This is such an exciting time to be part of the College of Technology! In my 25 years at the College of Technology, I cannot think of a time of greater optimism and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students and industry than right now. The College of Technology has been granted permission by the State Board of Education to move into a magnificent new facility that will become the premier center for technical innovation in Idaho. The new building is located East of the L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center in the University’s Business and Research Park and will be the new home for several programs. For the first time in the College’s existence, our cutting-edge programs will be co-located with Idaho State University research. The co-location allows for increased collaboration and heightened access to resources that will benefit our industry partners in meaningful ways. The new facility means that College of Technology programs will be more consolidated than at any other time in the past. We will occupy fewer buildings, forge new institutional and industrial partnerships, provide exceptional learning experiences for students, and enjoy the quality atmosphere of a state-of-the-art research facility. For more information about our upgraded facility, please refer to the cover article on page 30.
The upcoming move to our new facility would not
be possible without the substantial support of university leadership and other champions of the College of Technology. Foremost among these College champions is William “Bill” Eames. Bill and his wife Karin have been dear friends to our faculty, our students, and our programs for a long time. When they heard about the possibility of relocating several of our programs to a new facility, they quickly decided to provide the necessary support enabling the move to occur. Bill and Karin donated $2.5 million to assist in our move to the new building. As a result of this act of trust and for their steady support over so many years, Idaho State University is proud to rename the building the “William M. and Karin A. Eames Advanced Technical Education and Innovation Complex.” Thank you Bill and Karin for helping make this dream a reality.
The move will benefit the entire College of Technology because even the programs that are not moving to the new Eames Complex will enjoy highly upgraded facilities. Space vacated by the programs moving into the new facility will be remodeled and improved for other career technical education programs. Programs that are currently located on various parts of the ISU campus or even across town will now be centrally located in one location. Put simply, almost every program in the College will have a new
home with state-of-the-art facilities.
While many exciting changes anxiously await the coming year, I am reminded during this season of graduation of our true purpose and of the ultimate reason I have chosen to devote my career to the College of Technology – our students. Despite the upcoming changes within the College, the College of Technology has been and will always be providing the highest quality of education possible to prepare students for the careers of their dreams. I feel so privileged to be surrounded by so many eager, enthusiastic, and encouraging students and faculty members. The future is not only bright for the College of Technology, but it is bright for the entire country as our graduates spread across the globe, pushing the envelope of what is possible with a two-year degree, a hands-on education, and the continued support of all those affiliated with this great institution. Graduates, you make us so very proud.
This edition of the Tech Annual contains some of the highlights from another great year at the College of Technology. I would encourage you to read the articles, enjoy the pictures, and then come and visit us in Pocatello. I am confident you will be pleased to see the changes that have taken place since you were last here. I am also confident that you will be even more pleased with all of the wonderful aspects of the
College of Technology that have not changed. Thank you for your continued support and loyalty to ISU’s College of Technology.
R.
Dean, College of Technology
Scott Rasmussen
Photo: Dean Rasmussen in a planning meeting for the Eames Complex
R. Scott Rasmussen
Dean
Debbie Ronneburg
Associate Dean
Melisa Moon
Director of Development
Nancy Lauts
Assistant to the Dean, Grants, Scholarships, and Donor Relations
Steve Keller Director of Marketing and Recruitment
A special thanks to:
Corinne McCullough, Jean Swassing, Tom Putnam, Shalee Butler, and Aubreanna Crabtree
isu.edu/ctech
921 S. 8th Ave., Stop 8380 Pocatello, Idaho 83209-8380
ctech@isu.edu | (208) 282-2800 The Tech Annual is distributed to more than 20,000 alumni, donors, and friends around the world.
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Contents
Despite an Accident, the College Provides Hope “The College that Cares”
“Four Reasons Why Machining Might Just Be One of the Best Programs Ever”
State Representatives Visit Campus “Legislative Visit”
Schweitzer Engineering Donates to ESTEC Programs “Building Tomorrow’s Future”
College of Technology Award Winners “Recognizing Excellence”
Celebrating Generations of Graduates “Civil Engineering 50 Year Reunion”
future Building Tomorrow’s
By Aubreanna Crabtree
Building, preparing and training the future generation of students to enter the workforce has been the top priority at the College of Technology Energy Systems Technology and Education Center (ESTEC).With the help of business and industry, ESTEC is making this goal possible.
I
It all started with a vision, a vision to supply the world with skilled engineering technicians. A vision to not only train these technicians, but also to educate future generations on the importance of energy systems. A profound vision so impactful; a vision so cutting-edge. A vision that is felt today when you walk into the ESTEC laboratories at the College of Technology. Industrial grade piping and pumps, electrical power distribution equipment, colorful semi-conducting wires, mechanical systems, instrumentation and control training stations, and advanced energy systems technology fill the classrooms where you see aspiring electrical, instrumentation, mechanical, cyber-security, and nuclear technician students working hard to receive this specialized education. This innovative training and education, conceived years ago, is now a vision brought to life. This vision is ESTEC.
I I Electrical Engineering Technology student works on a power unit in the ESTEC classroom
TheEnergy Systems Technology and Education Center’s (ESTEC) mission is to cultivate the people, educational resources, and applied research capabilities necessary to improve the local, regional, and national availability of highly skilled technicians, and to provide graduates with the technical knowledge and skills needed to support the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of energy, industrial, mining, and government agencies. Today, ESTEC strives vigorously to meet this goal by developing their programs to support future industry needs. To help meet these industry needs, Schweitzer Engi-
neering Laboratories (SEL) recently donated and discounted over 150 pieces of equipment to the ESTEC programs. This new equipment, called protective relaying, allows ESTEC students to receive highly specialized training. “This equipment is primarily used on electrical transmission and distribution power lines to detect faults. The faults detected could be, for example, a car wrecking into a power pole, a lightning strike, or a tree falling down on a power line,” explains Ryan Pitcher, the ESTEC Department Chair. “When a power line comes down, it will be energized and a real danger to service people like firefighters or policemen. The protective relaying will detect a fault and isolate the line to minimize the risk of danger to people and reroute power to minimize the power outage.”
The protective relaying equipment is featured in the Energy Systems Electrical Engineering Technology laboratory, now renamed the ESTEC Schweitzer Engineering Laboratory. In March 2017, the Schweitzer Engineering Laboratory was officially opened to students and faculty members. In addition to the generous donation, SEL sent two representatives to spend a week training students and faculty on protective relaying and to answer questions about the equipment.
Val Williams, Coordinator/Instructor of the Electrical Engineering Technology program, who was actively involved in the building, training, and support of the Schweitzer donation, is thrilled to allow students the opportunity to receive this specialized education. “All ESTEC students will benefit from
Justin Jeter and Ed Atienza from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) I I
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Donates to ESTEC Programs
this equipment as well as robotics students, bachelors of science/engineering students, Workforce Training, the Idaho National Laboratory, and other local industries who seek further knowledge and training,” explained Val.
Thanks to Schweitzer’s support and donation, this new laboratory gives ESTEC students a new level of instruction they would not have otherwise received. This donation will also help better prepare the future workforce to enter the energy sector. ESTEC students will now have the added skill-set to work as a protective relay technician in multiple job fields all over the world, with an excellent salary after just two years at the College of Technology.
As a result of their continued support, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories was awarded the College of Technology’s Outstanding Community Partner Award for being a successful partner to several College of Technology programs.
In April of 2017, Scott Rasmussen, Dean of the College of Technology, presented SEL representative Scott Hodge with the award. “Each year we find more robust ways to support the school, and I look forward to the future of continued support to ISU. Aside from hiring the students, we are very happy to help support and train them for their day-to-day jobs at SEL,” proclaimed Hodge, “I am pleased that ISU produces the caliber of technicians that they do. There is a clear winner in the fact that the programs at ISU are outstanding programs.”
SEL has also been a big support
to other programs prior to their community partner award, such as the robotics program. “It doesn’t matter what it is, Schweitzer is always there for us. From donating money to the Tech Expo event to helping high school students compete in the Vex Robotics Competition. There is always a guarantee that Schweitzer will be there to help us out,” said Shane Slack, Robotics and Communications Systems Engineering Technology program coordinator and instructor.
ESTEC Partnerships and Future Projects
Ryan Pitcher, ESTEC Department Chair, is very excited to help continue ESTEC’s growth with business and industry collaboration. “One of the neat things about the College of Technology is that we are now able to educate students on this new cutting-edge technology and
Sarai Corona and Justin Waggoner, Electrical Engineering Technology students
Schweitzer
equipment,” explains Pitcher. “As an education center it is difficult to narrow down collaborative partnerships to only a few. In short, we really can’t do what we do without the help of all of the partnerships we have. I have been really impressed with each company’s dedication to post-secondary education.”
