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“Education is important—it helps us experience personal growth, self-awareness, and also helps us find our place in the world. Education keeps us connected with the world, and it helps us advance what we do, ethically, in the world.”

Now in his second year at Century College, Webster Denison is passionate about being part of a new community, and about helping others. He’s enjoying his General Education courses. “The faculty are very supportive, especially Angela Coffey in Composition and Chuck Paulson in Human Biology. They are willing to help students in every way,” he says.

Like many adult learners, Cynthia Vang came to Century College to help advance her career. She’s in her first year at the College, working full time while earning her AAS degree in Business Management.

“I chose Century College because it’s close to home, and I heard great things about the College’s staff and faculty helping students,” Cynthia notes. “Also, Century College has great classes. I like them.”

“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.

“Education is important because we need to keep learning and growing as people and as a society. We won’t be able to overcome our differences without education. The ways we think and learn are changing, and it’s important to apply ourselves–one way to do that is through education.”

Hannah Hebert, a senior at Stillwater Area High School, and a Century College Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) student, loves to learn, and is already on the fast-track in her college career.

“Communication is a huge part of the job—you have to be controlled in terms of your emotions, and in control. You have to handle being cool under pressure.” Bob Burton knows what he’s talking about. He’s in his second year running NE Metro’s 916 EMT training program at Century College.

“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.

ST PAUL, Minn. (January 24, 2023) — Minnesota State, the system of 26 state colleges and seven state universities, released today the results of a study that estimates the impact of Century College on the regional economy to be $386.3 million and 2,977 jobs.

“This is a huge accomplishment, and it feels like a breakthrough moment for me.”

Alec Rechtiene, Century College student, composed the winning piece for the College Band Directors National Association’s (CBDNA) annual contest. His composition, “Prelude on the Theme of Dies Irae”, is an 8-minute piece influenced by Gregorian chant, and will premiere at the Minnesota Music Educators Association mid-winter conference at the Minneapolis Convention Center on February 18.

Like many college students, Gabby Her had a negative experience in high school. Unfortunately, she didn’t get the support she needed, and dropped out for a short time. However, she is ambitious, and she soon returned to night school. She completed her degree while working full-time in the restaurant business. Gabby also aspired to attend college and earn her degree in Nursing.

“Education is important for learning about the world. The world needs critical thinkers to solve problems, and with a good education, you will also have better career opportunities.”

Century College student Maverick Waltz is an adult learner who is constantly challenging himself, personally and professionally, and he enjoys learning to stay informed about what is happening in the larger world.