51ÁÔÆæ had an outstanding evening at the Community Colleges for Iowa Convention and Tradeshow on Wednesday, December 4th, bringing home honors that highlight the college’s dedication to excellence and innovation.

Innovation Workspace Earns Outstanding Innovation Award
The 51ÁÔÆæ Innovation Workspace received the Outstanding Innovation Award, recognizing its commitment to creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement. This hub empowers students, entrepreneurs, and community members with design thinking and technology skills through hands-on programs and non-credit certificates. Participants tackle real business challenges, collaborate with local companies, and prototype products using professional-grade digital manufacturing tools—showcasing 51ÁÔÆæ’s dedication to building the workforce of the future.

“The Innovation Workspace has been a critical asset for developing the foundation of my business,” said Josh Jeske, founder of Terraform Tillage. “The people, equipment, and resources have served to invigorate the surrounding communities, and the innovations developed here are certain to impact the world at large!”

Dr. Rachel McGuire Named 51ÁÔÆæ’s Staff of the Year
Dr. Rachel McGuire, Vice President of Student Development and Success, was recognized as 51ÁÔÆæ’s Outstanding Staff of the Year for her unwavering dedication to students and transformative leadership. Over her 31-year career at 51ÁÔÆæ, Rachel has championed student success, spearheading initiatives like the Wellness Hub and Food Pantry, and implementing systems to support students’ academic and social needs. Known for her student-centric approach, Rachel regularly engages with students, attends their events, and celebrates their achievements. Her leadership and commitment have left a huge impact on 51ÁÔÆæ.

“Dr. Rachel McGuire is incredibly deserving of this award,” said 51ÁÔÆæ Director of Admissions, Anne Boyer. “Not only does she advocate for all 51ÁÔÆæ students identifying and implementing programming and opportunities to see students succeed, but she does the same for her staff and colleagues. 51ÁÔÆæ is a better place for all through her leadership and commitment to success.”

Rodney Zehr Honored as 51ÁÔÆæ’s Faculty of the Year
Rodney Zehr, a developmental Mathematics instructor, was awarded 51ÁÔÆæ’s Outstanding Faculty of the Year for his dedication to student success and educational excellence. Rodney’s ability to meet the diverse needs of underprepared and underserved students is exceptional, ensuring every student has the tools to succeed. Beyond the classroom, he contributes through campus committees and volunteer efforts in his church and community. Known for his passion, compassion, and inclusiveness, Rodney fosters a supportive learning environment where all students feel valued, exemplifying what it means to be an outstanding educator.

“Rodney’s recognition as the 2024 recipient of the Outstanding Community College Faculty Award is so well-deserved,” said 51ÁÔÆæ Director of Learning Services, Dalila Sajadian. “His dedication to his students and his impact both in and out of the classroom are truly inspiring. We’re proud to celebrate this achievement with him!”

Celebrating Excellence at 51ÁÔÆæ
Reflecting on the awards, 51ÁÔÆæ President Joel Pederson shared:
“At 51ÁÔÆæ, we celebrate the dedication of our employees. Their commitment to education and community inspires us all, proving that together, we can create a brighter future for every student. We thank them for their remarkable contributions and for making a lasting impact.”

These awards reflect 51ÁÔÆæ’s commitment to fostering innovation, supporting student success, and making a meaningful impact on the community. Congratulations to the Innovation Workspace, Dr. Rachel McGuire, and Rodney Zehr for their outstanding achievements!

The post 51ÁÔÆæ Shines at the CC for Iowa Convention and Tradeshow appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Future. Found.
At 51ÁÔÆæ, our new tagline, Future. Found., is more than just words—it’s a promise. It captures who we are, what we stand for, and the incredible journey we provide to students, businesses, and our community.

What Does Future. Found. Mean?
Future. Found. reflects our commitment to helping people find their path and achieve their goals. Whether you’re a student starting your academic journey, a professional seeking career advancement, or a business looking for collaboration and growth, we’re here to help you discover your future.