Since its establishment in 2007, ESTEC has formed over 100 different relationships and partnerships with business and industry. ESTEC partners with companies of all sizes, ranging from those that may only employ a few people to those who employ thousands like the Idaho National Laboratory, Phillips 66, and Simplot. These companies specifically hire College of Technology graduates every semester to work all over the world supplying millions of people with energy and a higher quality of life.
“Energy systems is not a commonly understood topic because there isn’t a daily exposure for the
typical person, so it can be difficult to explain what we actually do,” Pitcher describes. “To summarize, ESTEC produces highly-capable technicians that maintain our way of life by understanding and supporting the nation’s critical infrastructures which include manufacturing, communications, energy, chemical, food, healthcare, information technology, nuclear reactors, transportation, water, and defense sectors. Overall, the goal of ESTEC is to train the technicians that support and improve the quality of life of our nation.”
Additional efforts have been created to support and enhance the mission of ESTEC. These efforts include advanced research projects, increased K-12 outreach plans, and the introduction of a new Cyber-Physical Security program. With many high-demand, high-wage careers becoming available, ESTEC engineering technicians will continue to supply the workforce with their expertise. One thing is for certain, the
ESTEC vision developed years ago is still alive today.
In addition to SEL’s donation, Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power donated additional protective relaying and testing equipment during the 2016-2017 fiscal year. Thanks to successful partnerships and donations from business and industry, the future for ESTEC looks bright.
Currently, the Energy Systems Technology and Education Center offers six programs including: Energy Systems Engineering Technology, Energy Systems Instrumentation Engineering Technology, Energy Systems Electrical Engineering Technology, Energy Systems Nuclear Operations Technology, Energy Systems Mechanical Engineering Technology, and Cyber-Physical Security.
For more information on the Energy Systems Technology and Education Center please visit:
The Energy Systems Technology and Education Center (ESTEC) would like to express our greatest gratitude to those who have been involved in the design, equipment purchases, donations, discounts, buildout, and curriculum development of our new ESTEC Schweitzer Engineering Protective Relay Laboratory.
Our sincere thanks to Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power. Thank you to Bud Smalley for your support in the initial equipment donations, laboratory build-out, and specialized training that you offered to our faculty. Thank you again to Ed Atienza and Justin Jeter for spending a week with our students and developing the laboratories for them. We also appreciate Val William’s dedication through the entire process.
As the department chair, I literally cannot adequately express my sincere gratitude for everyone’s time, effort, and attention to detail. It has been a distinct honor and pleasure to work with everyone. I also want to thank my predecessor, Lawrence Beaty for his foresight and initial conceptual design.
Sincerely,
facebook.com/IdahoStateESTEC
instagram.com #IdahoStateESTEC
twitter.com/IdahoStateESTEC
Ryan Pitcher
Bud Smalley
Val Williams
ESTEC students Sarai Corona (above) and Jacob Brogan (below) with the protective realying equipment.
NursingCareer Ladder
By Jennifer Briggs
Students who progress through the College of Technology nursing career ladder are highly employable because of the extra hands-on experience the ladder provides.
opportunity. Career ladders allow for more flexibility in life, finances, and educational path choices while simultaneously granting more hands-on experience than the traditional educational route to becoming a nurse.
Students who participate in a nursing career ladder find that they are able to move through the various skill levels of the nursing profession in a step-like fashion, with each step providing new knowledge and skills, ideally without repetition. The first step may occur at the high school where students can take courses for high school credit and become a certified nurse’s aide (CNA). At the College of Technology, students can become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), which will allow them to gain experience in nursing while working toward the associate registered nurse (RN) degree. While working for RN wages, the student may then continue on to ISU’s School of Nursing in the Kasiska Division of Health Sciences where bachelors’ and graduate degrees will further advance career goals.
Students who progress through the ISU nursing career ladder find that they are able to complete each step within 1-2 years, allowing students to earn progressively higher wages at each step in the ladder. In addition, students find that they can take valuable time to gain experience and financial resources between each ladder step.
“The career ladder has opened many doors for me. The best thing about it has been gaining experience in each field while working towards the next step. Without this experience I feel it would have been more difficult to grasp the concepts and to be able to apply the knowledge. Hands on learning for me has been very beneficial.”
- Remmy Burton, current ADRN student
Idaho State University provides the nursing career ladder in its entirety starting at the College of Technology and continuing in the Kasiska Division of Health Sciences. Nursing students graduate each year with progressively higher skill levels and career responsibilities.
Employers often find that nurses who have progressed through the career ladder require less orientation, less on-the-job training, and are more confident and assertive than nurses who graduate from a traditional four-year program.
Students who progress through the College of Technology nursing career ladder are highly employable because of the extra hands-on experience the ladder provides.
By Corinne McCullough
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
1967
The first two instructors for Idaho State University College of Technology’s Civil Engineering Technology Program served from 1967 to 1993. Frank Johnson and Victor Bielby.
Performing compressive strength measurements on construction materials.
1980s
1970s 1990s
Computers changed the way Civil Engineering Technology students could analyze data.
CIVIL
OFFERS 100% INTERNSHIP AND JOB PLACEMENT RATE
The Civil Engineering Technology (CET) program experienced high placement rates in 2017. All of the current CET students who wanted summer jobs were hired and began their internships in May. The excellent internship placement rate is a result of the extensive road building taking place in Idaho, the programmatic change to the materials classes, and the high quality of students in the program. The CET program also added construction inspection and plan reading courses to the curriculum that were specifically requested by industry and included in the program for the first time.
The Civil Engineering Technology program also successfully brought several employers to the College to meet the students and conduct interviews. This experience allowed companies to hire recent graduates and helped students identify which employers they would like to work with in the future. Several of the students had three job offers. The interns get a chance to work in soil testing, drafting, surveying, inspection, and road and bridge projects. Companies are impressed with the depth of the education and quality of student completing the CET program.
Hiring Companies Include: Idaho Transportation Department Bureau of Land Management HK Contractors MTI Strata Engineering Pocatello Labor Union Mickleson Construction
The Laser Scanner creates 3-D images changing how engineers survey roads, bridges, and buildings with the use of lasers, GPS and specialized software.
Unmanned aerial vehicles are among the most important technological advances that have been introduced to the land surveying industry.
reasons why machining just might be one of the best programs four ever
BY STEVE KELLER
The Computerized Machining program has produced quality machinists for over a century, and the respect for machining graduates has grown with each successive year. With machining’s upcoming move to the Eames Complex, the program is not only doubling its square footage, but it’s also doubling its computerized machining equipment to remain the premiere machining program in the West. Respected College of Technology machining instructor Ken Moore recently visited the machining department of an industry leader in agricultural equipment to seek feedback on the proposed changes to the machining program in the new Eames Complex.
Spudnik is an agricultural equipment developer that produces the industry’s gold standard for potato planting, harvesting, and storage implements. Spudnik is appropriately located in Bingham County, Idaho, the highest producer of potatoes in the United States supplying one-third of the nation’s potatoes. Spudnik equipment is designed and built entirely in the “Potato Capital of the World” and is shipped to countries across the globe. The machining department is critical to the continued advancements and success of Spudnik’s global industry. The machining department employs eight full-time machinists, seven of whom are College of Technology machining graduates.
As Moore reminisced with his former students, it became readily apparent that there are four reasons why the Computerized Machining program will continue to be one of the best machining programs in the country. Essentially, the machining program produces machinists who have high job satisfaction, are mobile, are able to improve their skills on the job, and who are recognized by industry as being of great value.
1.career fulfillment
The machinist graduates at Spudnik are confident and satisfied people. They love their careers and earn great wages. Cameron Criddle, one of the machining supervisors at Spudnik, talked about how much he liked coming into work every day. “It’s not like I’m coming to a job,” he said. Preston Dial, a recent hire at Spudnik, spoke of his experiences working for previous employers and of his pride at being one of the machinists who created the artistically beautiful doors for Latter-day Saint Temples spread across the United States. As each machinist took his or her turn speaking about their profession, each one had a gleam in the eye and a smile on the face. Machining appeared to be more of a calling than a career.
2.career mobility
All of the machinists at Spudnik commented on their professional mobility. Each machinist has worked for several companies over the years and has had the ability to choose where they would like to work. For example, Renell Anderson has worked for a mint company making plates for specialty gold and silver coins, a company producing components for nuclear reactors, and now for Spudnik. Dial, in addition to the custom door company, also worked for Hoyt Archery developing some of the world’s most advanced compound bows for hunting and competition.
Photo from left: Machining graduates meet with their former instructor. Preston Dial, Renell Anderson, Alex Blevins, Ken Moore, and Cameron Criddle
3.
new skill development
Graduates from the machining program are also adept at developing new skills throughout their careers as a result of the solid machining foundation they received in college. Alex Blevins, the lead machinist at Spudnik, described all of the machining technological advances in his short career. He said his training made him versatile in developing new skills and taught him how to communicate with machining equipment companies to receive the necessary training on next-generation equipment. The ever-changing needs of companies like Spudnik make the ability to learn on the job a vital skill for industry success.
