“Building Bridges Between Albert Lea Business, Education and Student Communities” is the theme for the 2015 Albert Lea educational public forum.  It will be at 4 p.m. Thursday at Wedgewood Cove. The public is invited and encouraged to attend and participate in this important discussion, according to a press release. It preceeds the ticketed banquet for the 2015 Distinguished Alumni.

Leading the planning of this event and moderating the panel will be Lyman K. “Manny” Steil, Albert Lea High School graduate from 1956 and Distinguished Alumnus in 2012.

Joining Steil on a panel to discuss this topic are the following: Sid Vedoorn, Distinguished Alumnus; Jerry Tostrud, Distinguished Alumnus; John Morrison, Distinguished Alumnus; Al Arends, Education Foundation board member; Mike Funk, Albert Lea Area Schools superintendent; Matt Bissonette, Riverland Community College dean; Mark Ciota, Albert Lea Area Schools school board chairman and CEO of Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin; and  Nate Jensen, Albert Lea Economic Development Agency board member and vice president of Albert Lea Select Foods and Quality Pork Processors.

The purpose of the 2015 fifth-annual Albert Lea educational public forum is to generate significant and thoughtful discussion and action on important educational opportunities that will positively impact students and the larger business community of Albert Lea, according to the release.

To this end, “Building Bridges Between Albert Lea Business, Educator and Student Communities” will focus on building three opportunities of expanded growth relationships:

The opportunity to enhance beyond the classroom learning and growth opportunities for Albert Lea students.

The opportunity for ALHS students to gain greater appreciation, insight and experience regarding the larger vocational experiences and opportunities within and beyond the borders of Albert Lea.

The opportunity for Albert Lea businesses and ALHS educators to establish closer connections by developing meaningful student internships, mentorships and scholarships in the pursuit of enhancing the greater education of ALHS students.

Organizers hope the 2015 public forum will continue to initiate excitement, ongoing discussion and creative action led by the Education Foundation of Albert Lea, Albert Lea Area Schools, Riverland Community College, Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce and business community, ALEDA and Albert Lea parents and students.

Registration for the banquet is not necessary to attend the public forum.

Following the public forum, the Pathways to Success Distinguished Alumni Banquet will be held at Wedgewood Cove, beginning with a cash bar at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and program at 6:30 p.m.  Tickets are $40 per person and must be purchased by Monday.

Distinguished Alumni being honored at the banquet include Rebecca C. Barr, Ph.D., class of 1956, posthumously; Pete Veldman, class of 1951; Linda Cruz-Lares, class of 1974, and John M. Morrison, class of 1955.

Questions about the forum, the banquet or Education Foundation may be directed to Lilah Aas, foundation president, at edfound.al@gmail.com.