NETWORKING 101
Summer/ Fall 2016 Vol. 1, Issue 1
See Ya Comfort Zone | Page 8
You’re Not Special
An Important College Lesson | Page 20
GAME
ON!
Congrats you’re going to SkillsUSA Nationals!
The most exciting experience you’ll have in a competition | Page 10 PLUS: Interior Design Goes Social / Chris Ernst Sitting Pretty / Featured Alums / Learning by Teaching Others / We Heart You
SCTD.edu | 502.456.6509
B R AG G I N G R I G HTS Featured Artwork by Bob Reitman
Publisher Sullivan College of Technology & Design Managing Editor & Creative Director Rhonda Mefford rmefford@sctd.edu Contributing Editors Chris Ernst Donna Reed Photographer/ Photo Editor Brian Despain Contributing Imagery Kim Attwood Karen Kitzel / Skills USA Erika Mendez Cherise Mengus Chris O’Toole Jennifer Pantoja Robin Pryor Emily Stines
TechniTalk Jr. is a publication of Sullivan College of Technology & Design. It was created as an outlet to engage students, faculty, and staff across all departments to share knowledge and celebrate achievements. TTJr. seeks to facilitate a more connected community of educators and learners by bringing together many areas of expertise (through writing, photography, design, and multi-media) and creating an inspiring and relatable way to document experiences programs, people, and memories. Are you interested in contributing to this publication? Email rmefford@sctd.edu
ON THE COVER:
Cartier Gates, Tiffany Zink, and Jennifer Pantoja pose outside SCTD decked in SkillsUSA’s signature red blazers. Jennifer and Cartier represented SCTD in the SkillsUSA National Championships June 20-24, 2016. Read about Jennifer’s competition experience on page 10!
Contributing Writers Ashley Austin Jim Barks Malandra Gibson Chad Hester Corey Lewison Erika Mendez Erin O’Mara Chris O’Toole Tom Owen Jennifer Pantoja Robin Pryor Donna Reed Webmaster Tiffany Zink TechniTalk Jr. is printed by Clark & Riggs, Louisville, Kentucky Eco-Friendly Reading! This publication is printed on sustainably certified Enviro100 Print, using soy-based ink. This paper is manufactured with 100% post-consumer fiber using biogas energy. It is Ecologo and Process Chlorine-Free Certified. This issue saved the equivalent of 138 trees, 133,800 gallons of water, 16,900 pounds of solid waste, 44,000 pounds of CO2 and 214 million BTUs of energy compared to printing on virgin paper. – Environmental Paper Network For advertising information, contact Rhonda Mefford: rmefford@sctd.edu Copyright © 2016 Sullivan College of Technology & Design 3901 Atkinson Square Drive Louisville, Kentucky 40218 Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. sullivantechnology.com
IN THIS ISSUE 2 4 19
Hot Bytes Department News Sullivan Talks
COLUMNS Heart Your Heart! 6 We You helped Sullivan University Systems raise
$15,000 for the American Heart Association
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AIGA Recognizes Graphic Students
In an 80’s-prom-themed awards show, one SCTD student came out a winner
Learn By Teaching
Three Graphics students gave back to the community
Art of the Informational Interview 16 The Career Advice from Donna Reed
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ID Gets Social
How the Interior Design students broke Instagram on Takeover Tuesday
You’re Not Special—Do Something 18 About It! Chad Hester’s most important college lesson
FEATURES Network or Not... 8 To How one student ditched her comfort zone and thrived
Game On! 10 One student’s experience competing in SkillsUSA National Championships
Grads Made it Happen! 14 These Advice from three Sullivan Tech Alumns
HOT
Congrats to “Zombie Clown,” AKA Austin Hamilton for winning first prize at the Halloween Bash!
BYTES THE TALK OF CAMPUS!
Want more Hot Bytes? Visit sullivantechnology.com Want your Hot Byte published? Email rmefford@sctd.edu
Chalk Art contest winner
Nolan Eastman, Kristen Hawkins, Morgan Fletcher, Colton Elkins
photographers, web programmers, and interesting stories! Nominate a classmate to be featured; volunteer to write a column; or design cover art. We accept submissions all year. With interest or questions, see Rhonda Mefford or email rmefford@sctd.edu.
Chris Ernst
Trick Or Treat? The Halloween Bash went down on October 31. Students, teachers, staff, and friends flocked to the Energy Technology Building dressed to kill. Let’s congratulate the Costume Contest winners: 1st: Austin Hamilton (Zombie Clown) 2nd: Colton Elkins (Zombie Cowboy) 3rd: Rachel White (Mozilla Firefox)
Easy as Pi Our annual Chalk Art Design Contest took place during Spirit Week in the Summer Quarter. Pictured is the winning design by CGD Student Lestel PadillaArchilla. He won a $25 gift card to the campus bookstore.
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Did you let your MOM pick your major?! Do you have horror stories from working in retail? Did volunteering change your life? Do you have good advice for incoming freshmen? Do you know all the new fashion trends for Winter? Do you know why your teachers actually rock? Did you work hard to complete an assignment this quarter that is worthy of bragging rights? Students! Faculty! Staff! TechniTalk Jr. is always in search of talented writers,
Technitalk Jr., by Sullivan College of Technology & Design
Chris Ernst is Sitting Pretty Even though SCTD Executive Director Christ Ernst’s office chair was “super
broke,” he refused to buy himself a new one. Well, Jody Gillenwater mentioned this to Jay Marr, CEO of Sullivan University, and they decided to surprise him with a nice new one! Thanks for all you do Chris! And, thanks to Jody and Jay for one very thoughtful act of kindness.
