Erika Volker of Papillion, Neb., was presented the Jim Hall Outstanding Alumni Award during spring commencement at Iowa Lakes Community College Friday, May 13, by Institutional Advancement Executive Director, Jolene Rogers.
Established in 1992, this award memorializes Jim Hall, a 1968 Iowa Lakes graduate and strong supporter of the college. Presented annually by the Iowa Lakes Alumni & Friends Association, this award honors graduates who exemplify good representation of the college through outstanding support of community, business and/or service clubs.
Following graduation from Iowa Lakes Community College, Erika Tonsfeldt Volker of Spirit Lake, transferred to the University of Northern Iowa where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Health Education. Matriculating to the University of Nebraska at Omaha, she earned a Master’s of Science in Urban Studies.
Volker started her career at the University of Nebraska Lincoln Douglas/Sarpy County Cooperative Extension Service as Nutrition Extension Assistant where she taught limited income families and individuals nutrition and money management. At Metropolitan Community College, she worked with high schools to increase dual credit options for students. Moving on to the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce as Education and Workforce Development Manager, she was successful in bringing business and education leaders together to address skill shortages in the graduating workforce.
Today Volker is director of the Partnerships for Innovation, where she works across the state of Nebraska with faculty and administrators at community colleges, public school districts, Educational Service Units and the Nebraska Department of Education to better assist students to transition from high school to colleges or universities.
The Iowa Lakes Alumni & Friends Association congratulates Erika Tonsfeldt Volker for joining the ranks of outstanding alumni at Iowa Lakes Community College as recipient of the 20th year of this prestigious award. The entire group of recipients may be viewed on the perpetual Jim Hall Outstanding Alumni Award plaque in the Estherville campus gym lobby.
Nominations for the Jim Hall Outstanding Alumni Award may be mailed to the Iowa Lakes Alumni & Friends Association at 19 South Seventh Street; Estherville, Iowa 51334.
More information on the Jim Hall award or the Iowa Lakes Alumni and Friends Association may be received by contacting Jolene Rogers at 712-362-0491 or 800-242-5106 ext. 4491 or by e-mailing jrogers@iowalakes.edu.
Left to right: Jolene Rogers, Erika Volker
