Congratulations, Janis Wegner, new CFO

Janis Wegner will be the new CFO at Pine Technical College, a vacancy created when Ron Scherman, former CFO, retired in August after serving an excellent five+ years. The Search Committee, comprised of six current PTC staff and faculty members, arrived at the decision Sept. 23. Wegner formally was offered the position and accepted Sept. 24.

"We had a large and experienced pool of applicants and a strong group of interviewees," Pine Technical College President Robert Musgrove said. "We engaged in a lengthy analysis and discussion of the merits of our top two finalists, and after the interview process, we absolutely know Wegner brings the best mix of qualifications, skills and knowledge for this position," Musgrove added.

The Search Committee was assisted by Laura King, Vice Chancellor for Fiscal Affairs and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System CFO.

Wegner currently serves as Accounting Officer at Pine Technical College, a position she has held for five years.

"I am happy to take on this leadership role," Wegner said. "I am excited to be a part of the management at PTC as we grow," Wegner added.

Wegner will start as CFO on Sept. 28, 2009.

Pine Technical College to host college fair

Preparations are under way for the biggest annual college fair in east central Minnesota, to be held at the Pine City armory Fri. Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to noon. The Pine Technical College Office of Student Affairs is hosting the event which draws more than 1,000 high school students.

"Our annual college fair is always a hit," says Jodie Klinkhammer, Assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs and Student Affairs Office Manager. "It’s a flurry of activity, and nearly every high school and alternative learning center in our region brings busloads of students for the valuable information available," Klinkhammer explains.

At the event, more than 55 area community colleges, technical colleges, private and public universities will be present to answer current and prospective students' and parents' questions about admissions, financial aid, transferring and more. In addition, all branches of the U.S. military will be present to answer questions regarding serving. The event is open to the public.

What: College Fair
Where: Pine City Armory, Hwy. 61
When: 9 a.m. to 12 noon
Date: Fri. Sept. 25
Who: Open to the public

For more information, call Jodie Klinkhammer at 320-629-5117 or e-mail: klinkhammerj@pinetech.edu.

Students "Clean and Feed!"

On Sept. 11, twelve ambitious students, staff and faculty members gathered to partipicate in the Inaugural Clean and Feed event. Sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa and the Ever Green Club, the students picked up litter along a stretch of I-35 and enjoyed a feast of wraps provided by Pam's Kitchen (the Pine Technical College Student Lounge), pop and sweets to follow.

"The event was a huge success!" said biology instructor Alexis Grinde. "There was not as much litter as we expected, but a lot of tires. It was a beautiful day, and it was so nice to have this group of students and PTC leaders pitch in." Grinde added.

Event participants included:

Mary Bistrom
Rob Fosaaen
Alexis Grinde
Heather Hansen Mead
Alex Kotchen
Kathy Krier
Andy Letourneau
Sandra Nelson
Amy Smyser
Amanda Spencer
Jamie Werner
Erin White

"I especially want to thank Kathy Krier and PTK for organizing the lunch and Amanda Spencer for being our driver," Grinde said.

Inaugural "Clean and Feed" event set for Fri. Sept. 11, 2009

YOU are invited to join Pine Technical College in its Inaugural "Clean and Feed Day!" The Pine Technical College Ever Green Club and Phi Theta Kappa are teaming up to host and sponsor this volunteer opportunity, Adopt-A-Highway event.

Ever Green Club members, Honor Society members and PTC students, staff and faculty are jumping in to clean a stretch of highway on Fri. Sept. 11 -- join us to help make the community a cleaner place! Plan for the event to take about two-to-three hours. Phi Theta Kappa will provide lunch for all volunteers.

-- Date: Fri. Sept. 11, 2009
-- Time: 9 a.m.
-- Place: Meet at the PTC auditorium (Room 20)
-- Bring: Sunscreen, bug spray, disposable gloves

"This is the first event of its kind that we’ve held, and it is not only aligned with the Ever Green Club’s mission, but it’s also a way for students to get some fresh air, hang out with other students and do something good for the environment, the community and themselves," said Heather Hansen Mead, President, Ever Green Club. "The Ever Green Club is proud to be behind this event," Hansen Mead added.

More information: Safety vests will be provided. In the case of rain, the event will be rescheduled for Sept. 18 at 9 a.m. For more information, e-mail Alexis Grinde: grindea@pinetech.edu.

How do I know if a career in science, healthcare, business, industry, the arts, social services… is right for me?

The Career Center at Pine Technical College is a valuable resource for students. For example, students can find information about average salaries earned in different careers, careers appropriate for particular majors, job placement information, job market conditions, tips for job hunting, job interview techniques and much more. Located in the Learning Resource and Technology Center (LRTC), the Career Center is designed for Pine Technical College students and alumni with the career decision-making process in mind.

"Regardless of where the student is in terms of career decision-making, the tools and resources within the Center are useful whether the student is just starting at PTC or graduating," said Kathy Arola, College Counselor and Instructor.

According to Arola, choosing a program to study in college can be difficult and confusing. Oftentimes, many students entering college feel overwhelmed since they are expected to commit to a program before they have begun to think in concrete terms about future career possibilities.

The PTC Career Center, managed by Arola, is a place where students can explore possible careers, discover interests in new programs and gain an understanding of the training, knowledge and skills necessary for a variety of careers.

"If a student is unsure about his or her career direction, undecided in his or her major or is looking for information about different careers, he or she can find that information in the Career Center," Arola said. "For example, if a student is wondering what kinds of careers are available for those with an A.S. degree in business administration – the Career Center is a good place to begin that research," Arola adds.

For more information about the Career Center at Pine Technical College or to arrange an appointment for career counseling, call Kathy Arola, 320-629-5135.


Photo: LPN student Randy Nowling researches information about healthcare careers in the PTC Career Center.