For Students: Your future starts here at 51ÁÔÆæ. From your first day in class to graduation and beyond, we guide and support you as you shape your future. We’re not just a place of learning—we’re a place where dreams take shape.

For Businesses: We’re a trusted partner, working side by side with local businesses and industries to foster innovation, growth, and workforce development. Together, we’re building a brighter future for our region.

For Our Community: Our commitment to lifelong learning, creativity, and collaboration extends beyond the classroom. At 51ÁÔÆæ, we help individuals and communities find new opportunities and create lasting impact.

Bringing Future. Found. to Life
We’re using Future. Found. to inspire everything we do across campus. From signage and digital displays to advertising campaigns and classroom discussions, this message will be woven into the fabric of 51ÁÔÆæ. It’s a reminder that, whether you’re here for education, career training, or community engagement, 51ÁÔÆæ is where your future begins.

Join Us
At 51ÁÔÆæ, the future isn’t just ahead—it’s found. Join us, and let’s discover what your future looks like together.

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This year’s Community Colleges for Iowa Awards convention shone a spotlight on three outstanding individuals from 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ), who were celebrated for their exceptional contributions. The honorees, receiving the Outstanding Alumni Award, Outstanding Faculty Award, and Outstanding Staff Award, exemplify excellence and dedication.

Anthony (Tony) Coloff 62’ was presented with the Outstanding Alumni Award, given to a graduate of any of Iowa’s Community Colleges who has shown leadership and commitment to their community. Molly Knoll, Director of Institutional Advancement at 51ÁÔÆæ, had the following to say about Coloff, “We are proud to recognize Tony for his leadership with this state-wide award. He embodies the College’s core values of success, engagement, and leadership. Tony is a dedicated ambassador for 51ÁÔÆæ throughout our region. He, along with his wife Sue, have been generous supporters of the Alumni Association’s annual Pathways to Success, provided annual scholarships, and supported the Keeping 51ÁÔÆæ First campaign to help build the STEM center.” Tony is a 1962 graduate of 51ÁÔÆæ’s predecessor Mason City Junior College. He has served on the 51ÁÔÆæ Alumni Advisory Board since 2004, demonstrating 20 years of dedicated service supporting and promoting the College. 

Dr. Heather DeWaard-Flickinger was awarded the Outstanding Faculty Award. DeWaard-Flickinger, a 51ÁÔÆæ Health, Wellness, and Leisure instructor, is active on college-wide committees, champions new initiatives, and embraces challenges through collaboration and the pursuit of excellence. As CETL Director and advocate for mental health and college wellness, she regularly plans professional development to support new initiatives. In addition, DeWaard-Flickinger leads the campus physical fitness and wellness program, engages with regional colleagues to develop conference opportunities, and takes time to make the rounds on campus to check in on the well-being of colleagues. 51ÁÔÆæ President Dr. Steve Schulz said, “Heather is an exceptional instructor, a consummate professional, and a strong leader among the faculty. She is an outstanding representative of 51ÁÔÆæ’s faculty.”

Dr. Shelly Schmit, Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness and Organization Development at 51ÁÔÆæ, was given the Outstanding Staff Award. Schulz praised Schmit, “Shelly has dedicated the last 25 years of her professional career to making 51ÁÔÆæ a better place for the staff and students. Her tireless work ethic and empathy for others make her an outstanding awardee in this category.” Schmit is responsible for human resources, professional development, institutional research, accreditation, and a variety of other duties.

Congratulations to these three well deserved winners.

The post 51ÁÔÆæ Alumni, Faculty, and Staff Recognized with Awards appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) has hired Joel Everist as vocal music instructor and director of choral activities.  Everist will be responsible for all vocal music activities at the college including curriculum, course instruction and vocal music ensembles.

Everist comes to 51ÁÔÆæ with thirty-plus years of teaching experience, including 31 years in the Grammy Award winning signature school music program at Mason City High School.  Joel also served as Director of Choral Activities for Waldorf University from 2016 to 2020. 

Everist earned a Bachelor of Arts from Gustavus Adolphus College in music and theatre, and a Master of Music Education from Northwestern University.

