PTC expands parking lot

Pine Technical College's parking lot is under construction and will be expanded to accommodate the college's record growth in student enrollment. The expanded parking area is replacing the tennis courts currently located on the campus’ north end.

"We have experienced record-breaking growth over the last few years, and one unfortunate side effect of that growth is that our students have had some frustration with finding adequate parking," explains President Robert Musgrove. "While it’s hard to say goodbye to our beloved tennis courts, we must take full advantage of our resources and property to provide the best experience for our students," Musgrove adds.

Construction is underway, and the tennis courts are no longer available for use. Construction will continue through mid-June, and the project is scheduled for completion by July 5.



Photos: Workers remove the tennis courts to make way for additional student parking.

New staff members join PTC's Strategic Initiatives department

PTC extends a hearty "welcome" to four staff members, new to the Strategic Initiatives Department -- a department created after the college won a $4.2M healthcare grant from the Department of Labor in Feb. 2010. The money is being used in expanding existing degree programs and acquiring new degree programs in healthcare.

"I am very excited and pleased to have such a strong team," says Stefanie Schroeder, Director of Strategic Initiatives. "This department, grant and programming will bring so much opportunity to the region -- opportunity for students and opportunity for healthcare employers. It's just simply very important," Schroeder adds.


Photo (L to R): Stefanie Schroeder, Kerry Fridstrom, Alison Holland, Jessica Ayub, Mari Ringness.

Kerry Fridstrom,
Education and Employment Administrative Specialist
Fridstrom, a PTC alumnus,earned the Public Welfare Financial Worker A.A.S. in May, 2006. Since 2003, Fridstrom worked in the insurance industry and has been licensed as an Insurance Producer for Life, Accident/Health, Property, Casualty and Variable Annuities. As a former CNA, Health Unit Coordinator/Clinical Assistant and Staffing Coordinator, Fridstrom also has previous work experience in the medical field.

Jessica Ayub, Education and Employment Counselor
Ayub formerly worked in Pine Technical College's Employment and Training Center as an employment counselor serving Chisago County. Prior to joining PTC, Ayub provided vocational rehabilitation case management to injured workers within the State of Minnesota Workers’ Compensation system. Ayub's background includes experience in recruitment and career services with the Talent Acquisition team at Fairview Health Services and a host of volunteer work. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and is looking forward to gaining her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology -- both degrees from Bethel University.

Mari Ringness, Education and Employment Counselor
Since 2006, Ringness served as a College and Career Advisor at Cambridge-Isanti High School and worked with students and their parents, advising them regarding college admissions, financial aid, scholarships and more. Ringness also taught career units in classrooms and coordinated special events including a college fair and Senior Scholarship Night. Ringness, also a freelance writer, has a background in business and previously owned a conference planning company and has experience in marketing.

Alison Holland, Outreach Coordinator
Holland has served as the Executive Assistant to the President at Pine Technical College since July, 2009. In that role, Holland worked with the Healthcare Alliance and now looks forward to serving as the Outreach Coordinator for the Alliance’s HOPES grant. Prior to coming to PTC, Holland cultivated her skills in a variety of education and communication organizations including Mora High School, the University of Minnesota Extension, The Rake magazine, and The Sportsman’s Guide. Holland holds a B.A. from Gustavus Adolphus College and a master’s degree from Hamline University.

PTC supports local LGBT community

Each year since 2005, hundreds of LGBT community members and their allies from around Minnesota's East Central area meet to network, learn and celebrate with pride at the East Central Pride in the Park event. This Sunday, it was Pine Technical College's first year attending the event, and members of PTC's Diversity Committee staffed a booth to showcase its support.

"Our booth got so much positive feedback; it was wonderful," said Theresa Fish, Sociology Instructor and Diversity Committee member. "We had the chance to connect with prospective and current students, alumni, community members, politicians and other MnSCU employees and demonstrate the school's commitment to being inclusive," Fish added.

Other vendors/booths at the event included Anoka-Ramsey Community College, East Central Minnesota Men's Circle, PFLAG, Rural Action Aids Network and more. Hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn and desserts were served along with a lineup of entertainment including a comedy act and live music.


Photo: Members of PTC's Diversity Committee staff the booth at the 2010 Pride in the Park event.

PTC students to help define Pine City's brand

As part of the City of Pine City's Comprehensive Plan, a committee of local citizens has come together to discover, define and brand Pine City. The results will be reflected in the city's logo, tagline, signage, communications materials and more.

To help define the city's brand, the committee's first step is to gain input from Pine Citians and visitors to Pine City -- a move that gives PTC students the chance to tell Pine City leaders their thoughts on what makes Pine City.

Watch the City of Pine City website or the Pine City Chamber of Commerce website between June 15 and July 1. Click the survey link, and let your voice be heard!