By Terrence Leas, Riverland Review

Riverland Community College welcomed a number of visitors in October as legislators began touring the state to review bonding projects that have been submitted for approval at the next legislative session.

Riverland is involved in three bonding requests: $6.22 million for Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement projects that include an heating-venting-air-conditioning replacement system at the Albert Lea campus and a roof replacement project at the Austin West Building. Another project seeks the acquisition of the Owatonna College & University Center for $3.5 million by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

On Oct. 17, Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL, chairman of the Minnesota House of Representatives Higher Education Committee, and Representative Jeanne Poppe, DFL, vice chairwoman of the committee, visited the Albert Lea and Austin campuses and the Owatonna College & University Center. The focus of their visit was to review the application of technology to teaching and learning and the economic effects of tuition increases on students. The visit included tours and informal meetings with students and employees.

Representatives from the Minnesota House and Senate Capital Investment Committees, as well as local members of the legislature, visited Riverland facilities Oct. 24 and 25. The legislators learned more about the upcoming requests, plus they had the opportunity to see the results of state and federal money invested in Riverland&8217;s science education facilities.

In 2005, Riverland received a U.S. Department of Labor Community-Based Job Training grant of $2.2 million in federal funds to develop and implement a world-class health-science education simulation center for nurses, radiographers, and lab technicians. In 2006, Riverland received $5.5-million from a state bonding bill and $500,000 from a system-wide initiative to fund science projects. These combined funds launched science lab renovation projects at both the Austin and Albert Lea campuses.

A recurring theme was that Riverland is a good steward of the public&8217;s money. Through innovative and creative partnerships and collaboration with other colleges, the private sector, federal and state governments and K-12 school districts, legislators and their staff members commented favorably on our ability &8220;to do more with less.&8221;

There are many unique aspects that distinguish Riverland. To name a few, we have a world-class simulation lab, and our industrial maintenance and mechanics program is the only one of its kind in the state, as is our mammography certification. Associate-degree programs in the fine arts are uncommon, and we are proud that we offer transferable degree programs in all three disciplines of theater, music and art. Riverland is one of only four community colleges in the state to have student housing. Our learning environment is enhanced with a large number of international students, and we apply technology creatively to enhance teaching and learning.

The positive observations from the &8220;outside&8221; reaffirm the college&8217;s commitment to achieve our preferred future to make Riverland a regional leader in higher education, in workforce and economic development, and excellence in teaching and learning.

Terrence Leas is the president of Riverland Community College.