Hucke steps down after 17 seasons

Echo staff report The Rochester Community and Technical College women’s basketball program will have a new head coach for the 2019-20 season, as longtime Head Coach Steve Hucke has announced that he would not return after this season. Hucke who has been on the sidelines for 17 seasons is leaving the program to take on … Read more

OAKS recipients share stories of facing adversity

Echo staff report The Overcoming Adversity Keeping Strong Event is an annual fundraising and scholarship program that pays tribute to students who have overcome tremendous odds to become personally and academically successful. Here are biographies provided by the RCTC Foundation. Beth Leeper The words fighter and survivor probably have more meaning to Beth Leeper than … Read more

Environment inspires exhibit

By Ilhan Raage Editor-in-Chief The RCTC gallery now features an exhibit that explores adaptability in response to an ever-shifting environmental baseline. “Sea Legs” by Kathleen Hawkes was inspired by the environment and the artist’s fear and uneasiness about human’s future on this planet. “I think the environment is/will be the big challenge of our generation. … Read more

Mission IMPROVable Comedy is spot on

By Matthew Burdick Staff Writer Starting a new semester filled with bitter cold weather and a new coat of snow, some entertainment is at hand on at the RCTC Cafeteria. The gang was at it again with their comedy show known as Mission IMPROVable, full of random and exciting new ways to make the RCTC … Read more

“The Christians” raises gray areas to consider

By Hawa Sheikh-Adam Arts and Entertainment Editor When it comes to performance productions, not everyone understands the process. There’s the challenge of finding someone to represent the perfect character, making beautiful sets, and appreciating the cast in and behind the scenes. As the first show of spring semester, the Hill Theater presented The Christians on … Read more

Ebony Night celebrates African heritage

By Ilhan Raage Editor-in-Chief RCTC celebrated Ebony Night on Feb. 22. The event was held to recognize and honor people of African descent and show RCTC students, staff and faculty pride in African heritage. The audience got to hear African music, see a variety of African dances, and even taste African cuisine. Among the performances … Read more

Start of a wage revolution?

By Ilhan Raage Editor-in-Chief This year might just be the beginning of a revolution for income equality. Why? Because it brings with it a much needed minimum wage raise. Previously, the federal minimum wage was $7.25 and had not been increased since 2009. In January, Minnesota’s minimum wage went up. There was a 17 cent … Read more

Partnership Grant to tackle local workforce challenges

By Ilhan Raage Editor-in-Chief A grant-signing ceremony took place at Crenlo’s Valleyhigh Drive plant in Rochester on Jan. 16, where RCTC’s Center for Business and Workforce Education, in collaboration with Crenlo Manufacturing, was awarded a Minnesota Job Skills Partnership grant totaling $49,485. Currently, Rochester and Southeastern Minnesota are facing workforce challenges due to rapid growth … Read more

RCTC expands recognition for scholastic achievement

By Ilhan Raage Editor-in-Chief In fall 2018, RCTC expanded its system for recognizing students for their excellence in scholastic achievement. Student’s faculty, and the administration felt it was important to create additional recognition not only for traditional Dean’s List recipients, but also for those students who had exceptionally high performance in the classroom, said Dr. … Read more