Tech Annual
College of Technology 2009
Learn about the College of Technology’s Associate Degree Registered Nursing Program Preparing for the Health Care Fields
Welcome from the College of Technology
Dear Alumni and Friends,
In this edition of Tech Annual, you will read how the College of Technology is building unlimited career opportunities for students through a variety of partnerships. Business and industry work collaboratively with our programs to provide students the equipment, skills, and industry insight they need to become successful graduates. The testimonial of Mandie Davis, a graduate of the Associate Degree Registered Nursing program, demonstrates the importance of these partnerships. Through use of human simulation equipment and the ambulance ride along experience as a student, she was prepared to help during a tragic moment on Interstate 15. Mandie’s experience is one example among many of how programs in the College of Technology provide opportunities for students to obtain real-life experiences for future jobs.
Partnerships extend beyond the classroom. Simulation equipment and the new “G Man” simulator, a unit with more advanced features, are being used in local care facilities and hospitals to
New Hires
David Blakeman
Coordinator, Respiratory Therapy
Nancy Caudillo
Grant Coordinator
Michael Fort
Instructor, Energy Systems Technology and Education Center
Natalie Hardy
Administrative Assistant I, Workforce Training
Darren Leavitt
Instructor, Geomatics Technology
Angela Lippiello
Instructor, Physical Therapist Assistant
On the Cover
Dr. Linda S. Smith, Associate Degree
Registered Nurse professor demonstrates correct IV insertion techniques with an ADRN student using one of the simulation mannequins.
Connie Sistrunk
Administrative Assistant I, Adult Basic Education
Rob Shroll
Instructor, Electronics Core
provide continuing education for their staff. Onsite training using the simulation equipment is available through the College of Technology by calling the Health Occupations Department.
Another example of how strong partnerships benefit students is shared between the Energy Systems Technology & Education Center and Nordic Windpower. The company recently celebrated their first shipment of a wind turbine nacelle from the Pocatello assembly plant. Program graduates were among the first employees hired to manufacture the turbines and they will accompany the shipment to install the new units in Uruguay. The partnership with Nordic Windpower has also been enhanced through a donation of two wind turbines from the Lewandowski Farm near Mountain Home.
Partnerships are vital to the success of all College of Technology programs and allow us to stay on the cutting edge of technology. We continue to seek out new ones while strengthening those that we already have. I extend my appreciation to all of our business and industry partners who have helped students in the College of Technology build their unlimited career opportunities.
Dr. Marilyn E. Davis Dean, College of Technology
Retirees
Linda Hales
Administrative Assistant, Trade and Industrial Department
Tom Huls
Instructor, Diesel/On-Site Power
Generation Technology
Karen Swallow
Technical Records Specialist,
Student Services
Debbie Thompson
Associate Dean
Cheryl Lyda
Instructor, General Education
Dr. Marilyn E. Davis
FACULTY AND STAFF HIGHLIGHTS
2009 Outstanding Achievement Awards
Each year the College of Technology recognizes two faculty members for their outstanding efforts as instructors, student advocates, professionals and colleagues. The 2009 Outstanding Achievement Award winners are Bobbi Fitch and Jeri Spinner.
Fitch, an advanced instructor and program coordinator in the Cosmetology program, is recognized for her excellent rapport with her students.
“Bobbi serves as a role model,” read her nomination. “She is always professional and conveys the importance of professionalism in every aspect of the cosmetology field. Furthermore, she is responsible for the Wigs on Loan program that assists individuals in the community who have lost their hair due to medical reasons. Bobbi exemplifies the high qualifications that are required for this award.”
Spinner is an assistant professor in the Business Information program. Her nomination read, “Jeri exemplifies integrity, courtesy, and professionalism at all times and in all places. In addition to her regular teaching duties, Jeri volunteered and presented several very popular workshops in Excel and Word during Employee Recognition Week. She has served on numerous committees within the University, College, and Business Information program. She is currently the faculty representative on the ISU Foundation Board. Jeri has proven herself to be very capable, calm in handling stressful situations, and is always courteous and respectful towards the students and her peers.”
2009 Staff Excellence Awards College Hires New Grant Coordinator
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 a manner that reflects well upon the College of Technology. The 2009 recipients are Dale Talbert and Angela Askey.
Askey is the Community Relations Specialist for the College of Technology. She was nominated by co-worker Debbie Ronneburg who commented, “Angela’s enthusiasm and can-do attitude inspire the College of Technology team to feel they can achieve their goals and objectives. She creates a supportive and enjoyable work environment. She maintains a positive attitude even in tough situations and her positive attitude helps increase morale.” Angela also serves as the ISU Rodeo Team Advisor.
Talbert is an IT Information Systems Technician in Computer Technical Support and has been at the College for more than eight years. Steve Clay, Computerized Machining Instructor nominated him, writing, “Dale is always cheerful and willing to help any time he is asked. He generally either has a solution or knows where to go to look for one and is always upbeat about getting any problem solved rapidly. Dale is easy to know and work with. His positive outlook is contagious and inspiring.”