Sherri Wilson and Gabe Jones
Very Merry, Gabe and Sherri “Our Admissions and Financial Planning teams just finished two days of annual training. I am excited to announce that three of our own were nominated for awards! Sherri Wilson was nominated for Financial Planning Coordinator of the Year! Also, Gabe Jones and Cherise Mingus were
both nominated for Admissions Officer of the Year! The training we attended was for all Admissions Officers and Financial Planning Coordinators in the Sullivan University System. We do this once a year to celebrate successes and receive training on important topics. The Director of Admissions and Director of Financial Planning annually nominates outstanding employees who have demonstrated competencies in work planning, organization, communication, teamwork and job compliance skills. These nominations are important because they were picked over all AO’s and FP coordinators from the entire system. If you see Gabe or Sherri, be sure to congratulate them on this prestigious recognition.”
GET SOCIAL
Stay connected to be the most up-to-date dude in town... SULLIVAN TECH sctd.edu instagram.com/sullivan_tech facebook.com/SullivanCollegeofTechnologyandDesign twitter.com/Sullivan_Tech youtube.com/user/sullivancollege COMPUTER GRAPHIC DESIGN: facebook.com/ComputerGraphicDesign
– Ashley Austin
facebook.com/groups/sctdaiga/
Nightmare Hall
INTERIOR DESIGN: @sullivantech_interior_design
On October 20, residents of Gardnier Point Residence Hall created the “scarriest, spookiest, most spine-tingling haunted house”! SCTD freshman Ashley Boettner had so much fun as a costumed actor. She mentioned knowing only one or two people initially, but ended up making tons of new friends! Go to sullivantechnology.com for more photos and a video of Ashley working in costume! Ashley Boettner decorates with spooky spider’s webs for Haunted Nightmare on Gardnier Lane.
facebook.com/groups/sctdaiga/ ALUMNI ASSOCIATION: facebook.com/SullivanUniversityAlumni twitter.com/SUSAlumni youtube.com/user/SUSAlumni TECHNITALK JR.: sullivantechnology.com
What’s your time machine destination?
“I’d go back to when the pyramids were built.” - Liam Tonna
Catch more Sullivan Talks on page 19! Summer/Fall 2016
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DE PA RTM E N T NEWS
WHAT’S NEW
@ SULLIVAN TECH We’re all working hard and kicking butt. Find out how each department is reaching new levels of awesomeness
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
COMPUTER ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
The AMT department offers two degrees; an Associate of Science and a Bachelor of Science degree. These programs are for individuals who like hands-on, taking things apart, and finding out how things work on the inside. These programs are designed for people with good analytical thinking skills and who like to figure things out and solve problems. Both lead to wellpaying careers in a field experiencing solid growth.
The CET department started the Fall 2016 term with one of its largest incoming classes in recent history. Fourteen students have joined the ranks of the department and are learning the basic principles of electronics. In addition to theory, the new students are gaining hands-on experience through a variety of laboratory exercises and building an operational piece of test equipment that will be useful in their career. These students will also be completing eleven certifications from the Institute of Printed Circuits (IPC). These certifications encompass areas such as soldering, component identification, electrostatic discharge, and safety. These certifications afford CET students an advantage in seeking employment within the field. The CET department has also recently established a chapter of the Electronics Technicians’ Association (ETA). The purpose of the chapter, which is open to both CET and AMT students, is to promote a sense of community within the department, encourage professional development and additional certifications for students, and service to the local area. Two sets of officers were elected, one for day school and one for night school, in order to maximize leadership opportunities. The Sullivan Tech Chapter of ETA immediately planned
We strive to create a challenging learning environment for students by requiring class projects that provide hands-on real-life practical applications they will encounter in industry. These projects also help them develop the applied skills to meet a constantly changing work place. There is a demand for skilled and educated Manufacturing Technicians with the ability to understand and apply technical solutions to the high tech and integrated manufacturing environment of today. Please visit our new AMT Manufacturing Center! We have added Haas CNC (computer numerical control) Mill and Lathe. The students will start on realistic simulators just like on the machines. - Cory Lewison, AMT Department Chair
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Technitalk Jr., by Sullivan College of Technology & Design
and held two successful fundraisers with the student body. The purpose of these fundraisers was to encourage membership and to subsidize the efforts of Sullivan Tech ETA members to obtain additional industry certifications from ETA. - Jim Barks, CET Department Chair Screen Printing in Print 2
COMPUTER GRAPHIC DESIGN Just in the last few months, the Graphic department has been busy! Our department participated in a field trip to Hound Dog Press; guest speakers like Karen Weaver from Athens’s Paper, John Ashton from Those Weekend Golf Guys podcast; booth hosting at the Veteran’s Day- Day of Valor; and designing materials for AMPED, a nonprofit community organization; just to name a few. Our students have created some amazing projects this quarter— woodcut printmaking in Ed Wood’s Print 1 class, screen printing in Rhonda Mefford’s Print 2 class, and developing
mobile app prototypes in Tom Willis’ Multimedia class. Coming up, we’ll be working with the Salvation Army Transitional Housing program to host a Christmas Party, where 50 needy children will be able to enjoy presents, food, music, and a special guest appearance from Santa! We would like to congratulate the eight students chosen to be entered into AIGA’s The Show design competition. Stay tuned, the competition winners will be announced during an awards show on December 1! Come on down to the graphics hallway and checkout some new and exciting work displayed on the walls, including videos featuring student work created in our Video Production and 3D Animation classes. Don’t forget to watch for upcoming Skills USA and AIGA student group meetings! - Erin O’Mara, CGD Department Chair
HVAC/R The career I ended up with is not one that I knew existed in 1983. I have been in the HVAC/R industry for more than 30 years. now and often wonder why this industry remains hidden. I started my career in 1983 as installation help. When I was promoted to a service technician in 1985, I still just had a job. It would be some 5 years later I realized I had a career. The year 2003 brought new challenges to my career when I made the transition from service technician to project manager. My career took another turn in 2010 when I became an instructor at Sullivan College of Technology and Design. I have been an HVAC/R instructor now for 6 yrs. my colleagues and I often discuss why most young people do not know about HVAC/R as a career choice. Why is our industry still hidden? Every industry in the world is touched by HVAC/R. People need HVAC/R for comfort from hot or cold weather. The Internet and all its servers could not function well without proper temperature and humidity control. The food industry relies on HVAC/R to
preserve and ship their products; even medical fields rely heavily on HVAC/R. The HVAC/R industry provides for the functionality of so many other industries, yet we still are viewed as a job not a career.
