Hello! It's September and the new academic year has begun. All 54 of the college and university campuses of Minnesota State are humming with our 350,000 students working hard to make their dreams a reality. I am pleased to share with you today two stories that illustrate the transformative opportunities available at your Minnesota State colleges and universities. These students tell us they not only received an extraordinary education, but feel as though they gained second families along the way. Enjoy!

Devinder Malhotra, Chancellor, Minnesota State
ATC Practical Nursing program is home away from home for mom of 3
When Khadijo Ibrahim walked across the stage at Anoka Technical College’s graduation last May, she was filled with a mix of feelings—relief, pride, nervousness, and gratitude. It took a lot to get to that point, and the achievement was overwhelming. 
BSU student gives voice to people whose perspectives often go unheard
A s a writer, Bemidji State’s Sam Galatz focuses on issues of mental health, low-income families, and the LGBT community—experiences that Galatz says often go unnoticed in the shadow of dominant social norms.