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News & Notes: November 2011

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In this issue: 10 years of Integrated Business Core (IBC); nursing students rank top in the nation in licensure exams; student internship success stories; automotive department spotlight
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NOVEMBER 2011 l 1 EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2011 A decade of Integrated Business Core (IBC) » Scott Haycock: Senior, Communication is semester marks the 10 th anniversary of the Integrated Business Core (IBC) program. Over the past decade, more than 2,700 students have been involved in creating and running 115 different companies that have generated over $600,000 in revenue. “Faculty and students have really built something special over the last 10 years. e IBC program has become the hallmark of the Department of Business Management because of the hard work and cooperation of all those involved,” said faculty member Chris Andrews. is unique educational experience was developed when the school transitioned to BYU-Idaho in 2001. Instructors in the Department of Business Management had seen similar programs at other four-year universities and wanted to implement a comparable version at BYU-Idaho. But unlike other programs, IBC is available only to students during their junior or senior year. “By having students take IBC as upperclassmen, they are more mature and ready to take what they have learned and transition that into their businesses,” said Joshua Holt, faculty member in the Department of Business Management. HOW IT WORKS e businesses that have come from IBC aren’t just lemonade stands. At the beginning of each semester, students come up with a business idea and have it approved by two councils and a loan committee. Once a business is selected, students are required to create a business plan, addressing issues such as marketing strategies, operations, management, and finance. Students have eight weeks to run their business and are accountable for all operations, from calling suppliers and negotiating pricing to setting up a location to sell their product. Details such as how to obtain, promote, and sell the product; how to garner interest; and how to handle cash flow all have to be determined. continued on pg. 4 IBC groups from Fall 2011: Above left: Your Image; Middle: CAPS; Above right: Longevity; Below right: Danish Delights; Page 4: Windshield Warriors
Transcript
Page 1: News & Notes: November 2011

NOVEMBER 2011 l 1

EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2011

A decade of Integrated Business Core (IBC)» Scott Haycock: Senior, Communication

This semester marks the 10th anniversary of the Integrated Business Core (IBC) program. Over the past decade, more than 2,700 students have been involved in creating and running 115 different companies that have generated over $600,000 in revenue.

“Faculty and students have really built something special over the last 10 years. The IBC program has become the hallmark of the Department of Business Management because of the hard work and cooperation of all those involved,” said faculty member Chris Andrews.

This unique educational experience was developed when the school transitioned to BYU-Idaho in 2001. Instructors in the Department of Business Management had seen similar programs at other four-year universities and wanted to implement a comparable version at BYU-Idaho. But unlike other programs, IBC is available only to students during their junior or senior year.

“By having students take IBC as upperclassmen, they are more mature and ready to take what they have learned and transition that into their businesses,” said Joshua Holt, faculty member in the Department of Business Management.

How It works

The businesses that have come from IBC aren’t just lemonade stands. At the beginning of each semester, students come up with a business idea and have it approved by two councils and a loan committee. Once a business is selected, students are required to create a business plan, addressing issues such as marketing strategies, operations, management, and finance.

Students have eight weeks to run their business and are accountable for all operations, from calling suppliers and negotiating pricing to setting up a location to sell their product. Details such as how to obtain, promote, and sell the product; how to garner interest; and how to handle cash flow all have to be determined. continuedonpg.4

IBC groups from Fall 2011: Above left: Your Image; Middle: CAPS; Above right: Longevity; Below right: Danish Delights; Page 4: Windshield Warriors

Page 2: News & Notes: November 2011

2 l BYU- IDAHO NEWS & NOTES NOVEMBER 2011 l 3

Partnerships better prepare student teachers

Thanks to six additional partnerships between BYU-Idaho and school districts in four states, students pursuing an education degree continue to get one step closer to their future careers.

Since launching last winter at 16 schools, the Partner School Program has increased the quality of students’ learning experience by evaluating the student teaching experience through ongoing two-way communication and regular feedback. With accurate and timely feedback from partner schools, BYU-Idaho faculty members can provide support and assistance to student teachers in the field. Also, the department can learn how well our students are prepared, become more aware of school districts’ needs, and better understand what districts require of their employees.

“This program allows our students to better prepare for their chosen field,” said Kevin Stanger, chair of the Department of Education. “We are getting a realistic idea of what schools expect from their teachers. And school districts love the program because they are getting students who know exactly what is required of them. Because of this our students are more employable once they graduate.”