Everist has conducted choirs appearing at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, Orchestra Hall, the International Habaneras Festival in Spain, as well as a command performance for the Vice President with the Prime Minister of Japan at the State Department in Washington, D.C.  “Choral Director Magazine” recognized Joel as a national Top Ten Conductor of Note. 

He and his wife Rachel Everist have been married for 33 years.   Rachel, a professional pianist, has taught at 51ÁÔÆæ since 1995.  The couple has two children, Jennaya, 19 and Jackson, 17. 

Joel is only the third person to hold this position in the last fifty years.   He predecessors include Robert Davis (1974-2001) and Jayson Ryner (2001-2023).  Ryner recently accepted a new role at 51ÁÔÆæ teaching Business and Entrepreneurship and has also launched an innovative agriculture-related business.

“I am honored and humbled to join the 51ÁÔÆæ family. It is a privilege to be part of the tradition of excellence in the 51ÁÔÆæ Music Department.” -Joel Everist

Everist added, “Arts education empowers us to learn together, connecting and creating community.  I look forward to sharing our work with audiences, building upon the legacy of Jayson Ryner, Robert Davis and the 51ÁÔÆæ Choirs!”

51ÁÔÆæ, founded in 1918, is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa.  With approximately 3,000 career and transfer students, the College has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a leading community college in the nation.  51ÁÔÆæ welcomes students from across Iowa, Minnesota, the nation, and the world. The College has served as a leader in student-centered learning, community engagement, and collaborative leadership for more than 100 years.

The post Everist named Vocal Music Instructor and Director of Choral Activities appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Discover Day, a career exploration event offered to area eighth graders, was held on the 51ÁÔÆæ campus on Thursday, May 12 .

The event provided students an opportunity to examine their interests and connect them to actual career opportunities that await them here in North Iowa.

51ÁÔÆæ Enrollment Advisor Anne Boyer said, “Many young people are searching for the career of their future without grasping how we all found our careers – by understanding our interests and how they relate to careers and by meeting local professionals who can help mentor and expose us to potential careers we may not have known even existed.”  Boyer coordinated the event.

More than 850 students toured the campus while taking mini-courses along the way.

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Questions or comments?  Email Arian Schuessler, arian.schuessler@51ÁÔÆæ.edu

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Are you interested in attending 51ÁÔÆæ?  Apply Today!

51ÁÔÆæ, founded in 1918, is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa.  With approximately 3,000 career and transfer students, the College has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a leading community college in the nation.  51ÁÔÆæ welcomes students from across Iowa, Minnesota, the nation, and the world. The College has served as a leader in student-centered learning, community engagement, and collaborative leadership for more than 100 years.  

The post 51ÁÔÆæ Discover Day helps eighth graders explore future careers appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

51ÁÔÆæ’s annual Spring Grill was held Monday, May 9, to honor outstanding faculty and staff. The event also recognized service anniversaries, new employees and retirees. More than two hundred current and former 51ÁÔÆæ employees attended the luncheon.

Awards and Recognition:

Outstanding Faculty Member: Brent Hamilton.

Brent has been an active member of the 51ÁÔÆæ campus community teaching a variety of course in mathematics from Intermediate Algebra through Differential Equations and Introductions to Ethics for 23 years.

Hamilton also serves as the Curriculum and Academic Affairs Committee Chairperson, mentors new faculty members, and is the faculty advisor for the Campus Ministry Association.

Brent is student focused, passionate about student learning, and dedicated to student success. He has worked with Student Services to develop student wellness activities and organizes service learning opportunities for students.

Hamilton also records his daily content presentations and uploads them to the learning management system so that students have access to ideas and concepts they missed or are struggling to understand. Simply put, Brent wants all students to be successful and supported both academically and personally.

Locally, Brent serves on Boards of Directors, participates in service organizations, and is an assistant coach at a local high school. He has served two terms as President of the state-wide Iowa Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (2003-2004 and 2020-2021).

Brent has received the Foundation Excellence in Service Award, an honor resulting from nominations by his peers, and has been recognized by the Iowa Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges for outstanding leadership in mathematics.

