Student Tested Approved - BENDA COMMUNICATIONS€¦ · Whitehouse, 651-556-1809; e-mail:...

What employers want! p. 16 Students in top 3 for tech award p. 4 Degrees and certificates p. 22

A magazine for the community Spring 2012

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Normandale Communications instructor Jennifer Isaac with student and 2012 Miss Minnesota USA, Nitaya Panemalaythong.page 10

Student Tested Student Approved Normandale instructors routinely get high grades from their students

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Spring 2012PRESIDENT Dr. Joseph P. Opatz

EXECUTIVE EDITOR/ DIRECTOR OF MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS Geoff Jones

EDITOR Chuck Benda

GRAPHIC DESIGN Cate Hubbard

CUSTOM PUBLISHING SERVICES The Coghlan Group

CONTRIBUTING WRITER Steve Geller

PHOTOGRAPHY Helen Cech, Steve Geller, Walter Griffin, Jerry Holt, Pavel Ignatenkov, Geoff Jones, Ryan Nelson, Amy Zellner

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Mary Solverson

ADVERTISING/ SPONSORSHIP SALES A variety of advertising and sponsorship options are available. Contact Patti Whitehouse, 651-556-1809; e-mail: [email protected].

Normandale magazine is published twice a year by the Normandale Community College Office of Marketing Communications.

This publication also may be found on the web at www.normandale.edu or requested in alternate media by calling Debbie Tillman at 952-358-8625, toll free at 1 866-880-8740 or by emailing [email protected]. Normandale Community College is an equal opportunity employer and educator.

© 2012 Normandale Community College. All rights reserved.

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2 Minutes with Jenny Hanson Meet Normandale’s IMS Trainer—a recent winner of the National Distinguished Educator Award from the Instructional Technology Council.

Student Tested, Student Approved Normandale instructors routinely get high grades from their students. Students talk about their favorite instructor and what makes them special.

What Employers Want! Having close ties with key companies helps Normandale Community College keep its Vacuum and Thin Film Technology program at the cutting edge of this field of high-tech education.

5 Questions With John Folkestad Award-winning alumnus John Folkestad talks about the critical role his Normandale education played in his professional success.

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Campus digestNews about people and programs from in and around the college. Degrees and certificates at Normandale

Professional development & career transition

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In every issue

Cover photo by Jerry Holt

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New Study Abroad Class Offered Unique Insight to Holocaust Visits to key Holocaust sites in Berlin, Auschwitz, Prague, and Budapest—combined with conversations with Holocaust survivors—gave students a rare opportunity to explore multiple perspectives of the Holocaust.

Psychology professors Jay Anderson and Andy Tix recently participated in a set of advanced workshops at the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. Anderson and Tix were the only community college faculty to participate in the workshop, which was initially designed for faculty from four-year and graduate institutions. This semester, Anderson and Tix shared their new perspectives with a group of Normandale students through a new class they created—Psychology of the Holocaust—for the college’s Study Abroad program.

The class offered students a unique look at different psychological aspects of the Holocaust from many different perspectives. Prior to traveling abroad, students studied the history and background of the Holocaust, and took a look at two key books: Night

by Elie Wiesel and Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. Anderson and Tix also brought in Holocaust survivor Joe Rosenberg to talk to the class before the trip.

From Mar. 2-11, the students visited Holocaust sites in Berlin (Germany), Auschwitz (Poland), Prague (Czech Republic) and Budapest (Turkey). Upon their return to Normandale, students

continued their studies, reflecting on their experiences and comparing many perspectives on the Psychology of the Holocaust. Anderson and Tix brought in a second Holocaust survivor, Robert Fisch, to speak to the class.

The new class provided students with an overview of one of history’s greatest tragedies in a way that could never be replicated through classroom study alone.

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Campus digestThe latest from in and around Normandale

Study—and Travel the World Recent trips to China, Belize, Ireland, Turkey, and Israel highlight Normandale’s Study Abroad programs.

Normandale has consistently been a leader among community colleges in the region for Study Abroad opportunities. Normandale has an incredible selection of Study Abroad opportunities. These trips are great life experiences and represent a chance for Normandale students to expand their horizons while earning credits.

These great Study Abroad opportunities include Business in China (on May 15-23, 2012), Global Health Perspective in Belize (May 2012), Irish Literature in Ireland (May 20-30, 2012), and a trip to Turkey and Israel (May 15-30, 2012).

Normandale has also provided opportunities to go to Costa Rica, Scotland, Singapore and Spain through other institutions. As these programs continue to grow in popularity among students, the college is working to expand the program with exciting new offerings such as one of this year’s newcomers: Psychology of the Holocaust class, taught by Jay Anderson and Andy Tix. (See story at left).

Psychology instructors Jay Anderson (left), Andrew Tix.

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Success Day Draws a CrowdMore than 1,000 students and other visitors participated in workshops and other activities as part of Normandale’s “Success Day: Vision Possible II.”

Normandale hosted the third annual “Success Day: Vision Possible II” on February 7. The event invited community members, staff, and students to campus on a day when school was closed to enjoy more than 150 lectures, workshops, and other presentations related to success.

Keynote speakers for this event included Catherine Byers Breet (Founder and Chief Stripe Changer of ARBEZ Inc.), Vednita Carter (Founder and Executive Director of Breaking Free) and Joy Friedman (Program Manager for Breaking Free), and Al Horner (former Navy SEAL, and author of the book Not Me).

Following a “flash mob” by Normandale staff and students, Byers-Breet began Success Day with a session on industry best practices and innovative, real-world approaches to identifying and landing jobs. Carter and Friedman shared facts and stories about their efforts to help women to escape systems of prostitution and abuse. Horner talked about training people to avoid or escape life-threatening assaults and learning how to take charge of personal safety, using crucial safety methods.