Get help with your Thanksgiving meal

From Nov. 21-23, Food Services’ annual harvest pie sale will offer 10-inch pies ranging from apple and pumpkin to chocolate and lemon merengue. Along with pies, other holiday dishes such as rolls, salads, turkey, prime rib, and mashed potatoes will also be available. Get help with your Thanksgiving dinner by calling Food Services at Ext. 2841. For more info., visit www.byui.edu/foodservices/catering/CateringHome.htm.

Civil engineering degree now available

BYU-Idaho will soon offer a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Junior-level courses will be available Fall 2012.

“This has been the most requested degree by students, their parents, and the industry in general,” said Garth Miller, chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. “When we meet with professionals, they’re constantly asking for civil engineering majors. The need for engineers who can update the nation’s aging roads, bridges, and other infrastructures has never been greater.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, civil engineers are expected to experience 24 percent employment growth during the next decade, compared to 11 percent average growth in all other occupations.

Until now, the department has offered only an associate of applied science degree in civil engineering. For more information about the new degree, contact [email protected].

Nursing students shine in licensure exams

After undergoing demanding classes and grueling tests, nursing students take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). But it is all worth it for BYU-Idaho nursing students who have an average score of 96 percent — six points above the national average.

The licensure exam is required for students pursuing a nursing career, and BYU-Idaho students tout the second highest pass rate in the state. These scores are based on first-time pass rates.

“Every semester our students take pre-tests that simulate their final licensure exam, and I know that’s what makes a difference,” said Susan Dicus, Department of Nursing chair. “These high test scores tell us that graduates have learned to be safe. The most reassuring thing is hearing feedback from community members who have received excellent care from students.”

Rachel Edwards works at Lincoln Elementary School in Rexburg last semester as part of the Partner School Program.

University News Briefs

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2 l BYU- IDAHO NEWS & NOTES NOVEMBER 2011 l 3

BYU-Idaho featured in Deseret News

Deseret News published a series of three articles in October featuring BYU-Idaho and how the university is innovating and pushing the boundaries of higher education.

• Article 1: www.deseretnewscom/article/700188498• Article 2: www.deseretnews.com/article/700188756• Article 3: www.deseretnews.com/article/700189078

raising the bar for education majors

Students hoping to major in Elementary Education (ELED) or Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) will soon have to apply for admittance.

In an effort to help prospective students better prepare for the demands and expectations of a teaching career, the Department of Education is taking the opportunity to clarify standards within the department. “The application process helps us make sure we have the best prepared students by having them demonstrate the skills and dispositions necessary for the workplace,” said Kevin Stanger, chair of the Department of Teacher Education.

To be considered for admission, students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA, complete a background check, demonstrate minimum competency skills in mathematics and literacy, demonstrate professional conduct and dispositions, and successfully complete required prerequisite courses. Students who have declared ELED or ECSE as their major and have completed or are currently enrolled in pre-application courses will not be required to apply.

Published authors take advice from English students

As digits are dialed, students form a circle of chairs around the speakerphone in the center of the classroom. A “good morning” crackles over the line and the English class sets in for its first-ever round of telling an author how he can improve his writing.

Every semester, students in the Department of English get an opportunity to learn valuable editing skills as published and yet-to-be published authors give their manuscripts to classes for critique. In a matter of a few weeks, students divide into groups to pour over texts, summarize their criticism, and eventually make a presentation to the author, whether in-person or over the phone.

“If my students did similar assignments just for me, they might get them back, look at the grade, and put them straight into the trash,” said English instructor Steve Stewart. “The educational experience is so much richer when they’re editing an outside client’s work and realize it may be published.”

In recent months editing and professional writing students have worked with author David Higginbotham to edit the manuscript for his novella, James Allen on his Utah History project, Jon Linford’s Foundations Humanities texts, and Terrel Transtrum’s guide to direct marketing. Previous classes have worked on projects ranging from fictional works to study guides and references.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ...ERIN QUINTON

The walls of the Spori Art Gallery stand bare, a stark difference compared to the vibrant art that once adorned them. Crates litter the gallery, full of an exhibit just shipped in from New York City. Erin Quinton has waited for this moment for months, excited as a young child on Christmas morning waiting to carefully open each box to see what amazing piece of artwork is hidden inside.

As gallery manager, Erin Quinton has the opportunity to coordinate and schedule exhibits from artwork in BYU-Idaho’s permanent art collection, local artists, or even traveling exhibits from around the country. Once she schedules an exhibit that will interest, inspire, and stimulate students, employees, and community members she obtains it and creates her own masterpiece within the gallery.

