Tech Annual 2008 College
of Technology
Donations and Data
Qwest gives the College networking equipment
Welcome from the College of Technology
Dear Alumni and Friends,
On behalf of the College of Technology, I extend greetings to you.
I am pleased with the accomplishments the College has made this past year, each one contributing to the quality of education our students receive. Our faculty are experts in their fields and with the support of our business and industry partners’ donations we can continue to offer effective learning opportunities.
As a result of input from advisory committee members and alumni, the Computer Business Equipment Technology program revamped its curriculum and changed its name to Information Technology Systems. In addition, Qwest donated equipment totaling more than $1.6 million allowing students to be trained on the latest technology. We celebrated the official opening of the Energy Systems Technology and Education Center and
New Hires
Lindsay Allen – Instructor Assistant, Business Information
Jennie Brumfield - Instructor, Practical Nursing
Alesha Churba – Instructor, Computer Aided Design Drafting
Chuck Eby – Printing Technician, Graphic Arts/Printing Technology
Stephanie Foreman – Administrative Assistant I, Center for New Directions
Teresa Hardy – Instructor, Computer Software Development Technology
Anne Hunt – Instructor, Web Site Design and Management
Ralph Jones - Instructor, Workforce Training
Lucinda Klein – Recruiter/Admissions Advisor, Student Services
Sandra Knighton – Instructor, Associate Degree Registered Nurse
Rita Kolody- Associate Professor, Human Resource Training and Development
Vern Kubiak – Instructor, Practical Nursing
Lyle Larson – Instructor, Electronic Systems Technology
Steve Maclure – Instructor, Electro-Tech Core
several programs have undergone accreditation or recertification processes. In addition, I congratulate our students who have represented the College at various competitions and leadership conferences. The results they have achieved speak volumes to the education they are receiving.
The College of Technology takes pride in preparing graduates for successful employment in today’s competitive workforce and your support, guidance, ideas and perspectives are valued. It is you, our alumni and friends, who help us to remain successful and competitive in today’s society.
Dr. Marilyn E. Davis Dean, College of Technology
Laura McCarty – Administrative Assistant I, Workforce Training
Ken Moore – Instructor, Computerized Machining Technology
Paul Peterson – Department Chair, Health Occupations
Sherry Rindels-Larsen – Associate Director, Energy Systems Technology and Education Center
Pete Stewart – Instructor, Aircraft Maintenance Technology
Jodi Stuart – Administrative Assistant II, Energy Systems Technology and Education Center
Donna Summers – Counselor, Center for New Directions
Mike Tauscher – Instructor Assistant, Electronics
Gene Warren – Instructor, Business Information
Retirees
Anza Ketterman – Instructor, Website Design and Management
Maher Wissa – Associate Professor, Geomatics Technology
Dr. Marilyn E. Davis Dean, College of Technology
Equipment Donated to Help Students Learn Simulation of Local and Long-Distance Data Networks
This fall, Qwest donated approximately $1.6 million worth of datanetworking equipment to Idaho State University’s Information Technology Systems (ITS) program. The gift, along with the official name change for the program from Computer Business Equipment Technology to Information Technology Systems was announced at a press conference on the ISU campus, Oct. 29.
“Qwest’s generosity and foresight in making this gift assures that students in this program will enter the workforce prepared to support the latest technology,” said ISU President Arthur C. Vailas, Ph.D.
The equipment, which ranges from routers to various Cisco Servers, arrived at ISU over a period of several weeks from Qwest warehouses in 10 cities in states from Minnesota to Arizona. Qwest kept the donated equipment in storage as spares, but after recent network upgrades the company has made in Idaho and elsewhere it was no longer needed. The equipment, most of which has never been used, would be valued at approximately $2 million if purchased new.
“We are very pleased that this
advanced equipment has found a home and will be put to good use at ISU,” said Qwest Idaho President Jim Schmit. “While Qwest no longer needs it to maintain our network, the equipment will help students get the kind of hands-on training that is so important for careers in advanced technology.”
ISU College of Technology students in the ITS program will use the equipment to learn how to build and repair modern telecommunications networks. They will use the equipment to build small-scale equivalents of the networks that serve Idaho residents today. Students will be able to create and troubleshoot network outages in the same way that a technician working for Qwest or another provider would do in an actual workplace.
The importance of this equipment donation was additionally strengthened with the announcement regarding the official name change for the program. The change of name from Computer Business Equipment Technology (CBET) to Information Technology Systems reflects the revamping of the curriculum to better meet the shift that has taken place in industry.
Changes in the curriculum and name were the result of input from industry contacts, advisory committee members, students and graduates. The program over the past several years has incorporated updated material in the curriculum to include networking concepts. In addition, the program consists of several CISCO systems courses and is a recognized CISCO Academy. The CISCO curriculum further includes networking concepts and the related components necessary to install and troubleshoot a network system. It was only natural with the existing courses to make the change from CBET to ITS.
