Alumnus Spotlight: Andrew Hoffman

Andrew Hoffman
Andrew Hoffman

2007 graduate earned Master of Nonprofit Administration (M.N.A.) from North Park University

Andrew Hoffman, 39, graduated from Inver Hills Community College in 2007 with an Associate of Arts (A.A.), the college’s most popular transfer degree. Andrew continued his education after Inver Hills, completing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Business Management at Bethel University in 2009.

“After high school, I was uncertain about my career path,” he said. “However, I knew that furthering my education was essential to becoming a competitive candidate for employers. Pursuing an Associate of Arts degree offered me the flexibility and affordability I needed while I decided on a bachelor’s degree.”

After graduating from Bethel, Andrew attended North Park University, earning a Graduate Certificate in Fundraising Management in 2014 and then a Master of Nonprofit Administration (M.N.A.) in 2015.

While earning his A.A. at Inver Hills, Andrew worked full-time in various roles at the YMCA of the North. He continued working at the YMCA for nearly 18 years, advancing to the position of executive director. In July 2024, he started working as the development director at Neighbors, Inc., a nonprofit, social-service agency based in South St. Paul.

“Working at the YMCA of the North was an incredibly rewarding experience,” Andrew said. “It allowed me to connect with numerous wonderful community members and significantly contributed to my professional growth. Through formal training and the guidance of many great mentors, I developed valuable skills and knowledge. My time at the Y was instrumental in preparing me for my current role as the development director at Neighbors, Inc. It has been deeply fulfilling to work within the Dakota County community, where I live.”

Andrew and family made the cover of the Eagan Neighbors September 2024 issue

Story by Jodi Ritacca
Photo by Nicole Engstrom​

Eagan Neighbors
Photo by Nicole Engstrom

“Loving life in the community he grew up in and has returned to, Andrew Hoffman, his wife Laura Hannah, and their three children, share their journey back to the City of Eagan in the September issue of Eagan Neighbors Magazine.

“His love of community and giving back is embraced through his career in the nonprofit sector including with the YMCA in Eagan and now in his new role with Neighbors, Inc.

“‘I currently serve as the development director,’ said Andrew. ‘I have truly enjoyed the culture at Neighbors, Inc., and it is humbling to witness the dedication of our volunteers who help advance our mission. Last year, we had 300 active volunteers who contributed 22,000 hours of service! This remarkable level of volunteerism effectively doubles our organizational capacity!'”

Judy Skeie-Voss
Media Producer and Publisher
Judemania Media Communications LLC
Best Version Media

Andrew and Cody on Night to Unite 2024
Andrew and Cody on Night to Unite 2024
Learn more about Inver grads working at Neighbors, Inc., by reading:

Alumnus Spotlight: Cody Semo

Cody Semo; link to Alumnus Spotlight: Cody Semo

More about Andrew…

Originally from Eagan, Minnesota, Andrew graduated from Eagan High School, Class of 2004. He serves as a board member on the Eagan Community Foundation. He belongs to the Eagan Kick-Start Rotary Club that meets weekly at city hall in Eagan on Thursdays at 7 a.m.

Andrew and Laura at a friend's wedding in Pennsylvania
Andrew and Laura at a friend’s wedding in Pennsylvania

Andrew and his wife, Rev. Laura Hannah, have three children. Montrell and Ryla are in their early twenties; Steven is a toddler. The family has two dogs, Maya and Dudley, both Shih Tzus. Andrew and Laura have fostering more than 50 dogs.

“Laura and I are always on the go with our toddler,” Andrew said. “We love spending time together as a family and are lucky to live just a few houses away from my parents, so we get to see them often. With winter coming, I’m gearing up for some ice fishing in Osakis, Minnesota.”

Andrew added that one of his favorite pastimes is playing board games with friends.

“I’m a bit of a board game enthusiast and have played more than two hundred different games in 2024,” he said. “Lately, I’ve been really into Castles of Burgundy, especially since it was recently reprinted.”

Andrew and his family reside in Eagan.

Neighbors, Inc. gallery

Andrew Hoffman Q & A

Andrew Hoffman
Andrew Hoffman
How did your time at Inver Hills help prepare you for transfer to Bethel University?

Inver Hills Community College played a significant role in preparing me for my academic journey at Bethel University. The college provided a solid foundation that greatly enhanced my study habits, allowing me to manage my time more effectively and approach my coursework with greater discipline.

Additionally, the emphasis on critical thinking skills at Inver Hills was instrumental in shaping my ability to analyze complex problems, think independently, and develop well-reasoned arguments. These skills have been invaluable in my studies at Bethel University, contributing to my overall success and academic growth.

What did you like best about your experience as an Inver Hills student?

I really valued the flexibility, especially since I was juggling a full-time job at the YMCA along with a full class schedule.

Three words that describe you as an Inver Hills graduate:
CURIOUS. OPTIMISTIC. BALANCED.

What advice would you give students thinking about attending a two-year community college before transferring to a four-year school?