DID YOU KNOW? SullivanTech’s Interior Design program was recently recognized by The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) as a top ten school in NKBA’s Excellence in Education. Awards are given based on the submission of two student design projects and are scored on NKBA Kitchen & Bathroom Planning Guidelines and NKBA Graphics and Presentation Standards. The award winning schools all earned an average combined score of 90 or above on their submitted designs. Way to go ID!
The HVAC/R department at Sullivan College of Technology and Design are dedicated to changing this. The careers that are available in HVAC/R can’t be shipped out of the country.The entry level career in HVAC/R provides local careers for the next generation of designer, engineers, and project managers, and business owners. The Department of Labor estimates a 14% growth in the HVAC/R field for mechanics and technicians. This means that 40,000 new jobs will be added to the industry requiring many new careers to support them. The Department of Labor also reports the median wage for this career is $45,000. Jobs are available to anyone; careers are for people who claim them. A career in the HVAC/R industry are wide and varied as people themselves, all you have to do is see us.
will be on display at one of the local shopping malls. It’s tons of food and tons of fun! The IIDA chapter is maintaining its campus center status, due to having such a large active membership. The organization just completed a Skype event with all ID schools in the state, called Interior Talk Live! The students documented a residential design project from start to finish including all the stakeholders and disciplines required to complete the project. Eight students and two instructors recently attended an NKBA chapter event at General Electric discussing Universal design and the importance of kitchen and appliance design. It was cool to see the latest prototypes GE has to offer. Keep in touch with ID news on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! - Malandra Gibson, ID Department Chair
- Tom Owen, HVAC/R Instructor
INTERIOR DESIGN The ID department just completed a vignette during the Annual Festival of Trees and Lights. Students created a custom mantle piece, teardrop wreath, and mailbox cover. They also beautifully decorated an 8-foot Christmas tree! All of these items were auctioned off to benefit Norton Children’s Hospital. At the end of the quarter we’ll be supporting the CGD and DWD departments by attending the Reverse Portfolio Fair. We are excited to participate once again in the Dare to Care Food Bank’s, annual CanStruction event. We’ll collaborate with CAD to design and construct a large structure entirely from canned food. Our creation
ID students at the Festival of Trees and Lights Summer/Fall 2016
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SU L L I VAN G I V E S B AC K
Photos Courtesy of Emily Stines
Top: This year you helped the Sullivan University System raise $15,000 for heart disease research, treatment, and prevention. Those pictured are the Team Captains from each campus. Left: Fundraisers from Sullivan University joined more than 10,000 people to participate in Kentuckiana Heart Walk event on September 17. The non-competitive 1-3 mile walk included corporate teams, survivors, and friends and family members.
W
WE HEART yourHEART!
HAT IF WE COULD SEE A 20% reduction in death and disability from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by the year 2020? Heart disease and stroke are the two leading causes of death in the world. Imagine the impact a 20% reduction could have on you, your friends, or your family. The Sullivan University System hearts your heart! We want to help people build healthier lives to reduce death and disabilities from these horrible diseases. This year you helped SUS raise $15,000 through a series of fundraising activities including dinners at Chuy’s and Texas Roadhouse, a silent auction, Sullivan Tech Taco Bar fundraiser, a series of “external donor” challenges, and participation in the Kentuckiana Heart Walk. The Heart Walk is the signature fundraising event for the American Heart Association. More than 1-million walkers participated in 350 non-competitive 1-3 mile Heart Walks nationwide. This is one component of the American Heart Association’s “My Heart. My Life” platform that calls on all Americans to create and embrace an overall healthier lifestyle in order to improve cardiovascular health. This year’s Kentuckiana Heart Walk was held on September 17 at Waterfront Park. There were over 10,000 walkers who, in total, raised $950,000 for research, education, and treatment. That is amazing! The money you donated this year will create hope, inspire change, and celebrate success for all participants! Do you want to make healthier, longer lives possible for everyone? Get involved in 2017! See Emily Stines or Donna Reed to find out how you can fundraise, advocate, or participate in next year’s walk.
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Technitalk Jr., by Sullivan College of Technology & Design
What’s New In
COMPUTER GRAPHIC DESIGN
AIGA Recognizes Graphics Students C
omputer Graphic Design faculty nominated eight student projects to be entered into the prestegious annual awards show for local artists and designers, The Show. The awards are sponsored by our local chapter of American Institute of Graphic Arts, or AIGA. Congrats to Brandon Lyons for winning an award for his Three-Eyed Troll Imperial Stout Packaging Design! Other student entries included: Sara Cameron Ragazzo for City View, 3D Illustration; Josh Kerby for Fat Yetti, Packaging Design; Brandie Farkas, Fuco E Zolfo, Poster Illustration; Morgan Fletcher for Goldsmith Studios, Brand ID; Brent Hudson for Perfect Pour, Environmental Design; Thomas Harlamert for Proof on Main Branding Guide; and Stephen Broyles for Thrasher Magazine Design. The awards ceremony took place on Thursday, December 1. There was a digital pre-show, keynote presentation by Indianapolis-based art director and letterer Bob Ewing, the announcement of winners, and an 80’s prom-themed dance party! The AIGA seeks to advance design as a professional craft, strategic advantage and vital cultural force. As the largest community of design advocates, they bring together practitioners, enthusiasts, and patrons to amplify the voice of design and create the vision for a collective future. They define global standards and ethical practices, guide design education, enhance professional development, and make powerful tools and resources accessible to all.
WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!
Congrats to Brandon Lyons on his winning design! Summer/Fall 2016
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G R A D S W I T H PA SSI O N
TO NETWORK OR NOT... HOW DITCHING MY COMFORT ZONE WAS THE BEST DECISION EVER By: Erika Mendez
T Erika Mendez completed her Bachelor’s in Computer Graphic Design in the Summer 2016 quarter.
O BE FAIR, I AM NO EXPERT at life nor any networking connoisseur by any standard, however college really allowed me to come out of my shell. When I was in high school people always tried to force me to talk, but I just observed closely. Once in college, I loved what I was doing and who I was around, and I think that propelled me enough to jump aboard a thought train of starting an AIGA student chapter with a teacher. I was eventually designated the President of this chapter and suddenly I knew that this was going to be something I would never forget. We started small, but I had a loyal few students who helped me all the time. This is one of the AIGA’s core values—to build lasting and meaningful professional relationships. So I did my best to get the AIGA message out to the student body, albeit sometimes unsuccessfully. The struggle helped me discover what happens when you commit yourself to something. Our small group became a community of people who shared the same major and who have gone through so many obstacles or stepping stones to get there. They were there to offer advice, to help with projects, or to let you tag along and meet new people. Last year at the Graphic Design Advisory Board meeting I had the
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Technitalk Jr., by Sullivan College of Technology & Design
opportunity to meet Don Hansen, the AIGA Louisville Chapter President (By the way, he is awesome to talk with should you ever get the chance). While talking with him and a few others after the meeting, it had come up that we were trying to start a student chapter at Sullivan Tech, so immediately he was excited. He sent us official AIGA swag to have and hand out, along with some solid advice and an invitation to the AIGA professional board meetings. I realized this was a great opportunity for a Graphic Design student. I knew I had chosen the right path—the struggle was worth it.
around so many like-minded individuals outside of school was truly something to experience. I attended a Design Week event almost every day, and I am so glad I did. I learned about one of the oldest design firms in Louisville, learned some new things about Adobe InDesign, met an incredible team of typography wizards, and participated in a mural painting.
My favorite event will forever be the Keynote Speech and After Party with the Lost Type Co-Op (LT). These are some of the most talented On campus we designers that I hosted some “IT WAS AMAZING! I FELT have ever seen, but Welcome Week they are also the events and some LIKE I WAS IN A ROOM nicest people you fundraisers. We could meet. During gained a few FULL OF PEOPLE THAT the after party, I more members conversed with and a lot more HAD KNOWN MY LIFE some awesome attention in the local designers, the school community. STORY BEFORE I EVEN AIGA president, This helped a OPENED MY MOUTH.” and the founder of lot I believe, the LT. They told because we finally some interesting weren’t some stories (that I can barely remember big secret anymore, we had gotten anymore because I mainly was dying of our footing on the rungs of the school laughter throughout the evening). I will never clubs’ ladder. forget that night. I left with that righteous For me, this school year has been feeling thinking, “Hey, I’m a designer, and revolutionary (in more than one way). I belong here,” which had never really This summer I was able to attend several happened before. AIGA-sponsored Design Week events. I So I’m sure while reading this you are networked like nobody’s business; which wondering why I just rambled on and on, is incredibly difficult considering it was but I promise it’s for a good cause. I’m about business! Now, this being a series not promoting the AIGA student group of events over a week’s time, and being professionally or as alumni, but as a designer. hosted in multiple places, and open to I recommend those in any designing career Louisville’s professional design community path to consider joining. I would have never is big and scary to many (trust me I know in a million years thought that I would be the feeling), but once I got to these events in the position that I am in today, but I I felt completely at ease. Sure, there never would have reached this professional were people there who could probably epiphany if it weren’t for this community. out-design me with a blindfold and one arm Take it from me (and Maya Angelou), “I’ve tied behind their backs, but I turned that learned that people will forget what you fear into motivation! I started conversations, said, people will forget what you did, but discussed programs, compared software, people will never forget how you made and gave advice to help another designer. them feel.” It was amazing! I felt like I was in a room full of people that had known my life For more information on joining the story before I even opened my mouth. Sullivan Tech AIGA Student Group, contact We shared experiences, cried over Bézier CGD student Morgan Fletcher or go to curves, and fought a printer or two. Being facebook.com/groups/sctdaiga/
DID YOU KNOW? You can download a full copy of Office 2016 for a personal computer at portal.office.com.
What is your time machine destination?
“I would go back to the year 1982 and would take school more seriously. I would “study what’s most important to me and really know it”. - Tony Crush
Catch more Sullivan Talks on page 19!
Summer/Fall 2016
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COV E R STO RY
GAME ON!
My experience competing at Skills USA National Championships
By: Jennifer Pantoja
“C
ONGRATULATIONS YOU ARE going to Nationals!” Hearing this was a great honor for my partner, Cartier Gates, and I. Skills USA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry professionals working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. Skills USA has competitions for so many skills like 3D Visualization and Animation, Advertising Design, Web Design, Tee Shirt Design, Advanced Manufacturing, Architectural Drafting, Automated Manufacturing Technology, Computer Programming, Robotics, Automation Technology, and much more. There are three competitions: Regional, State, and National. When I was told that my partner and I earned our way to nationals, we were excited.