Students entering the ITS program can choose to complete a Technical Certificate for Information Systems Technician, an Advanced Technical Certificate for Information Systems Technician or an Associate of Applied Science degree in Information Technology Systems.
The ITS program will anchor computer network and network peripheral training for this region. Graduates will have the skills that are relevant to current and future workplaces.
College of Technology programs are headed in the right direction College highlights
• The Associate Degree Registered Nurse (ADRN) program received notification this fall that the 2008 graduates of the ADRN program achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX— RN). The Practical Nursing program graduates also achieved an overall pass rate of 100 percent on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) in Chicago develops and analyzes the NCLEX-RN examination for all graduates of professional nursing programs. Statistics recently released from the NCSBN show the ADRN program as the leading professional nursing program in the state of Idaho, holding the number-one rank in the nation for all RN programs (one of 1,599).
Both the Practical Nursing and ADRN programs are fully approved by Idaho State Board of the Nursing. The ADRN program is a candidate for accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and hosted an accreditation visit as well this fall.
• The Automotive Technology and Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing programs both completed on-site evaluation team visits to complete requirements for ASE/NATEF recertification. Each program was recommended for recertification and was scheduled to know by the end of 2008 that the programs were certified for another five years.
• New additions have been added to the Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing program after many months of removal, renovation, installation and testing. A new paint booth, prep booth and heated intake air system have been added to the program.
• Second-year students in the Building Construction Technology program broke ground this fall and started construction of the 10th house built by the program. It is a three bedroom, two bath home with a three-car garage. The home is being built to EnergyStar efficiency standards with extra insulation, gas heat, low-energy vinyl windows, and metal siding with brick wainscoat. The first-year students have constructed the home’s cabinets.
• With a change in the title of TGE158 from Job Search to Employment Strategies, the General Education Department hosted the first Employment Strategies Advisory Committee meeting in November 2007. Because methods of acquiring employment change as rapidly as other technical instruction, the purpose of the committee meeting was to gain relevant information that General Education faculty will apply within the Employment Strategies course curriculum.
The course teaches students how to create employmentrelated documents such as cover letters and résumés. It also offers instruction in company research and portfolio and interview preparation.
• Many health occupation programs and faculty offices moved to the Owen Redfield Complex this past summer. Programs that are now located there include: Health Information Technology, Medical Assisting, Massage Therapy, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Respiratory Therapy. These newly remodeled labs are designed with all of the latest technologies to train students for success in the workplace.
Workforce Training – Looking Ahead
• Workforce Training will provide high-quality, real-life training that you can take to the river with their new Fly Fishing Guide School. Gain knowledge, confidence and professionalism to excel as a guide during this eight day school.
• As the economy continues to expand in Idaho, the demand for Construction and Building Inspectors is on the rise.
A large number of inspectors are expected to retire creating additional job openings. The new ICC Certified Building Inspector Preparation program will prepare students to take the ICC exam for the purpose of obtaining an ICC Building Inspector I Certificate.
• In partnership with Boise State University, two new affordable trainings for business employees are being presented by ISU Workforce Training. Preventing Workplace Harassment and Defensive Driving classes are being offered via the Web.
• Workforce Training is partnering with PacifiCAD to provide training for residents of Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. Available classes can be viewed on its Web site: workforcetraining.isu.edu
Jim Allen, Paramedic Instructor provides training to EMT-P student.
Student highlights
The American Physical Therapy Association National Student Conclave was Oct. 16-19 in San Jose, Calif. Among the more than 2000 attendees, seven secondyear College of Technology physical therapist assistant students participated along with one instructor. Those who attended were: Cassie House, Tom Zywicki, Ashley Warren, Birdee Davis, Melisa Young, Maegan Haney, Eric Christensen, and Jake Lame.
The conclave provided students with
an in-depth look into their chosen profession and the availability of what they may pursue upon graduation. They could meet with recruiters from various companies, attend seminars relating to cardiopulmonary, neurology, and other common health problems. They also attended classes such as interviewing and financial management. In addition, students learned about their board exams and what to expect.
The group concluded that the San Jose
PTA students at Student Conclave in San Jose, Calif.
Sharks hockey game and the Body World exhibit in Salt Lake City, Utah on the way home were among the highlights.
• Eighteen child development students received scholarships in the amount of $30,730 from IdahoSTARS for fall semester 2008. As Idaho’s State Training and Registry System, IdahoSTARS’s mission is to promote high quality, inclusive child care throughout Idaho. This statewide program assists parents by offering child care referrals and information about quality child care settings and assists child care providers with a variety of professional development opportunities and resources.
