Minnesota Road Trip: Three Colleges and a Coffee

By: David J. Smith, April 12, 2017

I’m just finishing a two day visit to colleges in the southeastern Minnesota region.   I visited St. Cloud State University (SCSU), North Hennepin Community College (NHCC), and Winona State University (WSU).  In addition, I stopped over to have coffee at Peace Coffee,  in Minneapolis. My trip was sponsored by Minnesota’s Educators for Global Learning, an organization of college faculty dedicated to promoting global education.

St. Cloud State University: Peacebuilding Opportunities

On April 10, I visited St. Cloud State University.   My audience consisted primarily of SCSU faculty and staff.  We were joined by a faculty member of the peace studies program at the the College of Saint Benedict/St. John’s University.  In my presentation I emphasized the opportunities for students in peacebuilding and social justice related fields.  We explored international education including study abroad and extra-curricular approaches.

North Hennepin Community College: Welcoming International Students

On April 11, I visited North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park.  Here, the emphasis was on community college students, and the approaches they might use to develop careers.  In our conversation, a student raised the need for opportunities for students to engage across cultures.   There was interest in establishing a club or group of students that would celebrate multiple cultures and advance learning and sharing about students’ backgrounds and living in U.S.  A similar club exists at Collin College in Texas.

Winona State University: Career Pathways for Millennials

Finally, I visited with faculty and students at Winona State University. Here, the emphasis was on helping students examine specific international career pathways. Students were particularly interested in careers that had them working for NGOs, in international diplomacy, and participating in programs like the Peace Corps.

And a Cup of Coffee

In my drive from NHCC to Winona State, I stopped by Peace Coffee, a local coffee establishment. I highly recommend the shop!  The service  and coffee were first rate, and I had a chance to talk with staff about my book.