MCTC has this level of economic
impact,” said Phil Davis, president of MCTC. “We serve
approximately 14,000 students annually and have seen our
enrollment grow by 34 percent since 1998, while enrollment
by students of color has increased 118 percent. An investment
in MCTC provides future dividends for our State’s residents.”
During 2011, the most recent year data was available for the
study, MCTC and its students generated 3,685 jobs in the
Twin Cities, including 2,593 direct jobs and 1,092 additional
indirect jobs created by vendors, contractors and businesses
supplying MCTC. The sources of these numbers are the
institution’s operations (1,286 jobs), students’ expenditures
(2,392 jobs) and MCTC’s investments (7 jobs). A total of 912
jobs are created directly by MCTC’s operational activities.
Career Exploration Begins at MCTC
MCTC is an urban campus located on the edge of downtown
Minneapolis, next to Loring Park
(Photo by: Nik Linde, MCTC Power of YOU student)
In 2011, MCTC awarded 822 associate degrees and 742
diplomas and certificates. During the same year the college
had operational expenses of $74.5 million. It is one of 31
institutions in the MnSCU system.
Additionally, by educating its students, MCTC enhances the
productivity of both public and private organizations in
Minnesota. Only considering the 822 associate degrees
awarded by MCTC in 2011, this is equivalent to $77 million in
future value created in the state.
MCTC generates about $22 million in tax revenues for state
and local governments each year, through sales, property
and income taxes.
Data used in the analysis was derived from MCTC’s 2011
financial statements, capital expenditures from the state’s
bond projects that financed investments for MCTC during
2010 to 2012 from the Minnesota Management and Budget
office, and estimates of MCTC students’ spending patterns
from a survey of 346 students.
Teens have an exciting opportunity this summer to get a taste of college life on our
beautiful campus. Career Exploration Summer Camps will provide fun activities in
high-tech classrooms and labs to give participants a glimpse of MCTC programs.
All camps will be led by MCTC faculty and will feature the opportunity for hands-on learning
with small class sizes. On the last day of the program, MCTC will hold a completion
celebration so students can show family and friends their projects. The program will also
feature presentations about how students can continue their education and career pursuits.
Camps will be held in the areas of architecture, entrepreneurship, building systems,
culinary arts, biotechnology, filmmaking, photography, fashion, graphic and web design.
All camps are $199 per session (scholarships available) and meet from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Visit www.minneapolis.edu/camps to learn more about Career Exploration Camps, download the camps flier and register!
8

MCTC Foundation
Dear Friends of MCTC:
In reflecting on my nearly six years in the Foundation I am
always struck by the amazing students I have had the
privilege to watch develop and grow in many positive ways.
I’ve watched students begin their journeys here with
trepidation. They were students who had never viewed
themselves as “college material.” They lacked confidence
in their ability to navigate through school and be successful
in their pursuit of a higher education. I have heard from
students who are the first in their families to go to college.
And, many of our students come from around the world,
from countries where war and famine are daily realities. Yet
here they are, hopeful to make better lives for themselves.
I see some of these same students after a semester or two
completely changed. Their self-doubt replaced with
confidence and their fears replaced with real excitement for
all the possibilities that lie ahead. I am truly lucky to have
had this vantage point.
Ms. Elizabeth Fish
Marni Harper
It is inspiring to me to see students who come from such
challenging places in their lives accomplish things that at one
time seemed impossible. And even more rewarding, some of
these students, now alumni, are paying it forward. Their
gratitude for the support they received compels them to do
the same for those who are where they once were. To me,
this is the most significant reward and I thank each of them
for their continued support of our amazing students.
Sincerely,
Marni Harper, interim executive director
MCTC Foundation
MCTC Time Capsule: College to Celebrate 100 Years in 2014
In 2014, MCTC will celebrate 100 years of supporting people in our community as they pursue
knowledge through education. As we explore our history, it is important to acknowledge the
woman who started it all, our founder, Ms. Elizabeth Fish.