In October, Nancy Caudillo, a native of northwestern Illinois, moved to Pocatello to accept the position of Grant Coordinator for the College of Technology. Caudillo brings to her position a wide range of experience in resource and program development. She has worked for and with Illinois state agencies, university and community colleges, statewide human service organizations and not-for-profit community agencies.
Caudillo holds a doctorate in higher education from the University of Illinois – Urbana, Champaign. She also earned a master’s degree in community development and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She started her academic career at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, Ill.
In the short time she has been with the College of Technology, Caudillo has been impressed with the breadth of programs offered to students and the dedication of the faculty, staff and administrators.
“Everyone here seems clearly focused both on offering a quality educational product for students and on helping students make the most out of their learning experience at the College,” she said.
Angela Askey and Dale Talbert
Nancy Caudillo
Bobbi Fitch and Jeri Spinner
College of Technology Nursing Provides Real-Life Experiences For Real-Life Jobs
Since the first class of Associate Degree Registered Nursing (ADRN) students graduated in December 2005, the program has graduated 115 nurses who earned an associate of science degree while remaining in their home communities. The three-term distance-based program has achieved full national accreditation and full approval from the Idaho Board of Nursing. Graduates have achieved some of the highest pass rates in the state and nation on NCLEX-RN, the licensure exam.
In February 2005, the ADRN program accepted 17 students and was launched under the direction of Dr. Linda Smith and Jo Anne Pearce. Idaho State University’s College of Technology, with strong support from rural hospitals, was able to provide professional nursing educa-
tion to an essential source of health care personnel - licensed practical nurses. Clinical site collaboration between ISU and rural hospitals has been the key to the success of this innovative program.
Enrollment continues to grow, with more applicants than available seats. Since 2005, the number of admitted students has grown to 32. More than 80 percent of the students remain employed full time while attending the three-term program. Sandy Knighton, JoAnne Pearce, and Linda Smith make up the program team.
With a vast majority of students living and working in sparsely populated rural areas, the distance-learning structure of the program is appealing to students and is making the dream of becoming a registered nurse a reality
for many. Online real-time learning is augmented by faculty supervised clinical experiences and intensive on-site sessions where students learn and practice real-life scenarios they can’t practice online. Students are required to attend onsite sessions, called instensives, several times a month but may complete much of their clinical requirements where they live. All ADRN students have letters of support from their employers and very often, this support includes financial assistance; that is because most ADRN students continue employment with the same employer pr facility following graduation and licensure.
During intensives, College of Technology nursing students have the opportunity to perform clinically with the help of simulation equipment and direct
Vernon Kubiak and Jennie Brumfield, practical nursing instructors and JoAnne Pearce, ADRN instructor, demonstrate birthing techniques using simulation mannequins.
faculty oversight — giving students the skills and confidence they need before performing nursing care and procedures with real patients. In addition to existing simulation equipment in the lab, this year, the College acquired a new Sim-man which program participants have given the name “G-Man.” These high-tech ‘almost human’ mannequins facilitate real life experiences and can be programmed to simulate just about any health issue nurses may encounter in the field.
Simulation training is enhanced through ambulance transport training exercises. Each ADRN student in the August 2008 and August 2009 graduating classes provided direct care to Mr. Sim-Man Brown (an unstable cardiac patient) while traveling the roads and highways of Southeast Idaho in the back of a fully-equipped training ambulance.
Two years ago, the College of Technology purchased the training ambulance to assist with training emergency medical professionals. Because RN assisted ambulance transport from critical access hospitals to major medical centers is a common occurrence in rural Idaho, instructors use the ambulance for clinical practical experience, an idea that had never befor been attempted in the United States. Nursing students who learn these skills within a simulated transport expe-
rience have an important understanding of the nursing care needed for transported patients needing those services.
This past August ADRN student Mandie Davis was able to put the skills learned in the back of the ambulance to work after discovering a serious car accident on Interstate 15.
“I implemented the focused assessment and communication skills that I learned in the ambulance experience and I was able to place the victim’s neck and spine in a neutral position, perform a focused assessment, and obtain a set of vitals as I had my home health bag with me in the car,” she said. “The ambulance experience was valuable to my education and life experiences. I even used the information I learned [during the ADRN program] before graduating.”
Students expand their learning by writing health promotion articles that are regularly published in the Idaho State Journal. The collaborative efforts between Dr. Linda Smith and Idaho State Journal Editor Ian Fennell have made this a positive experience for students and Journal readers.
The varied and valuable learning opportunities available to ADRN students are shown through the pass rates they achieve on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX—RN). Since the program’s first
graduates, NCLEX-RN pass rates have been well above the national average, and within the past two years, pass rates have been at 96 percent for ISU ADRN program graduates, well above the national average of 69 percent for all RN candidates.
The ADRN program’s success was recognized by members of the Idaho Board of Nursing, who unanimously voted to grant full approval to the program through June 30, 2014. In addition, the program received full national accreditation in March 2009 for achieving quality and excellence in nursing education from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc.
Linda Smith, JoAnne Pearce, and Sandy Knighton have made large strides over the past years to develop a program that serves students looking to advance their education and become RNs. Dr. Smith was awarded co-educator of the year during the Idaho State Journal Business Awards this fall for her work with nursing students and the ADRN program.