• Pat Garrett, a health information Technology student, received the Tara Denning Scholarship in spring 2008. She graduated in May and is actively employed at Bingham Memorial Hospital as an outpatient coder.
• May 2008 graduate of the Health Information Technology program, Deanna Palmer won the IDHIMA RHIT Exam Scholarship. She is employed at Madison Memorial Hospital in Rexburg and is pursuing her bachelor degree in Health Information Management.
Distinguished Student Award
College of Technology student Nicolas Diaz was awarded the Distinguished Student Award in January, recognizing his academic excellence and community involvement. He received a $1,500 scholarship for his accomplish-
Diaz became a United States citizen in October 2007. He is considered a leader and a role model in the Hispanic community and the classroom.
Throughout his college career, Nicholas maintained a 4.0 GPA, was on the Dean’s List in 2006-2007, and National Honor Roll in 2006. He volunteered as a tutor for web graphics and animation, digital video, and 3D animation. In addition, he was an active member of Asociacion Latina Motivandote A Superate (ALMAS) and the HALO club at ISU.
While in the program, Diaz worked more than 17 hours per week, tutored five hours perweek and vol-
unteered for various community related events. He commuted from Idaho Falls daily to attend classes and never missed one. He would return home at the end of each day to assist with the family farm.
Diaz’ dedication is commendable and extends into his work environment. Diaz supervised 15-20 employees at the Idaho Falls Public Library and served as an administrative assistant for the Success Track and Retention System (STARS) in Student Services at the College of Technology. He also served as Sandhill Radio Group’s webmaster and provided public service announcements for the Spanish-speaking community on radio station 980 AM.
Continuously, Diaz volunteers as an interpreter to assist the Hispanic community in communicating their needs to various media establishments and government agencies and tutors high school students in English as Second Language classes.
Diaz received his AAS in Web Site Design and Management in May 2008.
SkillsUSA Students
Recognized at State and National Conferences
This past year 110 College of Technology students participated in SkillsUSA. Members competed in the SkillsUSA state leadership and skills conference in Boise during the month of April and four students represented the College at the National leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City, Missouri the end of June.
State SkillsUSA winners:
• Aviation Maintenance
Gold –Todd Thomas
Silver – Sigifredo Reyes, Jr.
Bronze – Mark Jensen
4th place – Pat Stopher
• Auto Collision and Repair
Bronze – Greg Anderson
• Auto Refinishing
Gold – Greg Anderson
• CNC Milling, Bronze – Ryder Carson
• CNC Turning, Bronze – Ryder Carson
• Diesel, Bronze – Jordan Van Every
• Electronics Technology
Gold – Jeremy Edwards
Silver – Cory Wilken
Bronze – Ryan Kolar
• Internetworking
Bronze – Blake Portmann
• Machining
Silver – Carl Betts
Bronze –Ryder Carson
• Prepared Speech
Gold – Renell Anderson
Top honors at the Nationals:
• Computerized Numeric Control Milling
Gold – Ryder Carson
• Automotive Refinishing
Gold – Greg Anderson
• Prepared Speech
6th – Renell Anderson
• Aviation Maintenance
4th – Todd Thomas
SkillsUSA Advisor Passes
Bill Gibbs, Computerized Machining program coordinator and SkillsUSA advisor passed away this fall due to complications from cancer. He was dedicated to the machining program and SkillsUSA. He will be missed by all. A scholarship has been established in his name to recognize his service and commitment.
Delta Epsilon Chi (DEC)
Fourteen Marketing and Management Occupation students attended the Idaho State Career Development Conference and participated in various competitions, bringing home a total of 16 medals.
The following students earned medals in their competitive events and traveled to Atlanta, Ga. in April to compete in the Delta Epsilon Chi International Career Development Conference.
Fashion Merchandising and Marketing, Garrett Reynolds (5th place); Financial Services Management, Cassie Jones (1st place); Hospitality Management, Melanie Christensen (2nd place) and Megan Clark (5th place);
Restaurant and Food Services Mgt., Irene Nash (3rd place), Michelle Young (5th place), and Tyler Liddle (6th place); Retail Management, Lindsay Kopp, (4th place); and Travel and Tourism, Ragen Darrington (3rd place).
In the case studies categories the following students placed accordingly: Business Ethics, Lindsay Kopp and Cassie Jones (1st place); Business Law, Ragen Darrington and Christi Spinner (1st place); Human Resource Management Decision Making, Annette Warburton (1st place) and Tyler Liddle (2nd place); International Marketing, Lauren Tate and Garrett Reynolds (1st place); Marketing Management, LaRae Perkins (3rd place); Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Katie Balls and Michelle Young (1st place).