In June of 1914, it was reported that educator Ms. Fish and her idea of dedicated vocational
training had won the interest of the Minneapolis Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Spaulding.
As a result, he sent her on a two-month fact finding tour of vocational schools in: Chicago,
Milwaukee, Cleveland, Buffalo, Boston and Brooklyn. Through her research, she developed a
plan for vocational education for girls in Minneapolis and was appointed the first principal of
Girls Vocational School (Vocational) in October 1914. Classes were shaped to the educational
opportunities and industries in which the young women enrolled worked. The school’s earliest
advertised offerings included cooking, typing, salesmanship and bookkeeping.
Despite criticism the school would take women away from “their place in the home,” Ms. Fish persevered and at the end of
the first semester, enrollment tripled to more than 250 students.
Ms. Fish sought applicable job experience for her girls. She established internships, secured post high school placement and
assisted the young women in earning money while attending school. Prior to Vocational’s first birthday, garment-making and
salesmanship were added to the curriculum and job experience was guaranteed. Through an agreement with the Board of
Education, about 55 Minneapolis employers of women operators of power sewing machines committed to hiring girls who
completed the first two years of the garment making.
Although Vocational has come a long way in its course offerings, student body and technological capacity, MCTC continues
its tradition of empowering students. To support our 100th year, contact Marni Harper at marni.harper@minneapolis.edu.
9

MCTC Foundation: Volunteers Making a Difference
Since its founding in the early 1980s, the MCTC Foundation has provided financial assistance,
educational support and hundreds of initiatives to help students turn their college and career dreams
into reality. As with any volunteer organization, the Foundation’s achievements stem largely from the
commitment and savvy of its volunteer members. Two of those members, Foundation President
Ramona Harristhal and Vice President Harry Davis Jr., have played particularly influential roles over
the past several years.
Ramona Harristhal
Although Ramona Harristhal
didn’t attend MCTC, she can
relate to obstacles many current
students face. “I was the first
person in my family to attend
college,” said Ramona. “I
worked two jobs to pay my
tuition, and I lived at home to
minimize expenses.”
After earning her degree, she
Ramona Harristhal went on to a long career which
included everything from a stretch in the Peace Corps to
managing the Minneapolis-based Page Education
Foundation. “I would have had far fewer opportunities if I
had not completed college,” said Ramona. “I’ve always
wanted to encourage and support anyone with an interest in
gaining more education.”
Put it all together, and you can see why Ramona is a
wholehearted MCTC supporter. “Our students are mentored
and assisted by faculty and staff who really want them to
succeed, and the college offers numerous programs to help
students get into college,” said Ramona. “That inspires me
every time I visit the campus, and it’s what made me love
MCTC. It’s an honor to help students through the
foundation’s work.”
Ways to give to the MCTC Foundation
Provide a cash donation
Ask your employer to match your gift
Provide securities/stocks
Include the MCTC Foundation in your will or trust
Harry Davis Jr.
Harry Davis Jr.
Harry Davis Jr. brings decades
of business-world experience
and enthusiasm to his role on
the Foundation board. Harry,
who spent four decades at
executive-level positions in the
Twin Cities corporate world, has
been a board member since
2006. His association with
MCTC stretches back much
farther, however.
“Former MCTC President Earl Bowman was a close friend
and mentor to me,” said Harry. “He asked me to serve on an
advisory council in 1993.”
As Harry notes, the decision to serve was an easy one. “I
believe strongly in MCTC’s mission,” said Harry. “The tuition
is affordable for many students. It’s an ideal place for
someone to get acclimated to college life. And it is one of
Minnesota’s most diverse colleges, with a long history of
serving inner-city students and students of color.
“MCTC is absolutely vital to the local community,” said
Harry. “I’ll gladly continue to serve and do what I can to help
it continue to succeed.”
Visit http://www.minneapolis.edu/Alumni-and-Foundation/Foundation/Ways-to-Give for more information or to donate.
