About GRAUC
Since its beginning in 1987, the volunteer GRAUC Board members, along with GRAUC staff, have worked tirelessly through advocacy and lobbying efforts to advance higher education opportunities and growth in the Rochester community.
GRAUC will meet the workforce needs of our region
To achieve this GRAUC:
ADVOCATES for quality higher educational programs and outcomes.
PROMOTES higher educational opportunities for students to best serve business, education and the region
CONNECTS higher education with business and industry to further their mutual success.
Rochester's higher education institutions are distinctive campuses with premier programs, facilities, and faculty for learners that contribute to the economic vitality of the region.
As a result of these efforts, the GRAUC Board has been recognized for its ongoing contributions to the growth, advancement, health, and vitality of the Rochester community.
GRAUC is considered to be the leading advocate for advancing innovation, growth and excellence of higher education to serve the greater Rochester area community, students and employers.
GRAUC is recognized by MinnState, the University of Minnesota, and the Minnesota Legislature as a powerful voice for higher education.
GRAUC has successfully advocated for over $130 million in Rochester higher education infrastructure investment.
Advocate for increased funding for the Minnesota State and University of Minnesota Systems, as well as enhanced funding for infrastructure repair and replacement of higher education facilities
Support Rochester post-education providers’ visions and strategies
Assist in identifying program voids and opportunities
Encourage increased collaboration between higher education, K-12 education and business and industry
Collaborate with public, private, and non-profit entities to meet the workforce needs of our region.
Continue to lead the GRAUC Simulation Collaborative whose goal is to enhance, diversify, and expand Rochester area healthcare workforce by providing access to relevant, effective and flexible simulation technology.
Track the success of CTECH, provide input on secondary career and technical program offerings and student work experience opportunities
Participate, when invited, in the strategic planning activities of Rochester post-secondary education providers
Assist UMR and WSU-R as they build out their downtown campus facilities
Seek alternative funding sources
Collaborate with Southeast Service Cooperative on the Postsecondary Festival which links Southeast Minnesota high school students and their parents/guardians with regional colleges and universities.
Funding of projects will have a significant and positive impact throughout the region on higher education, economic growth and return on taxpayer investment.
Jinny Rietmann, Chair, WDI, Inc.
Sarah Ness, Vice- Chair, Southeast Service Cooperative
Heather Hogen, Secretary-Treasurer, Rochester Public Schools
Catherine Davis, Interim GRAUC Executive Director
Mona Cravath, GRAUC Executive Assistant
The GRAUC Board is made up of a diverse group of volunteers who are community leaders, elected officials, academic institutional leaders, and students who all recognize the important need for advocacy in advancing public higher education in the greater Rochester community.
Besides serving on the GRAUC Board of Directors, Board members will also serve on a GRAUC sub-committee, in order to better serve our community’s evolving educational and workplace needs.
Hal Henderson, HGA Architects
Sarah Ness, Southeast Service Cooperative
Heather Hogen, Rochester Public Schools
Ryan Parsons, Rochester Chamber of Commerce
Misun Bormann, Mayo Clinic
Businesses, organizations, and individuals are pleased to advocate, promote, and connect to help carry out GRAUC’s mission. Recent partners include:
Olmsted Medical Center
Mayo Clinic
Luther College
Wendland Utz Law Office
Canadian Honker
Riverland Community College
Jim Clausen
Saint Mary’s University
Guy Finne
HGA Architects
Think Bank
Benike Construction
Merchants Bank
Kathy Meyerle
Rochester Community and Technical College
Winona State University
University of Minnesota Rochester
Many individuals associated with our philanthropic partners also generously give of their time, skills, and talents through community service on the GRAUC Board. GRAUC is also appreciative of the philanthropic gifts given to GRAUC by our community partners:
City of Rochester
Olmsted County
Mayo Clinic
Olmsted Medical Center
IBM
Think Bank
There are a variety of ways in which to become involved as an educational advocate, such as contacting your elected government representatives about the importance of supporting higher education in our community and advocating for specific educational initiatives and needs.
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