More than 1,000 people attended the various workshops and presentations that took place on campus throughout the day.

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Find Out MoreFor more information, contact Center Director Dan Creed at 952-358-8689, go to www.normandale.edu/studyabroad/ or use the QR code below.

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New Tutoring Center Offers Expanded ServicesNew facility brings the services of Normandale’s Academic Support Center, Writing Center, and EAP Tutoring Center together at one location.

As part of the ongoing efforts to support the success of students, Normandale Community College opened a new integrated Tutoring Center on January 23. The center combines the tutoring services of the Academic Support Center, the Writing Center, and the EAP (English for Academic Purposes) Tutoring Center.

The Tutoring Center provides services in math, writing, sciences, logic, reading, EAP, world languages, and more. Those services are offered to students in a variety of formats, including: Peer Tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, Online Tutoring, Study Skills Material, and Make-Up Testing.

On Feb. 6, there was a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that involved some of the key members of the Tutoring Center and Normandale administrators. President Joe Opatz, Vice Presidents Lisa Wheeler and Julie Guelich, Director of Students with Disabilities Debbie Tillman, Tutor and Supplemental Instruction Leader Adam Perry, and Kuei Marial, who is a student who has used EAP and Writing Center services, all spoke at the ceremony.

Bigalk, Herrboldt, Raasch and Wittstruck Named Outstanding EducatorsFour Normandale faculty members were designated 2012 Board of Trustees Outstanding Educators by President Joe Opatz.

Creative Writing Instructor Kris Bigalk, Economics Instructor Brooks Herrboldt, Psychology Instructor Linda Raasch, and Art Instructor Martha Wittstruck were all recognized for their outstanding teaching and exemplary service to students.

The Board of Trustees’ award is bestowed upon Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system faculty members to acknowledge and reward exceptional professional accomplishments and to encourage ongoing excellence in teaching. It recognizes the superior teaching at our colleges and universities and proclaims, on behalf of the entire system, the Board of Trustees’ pride in the dedication and accomplishment of our faculty in providing instruction that prepares Minnesota’s college and university students for professional, scholarly, and civic lives.

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are in the Academy program, Normandale provides support to help them earn their associate degree and continue to pursue a bachelor’s or advanced degree in a STEM field.

Since the program was implemented in 2006-07, two Academy students have been awarded the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship and another was selected as a National Fellow of the Pearson Prize for Higher Education. Forty-four Academy students have successfully transferred to pursue their bachelor’s and other degrees. Several of those students shared that they would not have not have been able to attend college without financial support or would have dropped out without the mentoring support of the Academy.

As part of its commitment to STEM education, Normandale is the only community college in the state of Minnesota that is a Project Lead the Way Community College Associate. It currently partners with Bloomington, Burnsville, Eden Prairie, Minneapolis and Richfield to identify and recruit high school students to pursue a career in STEM fields, attend Normandale, and enroll in the Academy.


Normandale Named Finalist in Tekne Awards Development of the Academy of Math and Science played a critical role in earning Normandale recognition in this prestigious competition.

Normandale Community College was one of three finalists in the 2011 Tekne Awards’ “Innovative Collaboration of the Year” category. The Tekne Awards, which were presented on November 3, recognize Minnesota companies, organizations, and individuals who have played a significant role in developing new technologies that educate, improve lifestyles and impact the lives of people everywhere.

The selection as a finalist for the award highlighted the Normandale Community College Foundation’s efforts with the college to form the Academy of Math and Science.

Through these efforts, the Academy has successfully addressed the need to increase the workforce in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields by attracting high school students through their guidance counselors, science and math teachers. Once students

Director of Office for Students with Disabilities Debbie Tillman (left), looks on as President Joe Opatz (second from left) helps cut the ribbon with Center personnel and their families.

Kris Bigalk Brooks Herrboldt Linda Raasch Martha Wittstruck

Students from the Normandale Academy of Math and Science in a spirited mood.

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Find Out MoreFor more information, contact Center Director Jim Sutton at 952-358-8830, go to www.normandale.edu/asc/ or use the QR code at left.{ }

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Welcome!Normandale welcomes two new people to the staff: Torrion Amie, Director of Advising and Counseling; and Dr. Cary Komoto, Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and Education.

Amie comes to Normandale from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where he served as assistant director of the Academic Success Center from 2009-11. Amie has worked at UW-River Falls since 1998. He served as assistant direct of Student Support Services (2007-09), a coordinator for Upward Bound (2006-07), an assistant track coach (1999-2011), and an ad-hoc instructor (1998-2006 & 2010).

Prior to his work at UW-River Falls, Amie worked in a variety of capacities, including activity programming and multicultural diversity awareness programming for K-12 schools in the Twin Cities area. He has also been an Online Instructor at Dakota County Technical College since 2009. Amie earned his bachelor’s degree in



Normandale Student Named 2012 Miss Minnesota USA

Normandale student Nitaya Panemalaythong was named the 2012 Miss Minnesota USA winner in front of a capacity crowd on Nov. 27 at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center. Panemalaythong, who became the first Asian-American to win Miss Minnesota USA, will compete in the Miss USA competition which will be broadcast live on Sunday, June 3 at 8 p.m. on NBC.

Born in a Thailand refugee camp, Panemalaythong came to Minnesota when she was one. Currently 26 years old, she is the fourth of nine children (her older siblings were born in Laos and her younger siblings were born in the United States). Growing up, Panemaylaythong often had to take on many family responsibilities as her family moved across the country with stops in California, North Carolina, Southern Minnesota and the Twin Cities.