10

MCTC Alumni Success Stories
Photography Alum Darius Davis
Forges a Path
Former MCTC student Darius Davis didn’t sit by idly as he
completed his Photography and Digital Imaging (PHDI)
coursework. From 2005–2008, he built his community
connections and began making a name for himself. “I had
been working contract gigs while still in school, and within
six months of leaving MCTC I began assisting commercially.
At first I shot lots of portraits and weddings—somewhere
between 75 and 100 weddings.”
Out in the field Darius saw a pattern among his peers: many
young, talented photographers were offering their skills for
almost no wages. “There are people who pursue
photography half-heartedly, and there are those who
pursue it with passion and business sense. When talented
people don’t understand the value of their work, it’s just a
hobby for them.” However, with the technical skills he
gained in MCTC’s PHDI program, he rose to the top of
every job.
Darius was two classes short of a degree when he left
MCTC in 2008. “I was going through some difficulty in my
personal life, and on top of that I was establishing a career,
which took a lot of energy and time,” said Darius. “For those
reasons I wasn’t able to finish the program at that time.”
However, Darius didn’t stop there. “A couple of years later I
received a letter in the mail saying the MCTC Foundation
was offering grants to former students to complete their
degrees.” Darius took advantage of the Graduate Minnesota
Scholarship and finished his last few classes, graduating in
2012. At that point he owned his own photography
business.
“I come back to MCTC from time to time,” said Darius.
“When I was still a student I photographed the Martin
Luther King Jr. Day of Service for a small stipend. Now I’ve
photographed it twice via my business. MCTC has a great
big warm space in my heart.” Darius has also guest-taught
courses in business at MCTC, encouraging students to
recognize the value of their work.
“MCTC is dear to me. It gave me the most solid technical
base in photography education that any metro area school
could offer.”
11
Darius Davis, MCTC photography and digital imaging alum
Q&A with Alum Dan Huiting: From
Musician to Cinematographer
Combining his passion for music and film, former MCTC
cinematography student Dan Huiting is living his dream.
Before pursuing film, Huiting strived to make it as a
musician, but found himself dissatisfied. It wasn’t until he
worked on a music video for a song he and his friends wrote
that he discovered a passion for film that launched him into
the career of his dreams.
During his time at MCTC, Huiting took every opportunity to
strengthen and showcase his film skills, leading to
opportunities with MPLS.TV, Bon Iver and Pitchfork. He is
now the senior producer of the City of Music series at
MPLS.TV and the director of photography/editor of
Minnesota Original on Twin Cities Public Television.
What led you to pursue a profession as a musician?
I found myself playing and recording for hours. I moved to
New York City when I was 20 to try to make it as a musician,
but I quickly became disillusioned. I played guitar and bass,
so I had to join other bands instead of starting my own.
What were your thoughts when you discovered being a
professional musician was not your best fit?
I felt pretty bummed out and lost for a while—I wasn’t sure
what I would do with my life.

Dan Huiting continued
When you were working on the music video for the song
you and your friends wrote, what did you love about the
shooting, lighting and editing process?
I fell in love with the collaborative aspect. Working with my
friends toward a common goal—and having fun in the
process—was something I hadn’t experienced before.
What are the top three takeaways from your time at
MCTC that helped you most in your film career?
First, my professor, Adam Olson, who spent countless hours
answering my questions about cinematography, was a great
resource. Second was my first-year production courses,
where I learned the basics about lighting, camera and the
language of film. Lastly were the people. I made valuable
relationships with like-minded students who were as
passionate about film as I was.
Dan Huiting sets his camera up for a shoot
What are your hopes for the future regarding your career?
I want to continue making art and challenge myself with new
projects. The more I do this, the more confident in my craft I
become, and I’m able to take bigger risks with my work. It’s
always exciting to try new things.
