Vol 2.  Issue No. 1  Fall/Winter 2002

Development Director's Corner

Marian Wright Edelman, author of The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Child and Yours stated, "Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it" (1992). A group of staff, alumni and community members have taken this sentiment to heart by starting a committee to beautify Riverland campuses, incorporating educational themes to leave a lasting legacy.

Their first project is a courtyard beautification initiative for the four courtyards on the Austin Campus. Each courtyard will be recreated around a specific theme combining an educational perspective with an ethnic heritage. Our students will contribute to the creation of each courtyard.

The first courtyard (phase one) will use a Zen and Wisdom theme. The courtyard will contain Zen furniture constructed by the Carpentry Construction students, lighting by the Construction Electrician students, and steel artwork crafted by the Industrial Maintenance and Mechanics program.

Phase two will focus on a Native American & Environmental theme. An artist-in-residence willbe hired to oversee the creation of an art piece and will also work with art students at the College.

Pledges of gifts and time have already been made for the project. If you are interested in contributing to this project or volunteering for any project at the College, contact Heidi Schara at 507-433-0508.