WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – �����Թ� student Jayden Kruse has been selected as an inaugural 2025 Chime Workforce Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Kruse is a Machine Tool Technology student from Hutchinson and an officer for the Ridgewater chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society. Chime Workforce Scholars are selected based on outstanding academic achievement, engagement, leadership potential, and career readiness.

The Chime Workforce Scholarship is generously provided by the Chime Scholars Foundation. It awards $200,000 in scholarships to 200 community college students enrolled in workforce-ready programs. The funds help cover traditional educational expenses as well as costs specific to entering the workforce, such as certification fees, uniforms, and tools.

“We are so proud of Jayden for receiving international recognition through this competitive scholarship process,” said Dr. Bradley Wolfe, Ridgewater PTK co-advisor. “Our Ridgewater honor students have done a great job of representing our college at the highest levels of PTK.”

“At the Chime Scholars Foundation, we believe that career and technical education opens doors to financial progress and long-term opportunity,” said Jeni Izuel, president of the Chime Scholars Foundation.” We’re proud to support students who are working hard to gain in-demand skills and build better futures for themselves and their families.”

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Officer Team Award

Earning the 2024 PTK Distinguished Chapter Officer Team Award were student officers Brian Wagenius (Nondestructive Testing student from Gaylord), Christopher Larson (Nursing and Liberal Arts and Sciences, Waconia), Jude Roberts (Liberal Arts and Sciences, Benson), and Melissa Rosenow (Nursing, Hutchinson). It is the second consecutive year Ridgewater brought home this international two-year college honor society award, according to Co-advisor Dr. Bradley Wolfe, although last year’s award honored different officers.

“Chapter officers did a great job of creating synergy to grow our chapter and meet our goals,” Wolfe said. He commended their involvement at Ridgewater, in communities and at regional levels with other chapters.

“Our outstanding officer team put a great deal of effort into events on both campuses and outreach to our community last year,” explained Ridgewater PTK Co-Advisor and science instructor Lori Anderson. Examples included successfully revitalizing the PTK chapter after the pandemic with members from both Hutchinson and Willmar campuses as well as online students, hosting an ice cream social, conducting fundraisers, and successfully writing a grant to obtain support for student self-care projects. Membership doubled in a year.

New Advisor Award

Not only did officers receive recognition for their leadership and teamwork, but Co-advisor Anderson of Buffalo Lake received an award also.

“I humbly express my gratitude to our Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society students for honoring me with the Paragon Award for New Advisors,” Anderson said. “Our students inspire me daily, and I am grateful for the chance to guide them toward their full potential as students and members of our communities…. Together, we will create a legacy of growth, resilience, and achievement!”

In Anderson’s nomination from Heidi Olson, Ridgewater’s Dean of Students, Olson highlighted Anderson’s exceptional dedication, transformative contributions, and commitment to connecting academics to positive mental health. “Lori’s dedication to raising awareness of Phi Theta Kappa has been unwavering.” Olson said that Anderson proudly advocates PTK and its commitment to scholarship, leadership, fellowship, and service with students, administration, and community. “Her enthusiasm is contagious, inspiring students to explore opportunities at regional and international conferences.”

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