The online voice of cambridge campus students
 
by Holly Buboltz

staff writer



Heidi Haagenson is a name that may not be familiar to everyone, but it soon will be.

Haagenson is the new Academic Support Center Coordinator at Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC). She is replacing Darla McCann.

Haagenson was hired by Brandy Eddings the Director of Academic Support & Testing Services, who stated, "Heidi struck me as a very savvy and skilled professional. She clearly brings a great deal of experience, passion, and innovation. I am pleased that Heidi decided to join our ARCC team, and I look forward to an exciting and rewarding year within the Academic Support Center."

When asked why she chose to accept her new position at ARCC, Haagenson responded, "I was looking for a new challenge." For the past 10 years she has worked at Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minn. as a special projects coordinator.

Haagenson lives with her husband of 32 years in Willmar. She stays in an apartment closer to the campus during the week. She grew up in the Twin Cities and graduated from Augsburg with a master’s in writing. With this degree Haagenson has pursued the writing and publishing of her own book, "The Tenney Quilt." Still in the publishing process at Mill City Press, Haagenson’s book is about a small town in Minnesota and the women within it who are raising money to buy a cook stove for community events in their town.

This school years opening day of the Academic Support Center was Monday, Aug. 30. It is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays to Thursdays. The Academic Support Center Staff consists of Haagenson, two lab assistants, one in math and the other in writing. Assisting the former are 13 peer tutors who are versed in various subjects. Peer tutors provide a different option for students who need help. Students can walk right in to the Support Center at anytime when the tutor they need will be there and get help on the spot, as posted in brochures located in the Academic Support Center.

Haagenson points out that one of her favorite aspects of her new position is working with the peer tutors. "They are bright students and neat people," she commented. When asked about how the first day was Haagenson answered, "It went great!" She offers lots of credit to those who hired the tutors in the department because of the great support they provide.

With plans to build on the existing programs at the Academic Support Center students can expect great things within the department throughout the next year. "Devotion and educational tutoring are the heart of an open door college," says Haagenson.