Students ‘Hit the Jackpot’
Students in the College of Technology Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter “Hit the Jackpot” during their national competition in Reno, Nev. in May. Eleven members qualified to compete in the national competition by placing in the top three places in a variety of technology competitions. These students and their advisors, Karla Stroud and Anza Ketterman, participated in several fund raisers to help support the cost of travel and competition fees for the conference.
The following students placed in the Business Professionals of America National
Competition Conference as follows:
• Digital Media Production
Mark Abernathy(1st place)
• Graphic Design Promotion
Erin Arellano (1st place)
• Information Technology
Aaron Dean (3rd place)
• Human Resource Management
Connie Sistrunk (2nd place)
• Fundamentals of HTML
Kimberly Wright (1st place)
• Web Site Design Team
Suzzette Barrett, Aaron Dean (1st place)
• Web Site Design Team
Mark Abernathy, Erin Arellano, Cody
Mecham, Kimberly Wright (2nd place)
• Video Production Team
Zach Ellis, Darren Gonzol (1st place)
Outreach
Summer at the college equates to camps
HaYwIrE Robotics Summer Camp
Over 20 students in grades 8-11 attended the first HaYwIrE Robotics Summer Camp at the Idaho State University College of Technology July 21-25. Students designed, constructed, programmed, tested and competed with Vex robots. They saw demonstrations of Mach 5, the robot the HaYwIrE (Team 1569) built and competed with this past year.
Camp attendees experienced firsthand how the FIRST program works from the School District 25 high school robotics team who worked tirelessly and in partnership with Electronics department faculty to conduct the camp.
HaYwIrE (Team 1569) was formed four years ago as one of the first robotics teams in Idaho. The team is made up of students from all three high schools in School District 25. The team has over 25 students and many mentors and volunteers who compete each year in a new game. Because of this program, many students who didn’t believe they could go to college are now making it big with scholarships in science, technology and engineering.
FIRST stands for “For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.” It has grown from just a couple teams to a worldwide consortium of students, mentors and volunteers, numbering in the hundreds of thousands. It isn’t just about winning; FIRST teaches students who participate what it means to be a team, creativity, communication skills, gracious professionalism, and much more.
For Girls Only
In conjunction with the Idaho National Laboratory, Partners for Prosperity, and Idaho Women in Nuclear, the first girls’ only summer energy camp was offered June 16-19 at Idaho State University–Idaho Falls.
This introductory camp was designed for girls who had no prior experience in electronics. Thirty-two girls learned how electrical energy is created and managed, discovered how energy
production affects our environment, experimented with radio electronics, built various electronics kits, and participated in field trips to a power plant and other facilities.
ITS Summer Camp
The Information Technology Systems program (previously Computer Business
Equipment Technology) hosted an ITS summer camp the week of July 14. Six junior high students attended the camp where they learned to disassemble and reassemble PCs, load and adjust operating systems, setup small networks, make cables, and more. The students concluded the last day of camp with a LAN party.
Jon Warner (Partners for Prosperity Board Chair), Senator Mike Crapo, Juan Alvarez (INL Deputy Lab Director of Management), ISU President Arthur Vailas, Congressman Mike Simpson, and Cedric Black Eagle (Vice Chair of the Crow Nation) cut the ribbon to show the official opening of ESTEC.
Energy Systems Technology and Education Center Opens its Doors
Nov. 7, marked the official opening of the Energy Systems Technology and Education Center (ESTEC). Renovation of the ESTEC building began summer 2007, after the team of Idaho State University’s College of Technology, Idaho National Laboratory and Partners for Prosperity received grant funding totaling more than $2.5 million.
ESTEC’s primary mission is to support the energy sector in offsetting the growing national shortage of energy systems technicians. It is expected to facilitate regional economic competitiveness, increased job growth and provide other new energy-related opportunities.
“ESTEC will be a cornerstone of
Idaho State University’s growing role in educating skilled technicians to operate modern energy systems,” said ISU President Arthur C. Vailas, Ph.D. “Just as Idaho is playing an increasingly important role in energy research, ISU is poised to educate the workforce that science, industry and government will need to succeed.”
ESTEC offers Associate of Applied Science degree programs in Energy Systems Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technology and Energy Systems Electrical Engineering Technology, preparing students to enter the energy workforce. A third program, Energy Systems Mechanical Engineering Technology, will begin in fall 2009.
CNA Course Becomes Reality for Fort Hall
After months of work, the dream of offering an onsite Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course to residents of Fort Hall became a reality in June.
