Latest news with #NorthwestTechnicalCollege
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
From the Archives: May 17 in the Pioneer
May 17—May 17, 2015 — A dozen names have been added to the Freedom Defenders Veterans Memorial in Bemidji, just in time for Memorial Day. In honor of the additions, members of the memorial board hosted an open-house-style installation event to honor U.S. military servicemen and women, their families and site donors. May 17, 2000 — Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College had sought $9.74 million from the state as the first phase of a co-location project on the BSU campus but lost $2 million in potential funding. In a bonding conference, agreement was sought at $7 million but when the bill came together, it only provided $5 million. May 17, 1975 — Eight of the nine candidates seeking positions on the Bemidji School Board in the upcoming election responded to more than 30 questions fielded by a special four-person panel. Questions included topics such as girls' sports, special education, classroom size, driver's education, a potential referendum and more. May 17, 1925 — Jubilant over the success of their dawn-to-dusk run from Winnipeg to Minneapolis made last Friday, a Winnipeg delegation of autoists, headed by Mayor Webb, made a night stop in Bemidji Sunday night on their return trip. The cars made the trip down in about 12 hours, averaging 45 miles per hour.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bemidji State, Northwest Tech students leave a legacy upon graduation
May 9—BEMIDJI — In the words of 2025 Distinguished Minnesotan Robert Anderson, one doesn't need a perfect plan to lead a meaningful life. What they need is purpose. Such a message expanded beyond the walls of the Sanford Center on Friday as the Class of 2025 was celebrated from Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College. The day's festivities kicked off with a commencement ceremony for the College of Creativity, Enterprise and Place in the morning, followed by a program for the College of Science and Health in the afternoon, as well as a ceremony for NTC to conclude the day. Being recognized in the span of one single day, BSU and NTC President John Hoffman encouraged graduates to reflect on their respective times at their respective institutions. "There's a saying, 'If these walls could talk, oh, the stories they would tell.' Class of 2025, tell me. Think back on your last three or four years," Hoffman said. "What would the walls and halls of Bemidji State have to say? What are the stories, late nights and study sessions, friendships, learning, learning something about yourself. What would the stories be?" Hoffman noted that the class of 2025 will be joining more than 50,000 alumni, all sharing a similarity in their decision to attend BSU. "They share your story. Overcame amazing odds and hurdles to get to this space," Hoffman said. "What ties every BSU story together is this. BSU changes the lives of people who change lives." Sharing some notable stats, Hoffman noted that half of the 2025 graduating class are first-generation college students, 92% relied on financial aid to attend, one-third were adult learners returning to college and 70% arrived with transfer credits from other institutions. Additionally, the 2025 class clocked in the largest number of American Indian graduates in any class since BSU's inception. "You are rural, you are urban. You are from Minnesota and surrounding states across the country and across the globe," Hoffman added. "You are the full breadth of political views and world views. And you've all come together here." Reflecting on his own story, graduate and Student Senate President Darby Bersie addressed the College of Creativity, Enterprise and Place — detailing his journey at BSU since starting in fall 2022 after two years of online high school. "I hadn't stepped into a classroom in years. I didn't know anyone and I was starting from scratch," Bersie said. "But then came the bricks. Countless hours spent in Hobson Memorial Union, a late night in Oak Hall, an early morning in the Student Senate office or playing rugby at the field house. "Eventually, I realized I wasn't just building a resume or a career, but I was building a life and I wasn't doing it alone. The most important lessons I've learned here didn't come from a textbook or in the classroom, but it came from the people." As a motivating factor in building his life, Bersie pointed to a piece of advice from a close friend. "She once told me, 'To be cringe is to be free.' Over time, I've come to believe it," he added. "To be cringe is to be free because when you're not performing — when you're not trying to impress anyone — you are laying bricks that last. Bricks made of truth, bricks made of courage and bricks made of you." During his address, Anderson detailed his own path since graduating from BSU in 1980. Selected as the 2025 Distinguished Minnesotan, Anderson is a professor emeritus at the University of Washington School of Law, where he taught courses in American Indian law, public lands, water and property. He was also nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as Solicitor of the Department of the Interior in 2021, a position he held until January 2025. "As a child, my dad had instilled in me the belief that an education was something that could never be taken away from you. He was right," Anderson said. "That belief in an education as a general matter and the fact that I had gotten a high-quality education here at BSU stuck with me through all of my nights in law school." Emphasizing his prior comment on the power of purpose, Anderson touched on the impact of community throughout each person's professional pursuits. "You need a community that believes in you and you need the courage to keep showing up day after day especially when the road is long, the weather is