Dunwoody College of Technology Alumni & Friends Magazine - Winter 2025
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Stepping into the role of College President at Dunwoody has been unlike anything I have ever experienced during my years in higher education. It has been rewarding, humbling, and fun — and above all — it’s been a privilege.
During these past six months I have met with alumni, spent time with faculty and staff, and held numerous conversations with students. I’ve attended events, met with stakeholders, and talked with industry, community, and civic leaders. All of those conversations, events, and activities have only reinforced the important role Dunwoody College of Technology continues to play in the industries we train for, and the people we serve.
I knew when I came here four years ago that Dunwoody was different. I knew this was the only place I wanted to be — because of what makes it different. While so many other colleges find themselves mired in the past, incapable of change, Dunwoody is agile, adapts and adjusts. These abilities allow us to be the kind of workforce partner that industry needs us to be and deliver the kind of return on investment that students are seeking.
We are now experiencing the fastest pace of change since the industrial revolution and the automobile. New adaptive and automated technologies in an entirely connected world require higher education to respond quicker than we ever have in the past.
I’m excited for these new challenges. I’m excited to see where the future takes us. And I’m committed to ensuring that through the change, Dunwoody will remain laser focused on its mission of providing hands-on, applied education in high-demand, high-paying careers in the technical and skilled trade fields.
in my time here is so impressive. Every single employee is focused on student success.
One of our automotive faculty once told a story about a student who was struggling — a student who needed the extra support and attention that Dunwoody provides — and he said something that I think embodies the Dunwoody culture. He said, “being a great teacher is about getting the students to the finish line that wouldn’t get there without you.”
When we think about higher education and the skilled labor shortage, a big piece of the puzzle is ensuring that the students who do choose these fields are given the support and resources they need to be successful.
And Dunwoody produces a lot of successful graduates! Dunwoody celebrated 110 years this December, and through the generosity and vision of one of our alumni, we were able to highlight many of those success stories in a new book, Born to Do. You’ll see several of those stories included in this edition of the magazine.
The stories of our alumni never cease to inspire and amaze me. They are stories of impact, innovation, and entrepreneurship. They are your stories — and they are the Dunwoody story. It’s a story I’m honored and excited to share.
Scott Stallman, Ph.D. President, Dunwoody College of Technology
I also know that Dunwoody is well-prepared to live up to this challenge — because of the talent that resides here. The talent I have witnessed in the faculty and staff at this college
to President From Provost
DUNWOODY WELCOMES ITS 11 TH PRESIDENT
On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, Dunwoody College of Technology formally inaugurated Scott Stallman, Ph.D., as the next President.
An academic tradition, the event included remarks from college, student, and alumni representatives, and the presentation of several symbols of the office that are unique to the institution.
"Since joining the leadership here three years ago as Provost, Scott has been an effective change agent who came to Dunwoody — because he believes in Dunwoody," said Nancy Dahl, Past Chair of the Board of Trustees. "He believes in what Dunwoody can do for the community, industry, and most importantly, the students. He believes that a Dunwoody education can change lives and that Dunwoody is uniquely positioned to make it happen in today’s changing landscape.
"That belief is what will make Scott a great President, because it will guide his decisions in the years ahead. It will allow him to lead with the past in mind, the present in focus, and the future always on the horizon."
During the event, Dahl presented Stallman with a bound copy of the Last Wills and Testaments of William and Kate Dunwoody along with the College's Charter, documents that laid the foundation for the creation of the William Hood Dunwoody Industrial Institute, known today as Dunwoody College of Technology. Both documents serve as a reminder of the President's role in fulfilling the original vision for the College.
Stallman was also presented with the Presidential Medallion, which is fabricated in the College's Gene Haas Manufacturing Innovation Lab and symbolizes Dunwoody's approach to hands-on, applied education.
Following the presentation, President Stallman then delivered his inaugural address to the Dunwoody community.
“Dunwoody’s talented faculty and staff, our strong culture and close relationships with industry partners, and our focus on programs with a strong return on investment, position us well to make the innovations necessary to respond quickly to a dynamic and changing world.
“I appreciate the responsibility this role entails. I look forward to working with all of you to connect on new ideas, build partnerships, and work together to deliver a future that will expect more of us than our past. I look forward to continuing to strive toward our mission to change lives by building a community of leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who were Born to Do."
“Dunwoody has a story to tell. We all should be excited about the future of this place we all care so much about."
SCOTT STALLMAN, P h .D. | PRESIDENT
THE STORIES OF DUNWOODY ALUMNI Making History
From the beginning, Dunwoody’s mission was clear: establish an educational option that would utilize hands-on learning to teach people the skills and knowledge needed to design, build, and maintain the world around us. It’s a mission that has created opportunities, fostered change, and inspired generations of individuals to pursue their own path to a brighter future.
This Founders Day, December 14, 2024, Dunwoody College of Technology celebrated 110 years of technical and skilled trades education in Minnesota. It’s a day that not only recognizes the contributions of the College, but also celebrates the achievements of the more than 200,000 individuals who have passed through Dunwoody’s doors.
“The Dunwoody legacy has been built by those who came before us,” said President Scott Stallman, Ph.D. “Our alumni have shaped industries, built businesses, and driven innovation. It’s because of their accomplishments that the Dunwoody story will live on and thrive into an ever-changing and dynamic future.”