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Photo Courtesty of Karen Kitzel, Skills USA
When we went to Nationals, I’ll tell you it was the most exciting experience you’ll ever have in a competition! This year’s National event was held at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds. When I arrived I noticed the parking lot was filled with dozens of competitors in their signature red blazers; there were lots of tents with people representing the company Snap-On for the competitors in mechanics and engineering. In these tents they had lot
Competitors focus at Skills USA National event
of car parts, different types of oil, new tools and equipment and, semis (cool stuff). When we entered the North Wing (the building were my competition will be held) the first thing I saw was a SkillsUSA shop that sells shirts, blazers, jackets, and merchandise. When we passed the shop, we entered the huge room were my competition was held, the building was separated into different sections, and each
Technitalk Jr., by Sullivan College of Technology & Design
section has a sign with the name of the program. My partner and I competed in 3D Visualization and Animation. We began with orientation, there were rows of chairs filled with other competitors in the same area as us; it was nerve racking because there were so many great competitors from all over the country. The guys that held the orientation explained the rules: wear the correct uniform; no looking at someone else’s computer; no
Top: Cartier Gates (left) and Jennifer Pantoja (right) pose with SkillsUSA Regional Coordinator and Sullivan Tech Faculty Tiffany Zink (center)
internet access; don’t talk to anyone besides your partner; and files must be turned in with the flash drive provided to us. Also, they discussed stuff like when to bring your computer or laptop for setup; when to bring your resume; and what files they want you to turn in with the flash drive. After they explained all the important rules, a CEO of Hasbro started to talk to us. He asked if anyone was interested in video game design. More than half of the people raised their hand. He explained all the computer languages that are required for you to know to be a game designer and developer like C++ and Java. He also discussed his experiences with E3 Expo. The E3 Expo is held annually in Los Angeles, CA. It is the world’s premier trade show for computer, video, mobile games, and related products by the top gaming industries. Everyone was jealous (and so was I) because what gamer doesn’t want to go to E3 Expo? It was a great opportunity to receive great advice from a gaming veteran. It was interesting to learn that the number of gamers are rising every year and how gamers are no longer dudes in their mom’s basement. The moms are playing now, haha! It was interesting to learn that people are now playing more mobile games than on PC or console.
A tradition at SkillsUSA Nationals is the trading of the pins. You are given a small bag of pins of your state (in my case Kentucky) and you trade them with the other competitors. The goal is to collect a pin from all 50 states. It’s so much fun and you get to meet so many people. We also got to explore the other programs’ booths and see all the artwork from the other competitiors. I enjoyed seeing the welding sculptures in the mechanic and engineering part. Watch out! There were tons of journalists walking around looking for competitors to interview. The real fun began when the competition started! The guys in charge of the competition told us what to do. They gave us a squishy ball that was pink and looked like a pig. They gave us nine hours to create a world where the pig will go through to have an adventure. We must create: the world, the pig, animate it, render it, and render two still images of the animation. The animation had to be 60 seconds long. My partner and I created a couple of worlds. We chose an outer space theme, placing satellites in between each world. The pig would slingshot from the first world and bounce off the satellites to get to the other world. It took five hours to
“FREEDOM HALL WAS FILLED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM WITH PEOPLE CHEERING AND WAVING AROUND GLOW STICKS. SOME GROUPS WOULD SPELL OUT THEIR STATE NAME WITH THE GLOW STICKS, IT WAS COOL TO HAVE PEOPLE CHEER FOR YOU LIKE THAT.”
Continued on page 12... Summer/Fall 2016
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Photo Courtesty of Karen Kitzel, Skills USA
Top: SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. The students pictured are being recognized for outstanding work in the 2016 Skills USA National Championships. Left: A screen shot from Jennifer and Cartier’s 3D animated “space pig adventure.”
Hotel where they had a drawing for prizes and congratulated all of the students who earned a spot in the National competition.
create the pig and the small world for the pig to go through. It took four hours to add color, textures, and animate the pig. The design process took 10 hours, but we did get a break for lunch. When we were finished, we stored all the files in the flash drive provided to us, turned it in to the judges, packed up our computers, and left. SkillsUSA rented the Kentucky Kingdom theme park; so after the competition all the
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competitors got to head over to the park and relax. The awards the last day of the SkillsUSA week. Freedom Hall was filled from top to bottom with people cheering and waving around glow sticks. Some groups would spell out their state name with the glow sticks, it was cool to have people cheer for you like that. After the award ceremony, there was a banquet at the Crown Plaza
Technitalk Jr., by Sullivan College of Technology & Design
This was such an amazing experience. I learned so much about the gaming industries and their qualifications in game development. I am now more interested in gaming due to my love for 3D Visualization and Animation, and through this experience I have grown to become a better 3D modeler. I am encouraged to learn more computer languages like python to enhance my skills even further. This determination has improved me in my animation skills and in teamwork.
I can’t wait until I can compete again in Skills USA! You can join me in 2017! Check out the list of competitions on SkillsUSA.org, and contact Tiffany Zink to sign up: tzink@sctd.edu.
What’s New In
COMPUTER GRAPHIC DESIGN
Learn by Teaching By: Rhonda Mefford
Rhonda Mefford: momma, wife, designer, photographer, runner, foodie, and teacher extraorinairre who also sometimes wonders how the teachers here got so smart
“WHEN SULLIVAN TECH TEACHERS PREPARE TO TEACH, THEY SEEK OUT KEY POINTS AND ORGANIZE INFORMATION INTO A COHERENT STRUCTURE.”
