Vol 2.  Issue No. 1  Fall/Winter 2002

Pages From The Past

Pages from the Past serves as a tribute to the many instructors, staff, administrators and community members who have significantly affected the institutions that comprise what is currently Riverland Community College. In the years since our College's birth, many people have played significant roles in the structure and sustenance of Riverland. The first "Pages from the Past" article is written in memory of Marjorie Kirchhoff who served as the Assistant Director (1977-1983), President (1983-1990) of Austin Technical College (ATC), and as the Interim President of Minnesota Riverland Technical College (1991-92).

Visionary~Entrepreneurial~Student Advocate~A real humanist. These are the things of which leaders are made. These are the words to describe Marge Kirchhoff. Marge was an inspirational leader and a true educator. In every facet of her life and work, Marge committed herself to students. Her "entrepreneurial spirit" allowed her to take risks, to be responsive to the needs of students and the community, and to be a mentor and a leader.

A slogan used by Austin Technical College was "If you can dream it, you can do it." Marge encouraged many staff and students to find and achieve their dreams. Jim Schmidt, Vice President for University Advancement at Winona State University states, "Marge was truly inspiring. She encouraged people to dream. She empowered people." Jim, who served as Director of Financial Aid at ATC, remembers one of Marge's greatest strengths as a leader was her ability to quickly and clearly communicate what her vision was for the school and what role each person played in accomplishing the vision. Under her leadership, everyone knew that they played an important role in the educational and vocational development of students.

After her work with the College in Austin, Marge went on to serve as the Vice Chancellor for Finance in the Technical College System. She also worked with a financial institution and with other educational entities. Marge was a very generous and gifted person. She was visionary, entrepreneurial and student focused. She was a true leader. She is remembered and honored by those who had the privilege to work with her and know her.

"Marge really believed in the mission of the college and in students' ability to achieve. Approachable. Motivated. Respected. She had the personal drive to make things happen and to get things done. She was my mentor." - Maryann Bush, Counselor Riverland Community College

"Marge was a student advocate. She was straightforward and fair. Marge definitely was goal-oriented." - Lois McConnell, Retired Special Needs Coordinator Austin Technical College

"Marge believed in quality education. She had high standards. She empowered people and encouraged people to be creative and to make their own decisions." - Sue Jech, Registrar Riverland Community College

"All the students knew her. She cared about the students and about their education." - Jim Schmidt, Vice President for University Advancement Winona State University