This year the Associate Degree Registered Nurse program is celebrating its five-year anniversary.
Associate Degree Registered Nurse pinning ceremony
ADRN students conduct a patient assessment during ambulance simulated transport experience.
Tech Prep Significantly Increases Fall Enrollment
Tech Prep is a national and state effort which emphasizes collaboration between high schools and Idaho technical colleges while preparing students for entry into the workforce.
In a Tech Prep program, high school and college instructors work together to provide a smooth transition in which Tech Prep students can move from high school to college without having to repeat courses.
Currently, there are over 50 Idaho high schools which have articulation agreements linking their technical education programs to a post-secondary program at the College of Technology. This allows students to earn college credit while they are still in high school at a substantially reduced cost.
This fall, 773 Idaho high school students took advantage of concurrent enrollment opportunities at the College
Instrumentation
of Technology. This is a 77 percent increase over last fall. High school students can earn college credit in a variety of courses which fulfill the requirements in post-secondary programs, such as Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing, Automotive Technology, Building Construction, Business Information, Child Development, Computer Aided Design Drafting, Computer Software Development, Health Occupations, Early Childhood Care and Education, Computerized Machining, Culinary Arts, Diesel, Electronics, Energy Systems Technology, Graphic Arts, Web Design and Welding.
By taking college credits while still in high school, students not only save money on tuition, they may also graduate early so that they can enter a competitive workforce sooner than their peers. Many technical program
Automation
Engineering
Technology Celebrates 50 Years
This year the Instrumentation Automation Engineering Technology (IA) program celebrated 50 years as the primary educator of electrical and instrument employees for Idaho industries.
Most local industries have sent engineers and technicians to the IA program for skill upgrade training. IA also has cooperative training partnerships with more than 60 companies that provide internships for students. Industries served by the program include nuclear research, food, chemical, petroleum, paper, power, mining manufacturing, defense, space, security, and utilities.
graduates find that employers have education benefits which allow them to pursue a higher degree while they are employed. In today’s tough economic times, this makes sense to parents who are seeking an alternate way to fund their student’s education.
College credits earned through high school classes may be applied toward the following credentials at ISU, College of Technology: Bachelor of Applied Technology, Bachelor of Science: Health Science, Associate of Applied Science, Advanced Technical Certificate, Technical Certificate.
For more information on Tech Prep at Idaho State University College of Technology, visit their webpage at www.isu.edu/techprep
Many IA graduates have become field engineers, equipment sales representatives and some have their own companies. They hold technical, engineering, and supervisory positions. Several plant control systems are the design of IA graduates.
The International Society of Automation used the IA lab for production of
electrical and instrument training videos which they distributed to over 100 countries. In addition, ISU was one of the first universities selected to administer the CCST exam that certifies instrumentation control technicians. Curriculum has been shared with other colleges and several industry sites.
This year courses were taught for the Idaho INL Naval Reactor Facility, Alyeska Pipeline Terminal in Valdez, Alaska, and a course is being planned for presentation in Ghana, Africa, for Newmont Gold.
New ESTEC Programs
The Energy Systems Technology and Education Center (ESTEC) began offering two new Associate of Applied Science degree programs this fall—Energy Systems Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) and Energy Systems Wind Engineering Technology (WET).
The MET program is a two-year program that will train engineering technicians to work in the mechanical portions of a power plant. Technicians in this field of study will work on turbines, pumps, piping and valves in power
systems that often produce more than 250,000 horsepower. Graduates can go to work in fossil, nuclear, and renewable energy sources such as hydro.
WET, also a two-year program, will train technicians to install, maintain, and service wind turbines. The WET program provides coursework in electrical and mechanical engineering, as well as necessary training to climb towers safely
New Programs and Name Changes
Three programs changed their names to better align with industry standards
• The Diesel/Diesel Electric Technology program changed its name to Diesel/On-Site Power Generation Technology.
• Electronic Systems Technology changed its name to Robotics Communications Systems Engineering Technology
• The new name for the Child Development program is Early Childhood Care and Education.
In addition to program name changes, two new programs are now available.
An Emergency Management Program is being offered in cooperation with the Institute of Emergency Management in Boise. This is a new fully online As-
sociate of Science Degree designed to educate the professional emergency manager in the latest methods and technology. Students will gain a fundamental knowledge of emergency management and all phases of the Emergency Management discipline – Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation. The majority of ISU graduates in Emergency Management will be working in governmental agencies, non-profit agencies, or private industry.
Graphic Arts/Printing Technology is offering a new Associate of Applied Science degree in Graphic Design in Print Media. Courses provide students with an in-depth understanding of design and production as it relates to print media.
and develop the specialized skills and training necessary for the growing wind industry. Students in the WET program will learn on two turbines donated by G3, LLC who purchased the turbines from Lewandowski Farms. One turbine and tower will be used for training purposes; the other will be an operating turbine that will generate electricity near ISU.
Electronics Technology Department Receives Grant for Scholarships
The Idaho State University Electronics Department received $148,389 from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the ISU College of Technology Nuclear Education Scholarship program.