“The opportunity to place and design the gallery is an amazing experience; it helps me to feel inspired the same way it helps others to feel inspired,” Quinton said. When designing the gallery she leans paintings on walls and strategically plans out the gallery. As she walks back and forth, she gains perspective and asks herself what way is the best approach to show off the artwork in the most pleasing manner. Once everything is perfect Quinton puts the final touches on the exhibit including lighting, which enhances the experience of those coming to the gallery.

In addition to choosing art for the gallery, Quinton also helps find artwork to fill the walls of each campus building — from Andy Warhol pop art to impressionist paintings by Sergei Bongart to Maitre de l’Affiche’ vintage posters. BYU-Idaho has over 2,000 pieces of original artwork from various artists, mediums, and styles from Europe and the Western United States.

“The university invests so much time and energy into choosing art for specific buildings because it is not only for beautification purposes, but also for teaching and learning. I love being a part of it,” Quinton said.

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IBC BUSINESSES

Following are a variety of IBC business offerings and services over the past decade: • Cookbooks • Crepes • Dutch oven food • Frozen banana/treats • Hotdogs • Perfume & cologne • Portraits • Quesadillas • Rexburg area info CD • Rice heating pads • Rick’s memorabilia • Scrubs • Singing competition • Sunglasses • Talk Show

QUESTION 1Q:Why is there such a large difference between extended insurance coverage premiums at BYU-Idaho and BYU?

A:Extended coverage is a health insurance benefit available to students for a limited time after they leave the university. BYU subsidizes its extended coverage for students, but because relatively few BYU-Idaho students use this coverage, it is not subsidized by the university. Subsidizing this premium would alternately increase the regular insurance premium for everyone else.

QUESTION 2Q:By moving Thor to a different location, are we somehow getting rid of the Spirit of Ricks?

A:Thor was the mascot for Ricks College but has never been a manifestation of the Spirit of Ricks. Rather, the Spirit of Ricks is friendliness, lifting one another up, saying hello, smiling, and promoting good within each other. Students come here feeling like they can make great progress in their lives and that people care about them. That is the Spirit of Ricks.

QUESTION 3Q:Are faculty members monitored regarding how they run their classrooms? Some of my instructors require much more than the typical two hours of outside work for every hour spent in class.

A:No, faculty members are not monitored or checked up on. Two hours out of class for every hour in class is the guideline, but there’s flexibility there. If students have a challenge with something that happens in class or the overall workload, they should first visit with the faculty member. They

may then work up to the department chair and then the dean if the concern is not resolved.

QUESTION 4Q:How do we as faculty members avoid grade inflation?

A:Appropriately and authentically assessing a student’s performance is one of the most challenging tasks a faculty member has. Grade inflation is a problem across the country. Discussion should be taking place amongst colleagues in our colleges and departments about the best ways to handle potential grade inflation. Seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost amongst colleagues is the best place to address what is a very challenging situation.

ThePresident’sQ&Aoccursmonthly,wherePresidentClarkanduniversityvicepresidentsanswersubmittedquestions.QuestionsforanupcomingQ&[email protected].

President’s Q&A recap oCtoBEr 11, 2011

IBC 10th AnniversaryCONTINUED FROM PG. 1

“The chance to start a business and see it through is empowering,” said former IBC member and alumnus, Joe Richards. “This was the most exciting aspect of IBC for me — to live it, not just learn it. It has definitely been a big step toward my future.”

From cookbooks to quesadillas, IBC groups have sold a variety of items and services over the years, generating revenue ranging from as little as $1,800 to $24,000. Income gained through the businesses is funneled back into the program to help future students.

tHE PAYoffCraig Bell, faculty member in the

Department of Business Management, has studied and researched the IBC program since its creation. “During my research I interviewed several alumni who were part of the IBC program. They mentioned during job interviews that the IBC was often discussed — employers were impressed students received that type of academic experience,” said Bell.

His research found because IBC students solve problems in a team environment, they tend to be more effective

when placed in similar environments after graduation. Also, because the IBC allows students to see different aspects of business, graduates tend to see business holistically — helping them make better decisions in the workplace.

“During interviews employers love to hear about the experience students get in IBC. Students can actually say that they were the CEO of a company,” said Andrews. “They deal with the same issues that real

CEO’s do; the only difference is there are more zeros at the end of real CEO’s figures.”

