We can trace the roots of Riverland Community College back to 1940 when Austin Junior College (AJC) held the first college classes on the third floor of Austin High School. James Leonard Breedlove was there. Recently, I met with Leonard (as he was known in school). At the quiet urging of his wife Mary and his relatives, Helen and George Sinn and Esther Plehal, Leonard told his story.

In the fall of 1940, Leonard began taking classes at AJC to earn his Associate in Arts (AA) degree. He commuted each day from Brownsdale in a Model T Ford. When he wasn't on the road or in classes, Leonard worked at Hormel Foods in the plant to earn the money to continue his education.

Leonard has fond memories of AJC, the students and faculty.

"We all knew each other and were on a first name basis with the teachers. It was a very good experience. It was practical and economical and followed the curriculum of the University of Minnesota so you could easily transfer."

After completing his AA degree in 1942, Leonard was in the Navy for almost four years. He continued his education at Gustavous Adolphus College before finishing his civil engineering degree at the University of Minnesota. Leonard worked three years at Ellerbe & Co. in St. Paul, then was registered as a structural engineer in Minnesota and became a partner in a general construction business for twelve years. He completed his career at the University of Minnesota as an engineer in the maintenance & operations area of the physical plant. Since his retirement, Leonard and Mary spend winters in Arizona and summers in Two Harbors, Minnesota.

"Check out your career and pursue it actively and energetically, Leonard said. There are so many courses available now that weren't available when I was in school."

Though the name has changed and years have passed, the mission of the college remains the same as when Leonard walked the halls. Riverland Community College provides a wide range of student-centered educational opportunities to enhance personal growth and community vitality.