Through extensive collaboration between ISU Workforce Training, Partners for Prosperity, and Shoshone-Bannock tribal entities, seventeen women completed the 10-week course. They attended classes two evenings a week for five hours each evening. Some of the classes required them to drive from Fort Hall to Pocatello for their lab instruction where there were hospital beds, manikins, wheelchairs –more of the real world setting – where they practiced their nursing assistant skills. The last couple of weeks were spent at the Veterans Center in Pocatello where they applied their didactic instruction tending to Center residents.
Cheryl DenHartog, Workforce Training Health Programs Manager and instructor of the course said, “All students came to class eager to learn and ready to do what it took to succeed. Comments reflected that they appreciate the confidence all parties have in them and are grateful for the funding that was provided for them. These efforts do not go unrecognized by the students. I don’t think I have seen the level of group-wide hard work that I have seen in this class. I am amazed at the effort and heart behind preparing for this class. From Donner Ellsworth’s (EET/ TANF) genuine concern that we identify all barriers to success to Judy McClanahan’s (P4P) numerous humble generosities, to Norma Wadsworth’s (CHN) seeking additional funding for clinical supplies, gas and daycare to community members offering free tutoring. All involved went beyond the requirements of the job.” This project showed what teamwork and collaboration were all about. This collaboration was created as an effort to “grow their own” health-care providers while attempting to reduce unemployment and poverty. Because CNA training is a gateway to many other health-related training programs, it was a natural choice to offer a CNA training program first. There is potential for other training programs to be offered onsite at Fort Hall in the near future.
THC Collaborative Projects
Workforce Training, in cooperation with The Hospital Cooperative (THC), began collaborative efforts in February by offering a video-based certified nursing assistants (CNA) course. They expanded their collaboration with THC by offering a THC Leadership Development Series to assist hospital staff members improve their managerial effectiveness.
The first session, “Stress and Burnout,” was held in March with staff members from
Training for Area Chamber Members
Through “Learning Lunches for Area Businesses,” Workforce Training has trained over 400 employees each month in Aberdeen, American Falls, Bear Lake, Blackfoot, Lava Hot Springs, Malad, Pocatello, Preston and Soda Springs this past year. “Learning Lunches “provide the basic tools for success and provide employees opportunities to attend short courses on topics such as customer retention, leadership essentials, team building, effective communications and more.
eight hospitals attending. Ralph Jones, retired department chair for Business and Services at Idaho State University College of Technology, led discussion topics to help individuals understand the causative factors of stress and burnout, how to prevent it, and how to manage employees who show signs. Following the groups session, PHC peer network meetings were conducted.
Two additional professional development series seminars were held in June and September to compliment the first session.
College offers E-commerce Training
ISU was the first in Idaho to offer ecommerce training.
The Workforce Training program, implemented by the E-commerce Institute, designed to provide the training needed to successfully do business online by putting products and services on the Web. Divided into three modules, this course covers research and planning, content development, putting a site together and Web site maintenance, among other practical applications and instruction necessary to get a Web site started and keep it running smoothly.
Rod Jacobsen Named Outstanding Community Partner
The Outstanding Community Partner award, developed to recognize people in the community that give unselfishly of their time and energy to support programs at the College of Technology, was awarded to Rodney Jacobson, CEO at Bear Lake Memorial Hospital.
Jacobson was instrumental in the development of the first distance-based Associate of Science in Nursing (ADRN) program at the College of Technology. Dr. Linda Smith, ADRN program coordinator explained, “Rod knew that he was asking for that which had never been done in Idaho or the United States. To all the naysayers he responded, “Why not? We can do it and ISU and the College of Technology have the facilities and educational expertise to make it happen.”
By February 2005, the Idaho Board of Nursing allowed program entry for the first students. Jacobson was elected to serve as the first ADRN Advisory Board Chair.
With Jacobson’s oversight, Bear Lake County residents complete clinical course
objectives while being precepted by qualified Bear Lake Hospital nurses. Rod also guides the development and implementation of nursing scholarships for current and future College of Technology students. He has implemented numerous programs for high school students that encourage them to learn more about and therefore choose ISU College of Technology health careers. Jacobson is commended for his involvement in the many aspects of health-care development.
Faculty and Staff Highlights
New Department Chairs Take Posts
Dr. Paul Peterson accepted the Health Occupations Department Chair position effective June 1, 2008, and relocated to Pocatello from the New England area.
Peterson comes to the ISU College of Technology with extensive knowledge in education and program management. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in Psychology and a masters degree in education, with course work in adult education, and staff training and development from the University of Maine. He also holds a Ph.D. in educational psychology with an emphasis on counseling psychology from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Arts Leadership pro-
Will Fanning has been appointed the interim department chair of the Technical Department following the departure of former department chair, Dr. Ed Guthrie.
Fanning is not new to ISU. He is a 2000 graduate of the Electromechanical Design Drafting (EMDD) program. He received a bachelors of science in 2002 and masters of training and development in human resource training and development in 2007. He is currently enrolled in the Ed.D. program focusing on education leadership in higher education administration.