Prior to winning the Miss Minnesota USA title, Panemalaythong balanced a life that included a full-

time job at a reinsurance brokerage firm, two night classes at Normandale, and countless mental and physical preparations for the pageant. Last summer, Panemalaythong experienced one of her proudest accomplishments when she and her brother-in-law bought her family a house.

“My parents are my biggest inspiration,” said Panemalaythong. “I am appreciative that they gave me the life I have now, and I am happy I can help pay for a house for my family to live in to allow my parents do their own thing after all the sacrifices they made for us.”

Helping support her family financially kept Panemalaythong from continuing her own education after high school until Fall Semester 2011 when she enrolled in General Psychology and Public Speaking at Normandale. Panemalaythong had heard many great things about Normandale through people at her job and her community, and her goal is to eventually get into the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management where she hopes to study finance, business sales, and marketing.

Panemalaythong’s experience in her Public Speaking class at Normandale was one that had a very positive effect on her. She got along very well with her instructor Jennifer Isaac, and enjoyed being in a class with a diverse group of students. Isaac also helped her prepare for the Miss Minnesota USA pageant.

“It is inspiring for me to be around such a diverse group of students,” said Panemalaythong. “You don’t realize when you go through your daily routine how much diversity really exists in the Twin Cities. My Public Speaking class at Normandale, along with my experiences growing up, has inspired me to try to support a community outreach effort to help make education easier for new immigrants and their families.”

As the summer—and the Miss USA competition—approaches, Panemalaythong’s schedule promises to get even more hectic. As her past performance has shown, however, even as her schedule gets busier, there no reason to doubt that Panemalaythong will continue to juggle all of her different roles in impressive fashion.

liberal arts from UW-River Falls (2005) and his master’s degree in Education from the University of Minnesota (2006).

Before coming to Normandale, Komoto served as a professor in the University of Wisconsin-Barron County’s Geography and Geology Department, where he had been a faculty member since 1991. A native of Minneapolis, Komoto earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in Geography from the University of Minnesota.

During his distinguished career, Komoto also has served in a number of administrative and governance positions in the University of Wisconsin Colleges (UWC) system, which consists of 13 two-year, community colleges in Wisconsin—including UW-Barron County. He served as interim director of UWC’s Distance Education program, chairs representative to the UWC senate, and chair of UWC’s Department of Geography and Geology.

Nitaya Panemalaythong credits her parents for providing the inspiration behind her successes in life.

Student leaders Travel the Country to Polish their Skills

Normandale offers students many great leadership opportunities through its clubs and organizations. This spring, Normandale’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Student Life program, and Student Senate sent students on several exciting trips to help enhance their leadership experience and skills.

The Minnesota State College Student Association (MSCSA) D.C. Summit held a series of workshops to give students an overview of the Congressional Landscape, MSCSA Federal Priorities, and help them better understand the political machinations of Washington. Student Senate members Naomi Babcock, Jordan Bugella, Ryan Newbloom, and Dozie Okpara will attend the D.C. Summit. While there, they also met with Minnesota Senators and Representatives, as well as representatives from other influential organizations in the area.

The National Center for Student Leadership Conference in Boston held four days of activities that teach students specific strategies to elevate their leadership skills, find their own leadership style and become leaders in college and beyond. Representatives of the Student Life program and Student Senate—Bernard Akem, Adam Lindquist, Yael Radison, and Nick Schneider—attended the leadership conference.

Normandale will send six members of the local chapter of Phi Theta Kappa to the society’s International Convention in Nashville on Apr. 12-15. Olya Homonchuk also will be running for the position of International Phi Theta Kappa president at the convention.

Normandale’s student leaders recently elevated their leadership skills through conferences and workshops in Washington, D.C., Boston, and Nashville.

Student Newspaper Makes Headlines Lions’ Roar, Normandale’s student newspaper, claimed 12 awards in this year’s Minnesota Newspaper Association Better College Newspaper contest for Minnesota two- and four-year colleges and universities on January 27. Only St. Cloud State’s University Chronicle won more awards (16) in the contest.

Overall, Lions’ Roar—which converted to an all-online format in 2012—and its 2011-12 staff finished first in five categories, second in another five, and claimed two honorable-mention awards.

First place awards included: typography and design (staff), headline writing (staff), best

picture story (Amanda Brown), best portrait and best personality photo (Ben Rasmussen; and best design portfolio (Matt Homan).

Second place awards included: general excellence (staff), general reporting (staff), local breaking news (Steve Dodds), photo story (Amanda Brown), and editorial (Matt Homan). The honorable-mention awards were presented for the newspaper’s website (www.lionsroar.info) and for government and public affairs reporting (Rebecca Freeman, this year’s editor-in-chief).

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Torrion Amie Dr. Cary Komoto


Left to right: Pictured with two of the 12 awards the Lions’ Roar earned at this year’s Minnesota Newspaper Association Better College Newspaper contest are Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Freeman, Advisor Mark Plenke, and Web Editor Tim Wellman, Jr.

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for this award by someone on your own campus. It is a great feeling to know that my peers and co-workers wanted to recognize me by submitting this nomination. I’m involved in a lot of different projects on campus here at Normandale, and it is nice to know what I am doing has a positive effect.”

How long have you worked at Normandale, and how have your duties evolved during that time?

“I am currently in my fourth year. I was initially drawn to Normandale because of their culture of (continued on page 9 )

Jenny Hanson recently received a two-year National Distinguished Educator Award from the Instructional Technology Council. Hanson, was one of only 15 people in the nation to receive the honors. She is currently the IMS (Instructional Management Systems) Trainer at Normandale, and plays a big role in helping to develop Online Learning programs for Normandale faculty and staff. Since 2006, Normandale’s online course enrollment has nearly four times as many students, and in Hanson’s time at the college it has nearly doubled.