During the decade of its existence, IBC has seen a number of changes — all with the intent of better serving students. “This is an ever-evolving program,” said Holt. “There is constant learning and working to try to perfect it. We ask, ‘What does it take to make a successful business?’ And then we work to implement changes.”

The most exciting aspect of IBC for me [was] to live it, not just learn it.

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4 l BYU- IDAHO NEWS & NOTES NOVEMBER 2011 l 5

sEtH NEHrINgSenior, International Studies TheInstituteforSelf-ReliantAgriculture–Piura,Peru

When Seth Nehring began searching for his internship, he never thought he would end up leading an international Non-Government Organization (NGO).

But because of his determination and knowledge gained through university course studies, Nehring maximized his opportunities. As the first-ever intern at the Institute for Self-Reliant Agriculture (SRA) located in Piura, Peru, Nehring started as an administrative assistant and worked his way up to the interim director.

“My year’s experience working with Student Support really prepared me for my internship. There I learned office management, leadership training, financial procedures, recruitment efforts, and goal-oriented planning,” said Nehring.

After the SRA director resigned, Nehring was asked to serve as interim director based on his experience in directing volunteers and the courses he took on development and NGO management. He was involved in redesigning and implementing internationally based financial procedures and he successfully led a staff in laying the foundation for a fully functioning and measurable program intended to teach Peruvians how to be agriculturally self-sufficient.

➝ INTERNSHIPS SPECIAL FEATURE

from New York to New Delhi BYU-IDAHo INtErNs fIND sUCCEss ACross tHE gloBE

» Scott Haycock: Senior, Communication

This year, more than 2,000 students have interned through-out the world from New York to New Delhi. Student experi-ences have ranged from being the first-ever intern for an organization to coordinating a major publicity event involv-ing celebrities and dignitaries. The point is — BYU-Idaho interns are in demand and are involved in real-world work that requires skill and ambition. The following are just a few experiences that showcase the work of these interns.

MAttHEw loNgMorESenior, CommunicationEdelman–NewDelhi,India

At the end of his 21-hour flight, Matthew Longmore looked out the airplane window and saw his next adventure in life: India. As he stepped off the aircraft, he knew his internship was not going to be an ordinary one.

As a public relations intern with Edelman — one of the biggest public relations agencies in the world — Longmore wrote and pitched news releases, interacted with journalists, and kept tabs on national Indian news and media.

“There was a lot of culture shock and the learning curve was especially steep as an American intern in India; but the overall experience was incredible,” Longmore said.

Longmore was given significant responsibility, including working as an assistant for the national launch of the Audi A7 — an event held in one of Delhi’s most prestigious hotels with several Bollywood celebrities and Delhi’s elite. He also helped arrange and execute an event in collaboration with VH1 India and PepsiCo featuring rapper T-Pain.

“Working on events with big names like VH1 India was something I never thought I would do,” Longmore said. “My internship opened my eyes to public relations on a worldwide level and the effect it’s having globally.”

VICtorIA PArkErSenior, Exercise and Sports Science SportsMedicineClinic,U.S.OlympicTrainingCenter–ColoradoSprings,Colo.

As millions watched the world’s top athletes compete in the gymnastics World Championships, Victoria Parker got an idea for an internship.

As she navigated through the Olympic website and read about the championships taking place, she read about a student receiving an internship at the Sports Medicine Clinic. Parker submitted an application, and four weeks later received an offer for an internship.

Her main responsibility was to follow instructions from the athletic trainers. However, as time progressed her responsibilities became a lot more detailed. Parker was able to help a variety of American athletes from sports such as wrestling, gymnastics, and swimming. When athletes came in, Parker helped with evaluations and assisted athletic trainers in their rehabilitations. She was also able to sit in on x-rays and learn how to operate and label them.

“This internship opened my eyes to what I want to do with my life. Before this, I wasn’t sure, but when I got here the clinicians gave me some great advice. I now know that I want to begin graduate school and get two master’s degrees, one in certified athletic training and the other in physical therapy,” said Parker.

Matthew Longmore in front of the Taj Mahal

Page 6: News & Notes: November 2011

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Department spotlight: Automotive » Stephen Henderson

The automotive industry is rapidly evolving and Justin Miller knows it. Older cars stay on the road for longer periods of time, just as more efficient technologies are developed. As the chair of BYU-Idaho’s Department of Automotive Technology, Miller and his team are working to educate the next generation of managers, technicians, technical writers, and researchers.

