Inver Hills Announces PTK 2025–2026 All-Minnesota Academic Team
Leah Ellis
Nicole Bambach
Maddi Sauter
Storm Laster
Leah Ellis
Nicole Bambach
Maddi Sauter
Storm Laster
New Century Scholar Workforce Pathway nominees: Maddi Sauter and Storm Laster •New Century Scholar Transfer Pathway nominees: Leah Ellis and Nicole Bambach
Four students from Inver Hills Community College have been named to the Phi Theta Kappa 2025–2026 All-Minnesota Academic Team. Leah Ellis, Pre-Social Work major, and Nicole Bambach, Nursing major, made the team as New Century Scholar Transfer Pathway nominees. Maddi Sauter, CRPPO major, and Storm Laster, Paralegal major, made the team as New Century Scholar Workforce Pathway nominees.
Representing the best-of-the-best two-year college students from across the state, Maddi, Storm, Leah, and Nicole are four of a limited number of students per campus who have been selected for nomination for the All-USA/Coca-Cola Academic Team. They have been placed in competition for All-USA Academic Team, Coca-Cola Academic Team, and New Century Pathway scholarship awards.
Maddi, Storm, Leah, and Nicole will each receive a $250 scholarship from the Inver Hills Foundation to recognize their academic accomplishments. They will be honored at the All-Minnesota Academic Team Recognition Luncheon in spring 2026. Their commitment to academic excellence and community service is commendable. Phi Theta Kappa will notify all scholars in contention of their placement on national teams by April 2025.
Introduced two decades ago, the All-Minnesota Academic Team recognizes two-year college students for their leadership, scholastic achievements, and service to campus and area communities. The program provides scholarships to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society members while promoting excellence at two-year colleges.
Inver Hills All-Minnesota Academic Team
Maddi Sauter
Maddi Sauter
New Century Scholar Workforce Pathway Nominee Phi Theta Kappa 2025–2026 All-Minnesota Academic Team
CRPPO Major
Age: 20 Hometown: Maple Grove, Minnesota High school and year graduated: Century High School, Class of 2023 Inver Hills major and degree earning:Culturally Responsive Professional Peace Officer (CRPPO) A.S. Inver Hills scheduled graduation date: Spring 2027 Inver Hills extracurricular activities: PTK and Psi Beta Honor Society Career plans: Join the Minnesota State Patrol as a trooper
“I never imagined I would qualify for an award of this level of excellence,” Maddi said. “While I have always taken my academics seriously, beginning my studies at Inver Hills in 2024 and discovering my passion for law enforcement transformed my commitment. Since then I have dedicated myself fully to pursuing my degree with the highest level of effort, so I can serve the state of Minnesota with the highest level of education and experience possible as a state trooper in my future.
“As a woman entering a traditionally male-dominated field, I have encountered many individuals who have doubted my goals and expressed disbelief in my abilities. Despite this, I feel strongly that I am moving in the right direction whether others choose to support me or not. To the incredible faculty and staff at Inver Hills, as well as my family and friends who do believe in me, thank you. I would not have reached this milestone without your constant encouragement.”
“Jason Mraz, a music artist who rose to popularity in the early 2010s, continues to inspire me with his uplifting songs, especially on days where my confidence is hard to find. One of my favorite quotes of his one I strive to live by.”
‘May the road less paved be the road that you follow.’ — Jason Mraz
Three words that describe you as a college student:
INDEPENDENT. FOCUSED. ADAPTABLE.
Maddi Sauter • Q & A
What motivated you to attend Inver Hills?
I’ve had relatives attend Inver Hills to earn degrees and certificates that advanced their careers. Seeing how successful they became, I knew Inver Hills could provide me with an excellent education as well.
What advice would you give someone thinking about enrolling at a two-year community college?
Seriously consider whether your dream career truly requires more than a two-year degree or certificate program. Many people automatically choose a university even when they aren’t sure what career field they want. Community colleges offer countless opportunities and events that can help you explore different career paths such as local job fairs. They also tend to have smaller student populations, which creates a more close-knit, family-like environment.