What does it mean to you to receive this award?

“The Instruction Technology Council does a lot of work with respect to Online Learning and working with instructional technologies, so it is means a lot for me to be recognized by them. It also is an honor because you have to be nominated

Two Minutes with Jenny Hanson

(continued from page 8 ) community and active involvement; of excellence; and of really trying to make things great for the students, faculty, and staff who work here. It is a very positive work environment. I originally came here as an adjunct teacher in the Theatre Department. I taught Intro to Cinema, along with Intro to Television. I had been doing a lot of work with Online Learning at my previous position, teaching online, and working with online technologies. At the time, Normandale was trying to find its way with Online Learning. I realized I had some skills in that area and thought I could offer things I have been doing. Everything took off from there. I got involved and created an online course in television and also an online cinema class for the Theatre Department. Then I worked with the Academic Technology Advisory Committee. From there I started to do more work with D2L [Desire2Learn, a course management system] since I knew it really well. When the position for IMS Trainer came up, I applied for it and am currently in my second year in that position. I also worked on an AQIP [Academic Quality Improvement Program] action project to increase student preparedness for Online Learning. I was the champion for that project, which led to an online education website, with support tutorials for students. At the time, Online Learning was a huge growth area for the college and for most colleges. I guess I arrived here at the right time with the right skill set.”

What are some of specific areas you have noticed that have developed at Normandale during your time here?

“When I first came to Normandale, training for faculty was really spread out. We worked hard to collaborate and to align training sessions with the college’s goals. The college has had the “Vision Possible” theme for the last couple of years. Overall, we try to align our newsletter communications, training sessions, and initiatives with the theme and focus areas of the college. Some of those areas and initiatives include the Core Learning Outcomes, assessment, increasing student support services and creating engaging experiences. We want to make sure we are all on the same page in terms of doing things that complement one another to further the goals and mission of the college. In terms of what I contribute, the idea is to prepare students and faculty to work online in a way that creates quality courses and results in a positive experience for everyone — to help increase retention in online courses.

What are some goals for the future of Online Learning at Normandale?

“Online Learning has developed some key goal areas, including: student retention, engagement, readiness, advocacy and outreach. Retention is a big one. Trying to get students to stay in these classes and succeed in them is an important goal. I would like to see the retention rate as close to the face-to-face class retention rate as possible. I think a

quality course and an engaging experience is important for students. Their learning is the number one priority to us in this process, so we want to make sure those quality course elements and engaging components exist in their online course experiences. We also want to continue to support faculty throughout the process. We have talked about more programs and quality courses that really help the students do better. My philosophy is to meet the users where they are. As users evolve we will take it to the next level. We want to be observant of the level of expertise most users have, and where we can go from there. We want to live up to Normandale’s standards in excellence and rigor. Those are very important elements, along with helping the students and faculty to continue to develop their skills.”

What was your background before you came to Normandale?

“I received my associate degree in Sound Arts, and transferred to Augsburg where I received a BA in Communications with an emphasis in Mass Communications. I ran my own production company doing video work and web design and then I went to grad school for new media and an MFA in new media. I went to Austria for three different summers to receive that MFA and worked with different mentors through Transart Institute. Transart Institute is an accredited international low-residency program. My original discipline is really film, television, media, video work, and web design, which new media encompasses. Technology is very prevalent in that area, so working with online technologies came very natural. I have taught here and at North Hennepin Community College, as well as at Four Directions Charter School. I also worked at Bloomington’s Public Access station as a production specialist. I have done many different things, but I really enjoy what I am doing right here at Normandale. There is so much knowledge in these walls, and I really enjoy working with the people here to accomplish some of the goals we have set forth for the college.”

Normandale’s IMS Trainer—and a key player in the development of the college’s online learning programs—recently won the National Distinguished Educator Award.


{ }Find Out MoreFor more information, contact Jenny Hanson at 952-358-8664, go to www.normandale.edu/onlineeducation/ or use the QR code at left.

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Normandale instructors routinely get high grades from their students.

“ Every day is a lesson in caring and dedication with Dr. Reznicek.”

Don Reznicek

Chemistry instructor in his 42nd year at Normandale; named by the students as Teacher of the Year in 2001, Instructor of the Year for Minnesota Community and Technical Colleges (also in 2001), received a Distinguished Faculty Award in 2003 and a NISOD (National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development) Award.

Student Tested Student Approved

By Steve Geller

The student-teacher bond plays a critical role in the success of all of Normandale’s academic programs. Great teachers make for great students—and as you can tell from the experiences of Nitaya Panemalaythong, Normandale has great teachers. When Panemalaythong began classes at Normandale Community College at the age of 26 in September 2011 she did not know the chain of events that were about to unfold over the next two months. During that first month of school, Panemalaythong decided to enter the Miss Minnesota USA competition because of all of the scholarship opportunities made available through it.

On November 27, Panemalaythong was named Miss Minnesota USA. She had originally enrolled at Normandale to begin working toward a degree in Business. When Panemalaythong started taking Public Speaking with Normandale Instructor Jennifer Isaac, she established a bond with her—and also received invaluable help from Isaac in preparation for the Miss Minnesota USA contest.

The Miss Minnesota USA contest evaluates contestants in three categories: evening gown, swimwear, and interview. It was in the final category—the interview—that Panemalaythong received invaluable assistance from Isaac. “Sometimes I talk too fast,” admitted Panemalaythong. “Jennifer really helped me outline everything I wanted to say in my head before I answered a question. That was really important when it came to the competition.”

