Western Iowa Tech Community College 4647 Stone Avenue Sioux City, Iowa 51106 WITCC CHANGING LIVES facebook.com/witccalumni @witccalumni linkedin.com/in/witccalumni STAY CONNECTED Greetings WITCC Alumnus, Your Alumni Association continues to focus on activities and events that help build connections, and along the way provide opportunities that could change the lives of both existing and future alumni. As alumni, we all know how our education at WITCC has impacted our lives both personally and professionally. The Alumni Association is dedicated to finding ways to continue these connections long after graduation. 2013 Alumni Association Board of Directors: Joaquin Alvarez Web Design/Web Programmer/Web Master 2003/2004/2004 Kevin Archer Architectural Construction Engineering Technology 1987 Danielle Benoit Arts & Sciences/Marketing Management 2008/2008 Paul Bergmann Agribusiness Technology 1983 Kolby DeWitt Political Science 2010 Carolyn Ellwanger Legal Secretary/Arts & Sciences 1976/1994 Myrah Favors Arts & Sciences 2000 Jeff Gordon Desktop Publishing Technology 1992 Ann Jenkins Computer Programming 2003 Shannon Jorstad Software Support Specialist/Computer Programming 1993/1994 Jackie Krueger Dental Assisting 1975 Justin Meyer Arts & Sciences 2003 Larry Obermeyer Retail Marketing/Marketing Management 2002 Keith Obermiller Retail Meat Cutting 1984 Jenn Pavone Marketing Marti Reilly Police Science 1981 Douglas Rose Architectural Drafting 1973 Traci Trampe Architectural Construction Engineering Technology 1989 Be sure to share your updates with us and connect with the WITCC Alumni Office. www.witcc.edu/alumni – email: [email protected]– 712-274-8733, ext. 1828 Jim and Fern Rocklin have been strong supporters of students at Western Iowa Tech Community College over the years in a variety of ways. Their desire to make a difference in the lives of students went one step further recently with a leadership gift to the College. In recognition of this generous gift, the recently renovated conference center will now be known as the Rocklin Conference Center. The Rocklins’ commitment to Western Iowa Tech began with Jim’s election to the Board of Trustees in 1976. Jim served on this Board for 16 years, including one year as Board Chair. Fifteen years later, in 2007, he accepted a position on the Foundation Board, and currently serves as the Board Chair. Fern has been an adjunct instructor for many years at WITCC, and did her doctoral dissertation on WITCC titled “Serving the Unserved and the Underserved: Western Iowa Tech Community College, The First 33 Years, 1966-1999.” Jim and Fern established an endowed scholarship fund in 1998 in memory of Jim’s father, Isadore Rocklin, founder of Rocklin Manufacturing Co, which annually supports students enrolled in engineering programs. We are very grateful for the long-standing relationship with the Rocklins, and are proud to prominently display their name in the Rocklin Conference Center. ROCKLIN CONFERENCE CENTER ANNOUNCEMENT Jim and Fern Rocklin Editor: Brandy TenHulzen Writers: Kolby DeWitt, Justin Meyer Designer: Jessica Huggenberger Summer 2013
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Western Iowa TechCommunity College4647 Stone AvenueSioux City, Iowa 51106
Greetings WITCC Alumnus,Your Alumni Association continues to focus on activities and events that help build connections, and along the way provide opportunities that could change the lives of both existing and future alumni. As alumni, we all know how our education at WITCC has impacted our lives both personally and professionally. The Alumni Association is dedicated to finding ways to continue these connections long after graduation. 2013 Alumni Association Board of Directors: Joaquin Alvarez Web Design/Web Programmer/Web Master 2003/2004/2004 Kevin Archer Architectural Construction Engineering Technology 1987 Danielle Benoit Arts & Sciences/Marketing Management 2008/2008 Paul Bergmann Agribusiness Technology 1983 Kolby DeWitt Political Science 2010 Carolyn Ellwanger Legal Secretary/Arts & Sciences 1976/1994 Myrah Favors Arts & Sciences 2000 Jeff Gordon Desktop Publishing Technology 1992 Ann Jenkins Computer Programming 2003 Shannon Jorstad Software Support Specialist/Computer Programming 1993/1994 Jackie Krueger Dental Assisting 1975 Justin Meyer Arts & Sciences 2003 Larry Obermeyer Retail Marketing/Marketing Management 2002 Keith Obermiller Retail Meat Cutting 1984 Jenn Pavone Marketing Marti Reilly Police Science 1981 Douglas Rose Architectural Drafting 1973 Traci Trampe Architectural Construction Engineering Technology 1989Be sure to share your updates with us and connect with the WITCC Alumni Office.www.witcc.edu/alumni – email: [email protected] – 712-274-8733, ext. 1828
Jim and Fern Rocklin have been strong supporters of students at Western Iowa Tech Community College over the years in a variety of ways. Their desire to make a difference in the lives of students went one step further recently with a leadership gift to the College. In recognition of this generous gift, the recently renovated conference center will now be known as the Rocklin Conference Center.
