Julie believes deeply in community engagement and the importance of philanthropy. “People need to understand that while we are fortunate to have state funding for the college, it doesn’t cover all of the costs we need to educate students,” she says. “The more we can involve people outside the college, the better.”

"My experience at Normandale helped me become a more supportive, more inclusive, and overall better leader. Normandale also helped me become a stronger clinician and gave me the confidence to pursue bigger opportunities."  Cyrus's leadership today has earned national recognition - having been inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, receiving the United Health Group Sage of Clinical Service Award, the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Award, and the Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine Award for Administrative Nursing Leadership. Cyrus is currently a Regent at Augsburg University.

“It feels good to help people from the community while we are learning in the Dental Clinic,” said Phipps. “It is a two-way street where I help them with their teeth, and they help me continue to learn. "

Phipps graduates in May 2026, so she won’t be in the program when construction to enhance spaces for Health Sciences and interprofessional collaboration is done Fall 2026. She is still excited about the new space, and how the conversations have benefitted her and future students.

Determined to build a future rooted in purpose, Lali enrolled in the Dental Hygiene Program at Normandale Community College.  While at Normandale, Lali was introduced to the Minnesota Dental Hygienists’ Association (MnDHA) where Lali volunteered as a social media manager. Through dedication, leadership, and heart, she rose to become President of MnDHA, serving through April 2024.

The Campus Cupboard is a free resource on campus that provides food to any Normandale student and anyone from the community. It’s hard to learn when you’re hungry or worried about food so please take advantage of this service.

“I chose to enroll in the SpedUP program to bring culture and identity into special education. Representation matters. My career goal is to be a center-based teacher for students with autism.  I would also love to visit different reservations and help with students with special needs.  I am a mother of four, I love spending time with my kids, going to zoos, museums, parks, and grilling!  I love attending powwows and round dances.” 

Jim Hays, a native of North Minneapolis, has been a loyal donor to the Normandale Foundation since 2022, despite having no previous connection to the college. Hays established Hays Companies in 1994, an insurance brokerage, which he sold in 2018. Hays and former colleagues Mike Egan, Thomas Fish, Stephen Lerum, William Mershon, and John Newhouse donated a total of $105,000 to directly support Normandale’s Free Laptop Program. Each individual came from humble beginnings and shares a deep desire to make a positive difference in the world.