Minnesota North - Vermilion brought over 20 regional organizations to its campus to table at the college’s annual Welcome Week.
Nonprofits, businesses and other establishments set up informational displays, flyers, pamphlets and free merchandise outside the cafeteria during students’ lunch hour.
The event is part of the Vermilion Campus’s larger efforts to engage students with the broader Ely community, and vice versa.
“Connection and community are one of the key ingredients in what makes Ely fantastic, and that is part of what drives and draws students to the Vermilion Campus,” said Elizabeth Chapman, director of the Vermilion Campus Foundation.
Chapman said interchange between the college and the broader area can shape students’ career paths, boost their academic success and bring diversity to the Ely area.
The college has made efforts to attend farmers markets, invite community members to eat meals in the cafeteria and host city-wide events in the college’s theater — from candidate forums to theatrical productions.
Student clubs might have advisors who are local residents, and the LedgeRock Community Church partners with the college to offer Sunday dinner for students and long-term Elyites alike.
The 2026-2027 school year follows weeks of the campus’s service as an incident command center for firefighters, which involved a number of public meetings and informational briefings.
“The campus is a valuable part of our community, and one that I think everyone, whether they know it or not, really appreciates,” Chapman said.
Community members can also donate to the college’s food pantry or clothing, hygiene and household supply room. Items from these rooms go to students at no cost.
Those interested in contributing supplies can bring donations to the admissions office or the Vermilion Campus Foundation’s office. Kitchen supplies, bedding and other necessities are accepted.
Following Community Day, Chapman said she received positive feedback about the event from a number of students who enjoyed the opportunity to learn about local groups and collect free goodies from the tables.
“We really appreciate our community showing up for those students, and we look forward to hosting everyone again,” Chapman said.