This fall, the College published the book Born to Do to highlight the achievements of many of the College’s notable alums. Born to Do is a testament to the contributions and impact Dunwoody alumni have made in their industries and their communities. Impacts that can be seen and felt throughout the United States.
"Some of these stories you may know already, but many you probably don’t," Stallman said. "I know I was amazed to read about the places, the organizations, and the everyday things in our lives that are there because of a Dunwoody alum. And while we were only able to highlight 57 stories in this publication, I know that for every story told, there are hundreds more that could have been written.”
The book was made possible by Ray Newkirk, a 1965 Machine Tool Technology alumnus, who wanted a way to share the stories of what a Dunwoody education makes possible.
“I hope that when people read these stories, they see that learning a skill or a trade is something that should be appreciated and valued — and something we should encourage more young people to explore,” Newkirk wrote in the book’s foreword. “For me, these stories aren’t just about highlighting the countless leaders and entrepreneurs who are a product of Dunwoody, but about shining a light on how technical education can change lives. I should know; it changed mine.”
Dunwoody Board of Trustee member Claire Ferrara ’11, along with her father Ted ’77, who is an Honorary Trustee, and her uncle Todd ’80 are featured in the book. The Ferrara family have owned and operated Standard Heating & Air Conditioning in Minneapolis since 1930, and Claire is the current President. The family has a long history with the College, and Dunwoody’s Anthony L. Ferrara Career Services Center is named after Ted and Todd’s father, a longtime supporter and advocate for the College.
“Dunwoody has played an important role in my life, and in the lives of so many other graduates,” Claire Ferrara said. “The Minneapolis skyline is a testament to the contributions this College and its alumni have made in our community. Even as Dunwoody celebrates this 110-year milestone, I can’t help but be excited for the future. The importance of technical education is only going to keep growing and evolving — and Dunwoody will continue to lead the way.”
The College has seen strong growth over the past decade, increasing enrollment by more than 40 percent. The upward trend is the result of new programs in engineering, cybersecurity, and design as well as increased interest in the technical and skilled trade fields. The demand for professionals in these high-paying fields has also remained strong, with 95 percent of Dunwoody graduates hired in their field of study.
“I am excited for the next century of technical and skilled trades education,” Stallman said. “It’s a future that will stay responsive to industry demands, leverage new adaptive and intelligent technologies, and remain committed to delivering a student-first education with a high return on investment.”
Dunwoody’s Story A BRIEF HISTORY
Founders William Hood Dunwoody and Kate Dunwoody were prominent members of the Minneapolis community in the late 1800s and early 1900s. William was instrumental in establishing Minnesota as a leading exporter in the flour and grain markets and would become one of the four founding partners of the Washburn Crosby Company — later known as General Mills.
Deeply invested in the Twin Cities, the philanthropic couple would end up leaving the bulk of their estates, nearly $5 million, for the establishment of a new post-secondary school in Minneapolis.
Unlike most colleges and universities at the time, the school the Dunwoodys envisioned was to focus on “industrial and mechanical arts.” It was to be a place where people from all backgrounds could learn “the better performance of life’s duties” — to, in the word of a later generation, do the things they were “born to do.”
On December 14, 1914, the William Hood Dunwoody Industrial Institute opened in what was known as Old Central High School in downtown Minneapolis with a few dozen students and a curriculum that included classes in machine shop practice, cabinetmaking, millwork, and printing.
In the 110 years that have followed, Dunwoody has maintained its commitment to technical education, continuing to evolve and adapt to meet the demands of industry.
Milestones
In 1917, Dunwoody moves from the Old Central High School into two newly constructed shop buildings just west of downtown at its current location.
In response to World War I, Dunwoody shifts its focus to meet the nation’s military needs, training mechanics, radio operators, and bakers for the armed services.
During the 1930s, Dunwoody adds new programs like building construction, electrical, mechanical drafting, painting, sheet metal, and highway construction.
During World War II, Dunwoody once again answers the call to duty. The school ramps up operations to meet the demand for defense workers, staying open 24 hours a day during the week and part-time on the weekends. Dunwoody introduces courses in “pre-Army” and “pre-Navy” training, such as the operation and maintenance of military vehicles.
In response to high demand for workers, Dunwoody trains women to contribute to the war efforts.
Dunwoody’s Director, Dr. Charles Prosser, helps pass the Area Vocational Technical School Law, which leads the way to establishing eight technical schools in Minnesota and lays the foundation for technical education in the United States.
In 1965, the school receives a gift from the estate of Henry E. Warren, which includes the property across the street from Dunwoody on which his Cadillac dealership was located. The school retrofits the building into the new home for Automotive and Welding.
In 1971, Dunwoody opens its doors to women.
In 1972, Dunwoody receives accreditation from the National Association of Trade and Technical Schools (NATTS), which makes it possible for students to receive new forms of state and federal financial aid.
The advent of the personal computer revolution leads to the introduction of new courses in computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) and other tech-focused fields.
In the 1990s, Dunwoody begins offering bachelor’s degrees as well as associates and certificates.