FOR MORE FUN READS, VISIT SULLIVANTECHNOLOGY.COM
D
O YOU EVER wonder how your teachers got so smart?
A study published in the journal, Memory & Cognition outlined an experiment in which one group of participants were told they would be tested on a selection of written material. Another group was led to believe they are preparing to teach the material to someone else. In reality, all participants were tested and no one actually engaged in teaching. The test results confirmed that simply telling participants they would later teach the material changed their mindset enough that they engaged in more effective approaches to learning than did their peers who simply expected a test. Those who expected to teach correctly answered more questions and produced more complete and betterorganized recall of the material. When Sullivan Tech teachers prepare to teach, they seek out key points and organize information into a coherent structure. This is an effective learning strategy from which all students could benefit. To solidify understanding of techniques in packaging design, I secured a teaching opportunity for the students in my Summer Quarter Community Projects class. Morgan Fletcher, Brent Hudson, and Cedric Watkins
had the opportunity to teach graphic design to kids through a summer camp hosted by Academy of Music Production Education Development (AMPED). AMPED is a non-profit youth program that enables Louisville youth to explore their creativity through music. AMPED kids have the opportunity to learn song writing, music composition and technique, performance, beat-making, recording, engineering, A/V setup,
they were able to create and mock up two innovative case designs for their custom music arrangements. “This project was way more fun than I ever imagined. The anxiety of having to teach others how to do something that seems very technical is never fun. However, pushing through that anxiety, I found that it was exciting to teach someone something new and interesting to me.“ – Brent Hudson Morgan, Brent, and Cedric rounded out the quarter by
Morgan Fletcher, Brent Hudson, and Cedric Watkins at AMPED
videography, photography, and web design free of charge. The Sullivan Tech students helped the AMPED kids design CD jewel case packaging for the music they wrote during the camp. They developed ideas on paper through thumbnail sketching, then guided the kids in using Adobe design software to bring their vision to reality. In just a few days
redesigning AMPED’s website and developing a brand identity package for a team of young web entrepreneurs called Valley Tech. AMPED is always looking for volunteers to help with music instruction throughout the year. If you are interested in learning by teaching, apply online at ampedlouisville.org. Summer/Fall 2016
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F E ATU R E D A LUMNI
THESE GRADS
MADE IT HAPPEN!
By: Robin Pryor Administrative Assistant, SUS Alumni Office
D
O YOU RECOGNIZE these grads? They worked hard in school to learn the skills they use everyday in their dream careers. They owe it all to hard work, perserverence, and great relationships built at Sullivan Tech. Read on for their triedand-true advice for today’s underclassmen. Beau Tomlinson Beau is “grateful to the staff and teachers of Sullivan Tech for taking the time to
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appreciate” his efforts while he attended. He has always been artistic and fascinated by different architectures, and that interest led him to complete the Architectural CADD program. He feels that it is the “future of design” and “wanted to be along for the ride.” Currently as a Designer 2 at Rainbow Design Services, he uses Microsoft Office and MicroStation on a daily basis. He attributes his efficiency to Donna Larson, calling her a Microsoft “genius.” Since he is multi-platform savvy, his managers see him as a “gold mine” to the company. He wants to eventually become a draftsman or designer for a large industry, then proceed to move him up to a leadership position. Randy George was his favorite Sullivan Tech instructor. He “always went above and beyond” to prepare the class with real world applications of their content. He partnered with Opportunity Space and took a few students to different sites
Technitalk Jr., by Sullivan College of Technology & Design
around Louisville, where they updated floor plans and assisted with restoration projects. Beau’s advice: “Don’t be afraid to raise your hand up and ask a question if you don’t understand. This is the great thing about Sullivan Tech; you can do this without having to feel guilty for the other 100 students that already get it and are ready to move on. These teachers are very knowledgeable and updated on what is actually happening in the field.”
Cristy Hammond Cristy was originally interested in attending Sullivan for Engineering, but after her tour, she was so intrigued by the projects displayed in the Interior Design department that she changed her mind on the spot. She knew right off that she wanted to create her own designs. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design in 2015.
She is currently a Kitchen and Bath Design the public communications tools she uses. Assistant for Century Entertainment & Additionally, she will work to build design Furnishings, but aspires to become a Lead archives for the major public events so there Designer in the near future. Sullivan Tech is an ongoing resource to repurpose their content. The position prepared her well, will also ultimately because she utilizes the same project “DON’T BE AFRAID oversee the BrownForman corporate management and TO RAISE YOUR social media activity, programs that she she is excited to used during school. HAND UP AND and build a creative and Classmates and ASK A QUESTION impactful strategy for instructors were her launching a new social favorite thing about IF YOU DON’T media campaign. Sullivan Tech. She gave U N D E R S T A N D . ” Sara’s advice: “1. Take a special mention to your education very Malandra Gibson, who seriously. 2. Handle class has brought so many projects like you are designing for a client. 3. challenging, creative ideas to the program. Understand how competitive the workplace is Cristy’s advice: “Networking is huge in this going to be and make sure you have something industry….One of my classmates even helped that sets you apart from other designers! In me get my current position at Century… and my opinion, your education is your gift and I couldn’t be happier.” you have to decide how you are going to use that gift.”