The program provided one-year scholarships to 14 students enrolled in Electronics Technology (ET). Ten scholarships were awarded to continuing students and 4 were awarded to students who began the program this fall. In addition, these dollars help to provide round-trip travel for scholarship recipients participating in a nuclear industry internship opportunity. Scholarship recipients are required to work for six months in the nuclear industry.
STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS Law Enforcement Students Help on Homicide Cases
Over the last several years students have assisted homicide investigators and detectives in many different kinds of cases that require extra personnel to perform grid searches or security. Students in the Law Enforcement program received the opportunity to assist in
search of evidence on a homicide case in eastern Idaho once again this fall. Many of the homicide detectives in local agencies teach investigations and other courses in the Law Enforcement program and when working on a case the students are sometimes used to assist in the field.
ISU Law Enforcement students also spend many hours each semester helping local law enforcement agencies with special events such as fairs, rodeos, parades, concerts and other types of events. Most ISU Public Safety Officers are either graduates of the program or are current students of the law enforcement program. Graduating students from the program are employed as corrections officers, detention officers, reserve officers, state officers, county officers, city officers and probation and parole officers. The program certifies the students and the program serves as an equivalent of the state law enforcement academy or the Idaho POST Academy.
Distinguished Student Award
College of Technology student
Thomas McCurdy was awarded the Distinguished Student Award in January, recognizing his academic excellence and community involvement. He received a $1,500 scholarship for his accomplishments.
McCurdy, a Business Information (BI) student, is a well-respected peer among his classmates, an effective tutor for the BI program, an involved community member, a father of two kids, and an allaround inspiration to those who know him.
“Tom likes to live life with a sense of adventure and challenge. In fact, this past summer he and his son Sage and several others made a trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa—just south of Kenya,” said Marcella Enos, and instructor in his program. “You can imagine the planning, preparation, homework, endurance, team work, and resolve involved in such a feat. Tom takes this same tenacity into the classroom and his
2009 Outstanding Student Achievement Award
involvement as a student.”
McCurdy graduated in December with an Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Management Technology.
Andrew B. Adcock of Pocatello received the 2009 Outstanding Student Award for the College of Technology presented by the ISU Alumni Association and ISU Ambassadors. He was chosen based on his high academic achievement, above average dedication to educational goals, work experience, and community service.
Adcock received his Associate of Science degree in nursing in August. Each year he has earned placement on the dean’s list, while also working as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Portneuf Medical Center to support his wife and four children.
Adcock co-authored an article published in the Idaho State Journal titled “Becoming a Dental Health Role Model.” He has worked with child cancer patients the past two summers, as both a nurse and counselor. He is an Eagle Scout, and has volunteered his time to serve other scouts as a Boy Scout leader for the past five years.
National Surveying Scholarship Winner
Geomatics Technology student, Jeffery Swann, received the Schonstedt Scholarship in Surveying from the National Society of Professional Surveyors and American Association for Geodetic Surveyors.
Swann is a current Geomatics Technology student at ISU. He graduated in May 2009 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology and will receive his Bachelor of Science in Geomatics Technology in May 2010.
The first Geomatics student to receive a national scholarship such as this, Swann entered into the national competition through the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping. Fifteen scholarship categories were available with many students throughout the United States competing for one of the available opportunities. As a scholarship recipient he received $1,500 to assist with his educational pursuits.
Thomas McCurdy and Marcella Enos, Ph.d.
SkillsUSA Students
Recognized at State and National Conferences
College of Technology SkillsUSA Chapter members participated in the SkillsUSA State, Leadership and Skills Conference in Boise. They returned with 20 medals, of which eight were gold. Competitors representing high schools and colleges from throughout the state competed in more than forty competitions.
The following ISU chapter members received high honors at the state competition:
Aviation: Matt Sherman-Gold; Kyung Jae Park-Gold; Shawn Albano-Silver; James Park-Bronze • Collision Repair: Greg Anderson-Gold • Prepared Speech; Kaitlin McClellan-Gold; Renell Anderson--Silver • Auto Refinishing: Brady Barrera-Gold; Cody Russell-Bronze • Internetworking: Jeremy Brown-Silver; Dustin SandersBronze • Precision Machining: Tim Campbell-Silver • Computer Maintenance: Bill Martin-Gold; Brady FindleySilver • Diesel: Taylor Harper-Silver; Jordan VanEvery-Bronze • Extemporaneous Speech: Tanner Mangan-Silver • Job Interview: Travis Moffat-Gold; Jordan VanEvery-Bronze • Job Skill Demo: Bobbie Tipton-Gold
The students who placed gold in their respected competitions then traveled to Kansas City, Mo., in June representing ISU at the Annual National Leadership and Skills Conference. To make it to Nationals, put them into the top 2 percent of all students to compete in the nation.