Outstanding Staff Member: Tony Pappas  

Tony has been part of our campus community for the last 39 years. He has proven himself a pivotal leader on our campus, he has been our project manager for over $45 million in various construction projects. His expertise and supervision have ensured quality and innovative construction and saved the college hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Tony leads the college’s Sustainability Council and has developed the 51ÁÔÆæ energy conservation plan, a climate action Plan, campus carbon footprint measurements, energy policy, along with many others. He led the development and installation of one of the nation’s largest solar fields located at a community college. This project will ultimately save the college over $10 million over the course of the lifespan of the infrastructure.

Tony is a highly respected member of the 51ÁÔÆæ family and devoted to the longevity of the college. Tony has great relationships with all of our staff and faculty. He is approachable, diligent, supportive, and takes time to hear individuals’ ideas and concerns.

Tony is a very active volunteer in our community, he has served as the owner representative on a $15 million renovation of the Frank Lloyd Wright Hotel in Mason City, Iowa. He has also served on volunteer committees with Trinity Lutheran Church and Habitat for Humanity. Tony is an admired member of the North Iowa community.

New Employees:

Cassidy Allison, Performing Arts & Leadership Series Assistant Director

Dyan Childress, Community Education and Lifelong Learning Coordinator

Abra Christians, Administrative Assistant – Athletics

Cory Dahlstrom, Library Interlibrary Loan and Media Assistant

Sara Ewing, Cashier

Andrea Fuoss, Associate Hall Director

Lincoln Hochmuth, Interim Head Baseball Coach/Athletic Dept. Associate

Lauren Hunt, Adult Education & Literacy Associate

Julie Kiger, Recruitment and Career Coordinator

Ashley Kraus, Community Education Coordinator – Garner

Tom Moore, Director of Innovation and Acceleration, Pappajohn Center

Vickie Pralle, Recruitment and Career Coordinator

Arian Schuessler, Graphic Designer

Steven Story, Academic Advisor/Head Cross Country Coach

Kara Trettin, Promotions Specialist

Dee Dee Winter, Academic Administrative Assistant, Business/Humanities/Public Service

Longevity Awards:

5 Year   

Chrysten Dohrmann

LeAnn Eckhardt

Larry Guadagnoli

Josh Mack

Dalila Sajadian

Tim Staudt

Lisa Toole

Sara Udelhofen

10 Year  

DeAnn Halligan

Brandon Krull

15 Year 

Chris Brandt

Tanya Dadisman

Chris Frenz

Gregg Helmich

Kelley O’Rourke

Jason Ott

Jennifer Rosauer

Andrea Schweizer

Lisa Vance

25 Year  

Michelle Petznick

Laura Wood

30 Year 
Tim Slaven

45 Year  
Mary Wendt

 2022 Retirees  

Larry Kollman

Larry Kollman came to 51ÁÔÆæ after being a social worker for 23 years. He started teaching philosophy classes as an adjunct in 1999 and then in 2005 he was hired full time as an academic advisor. A year later, he brought his experience as social worker to the classroom when he became a full-time psychology instructor.

Throughout his teaching career, Larry emphasized the human aspect of psychology. He reminded students that although learning psychological theories was important, remembering that everybody is a human being worthy of dignity and respect was more important. Larry also applied this philosophy to his everyday interactions with students. If you walked around campus with Larry or just talked to him in a hallway, you would see him always greeting students with a smile and engaging in small talk with them. No matter how busy he might be, he always had time to talk to students. As a result, students really connected with him and selected Larry as Teacher of the Year twice.

In addition, Larry has always advocated scholarship with his students. He always encouraged them to stay curious and be lifetime learners. As usual, Larry practiced what he preached and shortly after being hired to teach psychology, he decided to enroll in a graduate program to earn his Master’s degree in psychology. Larry always said he never wanted to be minimally qualified for anything he did. Larry’s devotion to scholarship can also be seen in his work as director of the Human Services program at 51ÁÔÆæ and more recently as the Faculty Advisor for Phi Theta Kappa.