How has your participation in PTK helped advance your college career?
I am a new member of PTK, having been inducted about a month ago. Since then, I have participated in two member meetings and begun getting to know other members, which has helped strengthen my communication skills. I am looking forward to becoming more involved in PTK and its events for Inver Hills during the upcoming spring semester.
If you could make one thing happen on Earth right now, what would it be?
If I could make one change in the world today, I would ensure that every person and animal has reliable access to SAFE shelter, nutritious food, and clean water. Though it may seem like simple resources we tend to overlook, my experience as a volunteer reserve officer with the Saint Paul Police Department has shown me that these “basic necessities” remain out of reach for many.
It is heartbreaking to witness members of the local homeless community with nowhere to go during the bitter cold of winter nights. We should never take these fundamental needs for granted.
One word that best describes your experience at Inver Hills:
WELCOMING
Storm Laster
Storm Laster
New Century Scholar Workforce Pathway Nominee Phi Theta Kappa 2025–2026 All-Minnesota Academic Team
Paralegal Major
Age: 28 Hometown: Leonard Town, Maryland High school and year graduated: Port Angles High School, Class of 2015 Inver Hills major and degree earning: Paralegal certificate Inver Hills scheduled graduation date: May 2026 Inver Hills extracurricular activities: PTK (resides five hours from Inver Hills campus) Transfer plans: Not right now, but if the opportunity arose from the workplace where it could lead to her to the next step in her career, then she would. Career plans: Has plans to build on a previous degree in Fashion Design; as for her paralegal career: “I seek to inspire a better humanity. I want to be involved in areas like pro bono, legal aid, the Innocence Network, assisting veterans, and shedding light on the vibrancy of Puerto Rico’s culture, yet how the commonwealth is grappling with immense systematic and humanitarian challenges. With these goals, I hope to find and work under a likeminded lawyer.”
“I am deeply grateful for this recognition,” Storm said. “It speaks of the crucial synergy between a thoughtful command of knowledge guided by unwavering inner knowing—the undeniable power that emerges when the ability to contribute ideas is guided by unwavering intuition.”
Words that describe you as a college student:
DETERMINED. CREATIVELY DYNAMIC. BREAK THE MOLD. GOOD-NATURED LEARNER.
Storm Laster • Q & A
What motivated you to attend Inver Hills?
I liked that my program at Inver Hills is ABA-approved, and that there is a wide variety of career-related degrees/certificate pathways.
What advice would you give someone thinking about enrolling at a two-year community college?
It is a great path for getting your electives before transferring. It is a smart, affordable, and flexible path for quality education at a fraction of the cost to help prepare for a job or university afterwards.
How has your participation in PTK helped advance your college career?
I’m glad to be a part of an opportunity like this that helps me to succeed even after graduating and still having PTK connections. PTK has a lot to offer, and I am still virtually navigating through participation as I live far from campus.
If you could make one thing happen on Earth right now, what would it be?
To bring humanity back to people—compassion, ethical conduct, connection, and compassion over systems, profit, or division. Accelerate a global unified pivot towards sustainability, universal equality, and radical transparency by exposing deep rooted, systematic corruption, without safety being at risk.
I think the underlying theme here is having a foundation of integrity in institutions, relationships with people, and our relationship with the planet and animals. An ethical reawakening of our species.
One word that best describes your experience at Inver Hills:
New Century Scholar Transfer Pathway Nominee Phi Theta Kappa 2025–2026 All-Minnesota Academic Team
Pre-Social Work Major
Age: 38 Hometown: Los Angeles, California High school and year graduated: GED spring 2024; tested with Great Rivers in South Washington School District at Cottage Grove location Inver Hills major and degree earning: Pre-Social Work Transfer Pathway A.S. Inver Hills scheduled graduation date: May 2026 Inver Hills extracurricular activities: PTK VP of Scholarships, Parent Support Group Transfer plans:Minnesota State Moorhead Bachelor of Social Work Online Career plans: Clinical therapy and research specializing in family and children
“This experience was quite shocking,” Leah said, “and I am so grateful for the opportunity.”