cold and you feel like no one's ever going to stop to give you a ride," Anderson mentioned. "Work with integrity." Prior to the graduates crossing the stage and claiming their well-earned diplomas, George Soule, a member of the Board of Trustees for the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities, recognized the class for their success as well as their challenges along the way. "I know this hasn't been easy for some of you. Some have had to overcome barriers to enter college and to stay in college," Soule said. "Some are the first in your families to graduate from college. Many of you balanced school with a job and family. "Today, your hard work has paid off. You are and will be living proof of the value of higher education, not just in dollars and cents. But think about the friends that you've made, the experiences you've had, the learning and growth that you've experienced inside and outside the classroom. Those will last for a lifetime." After officially becoming alumni, Foundation Board Member Jacob Richmann welcomed the 2025 graduating class into the legacy of the BSU Alumni and Foundation, and provided three pieces of advice. "No. 1, build something that outlives you, whether it's a business, a family, a nonprofit, a great reputation. Make sure your legacy serves others," Richmann said. "No. 2, people over everything. The relationships you invest in will be the greatest return for your life. Never forget that people are true measures of success. No. 3, give back. Whether it's time, talent or treasure, generosity fuels purpose and purpose outlasts ambition every time." Richmann further pressed on the matter of legacy, leaving off, "We live in a world that measures success in followers, in titles, in likes. But let me tell you something from the real world: legacy isn't what you keep. It's what you leave." All ceremony recordings can be viewed on BSU and NTC's Facebook pages.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bemidji fire chief receives Northwest Technical College's inaugural IMPACT Award
May 2—BEMIDJI — When Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood started his career more than 20 years ago, he considered himself "just a guy who loved the fire service." Since then, his role has blossomed into much more. On Thursday, he returned to the institution that helped kickstart his career to receive Northwest Technical College's inaugural Innovation, Mastery, Progress, Achievement, Community and Technology (IMPACT) Award. "(This award) is presented to a truly remarkable leader in both industries and public service," NTC Executive Vice President Ketmani Kouanchao noted during the program. "(Sherwood) has dedicated his career to advancing fire service technology, transforming challenges into opportunities and inspiring the next generation of first responders and innovators ... His dedication to excellence, leadership and service embodies the very spirit of this award." Sherwood was named fire chief in 2021; at the time, he had 18 years of fire service under his belt. He holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Bemidji State, a fire service technology certificate from NTC, an associate of applied science degree in fire service technology from the College of Western Idaho and is pursuing a master's degree in public safety leadership and administration at Arizona State. He also earned a chief fire officer certification from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Managing Officer Program, and serves as the Region 2 northern representative for the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association. In addition to his accolades, Sherwood is a writer with work published in the Minnesota Fire Chief and Firehouse magazines. Much of his writing focuses on the importance of mental health practices and work-life balance, values that play a huge factor in Sherwood's role as a leader and mentor. "I love the way that Justin's story ties to what we try to do here at NTC of career expertise, the technical, the work that (he has) done and learned in those spaces," BSU and NTC President John Hoffman said, "but also the commitments to mental health and holistic health and life beyond the workplace." During his acceptance speech, Sherwood took a moment to note the stigma surrounding mental health in the fire service. "This job is incredibly hard and I guess I get emotional because we put a lot of time into it," he said. "...Here I am being vulnerable because fire chiefs aren't supposed to be criers, but I'm probably the most emotional fire chief in the country. But I own it." Sherwood recalled the day he was notified that he would receive the award, expressing feelings of gratitude and relief. Looking out into the audience filled with his family, friends and colleagues, he credited his support system for getting him where he is today. "Regardless of the impostor syndrome, it isn't about my individual accomplishments or ... the types of awards I'm getting, but it is truly about those who support me," he said. "So I want to say thanks to my mentors and supporters in this room, my colleagues from the city ... but most importantly, my family. "You guys have really supported me even in those seasons that were really hard. So your love, and, I have to note, extreme patience, is what got me here." In closing, Sherwood thanked NTC for choosing him as the first-ever recipient of the IMPACT award and noted the symbolism of the item, which he plans to display at his office in the fire hall. "(This award) will always serve as a strong reminder for me and a powerful motivation to continue leading with purpose, integrity, motivation and dedication, because all we can do is give our best effort," he said. "When I started this path, (I) wanted to help people, but ultimately be a dreamer and do my best and try to always use my position to advocate for those who couldn't."