In 2002, the school adopts a new name: Dunwoody College of Technology
When Dunwoody celebrates its centennial year in 2014, its reputation as a dynamic, fiscally responsible institution is firmly in place. Among its new programs are the School of Engineering, the School of Design, and Dunwoody Online, offering multiple online degrees.
In 2023, Dunwoody secures the largest gift in its history, $30 million, and completes a major restoration to its exterior façade.
In 2023, the College purchases the Dominion Building to complete its campus footprint.
Notable Alumni
MORT MORTENSON SR.
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
1925
Mort Mortenson Sr. started his own construction firm M.A. Mortenson Company, which grew to become the sixteenth-largest general contractor in the United States.
ENTENMANN BROTHERS BAKING
Robert ’49, Charles ’49, and William ’50 Entenmann joined their father’s business Entenmann bakeries and turned it into a household name.
EDGAR HETTEEN RECONDITIONING OF AUTOMOBILES
1939
Hetteen, along with two employees, started a new innovative shop known for manufacturing inventive contraptions — that shop would become the company Polaris.
JOEL ELFTMANN
MACHINE TOOL TECHNOLOGY
1960
A machinist and entrepreneur, Elftmann created a “spin dryer” mechanism for semiconductor manufacturing, and by 1988 was the CEO of the world’s leading suppliers of cleaning machines for the growing computer chip industry.
THE FERRARA FAMILY HEATING & COOLING
The Ferrara family, Ted ‘77, Todd ‘80, and Claire ‘11, have used their degrees in heating and cooling to run their family owned and operated business, Standard Heating & Air Conditioning.
RAY NEWKIRK
MACHINE TOOL TECHNOLOGY
1965
If you want to understand Ray Newkirk’s success in the business world, consider Bugles.
In the mid-1960s, Minneapolis-based General Mills decided to jump into the snack food business with a potato chip alternative that it described as “a crunchy little horn that tastes like corn.” Bugles, as the little snacks were known, were formed from sheets of dough made of yellow cornmeal and a few other simple ingredients. But those sheets had to be cut into little triangles before the Bugles could become Bugles. That’s where Ray Newkirk came in. Newkirk was a former student of Dunwoody’s evening Machine Tool program, and in 1965, he started his own machine shop, Tape Inc., to do the kind of specialized tooling — cutting, shaping, and forming — that General Mills needed to turn out its new horn-shaped snacks. Tape Inc.’s contribution to the Bugle-making process was just one part of a long production line, but it was a crucial part. “You have to sheet the dough,” Newkirk explained. “Then you must cut and shape it. It’s just like making Christmas cookies at home, only you do it on a high-production basis.” The rotary dies that Newkirk manufactured for General Mills helped establish Tape Inc. as an innovative tool-and-die shop, and highlighted one of Newkirk’s strengths: his ability to solve problems and seize opportunities when they presented themselves. “I’m an opportunist,” he said. “I love to find ways to solve problems for customers.”
After three years in business, Tape Inc. had secured lucrative contracts with other major companies, including Procter & Gamble and 3M. During the late 1960s, Newkirk improved a process for fusion bonding thermoplastics, was issued many patents, and subsequently developed a line of hot-plate welding equipment called Hydra Sealer. Then in 1987, at the age of 45, he sold his company and retired to Arizona to study photography and become a wildlife photographer.
But the retirement didn’t last. After several years away, Newkirk decided to get back into manufacturing. In 1993, he bought into a plastic injection molding business that was renamed Teamvantage. A few years later, he became the sole owner. Then, in 2003, another opportunity presented itself: Custom Mold & Design (CMD), a venerable manufacturer of precision molds founded by Dunwoody alum Duane Treiber. Fourteen years later, he acquired a
third company, a mold design and manufacturing firm called Paradigme Engineering, owned by Dunwoody alum, Jon Palmquist. By that time, Newkirk’s post-retirement career had lasted longer than his tenure at Tape Inc. In 2020, he sold his three companies (now called Velosity) and was retired again — sort of. “I’ve still got a key, and a little piece of the action,” he said with a smile. “I pop in and out every now and then.”
During a long career of starting, acquiring, and building up companies — not to mention helping develop a certain bugle-shaped snack — Newkirk had repeatedly proven he was willing to act decisively when opportunities arose. And by his reckoning, his Dunwoody education had a lot to do with that. He showed his appreciation, in part, by serving as a Trustee of the College for 12 years.
“We learned self-confidence and self-discipline,” he said, looking back on his education. “Instructors were always pushing us to learn new things, even if sometimes difficult, and once you learned them, you left thinking, ‘Hey, if I can do this, I can do anything!’”
AUSTIN LUTZ
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
2002
Austin Lutz was not your classic gearhead. “I didn’t know I wanted to work on cars at all,” he said. “I didn’t grow up tearing cars apart or anything like that.” Even when he landed his first job at age 15 at an Amoco gas station in Hopkins, he worked as a cashier rather than in the garage. Then, one day a manager asked if he wanted to become an oil changer. Lutz asked if the job paid better than what he was earning at the cash register. The manager told him it paid a dollar an hour more. “I said, ‘All right!’” Lutz recalled. “‘Sign me up!’”
Thus started Austin Lutz’s career in the field of what he called “turning wrenches.”