MCTC and Thermo King Receive $300,000 Grant for Partnership
MCTC was awarded $300,000 by the Department of Employment and Economic Development Minnesota Job Skills Partnership
to develop and implement lean process improvement training. The training will be delivered to more than 550 engineering,
design and management staff at Minnesota-based Thermo King, a manufacturer of transport temperature control systems for a
variety of mobile applications and a brand of Ingersoll Rand. The grant also includes collaborative internships for MCTC
students to help ensure a prepared future workforce.
MCTC will manage the Thermo King partnership grant which will take place over the next 36 months. “The commitment between
the two organizations demonstrates how corporations and educational institutions can partner to increase business efficiency
resulting in positive economic impacts,” said Ray Pittard, president of Thermo King. “This grant supports Thermo King’s lean
culture transformation to better serve customers across North America.”
“Thermo King is an important employer in my district, providing high-paying skilled jobs and product base that helps drive
Minnesota’s economy,” said State Representative Linda Slocum. “Implementation of the grant will accelerate Thermo King’s
ability to meet and exceed customer needs, provide new, highly-innovative products, improve concept to market productivity,
reduce product costs and increase profitability.”
The grant also focuses on developing future professionals through workplace learning. MCTC Architectural Technology program
students will redesign work cubicles into collaborative work space to improve response time, stimulate work product creativity,
de-siloing of departmental work processes and improving productivity.
“MCTC is a tremendous asset to the state, delivering a high-quality education to Minneapolis and adjacent communities,” said
District 61 Minnesota State Senator D. Scott Dibble. “The college serves more than 14,000 students and is among the most
diverse colleges in the state, with 53 percent of the student body coming from communities of color.”
According to MCTC President Phil Davis, this program is an opportunity for MCTC and Thermo King to further develop their
partnership which strengthens our community through business and educational development.
12

Hands-on: students collaborate in the HVACR program An MCTC student examining a model in the biotechnology lab
MCTC Expands Career and Technical Industry Partnerships
Partnerships Create Opportunities at MCTC
MCTC is creating opportunities for students to attain an
affordable education and be successful in their lifelong
endeavors. By aligning career and technical education (CTE)
programs with industry needs, MCTC is preparing graduates to
fill workforce demands. Partnerships with four-year colleges
and universities also allow for innovative pathways for MCTC’s
graduates to transfer credits and earn more advanced degrees.
Working With Business Leaders and Grant Partners
MCTC’s career and technical programs have an advisory
committee working collaboratively with faculty to plan,
evaluate and ensure programs provide students with the
skills to help them succeed. “Working closely with advisory
committee members allows us to stay in touch with industry
needs. This guides us in developing academic programs and
career services to help students find success in the
workplace,” said Mick Coleman, Dean of the MCTC
Academy of Manufacturing and Technology.
Working with the Minnesota Business Partnership (MBP),
MCTC learned of ongoing needs in downtown Minneapolis
for skilled administrative professionals. By launching a new
administrative professionals track and developing continuing
education opportunities, MCTC is playing a crucial role in
connecting local businesses to a well-trained workforce.
MCTC is also working with grant partners such as the
MetroTransit Partnership. This partnership between MCTC
and four other organizations will provide training and
professional development for current MetroTransit bus, rail
and building maintenance technicians. It will also help
develop innovative methods of encouraging youths to pursue
careers in public transportation. “MCTC’s collaboration with
MetroTransit to train workers for high-tech, green, transitrelated
jobs as we expand our region’s transit system is the
13
kind of effort that will create opportunity for everyone in
Minneapolis’ 21st-century economy and keep our region
competitive on the national and global stage,” said
Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak.
Real-world Experience
MCTC is committed to maintaining and expanding
relationships with area employers to secure internship
opportunities for students. These opportunities enable
students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world
situations and stand out in a tough job market.