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bemidji fire chief receives Northwest Technical College's inaugural IMPACT Award
May 2—BEMIDJI — When Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood started his career more than 20 years ago, he considered himself "just a guy who loved the fire service." Since then, his role has blossomed into much more. On Thursday, he returned to the institution that helped kickstart his career to receive Northwest Technical College's inaugural Innovation, Mastery, Progress, Achievement, Community and Technology (IMPACT) Award. "(This award) is presented to a truly remarkable leader in both industries and public service," NTC Executive Vice President Ketmani Kouanchao noted during the program. "(Sherwood) has dedicated his career to advancing fire service technology, transforming challenges into opportunities and inspiring the next generation of first responders and innovators ... His dedication to excellence, leadership and service embodies the very spirit of this award." Sherwood was named fire chief in 2021; at the time, he had 18 years of fire service under his belt. He holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Bemidji State, a fire service technology certificate from NTC, an associate of applied science degree in fire service technology from the College of Western Idaho and is pursuing a master's degree in public safety leadership and administration at Arizona State. He also earned a chief fire officer certification from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Managing Officer Program, and serves as the Region 2 northern representative for the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association. In addition to his accolades, Sherwood is a writer with work published in the Minnesota Fire Chief and Firehouse magazines. Much of his writing focuses on the importance of mental health practices and work-life balance, values that play a huge factor in Sherwood's role as a leader and mentor. "I love the way that Justin's story ties to what we try to do here at NTC of career expertise, the technical, the work that (he has) done and learned in those spaces," BSU and NTC President John Hoffman said, "but also the commitments to mental health and holistic health and life beyond the workplace." During his acceptance speech, Sherwood took a moment to note the stigma surrounding mental health in the fire service. "This job is incredibly hard and I guess I get emotional because we put a lot of time into it," he said. "...Here I am being vulnerable because fire chiefs aren't supposed to be criers, but I'm probably the most emotional fire chief in the country. But I own it." Sherwood recalled the day he was notified that he would receive the award, expressing feelings of gratitude and relief. Looking out into the audience filled with his family, friends and colleagues, he credited his support system for getting him where he is today. "Regardless of the impostor syndrome, it isn't about my individual accomplishments or ... the types of awards I'm getting, but it is truly about those who support me," he said. "So I want to say thanks to my mentors and supporters in this room, my colleagues from the city ... but most importantly, my family. "You guys have really supported me even in those seasons that were really hard. So your love, and, I have to note, extreme patience, is what got me here." In closing, Sherwood thanked NTC for choosing him as the first-ever recipient of the IMPACT award and noted the symbolism of the item, which he plans to display at his office in the fire hall. "(This award) will always serve as a strong reminder for me and a powerful motivation to continue leading with purpose, integrity, motivation and dedication, because all we can do is give our best effort," he said. "When I started this path, (I) wanted to help people, but ultimately be a dreamer and do my best and try to always use my position to advocate for those who couldn't."