2008 Outstanding Achievment Awards
The recipients of the Outstanding Faculty Achievement Awards are Marie Campbell and Rajendra Bajracharya. They were nominated by their peers for their outstanding efforts as instructors, student advocates, professionals, and colleagues.
They each play a vital role in the development and positive image of professional technical education.
Campbell is a master instructor in the Business and Service Department, teaching in the Business Information program. A comment in Marie’s nomination letter was, “Teaching excellence encompasses many things-knowledge of subject matter, hard work, dedication, hard work, caring, and more hard work. In addition, there are those rare few who also possess a genuine gift for teaching that is readily recognized by all whom they teach. Marie Campbell is one of those rare few who daily demonstrates her talents as a teacher and works tirelessly on behalf of her students and the Business Information program.”
Dr. Bajracharya is an associate professor in the Geomatics Technology program. Nominated by Maher Wissa, Dr. Bajracharya was recognized for the time he spends beyond his office hours tutoring and helping program students succeed. “Raj is continuously working on upgrading the curriculum, incorporat-
gram at Franklin Pierce University, Rindage, N.H.
Peterson’s goals are to continue working with faculty to assess programs and implement changes where growth is a potential for health occupations.
About his opportunity to work at the ISU College of Technology, Peterson said, “I have been very impressed with the quality of the faculty, their level of commitment and willingness to help me get up to speed. It is a very gratifying and inviting atmosphere to come to.”
He adds, “I am looking forward to spending the next 30 years at ISU learning and offering my skills to others.”
In May 2005, Fanning returned to the College as an instructor in the EMDD program after working for various drafting companies and owning his own business. He was instrumental in developing and implementing the Computer-Aided Design Drafting program and became program coordinator in 2006.
Fanning is working with faculty in the Technical Department to increase enrollment and streamline curriculum to coincide with industry changes. It is his desire to help provide stability for the programs.
ing the newest technology.” Wissa said.
“He is a dedicated teacher, always eager to help the students in gaining practical experience that would help them succeed in the work place.”
Dr. Rajendra Bajracharya and Marie Campbell, 2008 Outstanding Achievement Award winners
Dr. Paul Peterson
Will Fanning
Notable Accomplishments
Vahsholtz Receives PLS
Jeannie Vahsholtz, Civil Engineering Technology instructor, passed the professional land surveyors exam, making her a licensed professional land surveyor (PLS). She is also a senior in the Geomatics Technology program, working towards her Bachelors in Geomatics Technology.
Surveyor of the Year Award Presented to Maher Wissa
The Idaho Society of Professional Land Surveyors (ISPLS) recognized Maher Wissa, PLS, PE, Geomatics Technology professor with the Surveyor of the Year award during its annual conference and awards banquet held in Pocatello.
Wissa was recognized for his contributions to ISPLS and the surveying profession.
ISPLS President John Russell stated, “Maher is an excellent teacher and his repertoire with students is commendable.”
Over the past 15 years, Maher has taught civil engineering technology and geomatics technology courses at ISU. He developed the first curriculum for a bachelor of science in the Geomatics Technology program and has been instrumental in expanding the program offerings across the state with students now at ISU–Twin Falls and ISU–Boise. Throughout his tenure, over 100 students have graduated with associate degrees and 18 with bachelor degrees in
2008 Staff Excellence Award
The Staff Excellence Award was developed to recognize classified and non-classified staff members for their quality of work, proficiency and initiative, skills in dealing with people, dependability and creativity, as well as the ability to relate to others in
geomatics technology. Several have also qualified as land surveyors in training and/or received their professional land surveyor licenses.
To assist students even further, Maher created an endowment for geomatics technology student scholarships. Other honors he has received include the ISU Outstanding Public Service Award (2004-05), ISU College of Technology Outstanding Achievement Award (1999-2000) and recognition for “dedication toward the Civil Engineering technology program” by the ISU Surveying Club in 2001.
Wissa also works to improve the surveying profession outside of his career at ISU. He serves an advisor to the registration board on education requirements for land surveying licensing, has been instrumental in establishing Idaho’s first RTK BPS CORS station, and took the lead in forming the Idaho Geospatial Reference Center. He was the 2008 ISPLS Committee chairperson for the conference and chair of the Eastern Section of ISPLS. Wissa
a manner that reflects well upon the College of Technology. The 2008 recipients are Francie Haney and Debbie Ronneburg. Haney is an instruction assistant in the Cosmetology program and has worked at the College of Technology for 21 years. She was nominated by co-worker Esther Stapleton. Her nomination comments included, “Five days a week, eight hours a day, Francie has demonstrated her finely manicured skills in working with clients, students, faculty, and staff. If there is a task or job, there is no need to call on Francie; her hand is raised before the question mark is put at the end of the sentence.”