Sara Cameron-Ragazzo
Sara graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design because she wanted to realize a lifelong dream of adding graphic design skills to her marketing experience. The Graphic Design program at Sullivan Tech gave Sara a solid foundation which opened opportunities and gave her the confidence and the competitive advantage she needed to compete for her dream job at Brown-Forman as the Communications and Presentation Design Lead, which she currently holds. The interview process for this position began in January, and she was selected from the pool of finalists in May. The unique role is a hybrid position, combining graphic design, storytelling, and communication/marketing. Her primary responsibility is to craft presentations for the Executive Leadership team for any speaking engagements at which they present. Prior to Sara’s hire, Brown-Forman hired external agencies to do this work. Sara plans to stay at Brown-Forman because her new position has enormous potential for growth. She has extremely high quality standards that she incorporates into
DON’T MISS OUT ON ALL THE SWEET ALUMNI PERKS! We would like to invite you to register with the Sullivan Tech Alumni Association at http://alumni.sctd.edu. Membership is FREE, and you receive many benefits, including discounts, lifetime career assistance, and various educational offers. We keep you engaged via social media, let YOU nominate graduates for the prestigious Distinguished Alumnus award, and give you the opportunity to mentor current students through our eMentoring program. Check us out, and take a quick minute to register with us so you don’t miss out on any of the Alumni Association events!
Top: Beau Tomlinson, ACADD Center: Cristy Hammond, Interior Design Bottom: Sara Cameron-Ragazzo, Computer Graphic Design Photos courtesy of Sullivan Tech Alumni Associaton
Summer/Fall 2016
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Advice from CAREER SERVICES
THE ART OF THE
Informational Interview By: Donna Reed
I
HAVE BEEN IN career services for most of my short existence, and the one thing people often overlook is the art of the informational interview. It truly is an art form, and like the appreciation for many art forms of the past, I have to ask myself, is it extinct? When surveying my Professional Development class, which ranges in age and background, not a single student had heard of—much less participated in—this effective and unique experience. The term, coined by Richard Nelson Bolles in “What Color is Your Parachute,” had seemingly died with the LinkedIn crowd. So, of course, I felt the need to revive it: by assigning my small class of college students something that seemed like an impossible task in their minds, but the idea was clear. Find an industry professional: someone you would like to be like in 10 years. Have a face-to-face interview about how they got where they are today, and ask them to “gasp” mentor you (another lost concept)! The questions were plentiful, and the doubts abounded. How would they get in front
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of anyone in their industry with no experience? Who would email them back? Fortunately for them, that is the beauty of the informational interview. You are in no way asking for a job. You are simply asking people to tell you about themselves and their achievements. Let’s face it, most people love to talk about themselves. The responses came in quickly, and from very accomplished people: owners, managers, and higher-level employees. The students, at this point, were very much on-board; however, I had to temper their excitement. They could in no way ask for a job during the meeting. My once introverted students were bursting at the seams to bend these professional ears. They met face-to-face or faceto-Skype, if the distance was too great, and reported back results that made me feel as if Monet himself had risen from the dead. Some performed more than one informational interview, and all of the people chosen had agreed to help them navigate the murky waters that were their career paths. Each student told of the experience and the hard
Technitalk Jr., by Sullivan College of Technology & Design
work people had put in to be industry leaders; the qualities they wanted in today’s professionals; and a few even asked for resumes from the students for future reference. The industry leaders came from all walks of life, much like my student base, and created an excitement that only true and personal stories can bring to life. Maybe the informational interview is not dead. Maybe it is just a treasure hidden in your parents’ attic; waiting to be found. Because, like my students, everyone has the ability to reach out to people in their industry for nothing more than their story, and every story gives you the ability to build a network, find a mentor, and trace a path to success. I encourage everyone to reach out to someone in their industry for their story, and I will continue to feature some in this publication. Everyone has a story. No two paths to success are the same, but the framework to greatness can be traced with the tenacity and opportunity I hope to bring to life in this column.
Donna Reed is a graduate of WKU’s School of Broadcast and Journalism with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations. She has served as the Director of Career Services for two educational institutions and consulting in numerous markets building partnerships, educational opportunities, and raising awareness and funding for charitable organizations across the U.S. She loves to help individuals find their passions and achieve their dreams.
“NO TWO PATHS TO SUCCESS ARE THE SAME, BUT THE FRAMEWORK TO GREATNESS CAN BE TRACED WITH THE TENACITY AND OPPORTUNITY...”
FOR MORE FUN READS, VISIT SULLIVANTECHNOLOGY.COM
SULLIVA N GIVE S B AC K
A Merry Christmas for All T
assistance, counseling services, GED classes, and job training for needy families in transition. For the fifth year in a row, CGD Department Chair, Erin O’Mara coordinated a Christmas celebration for the
families in residence. For a few hours the children were able to laugh and play and not worry about stresses beyond their years. Their parents did not have to wonder how they would afford Christmas gifts for their children, or even basic
life necessities. The Christmas celebration included a craft table, fried chicken dinner, and a basketball game. The highlight of the evening was a surprise visit from Santa with a box of gifts for each child and each parent. Photos courtesy of Brent Hudson
HIS DECEMBER, Sullivan Tech students and staff helped residents of the Salvation Army’s Emergency and Transitional Housing Program enjoy the magic of Christmas. Without your help, 49 children and 22 single parents would not have been able to experience the joy of Christmas. The Salvation Army’s Emergency and Transitional Housing Program provides assistance to homeless single parent families, male or female. Many of the residents are victims of domestic violence, past substance abusers, or have had involvement with child protective services. The Program offers housing
Comic by D.S. Brown Sr.
Summer/Fall 2016
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What’s New In
I NTERIOR DESIGN
ID Takes over Instagram By: Chris O’Toole
H
AVE YOU CHECKED Instagram lately? On Tuesday October 18, our own Interior Design Department took over the Instagram page for the Louisville/Lexington Kentucky Center Chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Don’t worry—we didn’t hack in, we were asked to take over their account since our student chapter has such a successful Instagram! Each Tuesday they ask a professional design firm or college group to take over their page. We were the first group to take over since Sullivan Tech has the largest IIDA student chapter in the state. IIDA student members are able to attend events and meetings to meet and learn from professionals in Louisville’s Interior design community. As our Interior Design department wants to remain an upscale, CIDA approved college, we used the IIDA Instagram to show the design community what ID students learn and do here at Sullivan Tech. We got a lot of great feedback, for the first “Take over Tuesday.” Jennifer Dumesnnil of Swope Design Group said, “BRAVO Sullivan for the great “Take Over” yesterday. Fabulous posts! Think the best thing is that you guys look like you are having fun!!!!!! Great job congratulations to all.”