Panemalaythong also thought Isaac did a great job of working with all the students in Public Speaking class. It was a diverse class of students from Brazil, Somalia, Kazakhstan, and other countries. “Jennifer was an amazing instructor,” said Panemalaythong. “Not only does she help people before and after class to prepare for speeches, but she tries to make you a better person.”

Isaac and Panemalaythong’s story is not unique to the Normandale campus. For every student that comes through the Normandale campus, there seems to be a story about an instructor who made a subject engaging, helped a student get excited about a major, or spent extra time to help them succeed in a class. At Normandale, this is part of the everyday experience.

The following is a collection of quotes about Normandale instructors from students as they recall some of the special experiences they have had with them.

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Justin Hamann, student

“ Every day is a lesson in caring and dedication with Dr. Reznicek. As an aspiring teacher myself, I find inspiration in how he nurtures the minds of each of his students. Dr. Reznicek knows every one of his students by name and does his sincere best to ensure they are all reaching their maximum potential. He does a great job covering the class material while interjecting small anecdotes to keep everyone alert and attentive. Overall, Dr. Reznicek demonstrates a unique dedication to the success of his students. He feels that where a student fails, he has also failed.” (continued on next page)

Jennifer Isaac

Communications instructor at Normandale since 1990; has participated as the co-chair for the Diversity Day Planning Committee for two years, and had the opportunity to teach in the Wisconsin in Scotland (WIS) program, which allows Normandale students to takes courses with Normandale faculty through the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Nitaya Panemalaythong, student

“ Jennifer really helped me outline everything I wanted to say in my head before I answered a question. That was really important when it came to the competition. Not only does she help people before and after class to prepare for speeches, but she tries to make you a better person.”


Willie Johnson

Communications instructor in his 30th year at Normandale; received the 2011 Board of Trustees Excellence in Teaching award, is a Fulbright Scholar and the former college’s Director of Cultural Diversity.

Kris Bigalk

Creative writing instructor in her 13th year at Normandale; director of the AFA in Creative Writing program. Bigalk also received the Board of Trustees Excellence in Teaching award this year.

“ He loves to teach and he teaches his students from the core of his heart.”

“ She is ... a very helpful teacher who really cares about her students.”

Wahida Joarder, student

“ Dr. Johnson is a friendly teacher who is a very good communicator and an excellent instructor. He loves to teach and he teaches his students from the core of his heart. Through Dr. Johnson’s classes I learned how to be a good communicator and how to better express emotion through non-verbal communication.” (continued on next page)

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Sumayya Hashmi, student

“ Mrs. Bigalk is a great instructor, and very understanding. I took a class with her in 2009, and was going through family problems during that time. Mrs. Bigalk understood my situation and tried to help me out. She is also a very helpful teacher who really cares about her students. Mrs. Bigalk is one of those teachers who wants her students to understand what they are learning, and at the same time succeed and gain something out of the class. These characteristics make her a great instructor and good person. Even taking just one class from her made a huge difference for me. She is one of those professors I will always remember.” (continued on next page)


Larry Borgen

Business instructor in his 13th year at Normandale; has articles published in business publications, regularly brings in professionals to speak to his students, and currently serves on Normandale’s Marketing Committee.

Ravi Kimal, student

“ Some of Larry’s characteristics that make him such a great instructor are his passion, energy, and excitement for teaching his vast knowledge of the business world. What I enjoyed the most was how he brought real-world applications to the classroom and made us expand our knowledge beyond our books. Larry really does a great job of pushing your knowledge to new limits, for you to take into the real world and succeed.” (continued on next page)

“ She obviously has a passion for the subject and her enthusiasm is infectious.”

James Polzin

Computer Science instructor in his 25th year at Normandale (and has occasionally taught mathematics as well); has been able to work in the field of computing to keep skills and knowledge fresh, enjoys communicating ideas and concepts to students and works hard to keep the classroom exciting and dynamic.

Gail Behnke, student

“ Mr. Polzin is what you would hope for in an instructor. He teaches material to your level, is always available to meet with students for further help, and grades fairly. He made learning fun! He always had stories that illustrated the subject material and, best of all, he had a great sense of humor! No matter what the question is, Mr. Polzin is always willing to work with a student until they gain understanding. He was always respectful and approachable.”

Carol Fung Kee Fung

Chemistry instructor in her eighth year at Normandale; currently the chair of the Chemistry department, and enjoys making Chemistry fun for those who might have initially been afraid of the subject.

Ryan Aberle, student

“ Professor Fung Kee Fung is the most organized and meticulous instructor I have ever had. She obviously has a passion for the subject and her enthusiasm is infectious. She takes a subject that is absolutely fundamental to any science study and makes it truly fun.”

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Nolan Henning knows a good thing when he sees one. After taking a few general courses at Normandale, Henning began to explore his options in the field of engineering. One day Normandale instructor Nancy Louwagie gave a presentation to one of Henning’s Engineering classes on the college’s Vacuum and Thin Film Technology program. He immediately became intrigued. A little research showed Henning that the field offered tremendous growth potential and convinced him to shift his studies. Today, he’s currently enrolled in the program and has an internship with a start-up company in the Twin Cities.

Henning’s experience isn’t surprising, given the recent surge of business activity in these fields. In fact, some of the major companies with which Normandale has close ties—such as Cypress Semiconductor, Polar Semiconductor Inc., Seagate, Honeywell, and several others—have indicated that they expect to see a steadily growing demand for graduates who are well prepared for careers that require a strong background in vacuum and thin film technology.

“What a maintenance technician in vacuum technology has to do on a day-to-day basis is incredibly complex,” says Loren Amundson, Operations Training Manager at Polar Semiconductor Inc. “The more prepared the students are for the field, the less money and time we have to spend on general training of the employees when they first come to us.

