Recent Program Features
We are proud to celebrate the success of our faculty, students and programs. We welcome you to learn more about our college through reading our recent features!
2nd Place Winner
Gig Bridges
Kaleb Betwos - Finance
Makda Asmelash - Management & MIS
Barok Fetehadin Hamza - Computer Information Technology
3rd Place Winner
The a.r.n.o.l.d. Project
Jeffrey Schetnan - MIS
People's Choice Winner
FLOCK
Muhammad Huzaifa - Computer Information Technology
2024 Winners
Sumazon
Carter Schuurmans - Computer Information Technology
View other fall 2023 winners View Less2nd Place & Tech-Forward Bonus Winner
Sky Bot
Akrem Ahmed - Computer Science
3rd Place Winner
RenewaGrid Solutions
Bryce Stalboerger - Construction Management
Janessa Hoeschen - Management & Marketing
Elias Hernandez, Pinning Speaker
Elias Hernandez has been selected to serve as the K-12 & Secondary Programs student speaker for the College of Education Pinning Ceremony on May 6th. A native of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, Elias is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, K-12 Instrumental and Classroom Music.
Full Story + Show Less –Elias Hernandez has been selected to serve as the K-12 & Secondary Programs student speaker for the College of Education Pinning Ceremony on May 6th. The Pinning ceremony recognizes our undergraduate Bachelor of Science in teaching graduates and graduate-level initial licensure graduates.
A native of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, Elias is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, K-12 Instrumental and Classroom Music. During his time at Minnesota State University, Mankato, Elias was involved in a variety of organizations including Concert Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Big Band, Jazz Lab Band, Maverick Fusion, and the Maverick Machine. Elias conducted his student teaching at the Waseca Intermediate School.
A fond memory that Elias has from student teaching was when his students sang their favorite acapella song. “Listening to my fourth-grade students sing one of their favorite songs from class completely acapella, without me directing—purely out of love for the music.” When asked what drew him to music education, Elias explained, “Music has always been a large part of what gives my life purpose and having the opportunity to share that gift with beginning musicians made it an easy decision to study music.”
While attending the university, Elias enjoyed working with his professors. “I enjoy how my professors here have been accessible and easy to work with.” For individuals considering a field in music education, Elias advises, “Learn how to break large tasks into manageable pieces. Music Education can be quite rigorous and learning how to pace yourself early in the career will serve you well down the road.”
A quote that has inspired Elias throughout his life is, “In learning, you will teach, and in teaching, you will learn.” Beyond the classroom, Elias’s hobbies include singing, gardening, cooking, baking, and kayaking.
After graduation, Elias plans to “take a vacation and enjoy life at a slower pace for the first time in a while!”
Rheannon Graves, Pinning Speaker
Rheannon Graves has been selected to serve as the Elementary Education student speaker for the College of Education Pinning Ceremony on May 6th. A native of Brownsdale, Minnesota, Rheannon is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
Full Story + Show Less –Rheannon Graves has been selected to serve as the Elementary Education student speaker for the College of Education Pinning Ceremony on May 6th. The Pinning ceremony recognizes our undergraduate Bachelor of Science in teaching graduates and graduate-level initial licensure graduates.
A native of Brownsdale, Minnesota, Rheannon is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. During her time at Minnesota State University, Mankato, Rheannon was involved with Educators for Equity. While attending the university, Rheannon enjoyed meeting people. “I have established several close friendships with other members of the Edina co-hort.” Rheannon conducted her student teaching in Minneapolis, MN.
When asked to identify a fond memory from student teaching, Rheannon answered, “I work with about 60 students. Each one of them is unique and holds a special place in my heart. I have so many memories from student teaching. Once, there was a time when I was getting ready to begin my lesson. As I walked to the front of the classroom, the students began clapping and cheering. It was an unexpected sentiment. When I got to the front of the room, I sat my laptop down, positioned myself in the center of the ‘stage’ and bowed.”
A quote that motivated Rheannon during her educational pursuits is a quote that her family uses often. “The eagle does not catch flies.”
Beyond the classroom, Rheannon enjoys spending time with her children and expressing creativity. “I am a mom to two wonderful boys, Gabe and Ty. They come first. Additionally, I enjoy reading, art, and music.”