Community college offers a fantastic opportunity to expand your network and is an affordable educational pathway. It also provides the time and space to explore your interests and passions, all while making progress in your educational journey.

What inspired you to work in the nonprofit sector?

I have lived an incredibly blessed life, filled with opportunities and experiences that I am grateful for. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey has been working in the nonprofit sector. This career path allows me to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, providing support and resources for both individuals and communities. The work is rewarding and helps to give me a sense of purpose and satisfaction to my own life.

What do you like best about your job as the development director at Neighbors, Inc.?

What I love most about my role as the development director at Neighbors, Inc. is the ability to make a real, tangible difference for the organization, our clients, and the broader community. I have the privilege of meeting many generous individuals and families, and it’s incredibly rewarding to hear their stories and learn about their connections to our organization.

I truly feel there are so many people that want to strengthen the bedrock of community and my role puts me in a position to be a facilitator for those who want to help.

Three words that describe you as a nonprofit professional:
AUTHENTIC. TRUSTWORTHY. PASSIONATE.

What are the most challenging aspects of working at a nonprofit, community service agency?

The work is never complete.

What person has influenced your life the most and why?

There isn’t just one person who has influenced me the most. I’ve been fortunate to have many great mentors and friends throughout my life. Each of them has taught me something valuable, whether through their lived experiences, unique perspectives, or personal values.

My parents laid the foundational bedrock for my development, shaping who I am today. My wife has been instrumental in my growth as we share common goals and support each other. My children have also deeply impacted me, teaching me to be more compassionate, caring, and responsible.

If you could make one thing happen on Earth right now, what would it be?

For everyone to have a sense of belonging and able to feel and know that they are loved.

One word that best describes your experience at Inver Hills:

INVALUABLE

Andrew Hoffman 12 Answers

Andrew Hoffman

  1. Favorite sport or physical activity: Basketball
  2. Looking Glass Falls; link to Beautiful Places to Visit in North CarolinaPlace you would most like to visit: North Carolina
  3. Most exciting thing you’ve ever done: Visited Israel and Palestine
  4. Three things you would do if you won a $1 billion lottery: 1) Retire 2) Own a board game store 3) Build a home
  5. Best book or movie you’ve read or seen lately: Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
  6. Time period (past or future) you would explore if you could time travel: Future—100 years from now
  7. Who is your favorite music artist? Dean Martin
  8. Dean Martin; link to Dean Martin Wikipedia pageOne thing you most want to accomplish in your life: Early retirement
  9. Dream occupation: Running a family foundation
  10. Person you would most like to meet: My biological mother
  11. Skill you would most like to learn and master: Piano
  12. Most important issue or problem facing humankind: Lack of social connectedness

More about earning your Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree at Inver Hills…

Our #1 transfer degree!

female Inver student on mall; link to A.A. web page

The Associate of Arts (A. A.) degree is an ideal choice if you want to complete your general education requirements and complete the first two years of your bachelor’s degree.

At Inver Hills, you’ll have the added advantage of working one on one with your program faculty. That’s something you probably won’t find as a freshman or even a sophomore at the university level.

Undecided? No problem. Many students start college unsure of what they want to study. Get started and explore all of your options. Attend an A.A. Info Session to learn more!

Planning your degree

male Inver student on mall; link to A.A. web page

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC)

The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), is a general education curriculum that makes up the core of the AA degree. While taking courses from 10 goal areas, you will build your skills, broaden your knowledge, and explore possible majors. When complete, the MnTC transfers as “gen eds” to a variety of institutions, including all Minnesota State universities and the University of Minnesota.

Check with the school you plan to transfer to for up-to-date program information and transfer requirements.

Health & Physical Education

You must take 2 credits in Health (HLTH) and Physical Education (PHED) coursework to complete your Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree.

Electives

Electives are additional Inver Hills courses that meet liberal arts, prerequisite, or degree requirements at your intended transfer school. All courses must be 1000 level or above.

Check with your destination college for up-to-date program information and transfer requirements. Inver Hills academic advisors and counselors are very helpful in planning for transfer.


Transfer Pathway Options

female Inver student on mall; link to A.A. web page

A.A. Transfer Pathways are special A.A. degrees that allow you start your major early and seamlessly transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at any one of the Minnesota State universities.

After finishing your Transfer Pathway degree, you will be guaranteed junior-year status on admission to the university you’ve chosen. You also have the assurance you can earn your bachelor’s degree after completing an additional 60 credits (for 120-credit programs).

You must still meet any special admission requirements for your chosen major and are not guaranteed admission into the major itself.

Transfer Pathway A.A. degrees

A.A. with Emphasis

female Inver students on the mall; link to A.A. web page

The A.A. with Emphasis allows you to thoroughly prepare for your chosen major at a corresponding bachelor’s degree program at several public and private four-year colleges and universities. We strongly recommend that you work with an Inver Hills counselor or advisor when making your transfer plans.

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