Lutz’s garage work at the station allowed him to gain valuable car repair skills, but he knew needed more training if he was going to make this his career path. While in high school, he took several automotive courses at Hennepin Technical College. Then, after a brief enrollment at Penn State, he returned home and asked the owner of another Hopkins auto shop for advice. “What he told me,” Lutz later recalled, “was if I was serious about automotive, I had to go to Dunwoody.”
Lutz enrolled in Dunwoody’s Automotive Service Technology program in 2000 while also working night shifts at a Goodyear station in Champlin. But when he graduated, he still wasn’t sure he wanted to spend the rest of his life turning wrenches. “I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy it,” he later said of the work. “I just knew I didn’t want to be in the back of the shop, full-time, forever.” He continued on as a student, earning a four-year degree in agricultural and food business management at the University of Minnesota. But after working for less than a year in the field, he realized it wasn’t the right fit.
In 2007, Lutz started as an adjunct automotive instructor at Dunwoody. For nearly a decade, he helped students
become automotive technicians. But eventually, he started thinking about opening his own shop. “I had a full toolbox at my house, and I was fixing cars on the side,” he said. “I enjoyed it. So, I decided to start looking for an auto shop to buy or a space to lease.”
In 2015, he took over the lease of a longtime mechanic in Minnetonka. He called his new shop BAM! Automotive. Unlike many first-time auto shop owners, Lutz decided not to specialize. BAM! would service almost any make and model, just as long as it wasn’t too new or too old.
“I felt there wasn’t really a good general automotive company out there,” he explained. “So, I thought fixing everything would be my niche.”
His first few years in business featured “a whole lot of learning and a whole lot of doing it wrong,” but, with the help of a business coach, he eventually found his footing. By 2022, BAM! was doing so well that he opened a second location in St. Louis Park.
It had taken Lutz about 15 years of turning wrenches before he opened BAM!, but by the time he did, he felt he was ready. And he gave Dunwoody a lot of credit for that.
“Someone needs to drive home the basic concepts of how to think through problems,” he said. “And that’s something that Dunwoody does fantastically well.”
DON DOLAN
ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE
1964
Dolan bought into Parsons Electric in 1978 and grew the company into one of the Twin Cities’ most successful electrical contractors before selling it in 1998.
MIKE HANSON
ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE
1964
Spent 25 years as the president of Hunt Electric and turned it into one of the biggest electrical contractors in the United States.
JAZMINE "JAZ"
DARDEN
ENGINEERING DRAFTING & DESIGN
2017
In the summer of 2015, Dunwoody beefed up its Robotics & Manufacturing department with three new 3D printers provided by Stratasys, a global leader in the developing field of additive manufacturing. That same summer, an educator and budding entrepreneur named Jazmine
“Jaz” Darden visited Dunwoody on a whim and asked for a campus tour. Darden drove past Dunwoody on her daily commute to Minneapolis Public Schools, where she led Girls in Engineering, Mathematics, and Science (GEMS) and Guys in Science and Engineering (GISE) programming, and she was curious to find out what went on behind the College’s brick walls. During her tour, she found plenty to intrigue her, but the things that really piqued her interest were the 3D printers. It dawned on her that, with 3D printing, she might be able to turn some of her ideas into actual gadgets and products.
“I was like, this is super cool,” she recalled. “I thought, where do I sign up?”
Darden grew up in Brooklyn Park, and was a hands-on tinkerer who excelled in science and math. But other parts of her background were less typical. She already held a four-year bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics. And she had two years under her belt as a full-time employee with Minneapolis Public Schools. She was also a Black woman—or, as she put it, “the only girl and only student of color in my classes.” Her non-traditional background was evident from her first day when she went into class in a nice shirt, shorts, and pair of Sperrys. "I walked into machine shop class and my teacher was like, don’t ever show up like that again.... So that night I went home, got some work boots, jeans, and black T-shirts, and that’s what I wore to school every day,” she said.
Over the next two years, Darden learned everything she could about 3D design and printing. After graduating in
BURT MCGLYNN BAKING 1965
Took over McGlynn Bakeries and turned it into one of the bestknown brands in the Twin Cities with locations inside supermarkets and retail stores like Target and SuperValue.
2017 with a degree in Engineering Drafting & Design, she continued to nurture her fascination. She learned how to build her own 3D printers and assembled a small army of them, which she eventually put to work creating new products, including EarHero, an adjustable band for face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic. And when she learned that Dunwoody was introducing a new 3D printing program, she expressed interest in enrolling. But her former instructors urged her instead to come back as an adjunct faculty member. She agreed. In the years that followed, she taught dozens of students who shared her fascination with 3D printing.
Darden continued to cultivate her entrepreneurial instincts and established Sparkz3D, an organization focused on delivering hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programming to Minneapolis public school kids. In the spring of 2023, Sparkz3D held its first camp — in 3D printing — at Dunwoody. With her in-depth knowledge of 3D design and printing, Darden was carving out a niche for herself as a maker of things who enjoyed passing along what she knew.
“I love inspiring other people and teaching them about this technology that’s right at our fingertips,” she said. “It’s really cool that I can do it, but it’s also really cool when I can teach them how to do it for themselves.”