The Rocklins’ commitment to Western Iowa Tech began with Jim’s election to the Board of Trustees in 1976. Jim served on this Board for 16 years, including one year as Board Chair. Fifteen years later, in 2007, he accepted a position on the Foundation Board, and currently serves as the Board Chair. Fern has been an adjunct instructor for many years at WITCC, and did her doctoral dissertation on WITCC titled “Serving the Unserved and the Underserved: Western Iowa Tech Community College, The First 33 Years, 1966-1999.”
Jim and Fern established an endowed scholarship fund in 1998 in memory of Jim’s father, Isadore Rocklin, founder of Rocklin Manufacturing Co, which annually supports students enrolled in engineering programs.
We are very grateful for the long-standing relationship with the Rocklins, and are proud to prominently display their name in the Rocklin Conference Center.
WITCC graduate David Miller is the focus of the Alumni Profile. A 1973 graduate of the mechanical drafting and design program, David maximized his field of study and forged himself a highly successful career with Coors Brewing Company.
Currently retired and living in Golden, Colorado, David recalls all the opportunities WITCC afforded him. “WITCC offered a great curriculum, great instructors, and a great location, which ultimately helped me secure a good job at Coors. Mr. Ray Kindler was a Design Engineer for Martin Marietta in Denver prior to joining WITCC as an instructor. Mr. Kindler and I spent many lunch hours talking about his years working on aerospace designs. He was a great inspirational leader to all his students!”
David’s career took him from Design Engineer I, to Research and Development Engineer, to Technical Director for multiple container plants. David became a standout in his field, and boasts distinctions including winner of the 1992 Coors Innovation Award, recipient of the 2003 Coors Container MVP Award, two-time finalist for the Coors Brewing Company Copper Kettle Award for Leadership, and is the holder of several patents.
David believes his education with WITCC was pivotal to his success. “I was hired at Coors about the same time as some ‘on the job’ drafters were hired directly out of high school. My education from WITCC allowed me to quickly advance and ultimately manage these people.”
Graduating from WIT is a tradition in David’s family. His brother-in-law and youngest brother also graduated from WIT and are currently employed in engineering positions for Siouxland companies.
There is more to David than work. He spends his free time working on classic cars, playing tennis, stringing racquets, and mentoring other pupils the same way he has been counseled.
Alumni ProfileWESTERN IOWA TECH ALUMNUS RETIRES FROM HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL CAREER WITH COORS BREWING COMPANY
David Miller
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KEEP IN TOUCHIf you have recently moved, found new employment, gotten married, or added a new email address - it only takes a few minutes to update your contact information. Please visit our website at www.witcc.edu/alumni. As an alumnus of Western Iowa Tech, our website and Facebook accounts are designed to help you connect to lost classmates, meet other professionals in your area, find job opportunities, and keep current with the campus community.