Words that describe you as a college student:
DETERMINED. PHILOMATH. PROACTIVE.
Leah Ellis • Q & A
What motivated you to attend Inver Hills?
There were many contributing factors that landed me to enroll at Inver. One of the biggest reasons was my oldest son. At that time, he was in his last semester of eighth grade. I was very proud of him yet, insecure within myself because I felt he would pass me academically. I wanted him to be proud of his mom. As much as I preached for him to continue his education after high school, I needed to set an example. So I did!
What advice would you give someone thinking about enrolling at a two-year community college?
I would say do it! A two-year degree will open so many doors for you. You will learn so much within a short amount of time regardless of what courses you may take. Aside of the course studies, you will learn characteristics about yourself along the way.
How has your participation in PTK helped advance your college career?
Being a member of PTK alone allows recognition of your academic successes. Additionally, multiple four-year universities will automatically accept your application because you are a PTK member.
If you could make one thing happen on Earth right now, what would it be?
I would provide food, shelter, and mentorship for every child.
One word that best describes your experience at Inver Hills:
COMFORTING
Nicole Bambach
Nicole Bambach
New Century Scholar Transfer Pathway Nominee Phi Theta Kappa 2025–2026 All-Minnesota Academic Team
Nursing Major
Age: 32 Hometown: Maplewood, Minnesota High school and year graduated: North Senior High School, Class of 2011 Inver Hills major and degree earning: Nursing A.S. Inver Hills scheduled graduation date: May 2027 Inver Hills extracurricular activities: PTK; also fosters animals Transfer plans: Earn a B.S.N. Career plans: Labor delivery nurse is dream job
“I am deeply honored to be selected as a Phi Theta Kappa All-Minnesota Academic Team member,” Nicole said. “This recognition reflects not only my effort, but also the incredible support of my family. My husband and children have been patient and understanding, often helping pick up the slack with dinners and household responsibilities so I could stay focused on school.
“I am also very grateful for the professors at Inver Hills who have supported me and helped set me up for success, as well as my classmates who study alongside me and encourage me every step of the way. Inver Hills has been a welcoming place, and I am proud to represent this college as I continue my educational journey.”
Words that describe you as a college student:
PUNCTUAL. ORGANIZED. DEDICATED.
Nicole Bambach • Q & A
What motivated you to attend Inver Hills?
I wanted to get a nursing degree, and Inver Hills was close to home. When I did my campus tour, it felt welcoming, which is what encouraged me to attend this school.
What advice would you give someone thinking about enrolling at a two-year community college?
Give it a chance! I have had nothing but amazing experiences with the students and staff.
How has your participation in PTK helped advance your college career?
PTK gives me another opportunity to meet other students.
If you could make one thing happen on Earth right now, what would it be?
I am an animal lover, so I would love to see animals finding homes and not being euthanized!
One word that best describes your experience at Inver Hills:
Phi Theta Kappa is an invitation-based honor society for two-year colleges. The Alpha Omicron Beta chapter at Inver Hills Community Colleges welcomes all eligible students to accept their membership and get involved! The international overall success rate of PTK members is 91 percent. That is more than double the success rates of other community colleges students.
Phi Theta Kappa’s mission is to recognize and promote student academic achievement. PTK provides opportunities to cultivate professional and leadership skills, secure scholarships, explore diverse career paths, and build a network of supportive peers and trusted advisors that last a lifetime. They focus on four hallmarks which include- leadership, fellowship, service, and scholarship.
Requirements
Complete 12 credits at Inver Hills Community College
Cumulative GPA average of 3.25
Earn a 3.5 GPA in at least one semester
Once you meet the requirements, you will be invited by the end of the third week of the following semester (fall and spring).
Representing the best-of-the-best two-year college students from across the state, Maddi, Storm, Leah, and Nicole are four of a limited number of students per campus who have been selected for nomination for the All-USA/Coca-Cola Academic Team. They have been placed in competition for All-USA Academic Team, Coca-Cola Academic Team, and New Century Pathway scholarship awards.