DOUG SCHIEFFER ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTING &
ESTIMATING 1996
After buying into Northland Concrete & Masonry, Schieffer grew the business into one of the largest providers of structural concrete work.
MORRIE WAGENER
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY 1957
As Morrie Wagener remembered it, he was five years old when he fell in love with cars — or, more precisely, Cords. Cord was a brand of luxury automobiles manufactured in Indiana during the 1930s, and when Wagener first laid eyes on one in his hometown of Waconia, Minnesota, he knew he was looking at something special. That fondness for Cords turned into a love affair with fine automobiles. At age 14, he started working summers at a local garage. The more he learned, the more he realized he didn’t want to spend the rest of his life on the family farm. So, after finishing high school, he left for Minneapolis and enrolled in the Automotive program at Dunwoody.
His fascination with luxury brands strongly influenced his decision to take a mechanic job at Mark Doyne’s Imports on Lake Street in 1957, where he worked on MGs, Austin–Healeys, Hillmans, and other European makes. That job eventually landed him a more senior position with a startup import dealership in Wayzata. After a few years there, he bought out the owner and went into business for himself. Morrie’s Imports, as his dealership was originally known, got its first big break in 1963, when it secured a Citroën franchise. Three years later, it added Saab to its new-car mix. By the late 1960s, Morrie’s had outgrown its Wayzata location and found a new property next to Highway 12 (now I-394). When the new location of Morrie’s Imports opened in 1969, it was still mainly a Saab dealership, but over the next decade, it added a succession of import brands: Alfa Romeo, Lotus, Subaru, Mazda.
During the 1990s, the newly dubbed Morrie’s Automotive Group finally started to take off. Wagener strengthened his reputation for top-notch customer service by introducing a “no hassle, no negotiation” sales approach and a “buy happy” enrollment option that offered customers free oil changes, car washes, and lifetime powertrain warranties.
CATHY HEYING AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY 2010
He also started opening new dealerships. At its height, Morrie’s Automotive Group boasted 15 dealerships and employed more than 800 people.
In 2016, after more than 50 years in business, Wagener sold his dealerships, but the Morrie’s name remained. And like his name, his love of cars lived on. Over the years, Wagener assembled one of the largest private classic auto collections in the United States, and he kept his cars on display in a 50,000 square-foot private museum. “Morrie’s car collection is a hidden treasure,” said Scott Lambert, president of the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association. “It speaks a lot about his character that he likes to collect and restore these vehicles but doesn’t have a lot of interest in showing them off.”
Wagener served for many years on Dunwoody’s Board of Trustees, including two as chair. He was instrumental in helping the College weather the financial crisis of the late 2000s and was one of the first recipients of the school’s Alumni Entrepreneur Award. In 2021, he was honored with the William and Kate Dunwoody Philanthropy Award. When asked to explain his dedication to the College, his answer was unequivocal. “Without my Dunwoody education, I couldn’t have figured out how all this stuff worked,” he said. “But Dunwoody’s mission was never just teaching technical skills.... There has always been a big emphasis on values. I have never forgotten the lessons I learned.”
A former social services professional who earned her degree in automotive so she could start the Lift Garage, a non-profit automotive service shop that helps hundreds of people in need get their cars back on the road at a cost they can afford.
Graco, Inc. Partnership
INVESTING IN FUTURE TALENT
Since 1986, Graco Inc. has invested in Dunwoody College of Technology, supporting programs that produce graduates who are ready to work and Born to Do. Graco donates manufacturing equipment for hands-on learning, along with sizeable scholarship funds.
This August, Graco made a $150,000 scholarship gift to help recruit more talent into the manufacturing field. It's an investment in Dunwoody graduates, who are great candidates for this Minneapolis-based manufacturer of fluid handling equipment
“Graduates from Dunwoody offer specialized training, practical skills, and readiness to contribute. When they come to us, they’ve usually been seasoned by hands-on training that aligns closely with real-world job requirements,” said Dana Stump, Graco’s Corporate Recruiting Manager. She emphasized Dunwoody graduates' "strong work ethic and sense of dedication to their roles" — all key ingredients to a successful career, no matter the field.
Graco has a long history of hiring Dunwoody graduates. And as a company, it boasts high employee retention. Janel French, a Graco Foundation board member, recently retired after nearly 32 years of service. Seven years ago, she was inducted into Graco’s Quarter-Century Club. “At our annual dinner last week, 31 new members were inducted. The last time I counted all the names listed in the program, there were over 600 people on the list.”
Graco’s support helps Dunwoody students in engineering and manufacturing get the assistance they need to succeed academically and change the course of their lives. This support is also creating a robust industry workforce. Stump said, "Supporting Dunwoody is supporting the development of future talent that strengthens our communities and fosters innovation. By providing resources such as scholarships, donations, or partnerships, we help bridge gaps in access to education and opportunity,
particularly for underrepresented groups.” Graco’s partnership with Dunwoody “helps build a stronger, more inclusive workforce and drives meaningful, long-term change that benefits our industry and society at large.”
Dunwoody graduates are a big part of the Graco workforce. The company offers numerous summer internships along with their typical full-time job opportunities.
Partnerships, like the one with Graco, help ensure that future employees are able to provide the specialized talent needed to help companies thrive in a competitive, technology-driven landscape.