MorE tHAN wrENCHEs AND sCrEwDrIVErs“In the past, people thought of automotive technology as a

greasy, blue-collar type of a job,” says Miller. “If people knew how much this field was changing, I think this would be one of the most popular programs on campus because it’s one of the most employable fields to go into.” According to Miller, more than half

of the job and internship requests in the area go unfilled, mostly due to the shortage of skilled technicians.

All-INClUsIVE DEgrEEsBeginning Fall 2011, the Department of Automotive

Technology will add another degree to the current catalog: Automotive Technology, General Automotive emphasis, allowing students to choose from a broad group of clusters and minors beyond the current business management emphasis. “There are a myriad of opportunities for someone who understands technology and has a passion for the automobile,” says Miller.

NAtEf ACCrEDItAtIoNFollowing a year-and-a-half process, the National Automotive

Technicians Education Foundation officially accredited the Department of Automotive Technology in March, an important step in making the department one of the leading centers for learning in the region. According to natef.org, BYU-Idaho’s automotive wing has the highest number of areas of certification among Idaho universities.

rADIAtINg sUCCEssThe department’s three full-time and three adjunct instructors

have worked in all areas of the automotive industry, including dealerships, shop management, and education. This wealth of knowledge has helped BYU-Idaho students prepare for the annual SkillsUSA competition, where they compete against other universities in written tests as well as in diagnosing problems in vehicles. BYU-Idaho teams frequently place in the top 10 at the national competition.

tIME UNDEr tHE HooDAt any given time, anywhere from 50 to 60 vehicles await

repairs in the department’s lots and motor bays. These repairs count as the by-product of the students’ educational experience.

“These are actual cars with actual problems that we’re diagnosing,” says Kenny French, a sophomore lab technician. “A lot of times we get problems that other shops here in Rexburg can’t fix, and we can learn on them and better our skills.”

BY THE NUMBERS

1,000.......vehicles repaired in class every year

185..........vehicles inspected during the Winter 2011 free vehicle inspection night

100% .......of Dec. 2010 graduates currently employed or pursuing further education

Page 7: News & Notes: November 2011

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Above: Student Hannah Claunch and below: Student Lulu Martinez and Madison School District representative Becky Parker all work with children in the BYU-Idaho Preschool Lab’s inclusion program.

Children should and can receive intervention within a natural environ-ment with their peers. BYU-Idaho restructured its preschool program ... so that all students can learn together.B E C K Y PA R K E R , S P E C I A L N E E D S I N S T RU C TO R , M A D I S O N S C H O O L D I S T R I C T

All children are created equal THE BYU-IDAHO PRESCHOOL PROGRAM CELEBRATES 18 YEARS OF SUCCESS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN

» Jessica McIntryre: Senior, Communication, and Kim Summers

Walking hand in hand with his mother, a 4-year-old boy is led to the door where a sign reads that the treat of the day is “Ants on a Log.” A student teacher comes up and offers him his hand. With a kiss on the cheek by his mother, the young boy is ushered into the preschool. Nearby children are rolling cars on the navy carpet and the boy, who doesn’t know how to tie his shoes and has difficulty communicating, is instantly included in the group.

Within the walls of BYU-Idaho’s preschool, children with developmental delays gather with their peers to learn together with no discrimination against their differences in speech, social, or physical delays. BYU-Idaho and Madison School District have successfully served both children with special needs and typically developing children since 1994 through the inclusion program.

“Children should and can receive intervention within a natural environment with their peers,” said Becky Parker, a special needs instructor from Madison School District. “BYU-Idaho restructured its preschool program 18 years ago so that all students can learn together.”

Parker and Robertson’s experiences have led them to believe that children are more motivated by other children than by adults. They have also found that developmentally delayed children in an inclusion classroom have increased interaction with other children and are able to develop stronger social and communication skills, better preparing them for post-school experiences. This unique combination has allowed them to learned from each another.

“I have seen typical children take children with special needs under their wing. Once there was a boy who had trouble doing even the simplest tasks, and his peers would always ask for a reason. Eventually instead of asking why they would ask if they could help,” said Nicole Folsom, a senior

studying child development and preschool education. “As we explain these things to the typical children they come to see that the children with special needs are just like them. They are able to look past the differences.”

Note:LynetteRobertson,afacultymemberintheDepartmentofHome&Family,recentlyreceivedtheEarlyChildhoodExcellenceAwardfromtheIdahoCouncilofEarlyChildhood.Shewasawardedforherexemplarycommitmentinthefieldofearlychildhoodspecialeducationandthepromotionoffullinclusion.