4.industry recognition
The machining industry recognizes the value of specifically seeking out and hiring College of Technology machining graduates. Criddle spoke of his experience working for a prestigious medical equipment supplier and described their machinist hiring process. When graduates from the College of Technology were hired as new machinists, they are placed immediately in higher positions than machinists from other schools. The company showed preferential treatment to College of Technology graduates because of the value they brought to their machining operations.
The machining department at Spudnik is a good representation of the program’s ability to make a meaningful contribution to industries requiring custom products. Spudnik’s CEO, Rainer Borgmann, began his own career as a machinist, and he recognizes the importance of quality machinists in producing a quality global product. All of the machinists in his company feel valued and always half expect to see Borgmann looking over their shoulders to relive his days as a machinist. Machining, it seems, is a career that, once started, becomes a lifelong passion.
Photo: Alex Blevins programs a CNC machine to produce speciality components
Photo: Moore discusses the properties of a custom CNC drill bit with his former students
at the
By Jennifer Briggs
Making a difference Teddy Bear Clinic
A Teddy Bear falls off the bed and “breaks” his arm. Where to go? What to do? ISU Practical Nursing students are here to help.
Going to the doctor’s office or hospital can be scary for adults, not to mention children. Portneuf Medical Center’s Teddy Bear Clinic is meant to help ease those fears. Over 3,000 children bring their teddy bears and assorted stuffed animals to the hospital to be “treated” with the idea that if the stuffed animal can handle a visit to the hospital for treatment, then when a child needs care for an illness or injury, they will be less frightened. For several years, Practical Nursing students have volunteered to give up a Saturday in March to participate in the Teddy Bear Clinic.
Straight to the Point
Phlebotomists are needed
By Jena Hintze, Workforce Training Assistant Director
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 25 percent from 2014 to 2024.
Each year, the students help staff the 27 stations where casts are applied to “broken” limbs, give “shots,” “listen” to hearts, and stitch up “wounds.” This experience allows students to not only provide community nursing care, but to interact in an age-appropriate way with children, supplementing what they learn in their pediatrics course and pediatric clinical rotations. Students who participate find the most benefit comes from interacting with the children and making them happy. As Amanda Wilcox, Society Pediatric Nurse, says, “I was able to help a ton of little boys and girls be happy by helping their injured teddy bears. It was such an amazing experience.”
Every year, Continuing Education and Workforce Training host over 500 courses on a variety of topics. The range includes Cupcake Decorating all the way to Certified Nursing Assistant. However, one course that has proven to be extra special has been the Phlebotomy Technician course that began in May of 2016.
According to recent statistics, the demand for phlebotomists is expected to increase by 25%. Phlebotomy is proving to be a growing occupation with an average starting rate of $15.21/hour. It is also a great way to enter the medical field. The course at ISU goes beyond most other
phlebotomy programs teaching laboratory functions, preparing and analyzing specimens, working under the direction of a technologist, and preparing the students to take the exam from the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians to become nationally certified. Past students don’t seem to mind the rigor of the program. Matt Day, one of the students from the May 2016 class, said the course was so helpful to him because it was more in-depth than just the basics and focused on specific procedures of drawing blood.
If you’re up to the challenge, Continuing Education and Workforce Training is looking for students who want a fulfilling career becoming a phlebotomist.
By Aubreanna Crabtree
C sme log y E travaganza
Afashion showdown. The 2017 annual Hair Extravaganza is definitely an unforgettable night. Models took center stage this year with Idaho State University cosmetology students eagerly watching on the sidelines as their styles, hairdos, and outfits were revealed in front of a panel of judges.
The College of Technology Cosmetology program has hosted this competition for the past 30 years where aspiring students get to compete with rival cosmetology
schools for 1st place trophies and bragging rights. From start to finish, students had just one day to create and perfect their styles using hair techniques and fashion skills they have learned since starting in school. This year, contestants from hair schools all over eastern Idaho entered models into twelve different categories, which included men’s haircut, celebrity, braiding, and fantasy. Each model then had to strut his or her stuff on a runway in front of a live audience.
“My favorite part of the competition is seeing the creativity that each student has,” said Rick Fuger, coordinator and instructor of the ISU Cosmetology program. “The students get excited seeing their models on stage and having the satisfaction of what they have accomplished.”
Along with the successful Hair Extravaganza, ISU Cosmetology students proudly took home fourteen 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place trophies and awards.
Atalya Benally and her model took first place in braiding
Rick Fuger and Phoebe Greene, ISU Instructors, hosting the show
ISU model walking the runway
Kaitlyn Clark puts make-up on her model
A judge scoring a model before the show
ISU student preparing her model’s outfit
ISU Cosmetology student models for the 2017 Hair Extravaganza
By Stephanie Bachman
Registered Apprenticeships Combat the Skills Gap
AAs more emphasis is placed on getting a degree after high school and more of the rising generation preferring college, many American businesses face the struggle of finding certain types of skilled labor.
growing skills gap is seen, especially as professionals in labor-intensive careers retire more frequently. Despite this gap, many college-aged people and the businesses that lack skilled workers have one thing in common: the growth of a skilled workforce. The rising generation is pressed to attend college as the culture shifts towards valuing a fouryear degree. Yet now more than ever they are being challenged by a career market that is valuing people with experience over degrees. At the same time, regional businesses that value experience are losing their skilled workers to retirement, and the young people to colleges. Those businesses are being challenged to find and hire skilled workers during this increasingly impactful skills gap.
At Idaho State University Continuing Education and Workforce Training (CEWT), we have been partnering with the State Department of Labor to promote Registered Apprenticeships. This new state program is designed to help remedy our businesses’ lack of skilled workers. The Registered Apprenticeship program helps businesses find and hire unskilled workers, or “apprentices,” and tailor their training to specific job positions. The apprentices are trained on the job with a skilled mentor where they learn the tricks-of-the-trade over the course of at least a year. While they train, they also attend related classroom instruction, usually in the evenings.
The benefits to businesses having a Registered Apprenticeship program is not restricted to initially starting unskilled workers out at a lower wage. The benefits also extend to
developing company loyalty by training a worker who will stay within the organization after their apprenticeship is over. Once the apprentice’s instruction is completed, students receive a nationally recognized credential that allows them to be recognized as having fulfilled a specific training regimen and gives them future national career potential. Partnerships are another benefit of the program. When businesses unite with other businesses to create similar apprenticeship programs, they create partnerships that can leverage resources such as teachers, equipment, and centralized assistance.
Businesses that develop and register their apprenticeship programs are certified through the ApprenticeshipUSA network to meet national standards. Once the business’s program is certified, they may have access to other financial benefits including tax credits, funding from federal programs, and nationwide expertise and support at no cost.
A Registered Apprenticeship is an investment that grows over time. It is an investment in recruiting, in training, and in growing a company. It is not just an opportunity to find new employees and customers, it is an opportunity to realize a vision and impact the community. The Registered Apprenticeship program is led by the Idaho State University Continuing Education and Workforce Training department which is apart of the College of Technology. Currently, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC apprenticeships are offered to students who seek on-the-job training and industry certifications.
91% of businesses are more likely to keep apprentices they have trained in longterm positions
ISU Police Academy Law Enforcement Agencies in the Classroom
By Kendra Crismon
Did you know the College of Technology’s Law Enforcement program is one of the few police academies in the state of Idaho? Not only are there traditional students, but sheriffs’ offices and police departments have also been sending their new hires to the College of Technology Law Enforcement program for all their basic training needs, as well. To meet the state’s growing law enforcement needs, the program is a single semester, or 15week academy, for patrol certification with an optional 8-week detention academy offered in the summer. All aspects of the program are aligned with the state’s Idaho Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). The College of Technology Law Enforcement program fully satisfies all state law enforcement requirements without the need to
travel to the state capital.
All instructors are certified to teach the same curriculum as Idaho POST. Each instructor is either a current or retired police officer or deputy. Some of the topics they instruct are law, investigations, report writing, domestic violence, drug investigation, and auto theft. The most popular subjects for students are defensive tactics, weapons retention, impact weapons, physical training, and emergency vehicle operations.
The collaboration between the College of Technology and local law enforcement agencies leads to several benefits. First, the arrangement saves the agencies money by providing a local training option. Second, the close proximity to their home offices allows the new hires to return
to work after training or on the weekends. They are also close to their homes, so they can spend more time with family and friends. Third, the College of Technology program tuition is one-third the cost of POST making it the obvious choice for both agencies and students on a tight budget.
The ISU Police Academy is a success because many of the agencies will hire from the program before the students have even graduated. Over the length of the program’s existence, the hire rate after graduation is close to 100%. One of the
main reasons for the immediacy of graduates being hired upon graduation is the unique combination of agency students and traditional students in the same classroom. Agencies send their newly hired officers, from Idaho Falls, Shelley, Iona, Bingham County, St. Anthony, Blackfoot, and Pocatello. The combined nature of the student body enhances the learning environment and improves the overall quality of education. The ISU Police Academy is a win-win for students, agencies, and the law enforcement needs in Idaho.