MEET THE NEW ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD CHAIR, BENITO MATIAS
Benito Matias felt true community as a student at Dunwoody, because “of course, the experience is the people.” As the new chair of the Dunwoody Alumni Association Board, he wants to nurture that feeling of deep engagement and positivity for more alumni in the Dunwoody orbit.
A FOCUS ON ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
Matias wants to ensure that no matter what grads do when they leave Dunwoody College, they feel empowered to continue walking their pathway to success.
Born and raised in Minneapolis, Matias graduated from Patrick Henry High School (now Camden High School), Dunwoody College of Technology, Bemidji State University, and Saint Mary’s University, where he earned a master’s degree in educational leadership.
In 1988, Matias was selected to participate in the first cohort of the Youth Career Awareness Program (which has now transitioned to Pathways to Careers) at Dunwoody. Then as a YCAP Scholarship recipient, Matias enrolled in the Engineering Drafting & Design program. After graduating in 1993, Matias worked for the College in several roles, including as YCAP program manager and executive director of Dunwoody Academy, a charter school the College sponsored from 2006 to 2011.
A Dunwoody education has several potential outcomes — a stable job in an ever-evolving technical field, the keys to building an entrepreneurial enterprise, increased confidence in professional skills, or an unlocked passion for learning. In Matias’ case, he walked away knowing that “anything is possible.” Dunwoody alumni have done incredible things. For the Alumni Board Chair, harnessing that excellence is key to maintaining an accessible and rewarding alumni experience. “There are so many people that have gone on to start fantastic businesses and have been staples within the community… people have gone from our small campus and have become giants in industry.”
As Matias was called to give back to Dunwoody College in service on the board, he intends to create an environment that is welcoming to all alumni, even if life’s changes, shifts, and investments have distanced them from the College. “There are so many other ways aside from financial contribution — in terms of wisdom, experience, and insight — that people have that are valuable. We as an Alumni Board find ways to help bring those things to bear, and to provide the connection, the access for folks to be able to do that, and in doing so, rekindle or maintain that strong connection that so many of us feel for Dunwoody College,” Matias affirms, aiming to keep those valuable people in the loop as the school makes progress toward an alumni network that is excited to engage with graduates.
Matias will serve as the chair of the Alumni Board through 2026 and is inspired to continue the board’s legacy and enhance the alumni experience over his term.
“I would love to move the board forward in ways that allow us to engage more with Dunwoody alumni, and help us feel more like a close-knit family," Matias said. "I want the board to be able to provide an avenue for folks to stay connected or reconnect with this institution that has been such a huge part of their life.”
Honoring the Legacy of KATE DUNWOODY
Nearly 300 people gathered together on Wednesday, November 6, for the annual Kate Dunwoody Society Luncheon. Held in honor of Kate Dunwoody, this event is a way to celebrate and support women in the technical and skilled trade fields, while also serving as a scholarship fundraiser.
This year's Kate Dunwoody Society Luncheon included an industry panel moderated by Michele Krolczyk, Principal/Founder of Vivid360 (far left). Panel members included (from left): Bridgette Dalldorf, Perian Staffan, and Shantel Volker.
This year's event, "A View from the Field: Insights from Industry Professionals" included a panel discussion from three Dunwoody alumnae: Bridgette Dalldorf '22 Engineering Drafting & Design, Mechanical Designer at Boston Scientific; Perian Staffan '21 Automotive Service Technology, Journeyman Technician at Eden Prairie Nissan; and Shantel Volker '24 Construction Management, Maintenance Engineer at the Minneapolis Federal Reserve.
The women shared their advice to others in the field. For those who have yet to start or are early in their careers: "Don't be afraid." To those who hold advanced positions, a reminder: "Visit those in the trenches to remember."
A huge thank you to all of the sponsors who made this event possible, especially presenting sponsor, Mortenson, and KDS Social sponsor, Morrie's Classic Cars.
KATE DUNWOODY SOCIETY SOCIAL SPONSOR PROGRAM SPONSORS
TAKING ON A DESIGN CHALLENGE
Dunwoody's National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMAS) Student Chapter took a trip to Baltimore, Maryland, this fall for the NOMAS Conference and Exposition. The students competed in the Barbara G. Laurie Student Design Competition, "The Highway to Healing," in which they designed and built models that reimagined a transit hub to address the needs of a West Baltimore neighborhood. This was the first time a group from Dunwoody competed in the event.
DUNWOODY EARNS ABET ACCREDITATION
Dunwoody College of Technology’s Bachelor of Science degree program in Automation & Controls Engineering Technology has been accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, the quality assurance organization focused on college and university programs in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines.
In addition, Dunwoody’s Bachelor of Science degree program in Industrial Engineering Technology has earned reaccreditation.
ABET accreditation assures that programs meet standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies and anticipating the welfare and safety needs of the public.
“To keep pace in a world that is becoming more automated and connected, our industries need more leaders in the fields of industrial controls, automation, and advanced manufacturing,” said Academic Dean E.J. Daigle. “Both of these bachelor completion programs offer graduates from our two-year degrees a pathway to advance into sought-after engineering and management positions. Earning accreditation from the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET assures our graduates that they are gaining the right skills and knowledge to excel in these everevolving fields.”