Anthony (Tony) UllrichYear Complete: 2008 Program: Associate of ArtsYear Complete: 2011Bachelor of Journalism, College of Journalism, University of Missouri, ColumbiaCurrent Employer: WBAY-TV Action 2 News (ABC), Green Bay, WisconsinCurrent Position: News Reporter, Multimedia Journalist
Angie Lewis, RNYears Completed: 2005/2006Programs: Practical Nursing/Assoc. Degree NursingCurrent Employer: Sunrise Retirement Community Health CenterCurrent Position: Education and Special Projects Coordinator
Jessica BonnemaYear Completed: 2012Programs: Police Science AAS & Emergency Medical ResponderCurrent Employer: Iowa City Police DepartmentCurrent Position: Police Officer
Troy BeitelspacherYear Completed: 2001Program: Police Science AASCurrent Employer: City of Le MarsCurrent Position: Police Officer
Christopher ZemanYear Completed: 2005Program: Auto TechCurrent Employer: Norfolk GM Auto CenterCurrent Position: Parts Specialist
Diane RobinsonYear Completed: 1991Program: Legal SecretaryCurrent Employer: Woodbury County
Kristen MenardYear Completed: 2002Program: General StudiesCurrent Employer: First Federal Bank of AngolaCurrent Position: Loan Servicing Agent
Matt JongelingYear Completed: 2007Program: Advanced WeldingCurrent Employer: Akron-Westfield Community SchoolsCurrent Position: Intern Industrial Arts Instructor
Lisa BrunYears Completed: 2005/2006Programs: Practical Nursing/Assoc. Degree NursingCurrent Employer: Mercy Medical Center Inpatient Rehabilitation Nursing UnitCurrent Position: Manager, Clinical Services
Kali Closter Year Completed: 2012Program: Assoc. Degree NursingCurrent Employer: UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’sCurrent Position: Registered Nurse
Holly GrimsleyYear Completed: 2003Program: Medical TranscriptionistCurrent Employer: Siouxland Urology
Jeff Gordon Year Completed: 1992Program: Computer Aided PublishingCurrent Employer: JD Gordon Creative LabsCurrent Position: Creative Director/Principal
Pamela ElbertYear Completed: 2010Program: Business Administration, Arts and SciencesCurrent Employer: SourceHOV Current Position: Supervisor & Project Manager
Jenn PavoneProgram: Business AdministrationCurrent Employer: Stoney Creek Inn Current Position: General Manager
Barbara A. BrunickYear Completed: 1969Program: LPN, Practical NursingCurrently: Retired in 2003Currently in Round Rock, Texas
David R. MillerYear Completed: 1973Program: Mechanical Design & DraftingCurrently: Retired Currently in Golden, Colorado
Wayne FethkeYear Completed: 1964Program: Mechanical Design & DraftingCurrenly: RetiredCurrently in Naples, Florida
Robert C. Long Year Completed: 1987Program: Automotive TechnologyCurrent Employer: Prime Performance Auto RepairCurrent Position: Owner/Operator
RETIREMENTS
IN MEMORYRichard Bonderson, Diesel Mechanics Instructor, passed away 4-26-13Anna Mae Heeney, Nursing Instructor, passed away 3-29-13
Mitzi Kirwan, Administrative Office Management InstructorRosie Backer, Bookstore ClerkCaroline Kurtenbach, Student Services SpecialistDr. Julie Stoik, Dean of External Relations and Director of Job Training Partners
Alumni Updates
The inaugural WITCC Expo was held March 20 on the Sioux City campus. The evening event was highlighted with demonstrations from nearly all of WITCC’s major programs. Attendees were able visit The Security Institute, the Dr. Robert E. Dunker Student Center, Bur Oak Suites, and the Gaylord Smith Vocational Building.
The concert and jazz choirs were showcased at the Expo, along with the dance team. This event was truly for the community, whether an alum looking to reconnect with the college, a current student looking to find more out about his alma mater, a high school student looking at options for continuing his education, or a person interested in making a career change.
Do you know an outstanding alum? Have YOU done some great things with your WITCC education? Complete the online form and let us know! http://www.witcc.edu/alumni/alumniAward.cfm.The award is chosen based upon the following criteria: • Service, commitment and/or
support to Western Iowa Tech Community College and its students
• Outstanding personal and/or professional achievement
• Service to the community
NOMINATIONS FOR ALUMNI OF THE YEAR NOW BEING ACCEPTED
Nominations should be submitted no later than September 10th. We greatly appreciate your participation in this process!
WITCC held a commencement ceremony for spring graduates on May 17 at the Tyson Event Center in Sioux City. Nearly 1,000 certificates, diplomas and degrees were awarded. These students represented 13 states, 9 countries and ranged in age from 16 to 66!Photos from spring graduation are now posted online at www.Facebook.com/WITCCAlumni.
GRADUATION
PROGRAM REUNIONS & EVENTSWITCC EXPO
The WITCC Accounting Club and Alumni Association co-hosted a social event and luncheon on April 26. Accounting professionals from the Siouxland area had an opportunity to meet with current students, accounting specialist alums from the tri-state area, as well as current and retired faculty members. The event featured a new innovation in the classroom with an Apple TV classroom demonstration.
The CPA firm Henjes, Conner & Williams, P.C. provides an annual scholarship to an accounting
student. Pictured here is WITCC Accounting Student of the Year, Becky Struble, and Henjes,
Conner, & Williams, P.C. representatives Lori Shaffer, Alizabeth Powell, and Mike Tramp.
ACCOUNTING SOCIAL
AUTO PROGRAM OPEN HOUSEThe WITCC Auto Program hosted its 4th Annual Show & Shine Open House on May 8 in the Transportation Center. The event is held each year in conjunction with the Tri-State Cruisers and encourages attendees to bring cars or motorcycles of all makes and models. This year’s attendees saw the unveiling of the 1966 Mercury Comet Project Car, demonstrations on the chassis dyno, and virtual painting simulator. Proceeds from food sales will benefit WIT automotive scholarships.