The Law Enforcement program is a prime example of the collaboration that exists between industry and education on the cutting-edge of advanced technology.
Everyone benefits when active officers attend classes with traditional college students.
Photo clockwise from top left: Montpelier Police Chief Russ Roper, Idaho Falls Police Chief Mark McBride, a student practicing takedowns, and a classroom of students
After a debilitating dirt bike accident, Ben Treasure (center) received specialized massage therapy treatment from Lacey Spalding, a Masssage Therapy student, and massage faculty Susan Beck and Dean Harris. The treatment has drastically sped up his recovery time.
college cares the that
By Steve Keller
Ben Treasure broke his back in a dirt biking accident last year, but he’s going to walk again. Ben is determined, smart, and charismatic, and he has several people who are there to help him back on his feet. Perhaps one of the most influential forces in Ben’s road to recovery has been
Lacey Spaulding, a Massage Therapy major and fellow College of Technology student, who helped give hope in some of Ben’s darkest moments.
It all began with a fun day of dirt biking with friends at the St. Anthony Sand Dunes. Ben is a Robotics and Communications Systems Engineering Technology student, and he grew up riding dirt bikes on the many trails in Idaho. On that particular day, however, Ben decided to jump one final dune while his friends went to load their bikes for the return trip home. He crashed upon landing, burst his L1 and L5 vertebrae, sustained 12 fractures on his face, broke his collar bone, and severely damaged his knee. The initial prognosis was that he would be permanently paralyzed from the waist down.
It was a discouraging time for Ben and his family after being released from the hospital.
Ben suffered from chronic severe pain and from an uncertain future. Oftentimes, he hurt so much that he could only sleep in short bursts. Furthermore, his condition began to deteriorate exacerbating the feelings of uncertainty.
The extreme trauma to Ben’s body made any movement within those first few months excruciating, so he simply didn’t move. His muscles began to atrophy and contract his body into a permanently hunched-over position. Sitting up in bed and rotating more than a few degrees at the waist gradually became an impossibility.
In the midst of the uncertainty, Susan Beck walked up the front steps of Ben’s home and knocked on the door. Susan is the Massage Therapy Program Coordinator and has extensive experience rehabilitating severely injured clients through massage. Susan heard
Photo clockwise from left:
Susan Beck, Lacey Spalding, Dean Harris, Ben Treasure
“he neverstops”
about Ben’s accident and decided to assess his condition. She began to give him regular therapeutic massages. After only a few massage therapy sessions, Ben’s range of motion and comfort levels showed significant improvement. His pain decreased drastically, and he started to sleep again at night. Susan decided Ben was a good candidate for treatment administered by one of her Massage Therapy students.
Susan asked Lacey Spalding, an advanced Massage Therapy student, to continue Ben’s treatment. Lacey created a treatment plan with Susan and Dean Harris, her other Massage Therapy instructor and saw Ben continue to progress with each session. “He went from being hunched over to having excellent mobility for even an uninjured individual,” Lacey said of her experience with Ben. “I loved working with Ben. I saw him get brighter and more optimistic every session,” she continued.
Ben was soon able to sit in his wheelchair and rotate a full 90 degrees around at the waist - a new feat of flexibility that he could never achieve even before his injuries. His muscles became loose and stopped contorting his body. For the first time in months, Ben became once again comfortable in neutral positions and physically capable in motion. His improved physical state allowed him the opportunity to once again focus on previous activities like his college education.
Susan and Lacey’s massage treatment also allowed Ben to show rapid improvement in his physical therapy sessions, which he still receives from Idaho State University’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. His physical therapists continue to be amazed at how much progress Ben makes from week to week and account his quick recovery to his massage therapy treatment and his determined, optimistic attitude. “I will
said Dave Treasure, Ben’s father and current College of Technology Department Chair
Prior to Ben’s accident, he was always on the move whether it was flying through the air or sprinting on the ground. While his mobility has been effected, he continues to be somebody who can never seem to sit still. His robotics instructors and physical therapists have a hard time keeping up with him.
walk again,” Ben says without doubt in his eyes. Everybody who meets Ben knows that he has the confidence and work ethic to make it happen, but his mother probably won’t let him ride his dirt bike again when he does.
Ben’s confidence and work ethic also serve him well in his coursework at the College of Technology where he is exceling in his robotics program. One of his favorite aspects of the robotics program is the talented and skilled instructors. “The people [in the robotics program] are really cool. They are always ready to help you and make your life a little easier while you’re learning the hard concepts in robotics,” he said.
When you see Ben in between classes at the College of Technology, you see optimism, confidence, and a bright aura. He is a gentleman who holds the doors open for people as they walk through despite being the one in the wheelchair. You want to be around him. He hopes to use the skills he’s developing to one day work in the medical robotics field and develop robotic
solutions for patients with mobility issues like himself. He loves his instructors and all of the exciting projects he gets to design as a College of Technology student. His future is as bright as it ever was before his accident, and his robotics instructors enjoy having him in their challenging program.
Lacey has since graduated from the Massage Therapy program and has plans of becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Her massage therapy background and its emphasis on wholistic healing will help her serve her patients as a physician. She currently owns a growing massage therapy business and works in conjunction with physical therapists in much the same way she did while working with Ben. Despite her full-time college schedule and demanding work responsibilities, her enthusiasm for a career spent in healing others is palpable. Susan Beck speaks of her with pride. Indeed, the College of Technology is proud of such talented students, caring faculty, and optimistic futures.
Photo: Ben designing circuit boards in his robotics program at the College of Technology.
Photos: Ben jumping his dirt bike and playing on the varsity soccer team as #14 star forward.
Occupational Therapy Assistant g
Celebrates its First Cohort
High-demand, high-income, and high-popularity set the tone for the newest College of Technology health care program, Occupation Therapy Assistant. Last year, the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program was developed in collaboration with a $1.5 million US Department of Labor grant. Because of how rapidly the healthcare industry is expanding, the OTA profession is predicted to grow 24 percent in the next 10 years. On average, occupational therapy assistants make $28 an hour, proving this is a lucrative, high-demand and highincome career field. As for popularity in its first semester, the program attracted a wide range of students interested in the OTA profession so much so that students were already signed up and on a waiting list to be enrolled before the program was even officially open.
By Aubreanna Crabtree
At the beginning of this year, current OTA students and their instructors, Joanne Trammel and Barbara Peterson, celebrated the successful development of the program with an open house. “For the open house, there were around 50 people and professionals that attended,” said Chanel Quirk, the Health Occupations administrative assistant. “It was a successful event that allowed the students to get social exposure to clinical professionals and college administrators and instructors alike.”
The OTA open house helped bridge the gap between current OTA students and industry partnerships and professionals that will prove to be beneficial for the program as it continues to train students in occupational therapy assisting. High-demand, high-income, and high popularity are paving the way for a successful future of OTA graduates from the College of Technology.
Current OTA faculty and students cut the ribbon at the open house ceremony in Feb. 2017
Scott Rasmussen, Dean of the College of Technology, (Left) and Joanne Trammel, Occupational Therapy Assisting Coordinator and Instructor, (Right) present to health care professionals.
OTA instructors and the first cohort of students
High Demand
A closer look at the industry’s need for occupational therapy assistants utilizing 2017 Department of Labor statistics
$1.07 Trillion US spends annually on patient care 1/3 of OTA patients are elderly 47% OTA professionals needed in hospitals and schools 14,100
New jobs will become available between 2014-2024
What do Occupational Therapy Assistants do?
$58,360
Median Idaho income
$28.32 per Hour
2017 statistics
#18 Ranked in best health care jobs
24.4%
Projected growth from 2014-2024
Occupational therapy assistants work closely with patients to help them overcome obstacles in their day-to-day lives. By using treatment plans like personal skills building, self-care exercises, and recovery methods, people with physical, mental, and cognitive disorders are able to function normally again. OTA professionals get the satisfaction of knowing they are directly helping people on a daily basis.
Current OTA students demonstrate therapy exercises
The move to a state-of-the-art facility will allow the College of Technology to expand enrollment for Idaho students and provide a world-class career and technical education center. We have a tremendous opportunity to reallocate space in the William M. and Karin A. Advanced Technical Education and Innovation Complex, which will create a number of synergistic opportunities for STEM-related programs at ISU. Moving these programs into this space will not only increase enrollment but enable programs to work closely together to provide opportunities for regional industries. These collaborations support opportunities for ISU to do technical research, prototyping and product testing under one roof. The move will take place over a two year period and begins Summer 2017.
