John Babcock Receives Prestigious Award for Transformative Contributions to Anoka Technical College

During the annual Anoka Technical College Foundation fundraiser on April 17, John Babcock, board chairman, CEO, and president of The Bank of Elk River, was honored with the Howard Rosenwinkel Humble Service Award for decades of outstanding dedication to the college. Babcock is the second recipient of this award, which recognizes prior board members for their exemplary board service and embodying the key characteristics of Anoka Tech’s founding director, Howard Rosenwinkel.

“I am truly honored to receive this award," Babcock said. "Having had the privilege of knowing Howard, I can confidently say the Humble Service Award is aptly named. Howard was one of the most humble and dedicated individuals I have ever met. Knowing this award is named after him makes it all the more meaningful to me.”

Babcock's association with the college began informally in the 1990s through his role as Vice President at The Bank of Elk River. Over time, this connection blossomed into a decades-long alliance, marked by numerous challenges and triumphs. He was heavily involved in saving the college in the early 2000s when the Minnesota State College and University system (MNSCU) wanted to close it. He was also instrumental in formalizing the Anoka Tech Foundation Board’s policies, procedures, and annual fundraising strategies over the years.

Babcock has personally gifted approximately $30,000 to the foundation for scholarships, and he worked diligently to establish more than $65,000 in scholarships with his father, Ed, who also graciously supported the foundation’s efforts for many years.

Babcock recounts that reading scholarship applications is what captivated him the most while on the board. “Listening to people’s stories and their drive to improve themselves through education is what drew me in and kept me engaged with the college for so many years,” said Babcock.  

After serving nine years on the foundation board, Babcock reached the maximum term allowed in 2011. Today, he remains actively involved by serving on the college's advisory board and the foundation's Emeritus board. Additionally, he frequently participates in the foundation's fundraising events.

“I was fortunate to have John on the foundation board for nine years and as its president for two of those years,” said Cheryl Kish, former executive director of the Anoka Technical College Foundation. “His strong commitment to the foundation, the college, and its students is truly inspiring. John's father, Ed Babcock, also valued the foundation and served as its president; he would be immensely proud of John's commitment to ATC students and this recent recognition."

The Bank of Elk River