Bemidji’s Young Professionals Network, an organization within the Bemidji Chamber of Commerce for early-career professionals in the Bemidji area between the ages of 21 and 40, recognized Northwest Technical College nursing student Katie Grossell as the inaugural recipient of a scholarship sponsored by the organization.

Grossell, a student in NTC’s registered nursing program from Bagley, Minn., was recognized during the group’s October membership meeting. She works at Goldpine Home in Bemidji as a Licensed Practical Nurse, having completed that program at NTC this spring. She will complete her RN in 2014 and plans to continue her education in Bemidji State University’s four-year baccalaureate nursing program.

“This scholarship has really helped with the cost of school,” Grossell said. “It can be really overwhelming, so it’s been great to have this take some of the burden off of school.”

Grossell said the $500 scholarship helps her maintain a balance in her life, juggling a full-time course load with her employment at Goldpine.

“It’s difficult, but I really like my job and I really like school,” she said. “So it balances out. But it can get to be overwhelming.”

For the Young Professionals Network, Grossell was an ideal recipient for the group’s inaugural scholarship. Not only is she balancing work and education, she also has worked to donate her time to others in need. In 2011 she took a mission trip to Mexico, and this summer she participated in a trip to provide nursing education and training in Belize with nursing students and faculty from both BSU and NTC.

The scholarship allows the network to use its resources to provide assistance to a deserving student today, and also to help younger members of the community find success.

“It is very important to us to give back in this way, to support young people and the future leaders of our community,” said Chuck Hildebrandt, an account representative at Paul Bunyan Communications who heads the Young Professionals Network leadership council.

The organization already is working with the college to award the scholarship again in the spring of 2014, and has raised additional funds and will be awarding a scholarship to a Bemidji State University student in the spring as well.

Contact
• Denise Anderson, special events coordinator, Young Professionals Network liaison, Bemidji Chamber of Commerce; (218) 444-3541

About Northwest Technical College

Northwest Technical College, located in northern Minnesota’s lake district, is an open, inviting technological learning organization. For more than 40 years, the college has valued life-long learning and the worth and dignity of all people. Its open-enrollment policy, affordable tuition and high-quality education have attracted a diverse group of learners; today, the College serves more than 1,600 learners. The college offers more than 40 degree programs in areas such as business, health, human and protective services and environmental and industrial technology career programs. Classes are offered on the Bemidji campus, online, or as a combination of both. NTC is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. For more, visit ntcmn.edu.