As we begin to celebrate Welcoming Week, we couldn’t think of a better way to exemplify the welcoming spirit of Eastern Iowa than to share the stories and successes of those who have felt it personally. The Catherine McAuley Center (CMC) has had the privilege of not only getting to know Vinh Nguyen and his family, but to also watch them build relationships through the Center, thrive in their careers, and make Cedar Rapids their home. 

Vinh and his wife, Linh, moved to Cedar Rapids with their two young children in August of 2007, when Vinh accepted a teaching position at Coe College. Linh spoke very little English, and the couple had few connections to the area outside of Vinh’s new colleagues. Fortunately, the welcoming spirit of Cedar Rapids showed itself quickly. One of Vinh’s colleagues at Coe introduced them to the Catherine McAuley Center, where Linh soon began to take English classes and work towards her own career goals. 

Vinh and Linh Nguyen at the 2019 Annual Family Picnic at Bever Park with former board president Max Smith and his wife, Kathy. The picnic is an event where students, residents, clients, volunteers, and donors gather together to celebrate the welcoming community at CMC.

Two of the most important relationships that the Nguyens formed through CMC, both personally and professionally, were Bill and Merilee Rosberg. “I met Merilee and Bill when I started learning English at CMC and Merilee was my weekly teacher,” Linh said, elaborating on her early involvement with the Catherine McAuley Center, “They taught me not only English but also many things, especially the American culture, to help me adjust and integrate into a new country. They also supported me to return to Mount Mercy University to get my MBA degree.” 

After working as a finance coordinator for the Arc of East Central Iowa for five years, Linh accepted a position as a staff accountant at Coe College, where she works currently. Vinh has continued his career at Coe College while also becoming more and more involved at the Catherine McAuley Center. “Two years ago I was invited to serve as a board member and I agreed to do it”, Vinh said,  “As a board member I attend regular meetings to discuss, monitor, and vote to approve major plans and activities at CMC. I also serve as a member of the Education Advisory Committee.”

While Bill and Merilee offered the Nguyens a great deal of guidance in regards to their careers and community involvement, their personal relationship seems to shine above all else. “My family has been so grateful for all of their love and support over many years. It is so sad that Merilee passed away unexpectedly last year. We lost one of the best people in our life.”

Bill and Merilee in a CMC study room in 2016, with one of their many students.

The relationship between the Nguyen and Rosberg families demonstrates the  kindness, friendship, and welcoming spirit that exists within our community. It should serve as an example to all that when we work towards building a compassionate and inclusive community, everyone benefits.

“My colleagues at Coe and my friends in Cedar Rapids have helped me go through challenges and achieve a successful and happy life,” Vinh said, “It was very difficult at that time for Linh to learn English while taking care of two little children, but CMC provided flexible schedules so that she could keep learning. For us, Cedar Rapids has become our home, and we are so thankful for all people we have met, and especially for Bill and Merilee who have supported us with unconditional love.”