Ronneburg has served as the director of student services for the College of Technology for seven years. Nominated by coworker Pam Edwards, Ronneburg was honored for the direction, support and example she provides to her staff. Edwards wrote, “Even in stressful, adverse situations, she maintains a positive attitude. Debbie is devoted to her staff and never hesitates to acknowledge good performance from her employees. There are times when all of us feel overwhelmed, but Debbie approaches tasks with a very positive attitude. She is always interested in being part of the solution to problems.”
Staff Excellence Award Recipients Debbie Ronneburg and Francie Haney
Jeannie Vahsholtz surveying cross locations for the Field of Hereos.
New Changes to the Student Phonathon in 2009
The ConnectionISU student phonathon was a great success in 2008! We reached our goal of $25,000 before the end of the calling period, which was a first for the College of Technology. Thanks to everyone who said “yes” to our student callers.
We have some exciting news to report regarding the 2009 phonathon. This year when you receive your annual call from current ISU students during ConnectionISU, the student phonathon, the students will be calling you from their brand new 15-station call center. Located in the Facilities Building on the Pocatello campus, this state-of-the-art facility is providing safe and secure employment for current ISU students. It is also giving them a gift, the opportunity to speak with you, our alumni and friends across the country, to share common experiences, memories and love for Idaho State University.
This new call center will provide permanent, part-time positions for approximately 25-30 students and will significantly increase the contact made with alumni and friends. For the 2009 phonathon, calling will begin March 1, and continue through May 1. Calls will be made from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Sunday (Mountain Time).
Limited activity will occur during June, July and August. However, when students arrive back on campus in September, the Call Center will kick into full gear and students will be making contact with alumni and friends from September 2009 through April 2010.
When the students call you about donating to ISU, specifically the College of Technology, say “yes” and let’s exceed our goal again!
2008 Professional Achievement Award
Stephanie Palagi, executive director of Old Town Pocatello, Inc., was the 2008 College of Technology recipient of the Professional Achievement Award.
Palagi graduated from the ISU College of Technology in 1988, receiving an associate degree in marketing and management. She continued her education and in 2002, graduated from the College of Technology Department of Human Resource Training and Development with a Bachelor of Science degree. She was a double major in corporate training and vocational teacher education.
For 15 years she managed the marketing department for Idaho Central Credit Union. Her many civic duties have included being on the Leadership Pocatello Board of Directors and a Board of Directors member of the Family Services Alliance, to name only a few. She has been chair of the Marketing and Management Occupations Program Advisory Committee for over five years and is an adjunct instructor in the program.
Help Students Achieve Their Dreams
Scholarships are one of the best methods for students to achieve their dreams of a college education. With the increase in fees and tuition, it is more difficult for students to attend school without having to take out costly student loans.
Did you know that the actual cost of making a $500 gift to your college or program is only about $260? Yes, it is true! The state of Idaho increased the tax credit for making gifts to higher education. So, depending on your tax bracket, after your deductions, you
will have paid only about one-half of the total $500 gift. The tables below demonstrate the tax rates for 2008 but are only guides. Defer to your accountant for a detailed explanation of tax credits.
Your assistance ensures a continuation of the legacy, generosity and commitment that built this outstanding institution. That is why your investment in Idaho State University is so appreciated. Your gift to Idaho State University of any size to any program or department makes a difference.
This kindness is critical as we provide high quality education to those who desire, seek and need it. It is not only the individual recipient who benefits, but all of society. Education offers opportunity, equality and richness to those engaged in such a quest.
For more information on the benefits of donating to Idaho State University College of Technology, please contact Lisa Burtenshaw, Director of Development at (208) 282-5845 or burtlisa@isu.edu.
SDS2 Software Donation Benefits CADD Students
The Computer Aided Design Drafting (CADD) program received 23 licenses/ seats from Design Data for SDS/2 (Steel Design and Detail Software) to be used for training future graduates in the broad spectrum of machine and structural drafting and design. With each
seat retailing at $30,000 the total value of this donation to the program was $690,000.
Over 16,000 users throughout the world including Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, South America and the United States are using SDS/2.Students will
complete applied projects in steel detailing, including beam, column and brace design. The addition of SDS/2 to the program will provide graduates opportunities for high-tech careers in structural steel detailing and engineering.
Thank you! Development
On behalf of the Idaho State University College of Technology, thank you for your investment in education and this university which will pay rich dividends to you and to those who benefit from your kindness. Thank you for caring.