Mark Messer

How many of you would have guessed that Mark Messer was a volleyball coach or that he taught at University College of London? Well, he is a man of surprises. Today I would like to recognize Mark and to express our fondest wishes as he retires and sets out for the next chapter in his life. Mark will fill his time with family; spending time with his grandkids, both here in Mason City and in Utah. In recent years, he has taken up photography, with one accepted in a photography contest at McNider. He will also continue with his love of nature by hiking and hunting. Mark, for thirty-four years, you have been a presence here at 51ÁÔÆæ.

Kathy Olson

There are countless examples of challenges that Kathy encountered while working in the Facilities department. Her experience, patience and attention to detail seemed to always shine and provide everyone with positive and successful outcomes.

Just one example of this happened many years ago, when we were discussing the need to organize and make sense out of the building keys. You did not hesitate as you volunteered to tackle the project, but the look on your face was unforgettable, when you suddenly realized the previous key database consisted of 10 coffee cans with several hundred keys inside each can. And of course, you organized all of them and created a mapping system and database that is still used today.

Kathy was always involved with many groups on campus like College Senate, the Sustainability Committee, Earth Day activities and promoting pot luck events.

Mitch Olson

Mitch, your technical knowledge and mechanical skills have been extremely valuable to us for over 26 years, as you have kept the many diversified building systems throughout the college, operating properly. Those countless skills will be sorely missed.

Olson’s dedication to the college has been obvious, whether it was responding to an issue with a student door lock on a weekend, helping with the clean-up from the flooding of the Book Store, working all weekend to resolve the freeze up of heating pipes in Beem Center, working on the air conditioning during graduation, operating the road grader during a snow storm, or working at midnight helping to restore power in the Careers building.

These are just a few examples of the numerous times that he has contributed above the average expectation to maintain the campus and at the same time always performing in a professional manner.

His hard work and diligence have greatly benefited the college.

Tony Pappas

Tony Pappas has been a dedicated member of 51ÁÔÆæ since 1983. Tony’s dedication to the college and to the facilities is going to be greatly missed. While at 51ÁÔÆæ, Tony has been involved in overseeing numerous construction projects, being innovative with energy savings like the solar panels, installing LED lighting throughout campus and Alliant rebates totaling $500,000, and making sure the day-to-day operations are running smoothly across the campus.

Over his years at 51ÁÔÆæ, Tony has led the Sustainability Council and he has developed 51ÁÔÆæ’s Energy Conservation Plan, a climate action plan, campus carbon footprint measurements, energy policy, and maintained countless compliance records. Tony is always the first to be called on to solve a problem and his ability to find solutions to many of those complex problems will make him hard to replace.

His attention to detail, his ability to save the college money on every project, and his “get it done” approach to work are just a few of his many strengths that have served 51ÁÔÆæ, the facilities, and students very well. While he probably won’t miss the early morning drives on snowy roads to help make the decisions to cancel classes or being called back out to campus when construction crews hit water mains, we will surely miss Tony’s friendly face and his 38 years of vast knowledge of the campus.

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Are you interested in attending 51ÁÔÆæ?  Apply Today!

51ÁÔÆæ, founded in 1918, is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa.  With approximately 3,000 career and transfer students, the College has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a leading community college in the nation.  51ÁÔÆæ welcomes students from across Iowa, Minnesota, the nation, and the world. The College has served as a leader in student-centered learning, community engagement, and collaborative leadership for more than 100 years.  

The post 51ÁÔÆæ faculty, staff celebrated at Spring Grill appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

51ÁÔÆæ Physics Instructor Andreas Soemadi doesn’t use a paintbrush on canvas for his art.  He doesn’t draw in a traditional sense either.  His handiwork doesn’t involve sculpted clay or photographs.  Soemadi’s original art is derived from the mathematical representations of lines and shapes.

Soemadi occasionally posts his art on the 51ÁÔÆæ intranet site “Trojan Home” for the enjoyment of others.  Until now this was the only place you could find it; however, Soemadi’s math art was recently accepted into the MacNider Museum Summer Arts Festival.