College of Technology students received the following awards: Aviation Maintenance: Matt Sherman9th • Job Interview: Travis Moffat-10th, • Auto Collision Refinishing: Brady Barrerra-10th • Auto Collision Repair: Greg Anderson-5th • Job Skill Demonstration: Bobbie Tipton-18th • Prepared Speech: Kaitlin McClellan-15th • Computer Networking: Bill Martin-19th
“Hair and More”
“Hair and More” was the theme for the spring Cosmetology student competition held in April at ISU. This event was hosted by the ISU Cosmetology program and featured cosmetology students from all over Idaho. Students selected a category to enter: Beautiful Couples; Evening Prom Fashions; Fashion Through the Ages; Ladies Color, Cut and Day Fashion; Braiding; Children’s Fashions; Joker’s Wild-Fantasy; Artificial Nail or Nail Art; and Men’s Hair Cutting.
ISU students placed well in most categories. Following are the results from the “Hair and More” Cosmetology Competition:
Children
Boys Cuts (Ages 4-6)
1st – Abby Hobbs
Model - Jaden Direnfeldt
Boys Cuts (ages 7-11)
2nd – Emily Tanner
Model - Spencer Tanner
Girls Cuts/Styles (ages 4-6)
1st – Michelle Hincks
Model - Lauren Hinks
Braiding
1st – Emily Chaparro
Model - Idelia Labra
3rd – Katie Kissel
Model - Hannah Kissel
Men’s Haircut
1st – Abby Hobbs
Model - Daniel Hobbs
2nd – Paige Isham
Model - Timothy Seabrook
Evening Prom
1st - Ruth Janson
Model - Miriam Janson
3rd – Kelle Guilford
Model - Maren Ruth
Ladies After 5
1st – Joy Sheperd
Model - Anne Simmons
Beautiful Couples
1st – Kelle Guilford
Models - Paige Isham, Michael Livesay
3rd – Jessie McDowell
Models - Colter Wilde, Shawna Cordova
Fashion thru the Ages
2nd – Katie Kissel
Model - Salina Simons
3rd – Alana Li
Model - Sophia
Each year the hosting school selects organizations to donate ticket sale proceeds to. Following the event, Scott Ransom, Zoo Director, and Joye Jones, Branch Manager of the Idaho Food Bank, were each presented a $500 check during an informal presentation at the ISU Cosmetology Center.
BPA Students Shine
The College of Technology Business Professionals of America Chapter shined at the Idaho State Leadership Conference at Stevens-Henager College in Boise. Advisors, Anne Hunt and Karla Stroud, along with eight students attended the conference. All eight of the students placed first in at least one competitive event.
The mission of Business Professionals of America is to contribute to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic and technological skills. Students involved in BPA receive opportunities to develop leadership skills, interact with businesses/industry, receive help in career/job preparation and compete in events.
To the right is a list of the students who attended and in what events they placed.
Mark Abernathy
Video Production Team 1st Digital Media Production 1st
Erin Arellano
Video Production Team 1st
Graphic Design Promotion 1st Desktop Publishing 1st
Jaceten Balmforth
Computer Animation Team 1st Fundamentals of XHTML 2nd
Zach Ellis
Video Production Team 1st Digital Media Production 2nd Graphic Design Promotion 5th
Thomas Knorr
Computer Animation Team 1st Fundamentals of XHTML 3rd
Cody Mecham
Web Site Design Team 1st
Loran Whited
Web Site Design Team 1st Desktop Publishing 4th Torch Award Winner
Kimberly Wright Web Site Design Team 1st Fundamentals of XHTML 1st
Torch Award Winner
Four Pocatello Students Receive Scholarships to ISU College of Technology
Four graduating seniors, one from each high school in School District 25, were awarded $1,000 scholarships from the College of Technology to help them begin building unlimited career opportunities
The scholarships were established to help students achieve their long term goals through enrollment in a professional technical education program at the College of Technology. The students were each selected by the school’s Career Development Facilitator.
Century High School student
Cynthia Robertson selected a major in Graphic Arts/Printing Technology. She first became interested in the program during a tour of the College. Her time spent on the high school yearbook staff also helped her choose the field.
“It means a lot. I don’t have money for college and this will help me out,”
Robertson said.
She plans to complete the associate of applied science degree and then work towards a bachelor’s in graphic design.
Riley Hamann from Highland High School took welding classes at ISU while in high school. His interest in the field began through participation in the FFA program and participating in welding competitions, such as the Rocky Mountain Shootout held at ISU each spring.
“Getting this scholarship has helped build my confidence and know that I can actually succeed in my field,” Hamann said.
He began attending classes in Welding this fall and hopes to own his own rig one day and go to Wyoming.
Nursing is a field that has interested Pocatello high school student Marni Waggonersince she was 6 years old. Her
interest in the field was strengthened after her own hospital stay.
“I am excited about the opportunity to do what I have always wanted to do my whole life. This scholarship makes it possible,” she said.
Her goal is to obtain an associate degree in nursing.
Jacob Lipshin’s interest in mechanics came from his dad who worked as an auto mechanic in Vietnam. He participated in a program shadow of the Aircraft Maintenance Technology program as a student at New Horizons High School and knew this was the field for him.
“(This scholarship) means everything to me,” he said. “I am the first to graduate from high school out of my family of eight siblings and will be the first one to go to college in my family besides my dad.”
BPA students show off their awards following the Idaho State Leadership Conference. Each student placed first in at least one event.
