The Extraordinary Educationalist

Claudia Kittock “decided in the second grade that she was going to be a teacher.” She never wavered from her desire and has been teaching at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Cambridge Campus for the past 25 years. Her life remains a testament of strength, humor and joy and how desire overcomes even the deadliest foes.

Kittock grew up 30 miles from Rochester in southeaster Minnesota on a farm homesteaded by her ancestors that formally became an Evarts farm in 1958. Kittock and her three sisters grew up reading and talking about politics and history every night at the dinner table. Both her parents graduated from high school, but it was clearly understood in her family that a college degree was a minimum requirement for the Evarts children.

Kittock began her education at West Concord High School, progressed to Rochester Community College then Gustavus Adolphus. Both her Master’s and PhD are from the University of Minnesota, Twin-Cities.

Kittock met her husband Rick her first year teaching. Rick was directing the fall play, and asked for her help with the musical numbers. By November they were dating, and just celebrated their 32nd anniversary. Kittock has two sons, Tyler her oldest graduated from the University three years ago and the youngest, Ryne will graduate in May.

Kittock has always been an activist and worked for Hubert Humphrey’s campaign in 1968, marched against the Vietnam War, marched for women’s rights and continues to be active in campaigning for the equal rights of all citizens.

Kittock was hired 25 years ago at Cambridge Community College as a psychology professor. Working during the early college stages was “very exciting because the college was always in danger of being closed.” In order for the doors to remain open students would have to attend classes so all faculty and staff made it their goal to become the institution of choice.

Five years ago Kittock was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. Kittock believes the diagnosis “transformed her life and challenged her belief about medicine and healing.” She continued to teach during a year of chemotherapy, five weeks of radiation, and nine surgeries. Kittock noticed that cancer patients either die, or choose to live a life where every minute matters, she chose the latter. Kittock has “always been gifted with joy, but cancer magnified that joy in ways that will never, ever go away.”

Kittock now believes that much of what modern medicine tells the public is flawed by the involvement of drug companies. Medicine has largely become about profit, yet Kittock acknowledges she is alive because of the drug companies. Kittock believes that much of the wisdom about healing from illness lies in nutrition, Tai Chi, meditation, and centuries old practices and wisdom. Kittock enjoys using coconut oil, olive oil and butter for cooking and believes that incorporating fats and whole foods is vital to health. Kittock also runs two miles every day and intends to compete in a 5K this summer.

Kittock volunteers every week at Hennepin County Medical Center and reads books to children in the pediatric clinic who are waiting to see the doctor. She is known to her audience as the Book Lady. There are many funny and poignant moments. One of Kittock’s favorites was an adorable five year old boy who read with her for over 90 minutes. He giggled, he was astonished, he asked questions, was thoroughly engaged. When it was time for Kittock to leave, she thanked him for reading, and told him she hoped he would see the doctor very soon. He responded, "Senora, I saw the doctor a long time ago." Kittock asked where his papa was, and he pointed to a man sitting in the corner. The papa explained that he had been waiting for 90 minutes after the appointment because "reading is so important.”

Kittock currently resides with her husband Rick in Minneapolis. Kittock loves living in the city and their loft overlooks the Mississippi River and is two blocks from the Guthrie Theater. Kittock’s favorite restaurant is Sanctuary which is across the street from their loft. It only holds 65 people, but the food is amazing, and the owner knows everyone who dines there and always asks about Kittock’s last oncology appointment.

Kittock remains optimistic about the future of the world, our country and her health. Kittock is committed to providing an exceptional learning environment and believes that Anoka-Ramsey Community, Cambridge Campus is her favorite place to inspire and ignite a love of learning in all her students.