1966 Mercury Comet Project Car
CAREER FAIRWestern Iowa Tech hosted a Career Fair on the Sioux City campus on April 18. This event showcased area businesses seeking to hire individuals with a variety of aptitudes and skills. This opportunity allowed students, who are close to completing a course of study at WITCC, to meet first vhand with representatives from companies seeking to hire qualified and trained employees. Participating companies included; Beef Products Inc., BoDeans, Coil Craft, J&L Enterprises, Knife River, Poet, Thompson Electric, Tri State Nursing and VT Industries.
The Family & Friends Scholarship is an opportunity for alumni to nominate a new student for a $250 scholarship to WITCC. A limited number of scholarships are available. To nominate someone, go to www.witcc.edu/alumni/scholarship_nomination.cfm and complete the short form.
FAMILY & FRIENDS SCHOLARSHIP
It’s that simple!While you are in the Alumni section of the website, feel free to check out other links on the page.
Alumni PartnershipsOpportunities Unlimited (OU) is always seeking the best and the brightest to work with the individuals they serve. Over the years, OU has continually looked to WITCC to hire new employees and in turn, many of the employees have looked to WITCC to further their education. Nearly 20 WITCC alumni are currently employed who have achieved their Associate Degree or higher, along with 11 active WITCC students. A number of staff members have achieved their C.N.A. certification, and even more staff members have taken classes at WITCC to further their education on a non-degree track or to simply learn more about topics that interest them.
With that level of involvement, WITCC and OU are partners in the truest sense of the word. Many employees have studied in fields as diverse as arts and sciences, human services, behavioral science, criminal justice and wind
energy. As the only facility of its kind in the Midwest to have 30 Certified Brain Injury Specialists working with persons with a brain injury, five specialists are WITCC graduates and two are current WITCC students.
“The flexibility offered at WITCC has been a good fit for OU employees. This enables them to continue their education while maintaining a work-life balance,” said Margo Stanforth, HR Coordinator at OU. “The educational experience OU staff members receive at WITCC contributes directly to the excellent services we are able to provide to individuals served. We are grateful to have WITCC in our community. The impact is tangible and can be seen in the positive impact it has in the lives of the individuals we serve.”
Opportunities Unlimited, which provides residential rehabilitation services for individuals who have a brain injury, a spinal cord injury, or other physical disability, has been in operation since the early 1990’s and is located on the north side of Sioux City, Iowa. Home and community based services are also provided to more than 150 children and adults with disabilities.
OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED
WITCC Alumni Help Fulfill the Opportunities Unlimited Motto:
“Happy People – Happy Place”
Would you like the opportunity to provide a gift of education to future students without any dollars out of pocket now? If so, consider participating in our 5% to Education Campaign. You can make a difference in the lives of future WITCC students by designating 5% of your will, retirement plan, life insurance policy, or investment account to the WITCC Foundation. Please contact Carolyn Ellwanger at 712-274-8733, ext. 1330 for more information.
On-Campus NewsNEW PROGRAMS COMING – Fall 2013Sports Medicine - Athletic Training (AS Degree) puts students wanting to pursue the profession of athletic training onto a pathway to become a Certified Athletic Trainer.
Sports Medicine - General Studies (AS Degree) is designed for students pursuing a degree in a health, exercise or sports related field but who are not interested in becoming athletic trainers.
Education - Early Childhood (AA Degree) prepares graduates in the field of early childhood education that emphasizes creating developmentally appropriate plans across developmental domains, guidance techniques, and beginning observation skills.
Social Media Marketing (AAS Degree) focuses students on management of social media campaigns, engagement of social communities, and development of content for reputable brand management ensuring positive customer experience.
Marketplace Design (Diploma) increases students’ skills in visual communication and builds an understanding of the connection between research, process and creative results.
Accelerated 16 month Degree allows working adults the ability to accelerate the time to get an Associate Degree. Courses are concentrated in three 7 or 8 week durations of: face-to-face Saturday classes or online, according to your schedule.
The new and improved www.MeetYourNewCareer.com site is up and running!
The site has several services available virtually and face-to-face for current students & alumni. In addition to the website, a pilot program with a community partner provides resume review and feedback. These are available now for current students and alumni to email their resumes to the website.
The job board is also a service through the website. More and more employers are using this site to post open positions and internship opportunities available. Users can search by subject area, for internship opportunities, or just browse all openings in general.
If you have any suggestions you would like to see on the site or other input, please feel free to use the Are You Interested In… section on the site.
We are working on getting some other exciting services going as well.
