Media Releases
Two DCTC Students Named To All-Minnesota Academic Team
February 26, 2007 -
Two Dakota County Technical College students were among 33 two-year college students recognized as part of the All-Minnesota Minnesota Academic Team at an event held at Best Buy Corporate in Richfield on February 22.
The two DCTC students recognized were Jean Dresch, a LPN student from Rosemount, and Rob Kohler, an accounting student from St. Paul.
"Jean and Rob have very different backgrounds, but have both found great success at DCTC. We are proud of what they have accomplished on our campus and look forward to seeing how their futures unfold," said Dr. Ron Thomas, president of DCTC.
Jean Dresch was nominated as a result of the impact her leadership abilities have had across her campus and community. Jean Dresch was nominated as a result of the impact her leadership abilities have had across her campus and community. Dresch has served as Student Senate secretary and is currently vice president, has represented her college at the Dakota County Fair, and chaired the American Red Cross Blood Drive. She planned a silent auction fundraiser to replace a stolen DVD player at a local nursing home and has also promoted family baseball and soccer family events for the college. Jean demonstrates her motto, "I don't wait for things to happen; I make things happen."
Her academic accomplishments have been recognized by membership in Phi Theta Kappa, as well as being on the President's List, Dean's List and receiving several scholarships. Jean plans to continue her education to become a R.N.
Rob Kohler was nominated for his outstanding ability to manage many rolesRob Kohler was nominated for his outstanding ability to manage many roles. He has been on Student Senate, currently serving as president, and is involved in Legislative Advocacy. Kohler maintains high academic standards, including National Dean's List and President's List at his college. He is also involved in his community and works two jobs, receiving the award of Employee of the Month several times.
While Kohler has not yet chosen the college he will transfer to, he intends to get a bachelor's degree and get involved in business and entrepreneurship.
The All-Minnesota Academic Team is made up of students nominated for the All-USA Academic Team for Community, Technical and Junior College Students, a program sponsored annually by Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society for two-year college, USA Today, and the American Association of Community Colleges. State academic teams were introduced in 1994 to provide scholarships and scholastic recognition to Phi Theta Kappa members. The 33 students from Minnesota range in age from 18 to 52.
To be nominated to the Minnesota team, a student must be currently enrolled at a Minnesota two-year college and expect to graduate during the 2006-2007 academic year, have completed at least 12 semester credits and have a grade point average of at least 3.25 at a Minnesota two-year college.
Nominees were selected based on biographical information, letters of recommendation, academic performance, demonstration of leadership, and campus and community service involvement. Applicants also wrote an essay describing a specific educational experience while attending a two-year college that has transformed the student's thinking about learning or the future.
The Minnesota All-State Academic Team is sponsored by Best Buy; the Minn-Wi-Kota Region of Phi Theta Kappa; Dakota County Technical College; Minnesota State University, Mankato; Normandale Community College; and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Office of the Chancellor.