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A couple of Instagrams our Interior Design students posted during the first IIDA “takeover Tuesday”
Phallica Hinkebein from Studio 4 Design Solutions said, “Thank you for going first. You set the bar really high. It was very inspiring and informative!” Theresa Mortorna, said “The posts were so great! You did such a great job, as I knew you all would!” Our own department chair, Malandra Gibson said she is
Technitalk Jr., by Sullivan College of Technology & Design
“…very proud of the Interior Design students.” We had so much fun with the Instagram takeover! It was a great opportunity to introduce the great student work here at Sullivan Tech to the professionals in the community. We got to showcase the different talents that the students bring to the classroom and to their
projects. In the future we might show more of our students and their work. I’m proud of our work and I am looking forward to seeing what other chapters and firms do with their page takeovers. Check out our Instagram page, (@sullivantech_interior_design) and IIDA’s page (@iidaloulex). FOR MORE FUN READS, VISIT SULLIVANTECHNOLOGY.COM
BRAG G ING RI G H TS Students in Graphic Design History class chose a contemporary company or product and promoted it in one of the poster styles covered in class. Pictured is Jennifer Pantoja’s psychadelic poster design for Pizza Hut.
Students in Print 2 class designed and hand-bound sketch books. The book pictured was created by Stephen Broyles.
Summer/Fall 2016
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Advice from AN ADMISSIONS OFFICER
You’re Not Special— Do Something About It! By: Chad Hester
D
ESPITE THE FACT that your 550 Twitter followers and 100+ ‘likes’ for the latest food pic you posted make you feel significant the fact is: you are not. This is absolutely contradictory to any commencement speech you’ve heard in the past and flies in the face of the social media revolution in which we find ourselves. The fact is many of you haven’t accomplished anything to stand out and your Facebook posts (no matter how accomplished they make you feel) hold no weight in the real world. So do something about it. During my years in college, I was blessed to have an honest (at the time I would have said annoyingly blunt) professor who became a dear friend through the many classes I took with him. He had the unique character trait of being the most motivating individual; while also being one the harshest I have ever known. He didn’t take excuses, he employed strict guidelines for papers that he expected you to meet; and he regularly told
us how, “we didn’t bring anything to the table until we brought something to the table.” Now that statement sounds circular, but what he meant was that the fact that we just showed up with the expectation that we’re going to receive benefit is foolish if we’re not willing to bring tangible value to the table. Admittedly, this kind of brash conclusion did not sit well with me. I’m a millennial, and as such, I fall into a generation that received a trophy for just showing up and was told constantly how I could do anything just because I existed. However, as I got to know my professor he opened up my eyes to how silly and presumptive the concept of inherit entitlement was and motivated me to strive for success instead of assuming success. You are not successful just because you exist. You are not successful just because you have a degree. You are not successful just because you can say something pithy in less than 140 characters. So what is success? How do I stand out from the crowd that totes scores of participation
trophies? Simple answer: get to work. Study harder, organize smarter, stay later, ask more questions, evaluate your performance more critically, and get off your butt and get after your goals. This is what our society needs, and this is how you bring tangible value to the table. Stop expecting your instructors to reward you because you show up to class. That is not an accomplishment. Rewards are given to people who show time and time again that they are willing to sacrifice for what they want. The names you find in your history books and the leaders of Fortune 500 companies aren’t necessarily endowed with more natural ability than you – they were simply people who worked hard for what they wanted and were humble enough to acknowledge that they weren’t special in and of themselves. So, the question for you remains: are you going to recognize your insignificance and fight to bring value to your life and the lives of the people around you? If not, I’m sure someone will give you a trophy for just showing up.
Chad Hester is an Adult Admissions Officer at Sullivan Tech. He is married to a gorgeous woman named Casey and has two daughters: Emma Juliette (16 months) and Norah Renae (7 weeks). He loves reading, playing basketball, drinking good beer/bourbon/ coffee, and grilling out. He spends a lot of time loving on his three girls and working with the leadership team at his local church, Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville.
“REWARDS ARE GIVEN FOR PEOPLE WHO SHOW TIME AND TIME AGAIN THAT THEY ARE WILLING TO SACRIFICE FOR WHAT THEY WANT.”
FOR MORE FUN READS, VISIT SULLIVANTECHNOLOGY.COM
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Technitalk Jr., by Sullivan College of Technology & Design
ing cars, the “I think there will be fly d there might world will be calmer, an problem.” be a possible population - Don “Stewar t” Brown Sr. “I think we will have a replenishable energy source.”
What will th e world be like in 2030? “Robots will be everywhere; the internet of things will be bigger (appliances); and there will be remote control transportation.”
- Chris Smith
- Allen Smith
“I think cars will drive themselves; robots will do all the jobs; and food production will move inside.” - Donna Larson
Sullivan Talks, Courtesy of Brian Despain
1 # s ’ t a h W on your ? t s i L t e k c Bu
“I would love to go to Ireland someday.” - Emily Stines “I would love to cruise to Alaska.” - Jody Gillenwater
“I want to hunt down a monster.” - Kirkland Bird “I want to train a Derby winner.” - Donna Larson “I would love to have a house boat.” - Frank Carrico Summer/Fall 2016
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