As Vice President of the Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) Foundation Board of Directors, Emily Taylor continues to give back to the college that played a significant role in her personal and professional growth. Since joining the Foundation Board in 2024, she has helped support opportunities for future RCTC students while staying connected to a community that remains important to her.
Emily attended RCTC from 2015-2017 and again from 2019-2021, earning her Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences before completing a Bachelor of Individualized Studies from Winona State University. Today, she serves as a Project Coordinator II with Kraus-Anderson Construction Company, where she uses leadership, communication, and organizational skills developed during her time at RCTC.
“RCTC provided me with strong foundational learning that I still use today,” Emily said. “Beyond the education alone, it taught me how to balance responsibilities, collaborate with others, and set focused and intentional long-term goals.”
One of Emily’s most impactful experiences came during a public speaking course taught by Lori Halverson-Wente. Having previously avoided speech classes due to anxiety, Emily found encouragement and support that helped her build confidence. Those communication skills continue to benefit her career and personal life today.
Beyond the classroom, Emily values the friendships and sense of community she found at RCTC. “One of the things I valued most about RCTC was the sense of community,” she shared. The relationships she built and the support she received helped make her college experience especially meaningful.
When asked what RCTC means to her, Emily describes it as a place of growth, opportunity, and accessibility. Her journey from student to alumna and Foundation Board leader reflects the lasting impact of an RCTC education and the difference a supportive community can make.
Her story is a reminder that growth often happens when we step outside our comfort zones and that a supportive community can make all the difference. RCTC is proud to celebrate alumni like Emily Taylor, whose commitment to learning, personal growth, and professional success demonstrates the lasting impact of a Rochester Community and Technical College education.
Read more alumni stories.