"Anoka-Ramsey was established more than 40 years ago so we need to capture the stories of alumni and retired employees before that unwritten history becomes irretrievable,” say Evelyn Gedde, Director of Institutional Advancement. “This project will go beyond the minutiae of textbooks, rhetoric and degrees to reveal the heart and soul of our institution."

To assist with the project, ARCC has hired an intern, Danielle Toohey, a student in the Minnesota State College and Universities system. Toohey, who is a majoring in marketing with a minor in mass communications at St. Cloud State University, will conduct interviews with those willing to share their stories on video. The main objective of the project is to capture the oral history of the college and preserve memories and stories that will otherwise disappear forever. The ultimate goal is to employ a professional production firm to compile the collected materials, including interviews, and produce a multi-media presentation for use by future generations.

“The true value of an oral history interview is the preservation of a part of the past,” Toohey says. “By sharing their stories about Anoka-Ramsey Community College with me, I will be able to share them with a broad audience to ensure anyone can discover, remember and cherish the college’s history.”

Toohey notes that people often don’t even realize that they have an important story to tell and she encourages anyone with a story about ARCC to call to schedule an interview. She is also hoping that people will come forward with photographs and other memorabilia related to the college.

Toohey will conduct interviews during the next few months at the Coon Rapids Campus or Cambridge Campus, whichever is most convenient to those who agree to participate.

For more information about this memorable project or to schedule an interview, please call Toohey directly at 763.433.1637.