Sought worldwide, ABET’s voluntary peer-review process is highly respected for the critical value it adds to academic programs in the technical disciplines, where quality, precision, and safety are of the utmost importance.
Developed by technical professionals from ABET’s member societies, ABET criteria focus on what students experience and learn. ABET accreditation reviews look at program curricula, faculty, facilities, and institutional support and are conducted by teams of highly skilled professionals from industry, academia, and government, with expertise in the ABET disciplines.
ABOUT AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY (AENT):
Focused on the study of industrial automation systems and operation technologies, AENT graduates leave the program ready to take on roles in the field of advanced manufacturing including controls engineer, mechatronics engineer, PLC programmer, robotics engineer, process engineer, and ECAD designer. During the program, students gain advanced knowledge in electrical design, programmable logic controller applications, robotics, motors, machine vision, auto-guided vehicles, and factory automation. Students also develop the critical thinking, communication, and managerial skills required to be an engineer in today’s face-paced workforce.
Offered as a two-year bachelor’s completion degree, the program is open to individuals with a two-year degree in electrical maintenance, electronics, mechatronics, industrial controls, and robotics. Designed for working professionals, classes are handson and offered in the evening at the Dunwoody campus in Minneapolis.
ABOUT INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY (IENG):
Students in Dunwoody’s IENG program leave with an in-depth understanding of the processes and systems that lead to more efficient, better quality manufacturing practices — and the skills needed to implement that knowledge. Graduates are employed as manufacturing engineers, industrial engineers, and quality engineers at some of the State and region’s largest employers. During the program, students gain skills in manufacturing processes, engineering economics, lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, industrial automation, and operations management. The program is offered as a two-year bachelor’s completion degree to individuals with a two-year degree in engineering drafting, machining, electronics, or robotics. Classes are offered in-person in the evening at the Dunwoody campus in Minneapolis.
ABET is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization with ISO 9001:2015 certification. It currently accredits 4,674 programs at 920 colleges and universities in 42 countries and areas.
More information about ABET, its member societies and the accreditation criteria used to evaluate programs can be found at www.abet.org.
GROWTH TRAJECTORY CONTINUES
WITH LARGEST ENROLLMENT IN MORE THAN 10 YEARS
CONTINUED GROWTH REFLECTS A GROWING INTEREST IN TECHNICAL AND SKILLED TRADES CAREERS
Fall enrollment at Dunwoody College of Technology once again reflects a rising interest in the technical and skilled trades fields. Enrollment at the College grew by 7.7 percent this fall, continuing an 11-year upward trend that has seen Dunwoody’s enrollment grow from 1,070 students in 2014 to 1,534 this fall – an increase of 43 percent.
In addition to attracting a higher number of new students to the College, Dunwoody also saw strong retention with its returning population – demonstrating that students who begin their higher education at Dunwoody see the value in continuing their education.
At the same time, Dunwoody continues to attract more women and students of color into these high-demand, high-paying career fields. The number of women pursuing a technical degree at Dunwoody grew by nearly 10 percent, while students of color grew by five percent and the number of first-generation college students enrolled grew by 13 percent.
“Dunwoody College is growing – and we’re bringing along populations of students who have been historically underrepresented in the technical fields and high-skill trades,” said President Scott Stallman. “Growth in these strategic areas is important not only to the students pursuing these degrees, but also to the industries facing a shortage of skilled workers needed to keep their businesses thriving.”
The College saw increased interest in nearly all academic areas this year, with majors in Construction Sciences, Engineering, and Design seeing some of the largest upward movement.
The College’s online campus also grew by nearly 24 percent this fall, demonstrating that many students continue to seek a flexible degree pathway.
A HIGH-GROWTH FIELD
Dunwoody’s Cybersecurity degree program saw one of the year’s biggest jumps in enrollment, growing by 41 percent year-overyear and reflecting a heightened interest in this fast-growing career field. In fact, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is at an all-time high and is expected to grow by 24 percent in Minnesota during the next seven years.
To train these cyber professionals, the College recently opened its Center for Cybersecurity & Cloud Engineering, which features a state-of-the-moment cyber range.
A CLEAR PATH TO INDUSTRY
Dunwoody College continues to differentiate itself amongst higher education institutions through its close alignment with industry. In recent years, the College has focused on providing students with even more connections to future employers. Students benefit from increased site visits, hosted industry events, and two highly attended career fairs that bring to campus more than 200 companies looking to hire Dunwoody graduates.
“Dunwoody remains committed to delivering on our mission of changing lives through a technical education. That commitment is evident through the growing interest from industries who want to partner, connect, and most importantly, hire and promote our graduates,” Stallman said.
PATHWAYS TO CAREERS
STUDENT spotlight
EVAN SUKOCHEV
ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE
P2C CHAPTER 1, Expected Graduation: May 2026
At Dunwoody, we are proud to pave pathways to success for students seeking a brighter future through technical education. For Evan Sukochev, Dunwoody’s built-in supports and community of learners sealed the deal on his enrollment.
“I decided to attend Dunwoody because I genuinely made a great connection with many of the staff at Dunwoody,” he said. “From my first open house in January, I met some amazing teachers, staff, and students.”