Mortenson Construction is working on campus improvements
and has been partnering with MCTC to provide CTE students
an opportunity to learn onsite about construction techniques,
elevator shaft modeling, OSHA and HVACR. Mortenson Vice
President Ken Sorenson asked MCTC to extend the
partnership to the new Vikings stadium, with a focus on
electricity, HVACR and welding.
MCTC Students Seek Advanced Degrees
Partnerships help MCTC create pathways to fill needs in the
healthcare and STEM fields. MCTC students can now dually
enroll at Augsburg College to earn a bachelor’s in nursing in
less than three years. Another recent partnership ensures
graduates of MCTC’s Biotechnology program who have a 3.5
GPA or higher can enroll in the College of Biological Sciences
at the U of M, one of the U’s most prestigious schools. “The
partnerships are positive examples of collaborative efforts to
ensure a pathway for students to the top scientific careers in
our state,” said MCTC President Phil Davis.
Collaboration Yields Results
Strategic workforce partnerships and initiatives help MCTC
lead the way in providing opportunities for student success.
Contact Pamela Radcliffe at pamela.radcliffe@minneapolis.
edu or 612-659-6965 for more information.

Facts About Career and Technical Education
Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) career and technical education (CTE) programs prepare students
with relevant skills to meet current workforce demands. Choose from more than 100 programs and turn your passion
into a career.
MCTC is a leader in diversity and is
located near downtown Minneapolis
MCTC has more than 20 programs
with average placements above 90%
High-skilled jobs in manufacturing, IT
and healthcare have starting salaries
of $50K+
Manufacturing accounts for nearly 33%
or 850,000 of all Minnesota jobs
A two-year degree reduces your
chance of unemployment by 50%
CTE awards can help you earn more
and work as you plan your long-term
educational goals
Our two-year degrees transfer to a
number of colleges and universities
Reach higher and earn more
Short-term education = Long-term results
Program Length Tuition Placement Wages
Addiction Counseling 2 years $10,684 100% $18.20
Architectural Technology 2 years $11,395 100% $16.66
Biotechnology 2 years $10,684 100% $16.30
Machine Tool Technology 2 years $11,395 100% $19.46
Polysomnographic Technology 2 years $10,684 100% $25.63
Nursing
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
2 years $12,998 90% $27.99
and Refrigeration (HVACR) 2 years $12,820 88% $20.96
Welding and Metal Fabrication 1 year $5,342 83% $17.34
Electrical Construction and Technology 2 years $11,395 80% $17.21
Electroneurodiagnostic Technology 2 years $12,820 80% $19.81
Placements are for related employment as reported in the Graduate Follow Up Survey conducted in the spring of 2012. Wages are median
starting wages for program graduates where available. Biotechnology and Welding data are based on wages at the 25th percentile for all
workers in those occupations in the Twin Cities, as reported by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Tuition is estimated based on the number of credits in the program and 2012 tuition costs. Actual costs will vary depending upon the
program and courses taken.
Completing a post-secondary degree or other credential increases both opportunities and wages
In the past decade, wages have fallen by 12% for people with a high school education alone
By 2020, two out of three jobs will require some post-secondary education
Career and technical education provides access to middle class earnings for 29 million Americans
On average, people with post-secondary certificates earn 40% more than individuals with a high school education
Up-to-date labs, simulated technology and hands-on learning prepare CTE students with relevant, real-world skills
17% of Bachelor’s degree holders earned an Associate’s degree first
Source: Georgetown University, Anthony P. Carnevale, Tamara Jayasundera, Andrew R. Hanson, 9/2012
14

1501 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-659-6311
email: alumni@minneapolis.edu
minneapolis.edu
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What Will YOUR
Legacy Be?
A planned gift to the MCTC Foundation is a
thoughtful way for you to accomplish your
charitable goals without making
an outright gift today.
If you would like to learn more about making
a planned gift to the MCTC Foundation,
please contact us at 612-659-6311 or email
marni.harper@minneapolis.edu.
MCTC is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
Member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling
Disability Services at 612-659-6730 (voice) or through Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529.
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