Alumni & Donor Spotlight

“I have loved Century College from day one. I have loved all my teachers, and their responses were immediate–through Zoom, email, telephone–even over the weekend. And all the staff—from Financial Aid to everyone were great.”

“Education is important to me as a parent. I really wanted both of my children to see that learning does not stop at high school, and in order to obtain careers we are passionate about, we have to put in the extra hard work of school.”

“In college, you find your niche, and you learn a lot. That’s what’s important. I’m excited about learning, and to see what’s next.”

“With a college education, you’re learning skills of all kinds–people skills, life skills– to become a well-rounded person. Education can give you that, and it’s something that no one can take away from you. I appreciate my education.”

Century College alum Eva Ballard knows exactly where she’s going in her life and career. A strategic planner, she made careful choices while still in high school, enrolling in Century College’s Post-Secondary Enrollment (PSEO) program She then spent a year at the College, taking her General Education courses for the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) Curriculum

“I want to make things better overall. I want to make the manufacturing floor better, more fun, and an easier and more efficient place to work.”

Erasmus Espinosa, Century College Additive and Digital Manufacturing graduate (and 2022 ADM Outstanding Student), is working on a plan to improve not only his skills, but the workplace as well. He’s currently working as a machine operator in an apprentice program at Innovize, a medical manufacturing company in St. Paul. He’s passionate about learning.

“I wanted to work on my skills to become the best in my profession.”

Alum Ella DeVine has always wanted to be a First Responder. A former Century College Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) and Northeast Metro 916 student, Ella has a strong drive and work ethic—it’s in her genes. She’s unflappable and calm in a crisis situation.

“Education is important to me because I’m interested in constantly learning and evolving.”

Nursing alum Alex Erwin is passionate about helping people, and making a positive difference in their lives—it’s in his DNA. He’s part of a Century College family–his mother is also a Century Nursing graduate. In addition, he comes from a family of nurses.

“A truly educated person continues to learn. This is one of the foundational elements that I learned at Century, and it taught me how to not get stuck in my career.”

This philosophy has served Mindy Johnson, Century College Alum of the Year (2021), throughout her life. Her intellectual curiosity, drive to continuously learn, and her hard work have brought her much-deserved recognition.

“Century College opened up my whole life – so many doors opened!  Century took me in and gave me the opportunity,” Nursing alum Foua Vang enthuses.  “I was a stay-at-home mom for 12 years.  They gave me a chance and I ran with it.  I’m really appreciative!”

When the pandemic began in 2020, and the economy was hit hard, Maine designer David Stensland began looking for new opportunities.

When he was a teenager, Century College alum Russell Johnson channeled his creativity into cutting his designs into his friends’ and family’s hair.  After high school, he attended Barber School, and soon became a Master Barber. He went on to own barbershops in two Twin Cities locations.