A graduate of Eagle Ridge Academy, Sukochev has found likeminded company since enrolling at Dunwoody in the Electrical Construction & Maintenance program. “I was never the most popular kid, I was never the funniest, never the most athletic, and never the smartest,” he said. “My parents are first-year immigrants. So far, my favorite experiences have been meeting new people.”
Social support through P2C and the positive energy that comes from hands-on learning have created a natural incentive for Sukochev and his peers to excel in their studies.
From his freshman to senior year in high school, Sukochev increased his grade point average and gained a laser-focus in his passion for electrical work. “I started to look at high school as an opportunity to learn how to learn. Here I am today attending Dunwoody, learning how to do the thing I love.”
Sukochev excelled in physics in high school and continues to apply his learning preferences and his natural abilities to his degree at Dunwoody.
“I chose to be an electrician because since I was little, I always loved to take things apart,” he said. “I also love to make things
with my hands. Origami, wood carving, wood sculpting, and ring making. I knew that [becoming an electrician] was the profession for me.”
A hardworking, committed, and dedicated student, P2C is helping Sukochev focus on his mission. “Everyone knows the feeling you get when you finally get something to work after countless attempts. Something similar to that emotion is the feeling I felt when I opened the email saying I was accepted into the P2C scholarship,” he said.
P2C is also supporting Sukochev to build positive relationships and a peer network that appreciates his approach to learning and professional development.
"This scholarship will help me tremendously," he said. "Obviously, it provides huge financial support, but it also provides me with an amazing opportunity to meet new people, get to know the other programs more, and form good relationships with Dunwoody staff."
Eager to begin his career, Sukochev plans to obtain his electrician’s license as soon as possible.
“I want to start my own business. I want to travel throughout my career, snowboard down different mountains, and learn more about other cultures, maybe live in different places,” he said. “Entering a technical career is just as challenging as any other field—it simply focuses on different skills. Staying curious, embracing problem-solving, and knowing that persistence will lead you to success. Every challenge is a chance to grow and make an impact.”
Edinburgh Golf Course Brooklyn Park, MN dunwoody.edu/golf
NOVEMBER
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19
Kate Dunwoody Society Luncheon 12 p.m. | Metropolitan Ballroom and Clubroom Speaker: TBA
Raised on a farm in Northern Minnesota, Orlan Ranstrom’s journey from rural beginnings to pioneering technology and generous philanthropy is nothing short of remarkable.
Generosity A LEGACY OF
Orlan ’66 and Jacquelyn Ranstrom
students from Greater Minnesota to enroll at Dunwoody. His passion for education and opportunity is unwavering.
After graduating from Alvarado High School, Orlan enlisted in the Air Force. Afterward, a serendipitous moment in Fargo changed Orlan’s life. While flipping through a VA pamphlet, he discovered Dunwoody Industrial Institute. Inspired by a conversation with his cousin Reynold Wicklund ‘42 and the stories of Ken Bergstrom ‘49, Orlan enrolled in Dunwoody’s Electronics program, graduating in 1966. This decision would set the stage for an extraordinary career and a lifelong commitment to giving back.
Orlan’s passion for technology led him to NW Bell Telephone and eventually to Ampex Corp. in California. At Ampex, Orlan was at the forefront of technological innovation, working on the first color TV camera and studio video recorder for ABC TV. These groundbreaking devices were pivotal in broadcasting the 1968 Winter Olympics. Orlan’s ambitions didn’t stop there, many years later, he transitioned to a new career as a general contractor. Orlan and his wife, Jacquelyn, have always been deeply involved in their community, particularly in veteran and local organizations. Their commitment to service extends to their family, where they cherish watching their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow and succeed.
Driven by a profound sense of gratitude and a desire to give back, Orlan set up a scholarship at his high school to encourage
“I would like to give back and provide an opportunity for someone to improve their life the way Dunwoody helped improve mine,” Orlan said.
Choosing to make Dunwoody a beneficiary of his life insurance policy was a natural extension of this generosity. “Making Dunwoody a beneficiary of a life insurance policy was a simple way for us to give back and make a difference. The reason for purchasing the policy was no longer necessary for us, so we thought this would be a nice way to support my alma mater,” he explained. Orlan and Jacquelyn’s thoughtful donation to Dunwoody’s endowment ensures that their legacy will continue to benefit students for generations to come.
Orlan’s story is one of innovation, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to giving back. His life exemplifies the values of Dunwoody College of Technology, and his legacy will inspire future students to pursue their dreams with the same passion and determination.
Dunwoody Legacy Makers
Dunwoody recognizes those individuals who have chosen to make Dunwoody a part of their legacy. Those who include Dunwoody in their will or estate plans or choose another planned giving option are living their values beyond their lifetime. These individuals are LEGACY MAKERS. We recognize Legacy Makers on an annual basis and include all members in our President’s Club and look forward to celebrating your commitment with you now.
For more information on becoming a Legacy Maker, contact David Crowley, Director of Planned Giving dcrowley@dunwoody.edu | 612.381.8150
Dunwoody Tax ID: 41-0693856 | Information is not intended to serve as tax, legal, investment or financial advice. Gift results may vary. Consult your personal advisor for information specific to your situation.
