North Dakota Governor John Hoeven announced yesterday that NDSCS was awarded a $265,000 North Dakota Department of Commerce Workforce Enhancement Grant. The grant will be used to initiate an automotive diagnostics certification program in partnership with Snap-on.

“Partnerships between North Dakota’s higher education institutions and private entities are a catalyst for economic growth in the state,” Governor Hoeven said. “These types of relationships will help fill the demand for the highly-skilled workforce that our growing North Dakota businesses need.”

Department of Commerce Commissioner Shane Goettle commended NDSCS and Snap-on for working together to identify how their overlapping needs can create a mutually beneficial partnership. “NDSCS does a fantastic job training automotive technicians and Snap-on has a vested interest in ensuring industry demand is filled for highly-trained technicians,” he said. “It’s a great fit for both parties and exactly the type of partnership the Workforce Enhancement Grant program is designed to foster.”

The grant funds the creation of an Automotive Diagnostic Certification Center on the NDSCS campus. The center will include diagnostic equipment, software and consulting, a training platform, instructor training and curriculum development.

“We are proud to partner with Snap-on to enhance our automotive technician program and facilities,” NDSCS President John Richman said. “This college is working diligently to create relationships with our private-sector partners to fulfill the needs of business and industry.”

Do you know an NDSCS employee who consistently goes above and beyond? Nominations for the Meritorious Service Award are being accepted until March 24. The Meritorious Service Award recognizes NDSCS employees who strive to do their best every day, who exceed job performance expectations and who possess great attitudes and commitment to NDSCS. Recipients will be recognized at the annual Employee Recognition Program on Friday, April 30. The Reward and Recognition Committee encourages you to take the time to submit this important nomination for a support staff colleague.

Nomination forms can be found at http://www.ndscs.edu/hr/forms/employeerewardandrecognition.jsp. Return the completed form to NDSCS Box 662; to Elaine in Human Resources in Haverty Hall room 136, or to Gloria Dohman's office in Haverty Hall room 118.

NDSCS will host dynamic and engaging professor, author, and motivational speaker Dr. Patrick Schwarz in conjunction with NDSCS Disability Awareness Day. The program will take place Thursday, March 25, from 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m., in the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center. This event is free and open to the public.

Schwarz will be presenting “From Disability to Possibility,” and will be using real life stories of individuals with possibilities. He will illustrate what is needed for effectiveness in education and human services for all people. These compelling examples motivate participants to re-imagine and support individuals in new and inventive ways. Be prepared for something fun and different!

Schwarz is a professor in the Diversity in Learning and Teaching Department at National-Louis University in Chicago, Ill.

This event is sponsored by the NDSCS Diversity Team, NDSCS Campus Activities Board, Breckenridge/Wahpeton Community Foundation, and Wahpeton Mayor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. For more information, contact Joy Eichhorn, NDSCS disability services coordinator, at 701-671-2623 or by emailing joy.eichhorn@ndscs.edu.

NDSCS has received a grant in the amount of $4,800 from Dakota Medical Foundation to support distance education tuition for nursing faculty members who obtain master’s degrees.

These dollars will assist nurses with bachelor’s degrees in obtaining their master’s degrees in nursing, allowing them to meet the North Dakota Board of Nursing requirements and providing continued instruction and leadership in the College’s Practical Nursing and Associate in Science in Nursing (RN) programs.

Dakota Medical Foundation, Fargo, N.D., focuses its efforts on improving health and access to medical and dental care in the region, with a special emphasis on children. Since 1996, the Foundation has invested over $37 million in 338 nonprofit organizations in the region. For more information, visit www.dakmed.org.

Got a minute? Get a massage—a self-massage, that is. These moves can help relieve tension around your head, neck, shoulders, and hands.

The Scalp Soother. Place thumbs behind your ears and spread your fingers on top of your head. Move your scalp back and forth slightly by making circles with your fingertips for 15-20 seconds.

The Eye Easer. Close your eyes and place your ring fingers directly under your eyebrows, near the bridge of your nose. Slowly increase pressure for five seconds, then gently release. Repeat 2-3 times.

The Shoulder Saver. Place your left hand on the right side of your neck by your shoulder. Press fingers firmly into the muscle while tucking your chin toward your chest. Hold this position for 10 seconds, release, and then repeat on the left side.

The Palm Pleaser. Lace your fingers together, leaving thumbs free. Slowly knead your left thumb into the palm of your right hand for 20-30 seconds. Then repeat on your left hand.

(Source: TopHealth Newsletter)

Taking action may seem risky, but doing nothing is a bigger risk!

• Action, even when it leads to mistakes, brings learning and growth. Inaction brings stagnation and atrophy.
• Action leads us toward solutions. Inaction, at best, does nothing and holds us in the past.
• Action requires courage. Inaction often indicates fear.
• Action builds confidence; inaction, doubt.

It is better to be one who is told to wait than one who waits to be told. Decide what to do - then take action.