Once again, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College seems to be heading in the right direction: Forward.
"Our local college" has been one of the jewels of the community since it first opened its doors nearly 20 years ago. And with the recent $12 million library expansion project and the construction of the Culture Recreation Center, FDLTCC will continue to attract students from all over the country.
FDLTCC has a large number of working adults attending class on its campus, which is one of the many things the college prides itself on. However, it seems the recent changes to the college are meant for both the traditional and non-traditional student. A new library means better independent studying and learning facilities for students of all ages. However, the construction of the Culture Recreation Center will, with any luck, draw a new crowd of younger, more traditional students.
When making a college decision, many kids expect the "full college experience." No, that doesn't mean binge drinking and frat parties - it means being able to participate in events like game days, joining academic student organizations and participating in intramural activities. The new Culture Recreation Center seems to be prepared to take on all of those things.
In 2007, the college will field its very first sports teams, with a men's football team and women's softball team. In 2008, they'll add men's basketball and women's volleyball. More and more local students who excelled at high school sports and want to play college sports - while staying in the area - will make FDLTCC their new team.
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FDLTCC's Law Enforcement Program is one of the best in the area, but with new training and classroom facilities, they'll make the decisions for prospective law enforcement students a much easier decision.
All of this is not only good news for Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, but great news for the Cloquet area. A college as well-maintained and well-run as FDLTCC is an institution this community needs to take full advantage of. A better college means new students, which means more demand for local businesses and better education for those involved.
Mat Gilderman
