Student Affairs welcome Alex Hilterbrand as Director of Student Engagement

Alex Hilterbrand, FinnU’s new Director of Student Engagement, was welcomed into the student affairs staff this past November 2021. Although this will be Alex’s first experience working in higher education, her background and education play important roles as to why she has been selected to help with expanding student engagement at Finlandia. 

Hilterbrand’s education started at Vermilion Community College in Ely, Minnesota with their Wilderness Management Associate degree program and continued at Bemidji State University with their Wilderness Management and Recreation Planning Bachelor of Applied Science program. On top of her university degrees, Hilterbrand has certifications in Backcountry Guiding and Wildland Fires. Some positions that she has spearheaded since graduating include Park Ranger for Isle Royale National Park, Park Ranger for Army Corps of Engineers, Park Ranger with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Itasca State Park, Gooseberry Falls State Park), Naturalist/Outdoor Educator for the Laurentian Environmental Center and Forester for the Superior National Forest (Kawishiwi Ranger Station).

To put it simply, she loves the outdoors and hopes to make the beautiful area of the Keweenaw more accessible for FinnU students.

“I’m dedicated to showcasing the Keweenaw and all of the beauty and adventure it has to offer to Finlandia students. Spending time outdoors can be a great catalyst for self-sufficiency, resiliency, and personal growth. It is my goal to bring out all of these qualities in students through outdoor adventure programming,” Hilterbrand said. 

Aside from expanding the outdoor opportunities for students, Hilterbrand is looking forward to connecting with students and the Finlandia community.

“I am most excited to be a part of a small but strong community; forging strong connections with students as well as staff, and being a mentor to students.”

When Hilterbrand isn’t working with Finlandia students and building student engagement, you can find her outside; hiking, kayaking, bow hunting, camping, fishing, snowshoeing and agate picking. Otherwise, she also enjoys photography and spends a lot of time in the gym. 

The best way to reach Hilterbrand is by phone at (906)487-7460, email Alex.Hilterbrand@finlandia.edu or on-campus in Mannerheim 100.