Donations over $200 by individuals
December 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008
Nathan and Jamie Ashcraft
Ronald and Dianna Ball
Victor and Marcia Bielby
John and Linda Bobell
Barry Brinker
Jeff and Launie Buck
Blaine Burkman
Peggy and Steven Burnett
Robert Causton
Kay and G. Bruce Christensen
Bruce Clark
Debra and Brian Crawford
Arthur and Carol Cullen
Dr. Marilyn Davis
David and Maureen Daw
Pamela and Mark Edwards
Alan and Karen Gaddis
Linda Gibson
Demar Gilbert
Michael and Josephine Gilmore
David and Liz Glade
Linda Hales
Mark Hansen
Dennis Hersley and Jane Lilly-Hersley
Chuck and Jane Humphrey
Curtis and Karen Jackson
Sarah Jackson
Margaret Jacob
Tod and Deita Jensen
David and Stacey Jeppesen
Ralph and Kay Jones
Bessie and Thomas Katsilometes
Alan and Debbie Krick
John and Lorraine Kunze
Wanda and Kenneth Light
James Martin
Dennis and Gloria McAteer
Jay and Jeanna Miller
Barry and Peggy Orgill
Douglas Pitman
R. Scott Rasmussen
Ace Raymond
Teena and Stephen Rhoads
Ernestine Roberson
Dell and Sydney Robertson
Guy and Carlene Roundy
Jack Rucker
Ruth and Max Ruska
Ivan and Christine S. Salstrom
Nathan and Michelle Schroeder
William and Karen Scott
Deborah Thompson
Drs. Joe and Lois Thompson
Douglas and Laurie S. Traub
Jeffrey and Mona Walters
Patrice and Shawn Walters
Ivadeen Watson
Janet Williams
Lynden and Vicki Williams
John Winger
Maher and Louise Wissa
Donations over $250 by organizations
December 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008
Aberdeen Education Foundation
American Falls Education Foundation
American Falls Festival of Trees
Arctic Education Foundation
AWS Eastern Idaho/Montana Section
Battelle Energy Alliance
Boeing Corporation
BP Fabric of America Fund
Caribou Memorial Hospital Foundation, Inc.
Castleford CSFA
Conoco Phillips
Credit Professionals Int’l.
Electrical Generating Systems Association
Elma Kyle McMillen Scholarship
Gate City Real Estate
Guy Nielson Co.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Idaho Falls School District 91
Idaho Power Company
Idaho Society of Professional Land Surveyors
Kirt Hansen Farms, Inc.
Kissler Family Foundation
KR Farms LLC
Kruse Insurance Company
Merchantech Inc.
Monsanto
Nucor Foundation
Nucor Steel Utah
Partners for Prosperity
Pocatello School District #25
Rocky Mountain Artificial Limb and Brace
Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center
Sam Walton Community Scholarship
Soda Springs Bingo Foundation
Southwest Idaho Advanced Care
The DeVlieg Foundation
Tri-State Motor Transit
United States Bowling Congress
US Bank - Pocatello
W. L. Shattuck Scholarship
Washington Group Foundation, Inc.
Williams
Zonta Club of Pocatello
Gift-in-kind donations
December 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008
Qwest Communications
Design Data Corporation
Sidney L. Poulton
Bart Wixom
Intermountain Gas Company
V. Thomas Rose
Steele Memorial Medical Center
Premier Technology, Inc.
Enfocus Software
Dale and Barb Thomas
Ernest C. and Cynthia Naftzger
Automotive Supply
Idaho Power Company
Adan Garcia
ASET
Portneuf Medical Center
Shaver Pharmacy and Compounding Center
John P. Barnes
Thomas W. Mills
Shawrianna Wolfley
Barlow’s Air Force One
Judy Ann Willard
Agrium Conda Phosphates
Norval D. and Julie Scott
Robert T. Smith
Hewlett-Packard Company
Every effort has been made to ensure that the donor list is complete and correct. We apologize in advance for any errors and would appreciate you bringing them to our attention by contacting us at (208) 282-5845 or 921 S. 8th Ave., Stop 8380, Pocatello, Idaho 83209.
Join us for the 8th Annual Tech Expo and Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, April 2, 2009 at the ISU Holt Arena. Hours for the Expo are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for visiting schools.
Community, business, industry, alumni and friends of the College of Technology are invited to attend After Hours and the Expo from 5 to 7 p.m.
We invite you to share your news about career advancement or change, professional accomplishments, or activities that you may be involved in. Graduate testimonials are often used in public relations and marketing materials. If you have any news items you would like to share, please submit this information to Angela Askey, Community Relations Specialist (askeange@isu.edu) We
Keep us informed about the many adventures or experiences you’ve had since graduating from the College of Technology.
College of Technology
Idaho State University 921 S. 8th Ave., Stop 8380 Pocatello, Idaho 83209-8380