“The students who have completed the Vacuum and Thin Film Technology program at Normandale have come to us more prepared and usually need less overall training,” Amundson continues, “which helps them become contributing members of our staff more quickly.”

Amundson, like representatives from other companies that collaborate with Normandale, has seen first-hand the benefits of this partnership. Normandale likewise reaps benefits from the collaboration. In fact, it was input from these companies that convinced Normandale to update the name of its Nanotechnology program to better reflect the emphasis on vacuum and thin film technologies—and to better meet the marketplace demand.

What Employers Want! Having close ties with key companies in the industry helps Normandale

keep its Vacuum and Thin Film Technology program—formerly known as the Nanotechnology program—at the cutting edge in this field of high-tech education. And it enables the college to provide students with the skill sets employers want in this rapidly growing and wide-ranging field.

By Steve Geller

Training versatile employees

Del Smith is a Normandale instructor who works at Honeywell. Smith has been part of the program since its inception at Normandale, and has noticed a shift towards employees trying to gain versatility to give them more options in the field.

“We have students who are looking at expanding their skill set to make them more valuable to prospective employers,” said Smith. “They may for example have a good mechanical or electronic technician background, but realize adding some additional skills might make them that much more valuable. The idea of being a well-rounded technician by adding Vacuum Technology is a pretty (continued on next page 17)

(continued from page 16)significant addition to their skill set. It not only helps with job security in the future, but with that versatility they will have opportunities for higher paid positions.”

Normandale’s Vacuum and Thin Film Technology program offers students three different options that enable them to get the amount of training in these fields that best suits their overall career goals. First is the associate degree program, typically a two-year undertaking in which students must earn 60 credits. Completing an associate degree in Vacuum and Thin Film Technology requires taking courses in Chemistry, Communications, English, Engineering Technology, Math, Physics and Vacuum Technology.

In addition to an associate degree in Vacuum and Thin Film Technology, students may opt for a 12-credit program that culminates in a Vacuum Technology Certificate. This option often appeals to individuals who have previously completed a two-year technical degree or a four-year degree, or students in Normandale’s pre-engineering program, who want more background in vacuum technology. Plus, it is a good option for people already in the

workplace who want to improve their skills so they have better opportunities for advancement. Normandale also offers an opportunity to complete a 30-credit program to receive a Vacuum Maintenance Technician Certificate.

Multiple Job Opportunities

All of these programs will help prepare students for an ever-growing array of jobs. Some of the jobs that these degrees can lead to include Wafer Fabrication Maintenance Technicians, Facilities Technicians, Equipment Engineers and Process Engineers. Amundson noted that three of the critical skills his company desires in a prospective vacuum maintenance technician would be the capacity to understand very complex vacuum systems; the ability to walk up to a vacuum process manufacturing tool and quickly determine the main cause of failure; and the skills to repair the tool in a timely manner.

Strong math skills, the ability to comprehend electronics and some knowledge of chemistry and physics are usually some of the (continued on page 18)

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Instructor Del Smith conducts a training session in Vacuum and Thin Film Technology with employees from Polar Semiconductors, Inc.

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What is Vacuum Technology?

Vacuum Technology refers to equipment and processes requiring conditions well below standard atmospheric pressure. Vacuum conditions are necessary to manufacture many high-tech products. Products manufactured (in part) through the use of vacuum technology include: semiconductors, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) components, solar cells, glass, optics, food packaging, pharmaceuticals, and many more. What prompted the switch from the label of Nanotechnology to Vacuum and Thin Film Technology?

Vacuum technology plays a significant role in the broader field of nanotechnology. Recently, industry representatives have indicated a growing interest in graduates to fill vacuum maintenance technician positions. What’s more, the design and manufacturing processes supported by vacuum technology make possible a much broader range of applications than is the focus of nanotechnology alone. Given the program’s curriculum and employers’ understanding and use of the technology, identifying the program as one in “Vacuum and Thin Film Technology” makes a better fit.

What are the job prospects and pay for someone who wants to enter the job market after receiving the Associate Degree at Normandale?

In general, there is a growing demand for maintenance technicians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites average employment growth with excellent job opportunities in the General employment category of Maintenance and Repair Workers. Median wage in this category is listed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics at $16.70/hour. Average pay for a Manufacturing Equipment Vacuum Maintenance Technician employed in the Minneapolis-St. Paul and surrounding metro area is approximately $39,000 (or $19/hour) Many individuals employed in vacuum maintenance technician positions routinely work overtime and thus have a higher annual pay.

18 Normandale Community College

“ We’ve had several engineers go through this program to gain knowledge of this technology.”

Del SmithNormandale Instructor and Honeywell employee

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Find Out MoreFor more information, contact department chair Steven Sohlstrom at 952/358-7441, go to www.normandale.edu/academics/depts/nanotechnology/nanotechnology. cfm or use the QR code at left.{ }

(continued from page 17) characteristics that are a good base for these jobs. However, Smith explains that this field draws a diverse mix of students.

“We get people fresh out of high school, people with a military background (military training in electronics is a great background for this program) and people who have been working for years and gone back to school to get more training for a position,” Smith says. “In addition, we have not only been drawing technicians but engineers. It is almost unheard of for engineers to be exposed to this technology during their college career. We’ve had several engineers go through this program to gain knowledge of this technology.”