Page 8: News & Notes: November 2011

8 l BYU- IDAHO NEWS & NOTES

News & NotesA monthly publication of University Communications

A D V I S O R / E D I T O R Andy Cargal

W R I T E R S Scott Haycock, Stephen Henderson, Jessica McIntyre

PHOTOgRAPHERS Michael Lewis, Doug McKay

If you have any ideas for future issues, please e-mail [email protected]

University Communications215 Kimball Building • Rexburg, ID • 83460-1661 • Phone: (208) 496-2000

for sAlE

Electric stove and dryer. Seeking an electric kitchen stove and clothes dryer that could be donated or sold inexpensively to a needy family. Call Ext. 1121.

6’ truck shell. White with sliding windows on the side, fits a 1993 Ford F150. Make an offer. Contact Ryan at Ext. 3057 or 201-2771.

Ivory leather sofa. Very good condition, $50. Call Kent or Sian

at 356-8053.

2002 Audi 4. 5 speed, silver exterior, black interior, all the extras, well maintained. Asking $8,500. Call 201-2092 or email [email protected].

Sony home theater DVD player. Fairly new, model HBD-DZ175, 6 speakers are included with all wiring, $75. Call 313-6597.

Kenmore refrigerator/freezer. 22 cubic feet, white, no ice or

water, 12 years old, compressor a bit noisy but still works, clean, $30 OBO. Call Ext. 7721.

Older Maytag washer. Runs great, $50. Contact Ext. 1952.

Trampoline and acoustic guitar. Both in good condition, $75 each. Call Mike at Ext. 3699 or 709-8066.

Miche Bags. Large bag with one cover ($65); small bag with two covers ($60). Both are like-new, only used a few times. Please call or text Ashlee at 801-427-2716.

When Chris Hickman came from Oregon to accept his position at BYU-Idaho this past July, he had to leave his wife and three children behind for the first few months. He did, however, make sure to pack the essentials. “I came here with not much more than my clothes and my drawing table,” he says. And he’s not kidding.

Hickman, who maintains the air conditioning of the many individual offices, classrooms, and meeting rooms across campus, has a passion for art. Specifically, drawing and designing cars.

What began as a hobby in his childhood developed into a marketable skill more than 10 years ago after he met his then-hero, artist and TV star Chip Foose.

“We met at a car show in Las Vegas, and I told him I wanted to do the same kind of work he was doing,” Hickman says. “He asked me if I had a portfolio of my artwork, which I didn’t at the time. So, I went home and sketched all I could and created a portfolio.”

A year later, Hickman was getting published in periodicals such as HotRodMagazine, RodandCustomMagazine, and PureVisionDesign, to name a few.

Hickman has captured the shiny fenders and fast lines of a fleet of cars entirely by hand. When he’s at home and has a chance, he may be keeping tabs on clients who need designs done or tweaking his ’73 Duster, which he drives to work on nice days.

His work can be found on his Facebook page, “Chris Hickman Art Werks.”

The hunt begins as Monica Perez starts searching through hundreds of names, visiting countless cemeteries, and contacting distant relatives in two different countries. After days of searching she finds exactly what she is looking for — her husband’s great-grandparents.

“I always thought genealogy was something for people who are about 30 years older than me. Since my own genealogy has already been done I started doing my husband’s genealogy, and it didn’t take long before I was drawn in,” said Perez. “It’s my own personal addiction and just one big treasure hunt for me.”

Before embarking on this treasure hunt, Perez graduated with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Utah State University and then moved to southern Texas in 2002 to work at a community college teaching family sciences. She now works as an online adjunct faculty instructor at BYU-Idaho teaching parenting while also juggling four children, ages ranging from seven to two months. “Being able to teach parenting courses is the best thing for me,” said Perez. “I am able to learn from all the material I am teaching my students and then see if it works on my kids.”

When Perez isn’t hunting for distant relatives, she enjoys cooking fun recipes, sewing dance costumes, and throwing creative birthday parties. “I always let my kids pick their own theme for their parties. We have had themes around Curious George, princesses, Mr. Bean, and cooking,” she said. “The amount of imagination my kids have surprises me every time.”

Chris HickmanHVACHVACAutomationTechnician

Start Date: July 2011

Hometown: Valencia, California

Monica PerezOnline InstructionAdjunctFaculty

Start Date: April 2010

Hometown: McAllen, Texas

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