College concentrates advancement efforts into one department.

Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC) can more effectively respond to changing community needs with its recent restructuring to form its new Department of Institutional Advancement. Programs within the department will include the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Foundation, scholarships, resource development, alumni relations, planning, and policies/procedures.

Evelyn Gedde, who previously served ARCC as Management Analyst, has been named Director for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the ARCC Coon Rapids Campus Foundation. Joining Gedde is Michael Wall, who will serve ARCC as its first Alumni Relations Director; Karla Sand, who is the new Management Analyst; and Lisa Sisson, who is Administrative Assistant for Institutional Advancement.

Prior to coming to ARCC, Gedde served as senior director for the American Red Cross in Fargo, ND, where she oversaw financial development, marketing, and public relations and facilitated a capital campaign. Her experience provided a rich background for transitioning into resource development and foundation work when ARCC’s previous Resource Development Director, Luanne Kane, became an academic dean for the college. Gedde holds teaching degrees in English and French from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN; and completes her master’s degree in Public Administration from Metropolitan State University this spring.

“I look forward to contributing to our students’ college experience by strengthening our ties with the community through foundation and alumni activities. Advancement goals will help ensure that Anoka-Ramsey Community College has ample resources to provide for current and future needs,” Gedde says. “To that end, the foundation is beginning a strategic planning process this month,” adds Gedde, “to establish goals and strategies supportive of the college’s mission.”

The establishment of an alumni relations office grew from a mandate in the college’s recently established strategic plan, as well as through an expectation from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system. Its formation will allow ARCC to build quality connections with its alumni, many of whom remain in the area and have expressed interest in becoming more involved with the college and its students' academic experiences.

As ARCC’s Alumni Relations Director, Wall will lead the establishment of an alumni relations program. His background includes serving as Executive Director of the Alumni Program Council in Washington D.C., and as Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs for Phillips Academy in Massachusetts. He holds both graduate and undergraduate degrees from the University of Massachusetts.

As ARCC’s Management Analyst, Sand oversees administration of the college’s policies and procedures and its annual work plan, coordinates the Strategic Initiatives Proposal process, and assists the college president with special projects and presentations. She worked most recently in an administrative capacity for Grande American Bus Sales in Andover, Minn. She holds an M.S. in Speech Communication from Minnesota State University-Mankato and a B.A. in Communication from Concordia College.

Lisa Sisson, administrative assistant for Institutional Advancement, is an alumnus of ARCC and has been on staff at the college since 1994. She provides support to the advancement department, including scholarship, alumni, and donor database management.

Alumni, community members, and others who have questions about scholarships, gifts to the foundation, planning, or alumni activities may contact the Foundation Office at 763-433-1220 or the Alumni Office at 763-433-1130.