Saint Paul College was recently ranked the #1 community college in the nation by Washington Monthly magazine, for student engagement in active and collaborative learning, student-faculty interaction, and support for learning.

President Dan McKeown called Rotary to order at 12:30, followed by Jerry Faletti leading us in AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL.  Steve Nyhus provided a brief invocation on the importance of service at home and around the globe. Jill Petsel introduced guests among whom were former Rotarian Dick McCarthy (Please rejoin,Dick) guest of Don Craighead of Roseville Rotary.

This meeting was our annual Fast for Hope meeting, meaning that we had a simple soup and roll luncheon with the reduced price providing funds for Rotary’s food for the poor. In addition, members were encouraged to sign up for Fast for Hope in Nicaragua through which people can learn about the history and culture of Nicaragua.  Contact Dave Newman, FFH Chair at763-792-8975 or dave@bancirgrouo.com.  St. Paul Rotarians will also recall that we have generously supported a very successful water enhancement program in northwestern Nicaragua, which now provides potable water to more than 200,000 people.   This St. Paul program, powered forward by Valdi Stefanson, is carried out in partnership with Compatible Technology International, a St. Paul-based non-profit founded in 1970.

Other lead items:

Jill Petsel exhorted us to work on membership.  She asked all Rotarians to explain why he/she liked Rotary to a nearby person.  Your scribe explained to the guest on his right that Rotary leads to generosity and to further understanding of the needs of our great planet.

Jerry Faletti gave a gracious introduction of Roger Nielsen to be a 2-stone multiple Paul Harris Fellow.  Roger has actually far surpassed the $1,000 philanthropic requirement to qualify for  Fellowship. He has now been a Rotarian for 18 years. He explained that he joined Rotary for many reasons - business contacts, fellowship, new friends, and service, etc.  He noted that it has all worked out well – got a new wife, traveled to RI International. And provided special outdoor programs at his northern Wisconsin cabin.  He announced to all that, “If I can do it, anyone can.”  So step forward potential new Paul Harris Fellows, and follow Roger’s example.

Sarah Kolar had more Happy Dollar takers than can be reported here.

Laura Savin of the Friends of the St. Paul College introduced our speaker for the day, President Rassoul Dastmozd who gave us an extensive presentation on the key role the College plays in St. Paul. In fact, the SPC has been identified as the best Community College in America by the Washington Monthly Magazine – a huge honor.  Here are a few brief stats on this dynamic educational institution about one mile from where we meet for our Tuesday luncheons:

Enrollment (students served) – 9,557
Percent female – 54.2 %
Students of color – 58.3%
Degrees Offered – Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, diplomas, and certificates.
Number of Associate Degree Programs – 39 as well as 60 career and diploma programs.

President  Dastmozt listed some of the challenges ahead such as growth in interns and apprenticeships, increased student retention and completion, and expanded opportunities for Post Secondary Options for high school students, and meeting the needs of high growth industries inthe Twin Cities. 

A current student, Tamara Harris, explained that when Ford closed its Highland Park plant, she was out of a job.  She then entered SPC, became a student leader, and is majoring in child development – one example of just one of thethousands of young and not-so-young people benefiting from the College up the hill.

ImageThis institution is a vital and vibrant part of the lifeblood of the St. Paul community.  Well done, President Rastmozd and all your valuable colleagues.

Malcolm McLean,
Scribe