Looking Backward - Living Forward Embracing Change in Lifelong Learning
The Idaho Lifelong Learning Association successfully moved into a virtual world with the help of College of Technology and Elluminate. The 2009 ILLA e-Conference, held Oct. 15 and 16, featured the internationally acclaimed adult educator and author, Dr. Rosemary Caffarella, of Cornell University. Recognized for her body of work in adult education, Caffarella was the 2009 winner of the prestigious Malcolm Knowles Award. Caffarella’s work is about honoring cultural roots while embracing change. She brought her expertise and her vision for connectedness in adult education to ILLA, without leaving New York.
The day-and-a-half e-conference featured six concurrent sessions, twelve presentations, joining speakers across Idaho to benefit 50 participants throughout Idaho, Nevada, and New York. Making this move to a virtual forum, ILLA was able to retain the roots and values this organization has long nurtured, while continuing to enjoy and grow in a changing and challenging economic time. ILLA chose to make this first e-conference compellingly attractive through offering low fees, high accessibility, and professional development credit. All aspects of that agenda were accomplished – through the good work and extraordinary efforts of several people in the College of Technology.
Beginning in fall 2008, Karen Wilson Scott, Associate Professor of Human Resource Training and Development, serving as President of Idaho Lifelong Learning Association for 2009, and the ILLA Board of Directors considered a number of options for the 2009 fall conference. As ILLA Conference Chairperson, Jolene Welker, HRTD Secretary and an Elluminate scheduler, suggested Elluminate as a possibility. Clayn Lambert designed a model for the e-conference, and the College of Technology agreed to not only host the event via Elluminate, but to also host board meetings throughout the year. As the e-conference time drew near and presenters were secured, the need for increased understanding of the technology became urgent. ILLA Teasurer and College of Technology Accountant, Kathy Ludwig, must have shared this need,
because our rescuer came from a most surprising quarter. Though Instructional Technology is not his job, Byron Miles, College of Technology Fiscal Officer, offered to help. He worked countless hours to develop a website to host presenter materials and election balloting. He read Elluminate manuals and consulted their website and technicians to build the virtual presentation forum, which included a General Session area, and two Breakout rooms. Miles helped speakers learn how to work with Elluminate as instructors. He held three separate training sessions for presenters, including Keynote Rosemary Cafferella at Cornell University. He even converted all slides to the Elluminate format to enable nervous presenters to concentrate on their presentations. MIles was ill during the actual e-conference, yet monitored the event from his home computer, in his ever-calm and patient leadership style. ILLA’s e-conference was successful due to his tireless service.
Others in the College of Technology contributed their time and expertise to make this first virtual conference successful. Drs. Robert Croker, Rita Kolody, and Wilson Scott, all of HRTD, were three of the 12 presenters. Welker guided the event as Conference Chairperson. Kathy Ludwig negotiated a very tricky PayPal arrangement to ensure that attendees could register and pay for the e-conference online. Lambert helped with the original design and with coaching ISU presenters.
Idaho Lifelong Learning Association wishes to thank the College of Technology for a strong ethic of collaboration and thoughtful servant leadership to accomplish a highly successful virtual conference. Byron Miles and Wilson Scott are currently writing an article to capture the strategies learned through this event in order to promote further uses of Elluminate for e-conferencing and other teaching and learning enterprises. The College of Technology is leading the way in a changing world, and it is the collaborative efforts of College members that made it happen.
Students Assist with H1N1 Vaccination Clinics
Senior students in the Medical Assisting program joined countless volunteers to help with various HINI vaccination clinics throughout southeast Idaho. This provided an opportunity for students to serve their community while using the practical training they receive in the program.
Young Einsteins
“Young Einsteins” is a science experience day for elementary-aged students. The program is a result of collaborative efforts between Partners for Prosperity, Idaho Department of Labor, ISU Tech Prep, and Energy Systems Technology Education Center (ESTEC).
In January, College of Technology students enrolled in the ESTEC program took their learning on the road and shared various scientific demonstrations and experiments involving energy studies with elementary students at Hawthorne Elementary School in Idaho Falls. This was the first in a series of eight total workshops done this year at elementary schools throughout Southeast Idaho. Students, educators and parents learned about energy, workforce issues relating to energy, career possibilities, and the educational opportunities offered at ESTEC.
Outstanding Community Partner
The College of Technology awarded the Outstanding Community Partner award to Vern Porter, general manager for power generation at Idaho Power. Porter was instrumental in the creation and development of the Energy Systems Technology and Education Center (ESTEC) and has been involved with ESTEC since the grant was received. During the creation of the ESTEC program, Porter was actively involved in curriculum development. He continually assists in facilitating donations of equipment and scholarship dollars. He has served as the Chair of the Advisory Council for ESTEC for the last three years, overseeing the Communications and Public Relations and Marketing subcommittees. Porter is very influential in bringing in new industries to the council which has resulted in donations both in cash and gifts-in-kind. In addition, Vern sponsors an Energy Camp in the summer in the Boise area. He is a strong propo-
2009 Professional Achievement Award
nent of the ESTEC program as well as the energy sector of the workforce. His commitment to his profession is illustrated in the amount of time and money he has provided to the ESTEC program. He is very enthusiastic about what he does and promotes the College of Technology on a regular basis.