Co-locating programs in one central location will allow us to:
• Create synergy between programs
• Expand classroom and laboratory space
• Meet growing enrollment needs in Career and Technical Education
• Provide opportunities for industry to develop and test new concepts
• Impact economic development in the region
• Be the primary location for advanced technical research in Idaho
• Provide more benefit to students through inter-program projects that resemble actual industry work environments
• Allow students to be involved in industryled research projects
By Steve Keller
Diesel Technology
The first programs to move to the Eames Complex will be Computer Aided Design Drafting and Computerized Machining Technology. Other programs to move in the future include:
• Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing
• Automotive Technology
• Civil Engineering Technology
• Computer Aided Design Drafting
• Computerized Machining Technology
• Diesel/On-Site Power Generation Technology
• Energy Systems Cyber-Physical Security
• Energy Systems Electrical Engineering Technology
• Energy Systems Instrumentation Engineering Technology
• Energy Systems Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Energy Systems Nuclear Operations Technology
• Robotics and Communications Systems Engineering Technology
• Surveying and Geomatics Engineering Technology
• Unmanned Aerial Systems
• Welding
Rendering: An architectural draft of the future Diesel Technology program space
Moving to the Eames Complex not only means an upgrade in our facilities, but also an upgrade in equipment and services for almost every program in the College of Technology. Even the programs that are not moving to the Eames Complex will be moving to more appropriate facilities and will receive equipment upgrades to ensure the College of Technology remains on the forefront of technological advances.
Rendering: An architectural draft of the future Automotive Technology and Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing program space
To make program equipment contributions associated with our move or to sponsor a laboratory/shop within the new complex, please contact Chris Guthrie at the College of Technology Development Office: Chris Guthrie
guthchri@isu.edu, (208) 282-2259
Computerized Machining Technology
Rendering: An architectural draft of the future Computerized Machining program space
Collaboration
at it’s finest
By Aubreanna Crabtree
Both Don and Russell have been instructors and co-coordinators of the Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing program for over 20 years. In addition to working on projects such as the cars below, they have built and re-built the program to what it is today. Russell was hired by the College of Technology in the fall of 1996. He has immense respect in the automotive world; however, becoming an automotive collision technician almost didn’t happen for Russell. “In Jr. High, I met with a guidance counselor. I explained to him my love for cars, and he told me that wasn’t a good industry,” said Russell. “I ended up not taking any automotive classes in high school. How funny is it now to look back and know that my counselor was wrong. I was set off track for a couple years, but that still didn’t change the fact that I was and always will be a car guy.” Russell is very grateful for his decision to follow his passion and loves teaching students the skills he has learned throughout his career. “My favorite part of being an instructor is getting to see the change from the students,” said Russell. “They often times don’t see it themselves, but by the end of the program they have matured and improved. It is very gratifying.”
From a classic 1959 Ford Fairlane to a vintage 1916 Model T Ford, Don Beamis and Russell Butler have cruised through the decades together.
One semester after Russell was hired, Don came to the College of Technology. Don, an ISU alumnus from the Automotive Collision program, worked 12 years at Harry’s Body Repair in Pocatello prior to being hired. It is no surprise that he also shares Russell’s passion for teaching. Don explains, “It is very rewarding to see students graduate from the program and make a good living for their family.” Don also calls himself a “car guy.” Don most recently bought a 1966 Chevelle Super Sport for $2,500. He restored the car to its former glory and was able to sell the car for $37,000. “The entire Chevelle was rusted from the doors back,” said Don. “Once I restored the car and rebuilt the engine, then I was able to sell it for a profit.”
With Don and Russell’s guidance, over the last 20 years, the Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing program has produced generations of students who have worked all over Idaho and throughout the US. “Our students have won regional awards and even national competitions. Most recently, we had a student that just won the very prestigious ‘Builder of the Year’ award in Las Vegas,” said Don. Over the years, Don and Russell’s collaboration has proven to be golden. “It has been amazing working with Don. He is the calming influence, while I am the one sometimes wound around the axle,” said Russell, “Never in the last 21 years have I ever regretted working with him.” Both of these “car guys” will continue to build the Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing program and train future generations of students working in the automotive industry. “It is nice to have a friendship with people you work with” said Don. “We learn from each other every day and that is why our program is running well and is successful.”
Don Beamis
Russell Butler
Local College of Technology Auto Collision Alumnus Wins National Award
By Aubreanna Crabtree
Eldon Owens, an ISU College of Technology Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing graduate, was recently honored with a national achievement award as the BodyShop Business/ASE Master Collision Repair and Refinishing Technician of the year. Eldon completed several tests early last year in order to become a master collision technician. Unknowingly, he ranked in the top percentile on these tests, earning him nationwide acknowledgment and sponsorship by big automotive companies like Bodyshop Business Magazine. Fewer than 50 other automotive professionals were recognized on November 16, 2016 in Concord, North Carolina at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Each of these elite technicians were presented with an industry-specific award. Eldon was recognized for his outstanding achievements in segments of the automotive industry like service and repair. “When I first received the call, I thought it was a scam,” said Eldon, “I was then extremely excited to have been recognized with such an exclusive award.”
Eldon who represents the “best of the best”, graduated from the Auto Collision program in 1992 and has over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry. “I had always been into cars from a young age, and I knew that it was what I wanted to do for a career,” said Eldon. “I really enjoyed the program at ISU.” For the last 10 years, Eldon has worked as an automotive collision repair technician at J&J AutoBody in Pocatello, Idaho. Eldon enjoys reconstructing engines, assembling quarter panels, replacing floors, and creating custom cars. Eldon also teaches classes once a month through ISU to other automotive professionals in the area to keep them current on the latest technology and qualifications. “It is cool to be recognized and receive this national award,” said Eldon, “but it doesn’t change my perspective of what I do. I always try to do the best I can.”
“Eldon represents the best of the best.”
with
Carbol Family
Landon graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant program in May 2017 just one year behind his two older brothers who were also Physical Therapy Assistant students. All three brothers quickly entered the program after Darin Jernigan, a licensed physical therapist and the program coordinator, introduced the program to the Carbol family through Landon’s father. Landon’s older brothers love their careers, and Landon looks forward to beginning his own career after graduation. To this day, the Carbol brothers feel that working with Darin and the other physical therapist instructors was the best part of the program.
Twe are family
hose of us who work in the College of Technology know all about the family connections shared by many of our students, and we recognize that this type of family connection does not exist in almost any other educational setting. Whether it’s a multi-generational family going through the same program with each successive generation, an entire family attending different College of Technology programs simultaneously, or siblings enrolling in the same program in a short period of years, the College of Technology offers a unique educational experience that family members want to share with their loved ones. Organizations and businesses can refer to themselves as a family in a cliché, feel-good phrase, but for those of us in the College of Technology, we are literally family. The following are only a few examples of the many that existed during the Spring 2017 semester.
Holm Family
Eric and Matthew Holm graduated from the College of Technology in May 2017 with degrees in Energy Systems Nuclear Operations Technology and Energy Systems Electrical Engineering Technology, respectfully. Both brothers chose to study an Energy Systems program because of the hands-on projects they could do while in school. The Holm brothers joke about who is smarter and who is better looking, but the fact that both are highly intelligent and prepared to enter a highly technical workforce is obvious to all who have the privilege of knowing them.
Snowden Family
Remer Family
Dustyn Remer grew up in a comfortable home with a father who loved his job. His father, Shane Remer, would come home in the evenings and talk about the places he had been and what he had accomplished during the day. Shane is a geomatics professional who graduated from the College of Technology Surveying and Geomatics Technology program over 20 years ago. As soon as Dustyn was old enough, he began to go to work with his father and loved the freedom of being a licensed surveyor. When it was time for Dustyn to attend college, the choice was clear – the College of Technology. Dustyn is currently a Surveying and Geomatics Technology student who is following in his father’s footsteps.
The Snowden family, Charles, Chasity, and their daughter Alexis, were concurrent College of Technology students who graduated together in May. Chasity was the first in the family to enroll in a College of Technology program, and she earned her first degree in practical nursing. With her encouragement, Charles began the Energy Systems Mechanical Engineering Technology program, following his wife who decided to continue her education, in the Registered Nursing program. Charles and Chasity often competed with one another to see who was going to study the hardest and be the most successful. Alexis, their daughter, followed their combined example by enrolling in the College of Technology Cosmetology program. All three of the Snowdens graduated together in May. Another daughter of Charles and Chasity has been accepted to the College of Technology and begins classes in August 2017.
By Steve Keller
Welding’s hallmark event for high school students was a resounding success with more participants and visiting schools than ever before. The Rocky Mountain ShootOut showcases the advanced technical skills students can develop as future College of Technology welding students.
