Column: KNOW-vember: Southeast Technical month
Red Wing Republican-Eagle
by Dorothy Duran, Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical president
Oct 23, 2014
There is no debate: higher education is key to success in the world of work. Countless studies have proven that workers with a college education earn more than those with only a high school diploma. The U.S. Department of Education's 2011 statistics indicated that workers with a two-year college degree earned approximately 29 percent more than those with a high school diploma. Another recent study found that over a lifetime, earning an associate degree was worth about $170,000 more than a high school diploma.
As the new president of Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical, I sincerely want to strengthen our connections to the Red Wing community and beyond. To that end, we have dubbed the month of November "KNOW-vember" and are throwing our doors wide open with several events and opportunities to discover the college.
You don't have to travel far to find the opportunity to begin college or complete a diploma, certificate or associate degree program. Just three miles south of downtown Red Wing, Southeast Technical is an accredited college with very affordable tuition. We are a proud member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, always striving to deliver the highest value to students, employers, communities and taxpayers.
For those who have only driven past our Red Wing campus at the corner of Pioneer Road and Highway 58, the college is hosting an open house Saturday Nov. 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. This will be a great opportunity to stop in and see our campus. We will have refreshments, door prizes, building tours, live music and fun activities for children. Faculty and staff will be on hand to answer questions, show off our programs and assist with spring and fall 2015 applications. We will even waive the $20 application fee that day.
On Tuesday Nov. 4, we are honored to have been selected as a venue for a "Charting the Future" Gallery Walk, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. "Charting the Future for a Prosperous Minnesota" is a collaborative process designed by MnSCU to develop specific actions to better serve its students and strengthen its educational institutions. Visitors can walk through the gallery, ask questions and provide immediate feedback. Community participation is vital to the success of "Charting the Future" and everyone is welcome.
On Friday Nov. 7, the Red Wing Student Senate has planned a special event to honor our veterans. A one-hour ceremony will take place from noon to 1 pm. Speakers, live music and refreshments will be part of the event. Again, the public, and especially those who have served our country and their families, are warmly invited to visit our campus for this Veterans Day celebration.
Give to the Max Day is on Thursday Nov. 13 this year, and Southeast Technical Foundation will be among the many non-profit organizations participating in Give to the Max at the Red Wing YMCA. It is so important to help our students with financial aid and donations made on Give to the Max Day help the foundation provide more than $100,000 in scholarships each year.
On Wednesday Nov. 19, the Red Wing campus will be opened up to area high school juniors and seniors for Trade, Tech, Business, and Health Day. Students will visit three program areas of their choice and learn through hands-on experiences. The next generation needs our services now more than ever and we want to reach out to them. High school students should contact their guidance counselors or our admissions staff to register in advance.
As I have said, KNOW-vember is a month to get to know Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical better. Our doors are open and we are here to serve our community. Please visit our campus and we will be glad to welcome you.