The Outstanding Community Partner award was developed to recognize people in the community that give unselfishly of their time and energy to support programs at the Idaho State University College of Technology.
John Kunze, Service Engineer, Boeing Corporation was named the 2009 College of Technology Professional Achievement Award recipient. He graduated from the College of Technology in 1982 with a certificate in Aircraft Maintenance and in 1987 received a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, also from ISU. He has had an impressive career working for companies such as McDonnell-Douglas Corporation, Valberg Corporation and now the Boeing Corporation. John travels the world troubleshooting and developing repair plans for Boeing’s 707, 727, 757 and 737NG airplanes. He attributes his success to the diverse education he received in aircraft maintenance and structural engineering. In 1999, he presented at a conference entitled “Bridging the Gap,” in which he demonstrated the importance of both engineers and technicians and how they should respect the contributions of each in the workforce.
Webinars for the Business Community
WORKFORCE TRAINING has been holding community “Learning Lunches” for the past two years. Although the Learning Lunches were inexpensive, cost and time were still issues for many businesses and individuals. In order to make this valuable training more readily accessible, ISU WORKFORCE TRAINING is collaborating with the southeast Idaho Small Business Development Center to present free Webinars for the Business Community in 2010.
Webinars for the Business Community will be held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. Participants will need the Internet in order to access the webinars.
To participate in the webinars, provide an email address to WORKFORCE TRAINING at workforce@isu.edu. An invitation will be sent that contains a link to the webinar. You may distribute this invitation to as many people as you wish – again the webinars are free!
Here is the tentative schedule for the first six months of 2010:
• Jan. 13 – Retaining Customers in Difficult Times
• Feb. 10 – Working as a Team
• Mar. 10 – Wellness, Balance & Work
• Apr. 14 – Productive Meetings
• May 12 – Generation X & Y
• Jun. 9 – Motivating Yourself & Others
Remember, to sign up all you need to do is send an email to: workforce@ isu.edu
Farm Business Management Program Given Idaho Professional Technical Education Special Program Award
The Idaho State University Farm Business Management Program was recognized during the 52nd Annual Professional Technical Educators’ (PTE) Summer Conference with the Idaho PTE Special program Award.
Farm Business Management (FBM), taught by Ralph Jones, is offered through ISU Workforce Training. Over the past five years, enrollment in the program has increased from 31 students to 140 students. While the national standard is 40 enrolled farms per instructor, the ISU program has 92 farms enrolled with one instructor. This program is one of the largest single-instructor programs in Farm Business Management in the western states. It has been a featured program three times over the years by the National Association of Farm and Ranch Management Educators Association.
The FBM program is designed totally to accommodate the needs of the participant. Classes are offered on the ISU campus in Pocatello and at off-campus locations in American Falls, Arimo, Rigby, St. Anthony, and Terreton with various training times available. The program offers multiple curriculum levels and sequential skill building over a four year format. Classes offered include farm business records, farm business analysis, farm business finance, and farm business organization. Each year, the program offers a special Saturday training seminar to students and the agricultural community in general.
The FBM program offered through ISU is a certified vendor for providing mandatory training to those in agriculture who have a loan guarantee from the Farm Service Agency. It is also the largest recipient in the state of funds from the Alternative Careers in Farming grant administered through the University of Idaho. A very successful arrangement between ISU instructor Ralph Jones and Brad Jahn of the University of Idaho has allowed participants to receive funding for the program. This past year, 34 program participants received
funding, totaling more than $15,000. Additional scholarships are also available.
Coordination with private industry helps to make this program a success. Throughout the year, outside presenters provide information on accounting and tax instruction; life, property, casualty, health and crop insurance; estate planning; and a commodity broker facilitates teaching of futures, hedging, and options. Jones regularly speaks at industry conferences, trade shows, seminars and high school career days. Over the years, private industry members of the advisory board have included members from banking, insurance, education, machinery dealerships and the Farm Bureau Federation.
Third year student Jeff Walters examines potatoes being fresh packed at Walters Produce in Newdale. Jeff, a certified public accountant and attorney, manages the family fresh pack shed. Brother Shawn, also a third year student, is also a certified public accountant and manages the family’s 7,000-acre farming operation. He is also the current president of the Idaho Potato Commission. Between Jeff and Shawn, they have 100 employees during the peak of the potato harvest season and contribute millions of dollars to the upper Snake River Valley economy.
Dairymen David Korn of Terreton visits with program instructor Ralph Jones. David is discussing the Brown Swiss and Holstein dairy operation he runs with his father. David will be a fourth-year student this year and uses his computer to track herd genealogy and production expenses.
DEVELOPMENT Wind Turbines Donated
This spring, Lewandowski Farms in Mountain Home donated two wind turbines to the ISU Energy Systems Technology and Education Center (ESTEC) and one turbine to the College of Southern Idaho. Each college will use one turbine and tower for training purposes. Additionally, one turbine will be refurbished and used to generate electricity near ISU ESTEC.
Wind energy is the nation’s fastest growing energy source and there is a
large and growing demand for qualified technicians to maintain the turbines. The training programs are being developed to help meet that demand. Many of the jobs created will be located at wind farms being developed along the Snake River Plain.