The19th Annual Rocky Mountain ShootOut
By Steve Keller
The Welding program’s signature event started with a flash of sparks and ended with thunderous applause as high school welding students gathered to attend the region’s largest welding competition, the Rocky Mountain ShootOut. The ShootOut has gained momentum with each successive year in its 19-year history and attracts aspiring welders from as far away as Flagstaff, Arizona. This year, 99 students came with their instructors to the College of Technology from 19 high schools to prove their welding skills. The students competed in various welding challenges throughout the day. Their finished
welding projects were spread across multiple tables in a massive collection of steel plates, corners, and components. Students and instructors could always be found walking through the judging room inspecting the welds of their competition and their students. The appreciation of high precision welds was apparent in the faces of even the most seasoned welders in the room as they discovered piece after piece demonstrating flawless welds. The anonymous welds were judged by College of Technology welding faculty, and the winners not only left with the pride of knowing they were the best but also left with significant prize packages. Among the prize packages were substantial welding scholarships to attend the College of Technology Welding program. The College of Technology Welding
program has a deep reputation of producing quality welders. The 70-year old program has attracted significant industry donations to support the ShootOut. The generous donations from valued industry partners combined to result in welding prizes that totaled over $17,000. Prizes were given to students and instructors who stood out as the best welders in the region, and the industry partners in attendance took notice. In this regard, the ShootOut serves a dual purpose as a scouting event for the regional welding companies hoping to get a jump start on recruiting upcoming welding graduates to their organizations. The award ceremony at the end of the competition is certainly a highlight of the event as welders and their instructors are recognized for their rare skills as up-and-coming master welders. While the award ceremony is always a highlight of the Rocky Mountain ShootOut, the most popular event during this year’s
competition was the instructor torch-cutting challenge. Instructors from each school were given the chance to cut through an 815-pound I-beam to win a $500 Treager Grill. This was a competition of speed, and the instructors took their turns cutting slices from the I-beam with hopes of loading the new grill in the back of their trucks for the return trip home. One after another the instructors raced to the cheers of their students who circled the beam in a ring of chants and shouting. It was a close competition, and the sparks flew from one direction to the next for almost
Photo right: The best welding students collect prizes for their welds
Ultimately, the winner of the competition was an instructor who climbed up on the beam and, in the words of one bystander, “crawled around like Spider-Man” to clinch the prize. Laughter, whistles, and loud clapping ensued as the crowd realized it had probably witnessed the winning cut.
The Rocky Mountain ShootOut helps ensure the future of the College of Technology Welding program by attracting the region’s best high school welders and by demonstrating that the biggest names in the welding industry recognize the Welding program’s consistent quality. It was a fun time for students, instructors, industry partners, and the Welding faculty. If you think you have what it takes or know somebody who does, plan on coming to the ShootOut April 2018 for the 20th Annual event, which should prove to be the largest competition to date.
Photo
High School Connection The
Making an Advanced Technical Education Available to High School Students
By Tom Putnam
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Advanced Opportunities program is an integral program at the College of Technology that focuses on advising and educating high school students on the resources and support systems that are available to them in getting a jump-start on their college education. Put simply, CTE Advanced Opportunities enables high school students to earn meaningful college credit. Over this past year, the CTE Advanced Opportunities program has visited and worked with 23 high schools throughout Southeast Idaho as well as many other high schools across the state to provide opportunities for high
Career Technical Education
Advanced Opportunities allows high school students to push the limits of their education.
school students to take technical classes in high school. The ultimate goal of CTE Advanced Opportunities is to help students eventually enter a successful and rewarding career. Recently, the CTE Advanced Opportunities program began expanding its course options through the College of Technology. These dual credit courses include Welding, Machining, Civil Engineering Technology, and Computer Aided Design Drafting. This fall, courses in Health Occupations and Business Technology will also be offered at local high schools, providing additional support, training, and professional development for existing high school teachers and personnel. The direct exposure and
contact between high school students and caring College of Technology instructors has helped more students realize that a technical college education can be fun and meaningful. Most CTE Advanced Opportunities students feel their classes at the College of Technology are the most enjoyable courses they have ever taken. The students are able to complete a semester of college, or more, saving them thousands of dollars in tuition and fees. In addition, the exposure to these programs in high school has provided an opportunity for students to consider career opportunities in high-growth, high-demand technical fields that will allow them to secure a solid career and excellent wages.
This year, the CTE Advanced Opportunities program had nearly 2,500 high school students enroll in hands-on technical classes in both the high school and at the College of Technology. Many of the students who participated in the on-campus dual credit program (CADD, welding and machining) completed a semester, and in some cases, an entire year of college education. The head start provided to these students is life-changing. Based on real-world training and direct job placement, high school students can develop a bright vision of their future and the successful careers that await them at the completion of their college education. Not only do many students have a more clear vision for their future as they graduate from high school, but they also make connections with skilled faculty members who can help shepherd them through the remaining years of college. Also, for those students who were able to complete a
semester’s worth of college, the cost-savings is nearly $4,000 and close to $7,000 for those who were able to finish an entire year of college. By shortening the time to complete their technical degree, creating connections with faculty members, and saving students thousands of dollars in tuition, the CTE Advanced Opportunities program is truly helping to transform the educational experience students.
As industry demand continues to grow in CTE related fields, the CTE Advanced Opportunities program is poised to deliver high quality dual credit courses in the high schools and on our campus making education more meaningful to students. The College of Technology will continue to develop this program and serve as a model throughout the state.
Photo: A high school student earning college credit from the Welding program
The New Robotics Age of
By Aubreanna Crabtree
Close your eyes and imagine your 1970’s game of “Rock’em, Sock’em Robots” is not a game anymore; it’s a phenomenon brought to life. It’s 2017, and this is the new age of robotics.
Real-life robots designed by high school and middle school students compete in head-to-head combat in an arena called the Vex Robotics Competition. For the past three years, the College of Technology robotics club has hosted the renowned competition and has been a mentor to younger generations. Students from 24 schools across Idaho received robotic kits at the beginning of the school year. These schools then had their competing students design, build, program, and engineer robots.
The Vex tournament is held at Idaho State University every January, and the students’ robots are put to the ultimate test. Once in the ring, the robots are put through a series of obstacles and are judged by reflexive ability, coordination, and strength and are ranked based off of a point system. Franklin Middle School students from Pocatello beat out the competition this year and had the chance to compete in the World Series Vex Robotics Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky in April.
By competing in the Vex Tournament, students are getting a preview of the possibilities of becoming robotic technicians. Students also become motivated at a younger age to choose STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) related fields when they go to college.“By hosting Vex here at ISU, it helps introduce students to what possibilities are available after they graduate from high school,” explains Geran Call, College of Technology Robotics Communications Systems Engineering Technology program instructor. “We do this by allowing them to tour the robotics program and see what our students are currently doing.”
The Robotics Communications Systems Engineering Technology program at the College of Technology has been supplying the world with robotics and electronics technicians for 77 years. Through many different events, such as the Vex tournament, the age of robotics is rapidly growing, and these robotics technicians are being inspired at a younger age than ever before. From getting to work with $250,000 3-D printers, to building projects such as R2D2 from the Star Wars franchise and bringing Wall-E to life from the animated Disney movie, the students love for robots has, literally, been brought to life.
A high school student watches anxiously as his robot competes in the Vex arena at the 2017 competition
The robotics program has been supplying the workforce with generations of student who have innovative skills, futuristic ideas, and are not afraid to think outside the box. Since there are 4 million science and technology careers available in the US, it comes as no surprise that the current demand for graduates results in 100% job placement. For example, all students in the robotics program expecting to graduate in December 2017 already have multiple job offers and career paths for their future. “Companies like the FBI, Pacific Corp, INL, and On Semiconductor, hire our students every semester,” said Call. “Encouraging students to enter the robotics industry begins at a young age and starts with competitions like the Vex Robotics Tournament.”
A current robotics student solders a circuit board together that will serve as a remote control for a robotic Wall-E
It’s 2017, and this is the new age of robotics. Check out ISU Robotics!
1. Draft- Autodesk Inventor
2. Design- engineering notebook required with calculations
3. Attachmentswheels and axles
4. Printed- makerbot 3-D printer
5. Inspection- each car must pass official inspection and then is judged by overall design quality
2017 CADD 3D’ERBY CAR RACES
By Aubreanna Crabtree
put to the ultimate challenge. By the end of their 2-year associate degree program, CADD students have acquired a wide variety of skills, hands-on training, and software certifications. Computer aided design drafters have the knowledge to visualize a design, create the design on a computer, and then bring that design to life using a 3-D printer. This industry-driven, innovative program offered by the College of Technology gives graduates the ability to be employed profitably in a number of different industries across the United States. Students in their last semester of the program are assigned a final project where they must draft, design, and print a derby car and then race it against fellow classmates. The students start by putting together an engineering notebook with design conceptions, calculations, and rough sketches. Then they must use Autodesk Inventor to create the model of the car where the students learn about prototyping, materials, and parametric modeling.
Once the design is completed, it is printed on a 3-D printer using plastic material. The students must assemble the wheels and axles by following “Boy Scout Pinewood Derby” rules and specifications such as height, weight, and lubrication. Finally, the cars are raced head-to-head against each other and judged based on speed and overall design. “My favorite part of the derby is seeing the students enjoy themselves. They take pride in their designs, and they physically have something they, themselves, have created from scratch to finish,” said Alesha Churba, coordinator and instructor of the CADD program. “I think they get a sense of pride and some confidence in their abilities when they have gone through the process.”
