As we celebrate Black History Month, I am reminded of the words of Booker T. Washington, founder of Tuskegee Institute, “There are two ways of exerting one’s strength: one is pushing down, the other is pulling up.” At North Hennepin Community College, we choose, every day, to lift our students, our employees and our communities.
One of the most powerful ways we do this is through innovative teaching and learning. Inside and outside the classroom, our faculty create opportunities that prepare students for a rapidly changing world. In Principles of Marketing, Business Faculty Brady Prenzlow instructs students to use generative AI tools to strengthen strategic thinking, brainstorm new ideas and organize complex research. For every major assignment, students submit a prompts log and a reflection that demonstrates how they shaped the technology’s output into human-centered work.
Student Diana Hernandez shared, “Before taking the class, I had a bit of a ‘taboo’ around using AI tools. I never would have explored the potential of these tools without the guidance through the class, and discovering this new passion has even inspired me to consider exploring it as a future business idea.”
We also lift students by creating pathways to belonging. Our Be Bold-Break the Mold mentoring program, managed by Maria Vittone, supports female-identifying and nonbinary students in STEM fields, pairing them with professional role models for connection, confidence-building, and career advice.
“My favorite part is the sense of community,” said computer science alum Heather Claude. “As a woman in a male‑dominated industry, you often feel alone. But with Be Bold, you realize you’re not. And with mentors, we see women who have already made it, and who can give us tips and tricks for getting in and staying in.”
Beyond the classroom, NHCC serves as a hub where the community comes together to learn, celebrate and grow. Now in its 18th year, the Northwestern High School Art Show showcases exceptional artwork from area high school students and culminates in a public reception and awards ceremony on Feb. 26, coordinated by Art Faculty and Gallery Director Gina Dabrowski.
That same day, we welcome Blackout Improv, a Twin Cities all-Black improv troupe, and host our first annual Black Excellence Celebration featuring Brother Ase’s dynamic presentation, “Black History as a Living Archive.” A big thank you to Justice Fisher and Christie Kopietz for coordinating these opportunities for our community to explore history, creativity and shared experience.
Our programming continues into March. Detroit-based jazz artist Kris Johnson joins us for the 9th Annual JazzFest, directed by Music Faculty David Mantini, and will lead clinics for more than 80 local high school students on March 7. In partnership with the City of Brooklyn Park, we will celebrate International Women’s Day March 18 with acclaimed Hmong American writer Kao Kalia Yang.
Of course, our ability to lift others depends on the support we receive as an institution. As the 2026 legislative session begins, I remain hopeful that our elected representatives will continue to recognize that investing in higher education strengthens Minnesota’s students, workforce and communities.
For Minnesota State colleges and universities, including North Hennepin, the stakes are significant. Our top capital request this year is $200 million for asset preservation, funding that would support more than 100 projects statewide, improving roofs, windows, exterior walls, and mechanical and utility systems.
As Booker T. Washington reminded us, we are strongest when we pull one another up. At North Hennepin Community College, that remains our commitment to the community we proudly serve.