“Geometry loves the beauty of things,” said Soemadi while explaining how the principle of his art is founded in the historical convergence of Geometry and Algebra.

A more lengthy explanation of lines, Bézier curves, parabola, functions, mathematical physics, coordinate systems and Rene Descartes followed.

Soemadi created his first mathematical art work in 2019. The figure of a pensive robot was inspired by the works of author Isaac Asimov. “The picture was attractive to me but I don’t know how to draw,” laughed Soemadi, “I wanted to replicate it.”

So, he set to work creating mathematical code to replicate every part of that robot. All the code snippets were combined to finish the work.

Pensive Robot – Andreas Soemadi

Since he began Soemadi has created many works.  His biggest challenge? To impose mathematical command to recreate the human nose. He’s still working on it.

“Now when I see something pretty I wonder what equation is that —and how do I code it.” – Andreas Soemadi

Soemadi’s work can be seen at the MacNider Arts Festival, Saturday, June 11. The museum is located at 303 2nd Street Northeast in Mason City.

Questions or comments?  Email Arian Schuessler, arian.schuessler@51ÁÔÆæ.edu

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Are you interested in attending 51ÁÔÆæ?  Apply Today!

51ÁÔÆæ, founded in 1918, is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa.  With approximately 3,000 career and transfer students, the College has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a leading community college in the nation.  51ÁÔÆæ welcomes students from across Iowa, Minnesota, the nation, and the world. The College has served as a leader in student-centered learning, community engagement, and collaborative leadership for more than 100 years.  

The post 51ÁÔÆæ Instructor’s mathematical art accepted into local show appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

51ÁÔÆæ Mathematics and Engineering students were recognized as part of the celebration of Math and Statistics Awareness month on Monday, April 28.

“It is important to recognize math and engineering students just as we recognize excellence of students in any area, “said 51ÁÔÆæ Math Instructor Brent Hamilton, “These students have completed exceptional work while at 51ÁÔÆæ and we are very proud of them and happy for them as we celebrate their achievements.”

About 30 students, parents, and 51ÁÔÆæ faculty and staff were in attendance.

Math Instructor Kathy Rogotzke said “The math open house is a chance for us to recognize and honor students who have participated in various activities and those who the math department has selected as outstanding sophomores in mathematics and engineering. ”

51ÁÔÆæ faculty members presented awards for both Outstanding Sophomore Mathematics and Engineering Students and Student Math League.

The Outstanding Sophomore Math and Engineering Student is an award started by the Math Department in 1990.  The math faculty nominates students who obtain at least a 3.25 cumulative GPA, at least a 3.5 math and engineering GPA,  have completed at least 30 credit hours at 51ÁÔÆæ (at least 10 of which are math courses), and have at least one class above pre calculus completed.

According to Rogotzke, “Some years there are zero students selected, and most 51ÁÔÆæ has had in one year was five students (this only has occurred once in 1999)—there have been several years where there have been four students (1994, 2000 and 2002).  One other bit of trivia-one of our the past recipients of the award is currently on the 51ÁÔÆæ Board of Directors, Nicki Prantner.  There are designated funds in the foundation which we are able to award to the selected students.”

51ÁÔÆæ sophomores Collin Brumm, Sullivan Fair, Cayden Kelly and Violet Stayner were selected for this year’s award.

Collin Brumm

Sullivan Fair

Cayden Kelly

Violet Stayner

Questions or comments?  Email Arian Schuessler, arian.schuessler@51ÁÔÆæ.edu

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Are you interested in attending 51ÁÔÆæ?  Apply Today!

51ÁÔÆæ, founded in 1918, is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa.  The college has 3,000 career and transfer students and has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a leading community college in the nation.  51ÁÔÆæ welcomes students from across Iowa, Minnesota, the nation, and the world. The College has served as a leader in student-centered learning, community engagement, and collaborative leadership for more than 100 years.  

The post 51ÁÔÆæ Mathematics Department honors outstanding sophomores appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.