Rob Adams, CADD program instructor, shows off his ISU inspired derby car.
2nd Place winner’s, Kathy Black, Spongebob derby car designed for her granddaughter
CADD students and faculty after the 2017 3D’erby car races
Legislative Tour2016-2017
A gathering of state legislators and representatives recently visited the College of Technology to experience Career Technical Education’s cutting-edge programs. The guest list included Dwight Johnson, state director of career technical education, Senator Jim Guthrie, Representative Kelley Packer, Representative Julie van Orden, Philip Clifton, veteran services representative, and Laura Woodworth-Ney, ISU executive vice president and provost. The ultimate objective of the visit was to showcase the exceptional programs and people at the College of Technology to gain support for additional state funding of Career Technical Education. The visiting dignitaries were very impressed with the programs, precision, and people found within the College of Technology. They were especially moved by the motives and
dedication of the students with whom they spoke. Several of the legislators made comments about their personal interest in the programs offered at the College of Technology and that they might have enrolled in the programs themselves had they known about them earlier in their lives.
By Steve Keller
Veterans with medical experience now have a fast-track to a degree in practical nursing (LPN) in the Veteranto-Nurse program.
Photo from left to right: Jim Guthrie, Kelly Packer, Julie van Orden, Dwight Johnson, Preston St. John, Brandon Miller, Richard Houx, Brittney Guinn, and Laura Woodworth-Ney
Photo: A Veteran-to-Nurse student practices on a human simulator
The legislative voting for additional funding was a success, and the six postsecondary Career Technical colleges in the state were granted an additional $3.5 million in line item funding, which represents a 5.4 percent increase for the upcoming fiscal year.
The Veteran-to-Nurse program was of particular interest to the visiting legislators. The Veteran-to-Nurse program is a unique program in Idaho that offers college credits for military medical training. The credits awarded can shorten
Graduates from the Unmanned Aerial Systems program will fly drones to collect advanced imagry data for the military and private organizations.
the practical nursing program by as much as a full year. Most importantly, the program recognizes veterans for their service and gives them a clear path to a meaningful career upon being discharged from the Armed Services. Furthermore, Veteran-to-Nurse students value the continued military camaraderie they feel with their fellow classmates.
The Unmanned Aerial Systems program was also a focal point of the legislator’s visit. The advanced technology of the program left the dignitaries nodding their heads and claiming “this is the future” as they walked from one portion of the program to another. The Unmanned Aerial Systems program prepares students to be licensed and certified unmanned
aerial vehicle (UAV) operators by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Graduates of the program fly drones to collect video footage and advanced imagery data for military, search and rescue, agriculture, insurance, policing, civil engineering, and other clients.
The high caliber students and programs at the College of Technology reinforced the strong relationship between the Idaho State University, state legislators, and Idaho Career and Technical Education. The future of career technical education is brighter than ever before with cutting edge programs, experienced instructors, and a supportive state government.
Photo: Dwight Johnson laughs with UAS students during a discussion of the program’s possibilities
Photo: Examples of the drones utilized in the UAS program
Recognizing Excellence
College of Technology Dean’s Medallion, William M. Eames
take an active interest in the college’s success. In celebration of Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing’s 80th Anniversary, Bill funded a complete restoration project of a 1959 Ford hardtop Convertible, which he donated back to the college. He and his wife Karin have established the Henry A. Eames tool fund recognizing Bill’s father, providing $100,000 of funding for programs to purchase tools. Recently Bill and Karin made a monumental $2.5 million gift to name the College of Technology’s new facility, the William M. and Karin
to believe his heart lies here at the College of Technology. Bill’s interest in the College of Technology has led him to
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Hernan attended elementary and high school in Venezuela. Hernan came to ISU to study English at the American Language Academy in 1981. Upon completing the English program, Hernan enrolled in the College of Technology Diesel Mechanic program, specializing in Construction Equipment and Diesel Electric. He received his Associate of Applied Science degree in 1984 and returned to Venezuela to work as a diesel technician. In 1990, he obtained his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Instituto Politecnico de Las Fuerzas Armadas Nacionales and was subsequently hired by Schlumberger, an oil company that sent him to Argentina as an oil field engineer for several years.
Innovation and Complex.
Cierra Johns is graduated in May with an Associate of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Sciences. Cierra was nominated by her instructor, David Blakeman, to receive the College of Technology Outstanding Student Award for 2017 as a result her academic achievements and honors, her careerrelated experiences, and her many service related activities including volunteering at the Idaho Foodbank, Goodwill, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and the Red Cross Disaster Relief organization. She is currently the Vice Committee Chair of the Respiratory Care Advisory Board and will chair the board next year. The College of Technology is very proud of Cierra and her fine accomplishemnts.
Professional Achievement Award, Hernan R. Rendon Outstanding Student Award, Cierra M. Johns
Staff Excellence Award, JoAnn Wren
JoAnn Wren is the winner of the 2017 Staff Excellence Award. JoAnn has been with the College of Technology since 1987, and brings over 30 years of experience to her position as Administrative Assistant for the Continuing Education and Workforce Training Department. JoAnn’s co-workers nominated her because of outstanding dedication to the college and willingness to help others succeed. “JoAnn is exceptional and invaluable in her position,” describes Jena Hintze, Assistant Director of Workforce Training. “She is fiercely loyal and always strives to help our department grow.”
Outstanding Achievement Award, David Blakeman
David Blakeman was given the 2017 Outstanding Achievement Award for his exceptional performance as an instructor and coordinator of the Respiratory Therapy program at the College of Technology. David is highly praised by his peers for his dedication to educating others and helping students reach their full academic potential. David is easily approachable and respected for having steady qualities like trustworthiness, dependability, and a kindhearted personality.
Staff Excellence Award, Dr. Paul Peterson
Dr. Paul Peterson is the chair of the Health Occupations Department, and the winner of the 2017 Staff Excellence Award at the College of Technology. Paul received multiple nominations for this award from his colleagues who truly admire his leadership style and work ethic. Paul is described by others as having remarkable communication skills, excellent collaboration abilities, and a strong desire to serve and encourage others. Paul humbly accepted his award and said, “My wife tells me the older I get the softer my waistline looks, and my heart. Thank you again for this award.”
Outstanding Achievement Award, Shane Slack
Shane Slack is the coordinator and an instructor for the Robotics Communications Systems Engineering Technology program. Shane was awared the 2017 Outstanding Achievement Award for his futuristic vision, continued support and collaboration, and focused commitment to his program and the College of Technology. Shane is known for striving to have a positive attitude and being the best he can be for his co-workers and students. He is another perfect representative of the College’s exceptional instructors.