A broad collaboration of industry partners donated money, time and equipment to lower, disassemble, ship and refurbish the turbines. Donors include: Lewandowski Farms, LLC;
Ridgeline Energy, LLC; Tidwell Idaho Foundation; Eagle Rock Timber; Frontier Pro Services; enXco Service Corporation; and Hytorc.
Lewandowski Farms, Idaho’s first commercial wind farm, was built by Bob Lewandowski with used wind turbines. Without help, he modified and erected the turbines one at a time, the first in October 2002 and the third in March 2005. All three turbines were operational for only three months before his untimely death in July 2005. The used turbines required regular maintenance. After Mr. Lewandowski’s passing, much of that maintenance was deferred leading to failures in each turbine. G3, LLC purchased Lewandowski Farms from the family’s estate in the spring of 2006 and returned the turbines to operational condition. Due to the large amount of maintenance required, the turbines were mothballed in August 2007.
Above: Wind
Left: Lawrence Beaty, Associate Director ESTEC Grant and Scott Rasmussen, Executive Director of ESTEC Grant and Electronics Department Chair showing nacelle after delivery to the College.
turbine being lowered at Lewandowski Farms., LLC.
Thank you!
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.
Gifts made between December 1, 2008 and December 1, 2009.
Donations by individuals
Over $200
Robert and Debbie Ball
Ronald and Dianna Ball
Barry Brinker
Blaine and Christine Burkman
Peggy and Steven Burnett
Michael Byrne
Robert Causton
Kay and G. Bruce Christensen
Bruce Clark
Ann Corbridge
Debra and Brian Crawford
Marilyn Davis
David and Maureen Daw
Linda and Dale Derbidge
Pamela and Mark Edwards
Alan and Karen Gaddis
Demar Gilbert
Mark Hansen
Dennis Hersley and Jane Lilly-Hersley
Elayne Howell
Sarah Jackson
Margaret Jacob
David and Stacey Jeppesen
Gordon and Sally Jones
Bessie and Thomas Katsilometes
Robert Kimber
Alan and Debbie Krick
John and Lorraine Kunze
Kenneth and Wanda Light
Cheryl Lyda
James Martin
Dennis and Gloria McAteer
Joseph and Shirley McElprang
Jay and Jeanna Miller
Barry and Peggy Orgill
Douglas Pitman
Wade and Susan Povey
Ross and Patricia Queen
R. Scott Rasmussen
Ace Raymond
Teena and Stephen Rhoads
Ernestine Roberson
Guy Roundy and Carlene Roundy
Christine and Ivan Salstrom
E. Sue and James Sanborn
Karen and William Scott
Terry and Bonnie Snarr
Tina Therp
Deborah Thompson
Lois and Joseph Thompson
Laurie and Douglas Traub
Patrice and Shawn Walters
W. Jeffrey and Mona Walters
Ivadeen Watson
Tyrel Wilcox
John Winger
Maher and Louise Wissa
Donations by organizations
Over $250
A West & Sons Farms
ACT Horatio National/State
Agrium Higher Education Award
American Falls Education Foundation
Arctic Education Foundation
Automotive Tech VICA ISU Skills
Bingham County Farm Bureau
Bingham Memorial Hospital
BP Fabric of America Fund
Caribou Memorial Hospital Foundation, Inc
Community Health Corporation
Cossa Educators Association
Del Ray Holm & Sons, Inc.
Eastern Idaho Sports Car Club
Scholarship
Eastern Idaho State Fair
Eastern Section - ISPLS
Experimental Aircraft AssociationEastern Idaho Chapter 407
Fall River Rural Electric Co-Op, Inc.
Gooding County Farm Bureau
Idaho Community Foundation
Idaho Power Company
Idaho Society of Professional Land Surveyors
Intermountain Power Source
J & J Auto Body
Jacobsen Scholarship Fund
Kirt Hansen Farms, Inc.
Kissler Family Foundation
KR Farms LLC
Kruse Insurance Company
Monsanto
Neville Farms, Inc.
North Gem PTSA
Old Harbor Native Corporation
Partners for Prosperity
Power County Farm Bureau Incorporated
Reflections Car Club
Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center
Semi Foundation
Shelley Kiwanis
Soda Springs Bingo Foundation
Soroptimist International of Grangeville Service Fund
The DeVlieg Foundation
The Lightfoot Foundation
US Bank Community Development
Westmark Federal Credit Union
Williams
Gift-in-kind donations
Carquest Auto Parts
David A. Haas
David D. Haas
Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo
International Air Response
James E. Rice
James M. and Heather Woodland
Jeremy and Heidi Hodge
Jones Sew & Vac
Parts Channel
Petersen’s Inc.
Raymond L. Smith
Robert Allen Auto Group, Inc.
Tan Your Hide
Tom Simko
V. Thomas Rose
Vale High School Automotive Technology
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) 282-2507 or 921 S. 8th Ave., Stop 8380, Pocatello, Idaho 83209
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).
College of Technology
Idaho State University 921 S. 8th Ave., Stop 8380 Pocatello, Idaho 83209-8380