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bemidji area providers show support for 'Day Without Child Care'
Mar. 4—BEMIDJI — Child care providers across Minnesota stood in solidarity on Monday as they sought bipartisan support and solutions for issues plaguing the child care industry. Coined "A Day Without Child Care," many providers closed up shop for the day with an overarching goal to address child care access, provider compensation and affordability. Providers in the Bemidji area shared their support during a press conference at Northwest Technical College. "The purpose of 'A Day Without Child Care' is to highlight the incredible importance of child care to our communities and to organize for change," said Pine Pals Director Lydia Pietruszewski. "We all have the same goal: affordable and accessible, high-quality child care for families and wages for teachers and providers that allow them to stay in child care." Pietruszewski created a survey sent to roughly 80 providers in Bemidji and the surrounding area asking about the nature of the care they provide as well as the businesses their respective families worked for. Given a relatively short turnaround time, she received 32 responses. "The families at these providers work at 136 different businesses. If those child care providers disappeared and no longer provided care, it's not just children and families that would be affected. It's all of us," she added. "If 32 providers have families working at 136 different businesses, we can assume that 80 providers have families working at a few hundred different businesses." Several providers and families spoke on their own experiences accessing child care and the multifaceted effects when access is limited. Bemidji Brewing owner Tina Kaney noted the difficulty of running a business while wrangling her most precious cargo. "When you are the person with whom the buck stops, you can not easily call in or put off your work. Staff need answers and direction. My co-founders and I have all navigated numerous workdays and meetings with our children in tow. We are fortunate to have that flexibility, but now that our kids are mobile and climbers, a brewery is not really an option for 'Take Your Kid to Work Day,' " Kaney said lightheartedly. "Without reliable child care, we cannot move our company forward in a way that responds quickly to the ever-changing business landscape," she added. Megan Steigauf, chief human resources officer for Sanford Health, mentioned an array of issues tied to the hiring process that child care accessibility has exacerbated. "We are hearing an increased number of employees not able to accept job offers that we make to them because they can't find child care," she said. "Our frontline leaders hear on the daily that people can't come to work that day due to child care or they can't even return from a leave due to no backup child care being available." With a secured spot at Pine Pals for her son, Rebecca Katz praised the care that the family receives while pointing to the expense tied to that care. "We make a lot of sacrifices to pay for our child care. Even though we are both well-paid professionals — we don't buy extras, we use coupons and we follow a strict budget — our child care costs for only one child is roughly $16,000 per year," she said. "That's 18 to 20% of our take-home pay. "We understand that high-quality child care is expensive and it probably should be even more so that teachers can earn living wages, but it's impossible for many other parents to comfortably shoulder the cost," she added. In an attempt to defray costs, the Minnesota Legislature has committed to the Great Start Affordability Scholarship Program, which would place a cap on child care costs so that no family would have to pay more than 7% of their annual income to access quality child care. This percentage was determined by analyzing the necessary expenses that families face with young children and what would be a "reasonable" amount for those families to spend. Previous proposals to the Legislature have targeted a greater lack of availability of care slots for infants and toddlers. Efforts have included changing current age categories for toddlers from 12 to 24 months, to 12 to 18 months. The preschooler age category would adjust from 24 months to 5 years, to 18 months to 4 years. School-aged children would be defined as those ages 4 to 11 rather than 5 to 11. These changes aimed to free up care slots for these age groups. Pietruszewski also shared a letter of support from House 2A Rep. Bidal Duran, which read: "I'm writing to express my strong support for day care providers across Minnesota and to highlight the invaluable role they play in our communities. High-quality child care is a cornerstone of a thriving economy and a bright future for our state — providing children with nurturing environments that foster learning, social development and confidence. "By supporting day cares, we invest in Minnesota's future, strengthening families, empowering businesses and enriching our communities." Pietruszewski emphasized the bipartisan nature of child care, adding: "It affects us all no matter how we voted. It's not a red issue or a blue issue. It's a purple issue." Monday's press conference provided additional opportunities to reflect on progress already made in the Bemidji area regarding child care access as local stakeholders commit to further improvements. One such recent development included the reimagination of the Sanford Health Lake Region Office as Pine Pals Nest, which opened its doors in fall 2024. Pine Pals Nest offers open slots to Sanford Health employees before being offered to the community at large. "We hope to continue to alleviate the child care problem in our community and feel it's our duty as the largest employer to help do so," Steigauf left off, "but it takes all of us."