New Hires at the College of Technology 2016-17
Duane Rawlings General Education
Barry Everett Jr. Trade and Industrial
Michael Matusek
General Education
Charles McNeel
Technical
Korey Mereness General Education
Tim Rossiter
Technical
David Nava Trade and Industrial
Reece Darcy Cosmetology
Susan Hughes
General Education
Wesley Usyak
Health Occupations
Gary Salazar
Workforce Training and Continuing Education
Barbara Peterson
Health Occupations
Jonathan Brownley
Energy Systems Technology Education Center
Heather Gooch
General Education
Michael Jones
Workforce Training and Continuing Education
Steven Jorgensen
Technical
Mona Doan
Health Occupations
Sharie Ellis
Energy Systems Technology Education Center
Misty Hymas
Health Occupations
Rhonda Ward
Health Occupations
Aubreanna Crabtree
Marketing and Recruitment
Karlee Moeai
Health Occupations
Val Williams
Energy Systems Technology Education Center
Allisha Gneiting
Technical
Lance Howell
Health Occupations
Anthony Mainini
Administration
April Peterson
Student Services
A Special Thanks to Our College of Technology Donors
January 1- December 31, 2016
DONATIONS BY INDIVIDUALS
$50-99
Byron and Kathy Miles
Donald and Jo Carson
Steve and Glenna Larson
Efrain and Teresa Velasquez
Michael and Laurie Evans
Dan and Sheri Kunkel
Glenna Larson
Thomas Ryan
Stephen Weeg
James Lee
Robert Gates
Dorothy Christensen
Karolyn Taberna
Howard Riggs
Melody McPherson
Sallee Gasser
Kent Jordan
Nadine Poulson
Martha Sorensen
Elizabeth Allen
Terry Hicks
Kurt Flora
Steven Dutson
Shauna Keithly
Nola Emery
Leslie Hopkins
Carol Stocks
Thomas Sutton
Chikashi Sato
Betty DeVoto
Katie Lamb
Jerry and JoAnn Bailey
Jeri Parks-Folland
Quinn Dance
Tyler Williams
Julia Staley
R. Neal Cassell
Daniel Alcala
Sandra Thornton
Pamela Myers
DONATIONS BY INDIVIDUALS
$100-299
Dennis and Jane Hersley
Max and Marilyn Schell
Steve and Maureen Thomas
Gordon and Sally Jones
Daniel O’Donnell
Robert and Pamela Kulm
John Winger
Donna Boe
Sarah Jackson
Lonnie and Lisa Abbott
Victor Bielby
Bill Sturm
Todd Heyworth
Randy McCoppin
Steve and Donna Hays
William and Angela Treasure
Donald and Nancy Shepherd
Mike and Chris Guthrie
Bud and Ann Smalley
Dennis A. McAteer
Terry and Brenda Gillett
Maurice and Debra Ronneburg
Mary Graham
Barbara Young
Loreli Moore
Jeanne Blank
Kristen Johnson
Cathy Blair
Kathryn Ludwig
Shane Merrill
Gail and Nannette Siemen
David Turnmire
Gregory Berheim
Cleon Ward
Tom Jared
Greg and Irene Torgesen
Tina Hubbard
Robert Healea
Charles Lasley
Allan Kathleen Priddy
Nilus Carlson
Dahl Hatch
Michael and Stephany Smith
Steve Wasinger
Joseph and Lois Thompson
Karl Anderson
Brenda Krahn
Frank Prickett
Allen Dykman
Anne Gaffney
Chris Bobell
Neal Phelps
Patti Findley
Russ and Shalee Butler
Javier Rodriguez
Trudy Tallman
Linda Deschane
Chick Hobbs-Hoover
Ellen Anderson
DONATIONS BY INDIVIDUALS
$300-599
David and Barbara Green
Marty and Conni Owen
Douglas and Gina Pendleton
J. R. and Rebecca Smith Pitman
Eva Mae Bowman
Kieth and Katherine Stein
Steve and Teena Rhoads
Michael and Josephine Gilmore
David and Verda Lusk
Bruce Burton
Nancy Lauts
Kenneth and Wanda Light
DONATIONS BY INDIVIDUALS
$600-999
Deborah Thompson
James Martin
Judith Damewood
Ricky Murphy
DONATIONS BY INDIVIDUALS
$1,000-6,999
John Sahlberg
Barry and Peggy Orgill
H. Gene Hoge
Ernie Roberson
Leland and Mary Mink
John and Lorraine Kunze
William and Rosemary Kobus
Kathryn Layman
Dennis and Pamela Moodie
Kenneth and Wendy Eck
Bruce Clark
Crystal D. Allen
Roger and Nancy Gibson
Barry Brinker
Lincoln and Linda Yamashita
James and Jeri Spinner
DONATIONS BY INDIVIDUALS
$14,000 - $100,000
William and Karin Eames
Douglas Pitman
Robert Bacon
DONATIONS BY ORGANIZATIONS
GIFTS FROM $100 - $999
Walmart
United Way of Southeastern Idaho
Greenskeeper Landscape & Excavation
Idaho State Bar/Sections
Campbell Scientific Inc
Bratney Companies
L & L Mechanical, Inc.
Delta Kappa Gamma - Beta Chapter
Premier Technology, Inc.
Western Indus. Motor & Machine
Anderson’s Body & Glass
DONATIONS BY ORGANIZATIONS
GIFTS FROM $1,000 - $4,999
The DeVlieg Foundation ON Semiconductor
GBI Insulation
Collision Repair and Refinishing Skills USA
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
Gregg and Lisa Smith Foundation Inc
Idaho Power Company
North American Brewers Association
Microsoft Matching Gifts Program
Reflections Car Club
ODells Furniture
Intermountain Power Source
DONATIONS BY ORGANIZATIONS
GIFTS FROM $5,000 - $35,000
Idaho Community Foundation
Barclay Mechanical, Inc.
ConocoPhillips
Automotive Skills USA
Williams Companies
We appreciate and rely on gift-in-kind equipment donations as critical training aids allowing programs to graduate students with the skills required to meet current industry demands. Thanks to all of you who made a gift-in-kind donation this last year to the College. The gifts are too numerous to mention in this publication.
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 Melisa Moon, Director of Development, at (208) 282-5845 or e-mail moonmeli@isu.edu.
SkillsUSA Supports Technical Education
The mission of the College of Technology is to provide students with the technical skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for successful performance in a highly effective workplace. SkillsUSA is a national student organization that compliments
Idaho State Leadership and Skills Conference Award Results
Gold
Jacob Parker, Aviation Maintenance
Luke Borden, Diesel Equipment Technology
Brendan Bartschi, Precision Machining
Silver
Anthony Shipley, Aviation Maintenance
Leighiam Virrey, Information Technology
Bronze
Cory Lewis, Automotive Refinishing
Tate Ogden, Aviation Maintenance
Kayla Avery, Job Interview
Brendan Vaughn, Welding
this mission. SkillsUSA serves middle-school, high-school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations including health occupations. SkillsUSA empowers its members to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible citizens.
The College of Technology has 88 students currently registered in seven SkillsUSA chapters: Aircraft Maintenance, Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing, Automotive Technology, Diesel, Information Technology Services, Machining, and Welding. In April of 2017, 41 of those members competed in Nampa, Idaho at the 2017 SkillsUSA Idaho State Leadership and Skills Conference with students from other technical programs spread across the state. The College of Technology brought home nine medals with three of them being gold. The gold medalists now have the opportunity to represent the
state of Idaho at the SkillsUSA National competition in Louisville, Kentucky during summer 2017.
Jacob Parker, Aircraft Maintenance gold medalist, received a travel scholarship from the mikeroweWorks Foundation to help him get to Louisville. SkillsUSA and the mikeroweWORKS Foundation work together to increase
For as long as I can remember I have wanted to pursue a career in technical industry. Now with only a week a until my graduation from the ISU Diesel Technology program I have nearly accomplished my goal. I have been exposed to many different opportunities since beginning my technical education in high school at the Daryl A. Dennis Technical center including job shadowing, internships, competitions, and even a trip to Ford world headquarters in Michigan. However, I could not have come as far as I have without the support I have received from all of my instructors and the SkillsUSA organization. I have found success in the SkillsUSA competitions sponsored by the College of Technology and have found connections and relationships in industry through my success. Although I am not looking for employment in the field for another few months, I am confident that when the time comes I can rely on those relationships that have stemmed from SkillsUSA to help me find employment.
Luke Borden ISU College of Technology Diesel Technology
Mike Rowe with SkillsUSA students, Louisville, KY 2016
MEET
Misty Hymas Nursing Programs
Val Williams Electrical Engineering Technology
Chuck McNeel
Unmanned Aerial Systems
Joanne Trammel Occupational Therapy Assistant
College of Technology’s Newest Program Coordinators
Starting in January 2017, Misty Hymas is the newest director of the Practical Nursing, Registered Nursing, and Vet to Nursing programs at the College of Technology. Misty, who has a master’s degree in nursing, has vast experience in the health care profession previously working in the Bear Lake area. She also serves as an assistant clinical professor to all nursing programs. “I love the interaction with the students and seeing the light come on when they are learning.”
Val worked as a controls technician and developer for a major agricultural processing company for almost 25 years before returning to the College of Technology as an Electrical Engineering Technology coordinator/instructor. Prior to working in industry, Val earned his degree in instrumentation from the College of Technology. He looks forward to shaping the lives of his students as his instructors shaped his life. The students are the whole reason Val is here, and he enjoys teaching them the skills they need to provide for their families and live a comfortable lifestyle.
Returning from a successful career as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operator for a major Department of Defense contractor, Chuck is the newest coordinator of Unmanned Aerial Systems Technology. During his time working with the Department of Defense, Chuck averaged over 75,000 flight miles supporting Predator Drone and other UAV military operations in the Middle East, South America, and Southeast Asia. Chuck looks forward to ushering in a new era of unmanned aerial services to Idaho and preparing students to be pioneers in this new technological field.
Joanne attended University of North Carolina where she graduated in 1991 with a master’s degree in occupational therapy. She has over 25 years experience, but most recently she worked in a skilled nursing facility specializing in dementia patients. In February 2016, Joanne came to the College of Technology as coordinator and instructor of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Joanne is passionate about teaching and says that “I hope to inspire the younger generation and get them excited and loving their career in occupational therapy”.
Wesley Usyak Pharmacy Technology
In September 2016, Wesley moved from Chicago to Idaho to coordinate the Pharmacy Technology program. Having had a successful career as a pharmacy technician for over 10 years, Wesley has developed a calling to teaching pharmacy. Some of Wesley’s favorite professional moments include: training technicians to improve their skills, sharing his wealth of knowledge with others, and preparing the next generation of technicians for this in-demand field.
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The College of Technology plays a critical role in ISU’s success. For more than a century, the College has provided trained technicians and professionals for the workforce.
College of Technology graduates make up nearly one-quarter of ISU’s 80,000 living alumni.
As a Bengal, you’ll find many ways to stay in touch with your alma mater. The ISU Alumni Association is dedicated to keeping you informed and engaged with ISU through activities, programs and publications. isu.edu/alumni