Amundson and Smith also noted several trends that will point to the continued growth of this industry, both in the Twin Cities and at a national level. One of the overall trends that Amundson included was the government’s push to manufacture products in the United States rather than moving them overseas, particularly in technical fields. Smith mentioned that locally Minnesota is one of the major centers for Architectural Glass Coating and several small companies in the area are building workforces as the economy recovers. What’s more, Polar and Normandale are jointly working on a workforce development project funded by an MJSP grant

In the meantime, Henning is simply enjoying the process as he makes his way through the program and learns all of the necessary skills to be ready to enter the workforce by the time he graduates. The start-up company he works for has a patent they are trying to perfect. The end goal is to produce wafers used in making LEDs (light emitting diodes). Through the position and his work in the program he has become comfortable with the equipment. Henning is convinced his internship experience—combined with the degree he expects to earn in the Vacuum Technology program—will really benefit him in the long-term.

“There are several manufacturers in the Twin Cities and I hope to land a job soon after finishing the program,” said Henning. “Many of the classes in this program are taught by people still working in the industry, which I feel helps them do a good job teaching the necessary skills.”

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20 Normandale Community College 21 www.normandale.edu

a project or interim basis. He also helped to found Numberworks, LLC, which places staff-level accounting and finance professionals on a project or interim basis.

We recently had the opportunity to talk with Folkestad about why Normandale was a good option for him, how it is an experience that others can benefit from, and to hear about some of his personal philosophies that led to the founding of his own business.

What made you start your own business?

“Before I started my own company I wasn’t always able to keep the promises I wanted to when I was recruiting workers. Through that process, I think you begin to wear out your welcome when you are trying to get quality people to work for you on projects. When we created SALO, I wanted to make sure we provided great benefits for the employees we were recruiting to work for us. When we started the company I paid people’s benefits before I paid myself. Our first employees were people I had been working with for years whose work I knew and I had a strong loyalty to. I was able to attract some phenomenal workers to our company. I look at it this way: strong people have many choices. You have to honor that. If you don’t, it is at your own peril.”

How does it make you feel to be able to change the culture of the industry in which you are working?

“Our 10th anniversary is this fall. Our company has been thoughtful and smart about the decisions we have made. We try to take care of people, because it is so much more expensive to recruit people than hold onto successful ones. I want to work with people I lose sleep over trying to keep rather than having people that I don’t worry about.”

Why did you go to Normandale?

“My older sister went there and had a great experience. I had decided to go into Accounting and I knew I was going to have to pay for most of my education. Going to Normandale was (continued on page 21)

When John Folkestad graduated from Normandale in 1987 with his associate degree in Accounting, he couldn’t have predicted the success his future held. In 2002, Folkestad co-founded SALO, LLC, a staffing and recruiting firm specializing in financial and accounting employees and helped grow it from a two-person operation to a thriving company with more than 300 employees. He and Co-founder Amy Langer were named “Emerging Entrepreneurs of the Year” in 2006 by Ernst & Young. And, in 2007, SALO was named to Inc. Magazine’s 500 List of America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies. Through all that success, however, Folkestad still clearly recalls the path he followed to get

where he is now—and the important role Normandale played in helping him get there.

In 1985, Folkestad was deciding where to go to college. His sister had gone to Normandale and completed her associate degree, then moved on to St. Cloud State University where she majored in teaching. She told Folkestad that Normandale offered smaller class sizes and was a great educational environment. He had earned a scholarship from a Bloomington bank and knew he wanted to work full-time while he went to school. Normandale allowed him to do that, and the path to an extremely successful career as one of the top business recruiters in the Twin Cities began.

After graduating from Normandale, Folkestad followed his sister’s path and went to St. Cloud State where he received his B.S. in Accounting. He then worked three years as an auditor at Deloitte and four years as division director at Accountemps before moving on to help start a new division for an international recruiting firm.”

However, Folkestad had bigger ideas about how he wanted run a company, which led him to co-found SALO. A little less than six years ago, Folkestad helped found Oberon, LLC, which places senior-level human resource professionals on

(continued from page 20)affordable, and it allowed me to go to school and work full-time. I graduated nearly debt-free, and got as good an education in my first two years at Normandale as I would have anywhere else.”

What was the experience of working full-time while going to Normandale like?

“We have a program at SALO where inner-city kids work in our company while they are going to high school. It is amazing to see how fast these kids mature. This was the effect it had on me as well. Having the focus of working and going to school kept me on task, and I witnessed many others who did the same thing while I was at Normandale. It was great to see some of the stuff I was doing at work pop up in my Accounting classes. Going to Normandale kept

my costs down while paying for a great education. It was a really great place to go. I would go back and do it all over again.”

How do you view your overall experience at Normandale?

“Normandale is a great option for entrepreneurial people. I wanted an education that gave me the skills to make a living. I wanted to get right to the meat of the courses, and learn the skills I needed to succeed, and Normandale’s classes provided that type of environment. I worked full-time, lived at home, and paid for my education. I gained a good ‘real-world’ education through that experience. Normandale is great, affordable option for people who are concerned about money to get a quality education.

5 Questions with John Folkestad A co-founder of multiple staffing and recruiting firms—and a former “Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year”— John Folkestad says his time at Normandale played a critical role in the many professional successes he has enjoyed.

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CERT AA AAS AS AFAHOSPITALITy AND TOuRISM (continued)Casino Operations and Management •Food and Beverage Management •Hospitality Management •Tourism Operations and Management • LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRIMINAL JuSTICECriminal Justice •Law Enforcement • • TECHNOLOGyComputer Technology • •Nanotechnology •Vacuum Maintenance Technician •Vacuum Technology • • HEALTH SCIENCEExercise Science •Exercise Specialist •Dental Hygiene •Dietetic Technology •Community Health/Health Education •Nursing (RN/PN Mobility) •Nursing Assistant •Integrative Wellness/Health Education •Informatics for Healthcare • SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICSBioscience •Chemistry •Computer Science •Geography •Mathematics •Physics •Engineering Foundations •Food Science • VISuAL AND PERFORMING ARTSCreative Writing • • •Art • •Music • •

The Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree is Normandale’s liberal arts degree. It is designed to provide a student with the first two years of the general education coursework needed for a Bachelor’s of Arts (B.A.) degree.

The Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.) degree is Normandale’s fine arts degree. It is designed to provide a student with the first two years of the general education coursework needed for a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree.

Associate in Science (A.S.) degree prepares individuals for professional careers and transfer by specific agreement to a four-year major in a related scientific or technical field. It is designed to provide a student with the first two years of the general education coursework needed for a Bachelor’s of Science (B.S.) degree

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees provide concentrated career preparation and are intended for students who desire immediate employment upon graduation.

Certificates provide concentrated programs of study in certain areas. Many are designed for the development of vocational skills leading to entry-level employment in specific career areas. Others compliment previous work experience or college degrees.

Normandale Community College22 23

Normandale’s academic awards include degrees (60 or more credits), certificates (4-30 credits), and Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) certification (40 credits).

For detailed information on the programs and courses offered, go to www.normandale.edu.

Find Out MoreFor detailed information, go to: www.normandale.edu/academics/ index.cfm or use the QR code at left.{ }

Degrees and certificates at NormandaleData shows that getting an associate degree or certificate increases chances and choices for the future.

CERT AA AAS AS AFAVISuAL AND PERFORMING ARTS (continued)Theatre • • Theatre Production and Design •

OTHERAnthropology •Art History •Communication •Family Studies •U.S. History •World History •General History •Individualized Studies •Literary Studies •Mass Communication •Multicultural Studies •Philosophy •Political Science •Psychology •Sociology •Urban Studies •Women’s Studies •World Languages and Cultures: French •World Languages and Cultures: German •World Languages and Cultures: Japanese •World Languages and Cultures: Spanish •

CERT AA AAS AS AFABuSINESS, MANAGEMENT AND MARKETINGBusiness: Marketing and Management • • •Human Resource Management •International Business •Management •Small Business Management •Computers/Information Management • •Computer Management •Marketing Management •Accounting •

EDuCATIONElementary Education Foundations •Special Education Foundations •

HOSPITALITy AND TOuRISMHotel Operations •Hotel Marketing and Sales •

www.normandale.edu

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LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT• Supervision and Management Certificate• Business Research Certificate• Virtual Meeting Planner Certificate• Administrative Professional Certificate• Certified Administrative Professional and Organizational Management

CAP/OM Certification Prep

MARKETING• eMarketing Essentials Certificate• Graphic Design Software Certificate• Web Design Software Certificate ACCOuNTANTS AND TAX PREPARERS• Registered Tax Return Preparer Certification Prep

TECHNICAL SKILLS • Computer Essentials Certificate• Excel Spreadsheet Certificate• Word Processing Certificate• Database Management Certificate

AGILE AND SCRuM• Certified ScrumMaster• Certified Scrum Product Owner• Effective Scrum Developer

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGy• IT Foundation Certifications• Microsoft Network Certifications• Cisco Certifications• Programming and Development Certifications• Health Information Technology, (HIT) multiple certificates QuALITy AND SIX SIGMA• Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate• Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate HuMAN RESOuRCES• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification Prep• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Certification Prep

CAREER ADVISORS AND JOB COuNSELORS• Global Career Development Facilitator Certificate

Normandale’s continuing education and professional development certificates provide you with the skills and knowledge to advance in your profession or transition to a new career. Our interactive and engaging courses are taught by experts who have a talent for teaching. Course content covers the most relevant workplace topics and applications. Certificates are scheduled to start throughout the year, including on-campus, off-campus and online offerings.

Certificates, Certifications and Credentials

Guided by industry standards and competencies, our certificates, certifications, licensure, and exam preparation courses will help you achieve your professional goals. Earning a professional certificate is an effective way to update or build your resume. Certificates complement your college degree(s) and work experience by keeping you current in your field as well as offer opportunities to bridge your experience into a new career.

Normandale Community College24 www.normandale.edu 25

Professional development & career transitionBe in Demand, Get Certified!

TRAINERS AND TEACHERS• Certificate in Online Teaching• Human Relations for K-12 Teachers

HEALTHCARE AND MEDICAL• Refresher Course in Nursing• Pharmacy Technician• Medical Coding and Billing• Medical Transcription and Editor• Medical Administrative Assistant• Professional Call Center Skills Program for Healthcare• Health Information Technology (HIT), including four industry

specific certificates

INTEGRATIVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS• Herbalism Certificate• Aromatherapy: Certificate in Essential Oils• EnergyWorks Certificate• Sound Healing Mastery Certificate• Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Levels 1, 2, and 3• Heartsight Levels 1 and 2• Hypnotherapy Certificate• Reiki Therapy Levels 1 and 2• Spring Forest Qigong Levels 1 and 2• Tai Chi Teacher Certifications

Get Certified!Earning a Professional Certificate or Certification offers you:

• Skill development to help you stay current or advance your career

• Preparation for a new field or occupation

• Confidence that comes from relevant and applied learning

Find Out MoreTo learn about other professional training programs and certifications, go to http://normandale.augusoft.net, use the QR code at left, or call at 952-358-8343..

}{“ Normandale is the only college in Minnesota offering this type of training. It is a rigorous program but it prepared me for my new career. I actually met my employer at a Normandale student-employer gathering.”

Stefanie KleinMN Health IT 2011 Cohort

Don’t Wait for Opportunity—Create it!

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