PTC hosts high school students' robotics scrimmage

Last Friday, PTC hosted two teams of high school students in a robotics scrimmage. Students from Pine City High School and Rush City High School met at PTC and went head-to-head in a friendly competition to help them prepare for a season of robotics competitions that starts in January and ends in April. The upcoming competition is part of the prestigious VEX Robotics Competition - a global program with more than 2600 teams from more than 20 countries playing in more than 200 tournaments worldwide.

PTC is providing more than just a venue for the teams to practice; PTC and the 360⁰ Manufacturing and Applied Engineering Center of Excellence (a consortium of 10 MnSCU institutions led by Bemidji State University -- of which PTC is a member), are organizing and introducing Central Minnesota's own mini-league of participating VEX robotics teams, to be known as the 360⁰ Robotics Competition, or RC.

Jodie Klinkhammer, Assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs and Student Affairs Office Manager at PTC, is spearheading PTC's involvement and organization of the RC and says the support of technical programs that encourage the region's youth is critical for the sustainment of rural industry.

"Robotics competitions, like the one these students are preparing for, are effective in inspiring students to pursue careers and the study of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields," says Klinkhammer. "Industries owe much of their success to innovative engineers, and those engineers often are impressed and influenced in their youth through events like this," Klinkhammer adds.

The PCHS and RCHS robotics teams that scrimmaged on Friday are two of the newly-formed RC teams. PTC and the 360⁰Manufacturing and Applied Engineering Center of Excellence are providing the teams with the equipment to design and build their starter robot, and PTC also is providing limited technical support. The teams will compete in their tournament in St. Cloud, Minn., Feb. 23.

TOP PHOTO: Students from Pine City High School and Rush City High School operate a robotic machine in an arena.

MIDDLE PHOTO: A PTC computer programming student and the robotics team coach, Tom Kloeckl, troubleshoot a mechanical issue with the robot.

BOTTOM PHOTO: High school students, with Coach Tom Kloeckl, proudly pose with the robot their team built.

Student nominates Automotive Technology instructor for prestigious award

Automotive Technology program graduate James Floding recently nominated instructor Jeff Ruth for the prestigious Mahle Clevite Champion Technician award. Floding, who graduated from the program in 2012, earning an A.A.S. with high honors, admired Ruth for not only his skill and industry expertise but also for his patience and style of teaching. Ruth has been teaching at PTC for more than 11 years, and prior to that, he worked at Northwest Iowa Technical College as an automotive instructor for 14 years.

With Floding's permission to publish, we are proudly sharing Floding's nominating essay in support of Ruth.

"Jeff Ruth, a relative of Babe Ruth, hits more homeruns in the classroom than the Sultan of Swat hit on the diamond. As an instructor in the Automotive Technology department at Pine Technical College, Ruth’s passion for engine building is the stuff of legend. Ruth is preparing engine builders of tomorrow with the same tenacity the Bambino showed at the plate. By student vote, Ruth was named 2010 – 2011 PTC Teacher of the Year. And, as the advisor of PTC’s SkillsUSA chapter, Ruth is overseeing and coaching the building a 383 Stroker – no simple feat. Ruth’s experience in building engines already has proven to be a huge advantage over the duration of the project, and his enjoyment in teaching, problem-solving, and working with students is evident each day.

Ruth was named an AAIA-ASE World Class Technician in 1988; he has been an engine builder for Sprint Car teams (winning several championships), Figure-8 racing teams, and snowmobile racing teams; and, previously, he has held Master Certifications in Medium and HD Truck, Auto-Body, and Auto Machining. Also, while working at a GM dealership, Ruth earned a Master Oldsmobile Certification. Currently, Ruth holds ASE Automotive Master Certification. Ruth also owned a repair shop servicing automobiles, boats, small engines, snowmobiles, and ATVs for over 20 years, and he has passed on his passion to his son, who also is a technician today. Ruth’s résumé is undeniably worthy of a relative of Babe Ruth. I enthusiastically nominate Jeff Ruth for the Mahle Clevite Champion Technician."

The annual contest, which just closed in late November, is designed to honor the skills and experience of engine technicians and specialists nationwide.

"This competition is a nationwide contest, and I am simply humbled to have been a part of it," Ruth says. "It's pretty special when your students want to honor your work and dedication like this," Ruth adds.

PHOTO at top: Jeff Ruth, Automotive Technology Program Instructor.

Happy Holidays from PTC!

Happy Holidays from PTC! Best wishes for a happy holiday season to all our students, alumni, staff, faculty, donors, and all our business and industry partners. Enjoy our "year-in-review" slideshow!

Pine Art Gallery features works by MA student Jackie Carlson

 

Jacqueline“Jackie” Carlson has an artistic streak as wide as a country mile; with scores of framed digital works as vivid and bright as a 150-count Crayola® box, Carlson’s hobby is a relatively new hobby for an artist whose works are so polished.

 

“I took up photography as a hobby only about four years ago,” says Carlson. “My favorite place to shoot is on Lake Superior; my husband and I have a cabin there, and the natural beauty of the landscape and seascape is really inspiring,” Carlson adds.

 

Carlson’s affection for nature is apparent in her works, as many of them feature wild birds and flowers.

 

Carlson’s artistic endeavors are not limited to photography; Carlson is a member of the Burnett Area Arts Group (BAAG) Art Center in Siren, Wisc. and recently dabbled in fabric-dyeing. Starting with white linen, Carlson explains that artists are able to get creative with colors and make pillows and scarves, and use dyed pieces for quilting and décor.

 

A student in the medical assistant A.A.S. program, Carlson started her academic career at Pine Technical College in June, 2010. Previously, Carlson worked in an ophthalmology clinic and decided to return to college for a degree in a field aligned with her medical-service background. An empty nester, Carlson resides in Grantsburg, Wisc. with her husband and her 115 lb. Alaskan malamute, Meeko.

 

You can see a few of Carlson’s photography pieces on display now through May, 2013. The exhibit, affectionately called the Pine Art Gallery, features works of original art created by established and/or emerging artists from the Pine Area, embracing the talent and creativity of PTC students, staff, faculty, and the larger Pine community. The works featured change seasonally, and many kinds of artworks are showcased including paintings, photographs, pottery, sculptures, sketches, wood carvings and more. If you are an artist from the Pine Area and wish to exhibit your works, see the Pine Technical College Director of Marketing Director in Student Affairs.

 

PHOTO at top

Photos by Jackie Carlson are on display in the Pine Art Gallery.

PHOTO below
Jackie Carlson, MA student and current Pine Art Gallery exhibitor.

PTC to host Twelfth Annual Donor Recognition Event

Pine Technical College will host the Twelfth Annual Donor Recognition Event Fri. Dec. 7, beginning at 5 p.m., at the North West Company Fur Post in Pine City. The event honors those who have given financial contributions to the college in support of PTC’s various scholarship programs, as well as the college’s many scholarship recipients.

 

“This is a very special event that means a lot for our students and for our donors,” says Sandi Carlisle, Executive Assistant to the President and PTC Foundation Coordinator. “This event provides a perfect opportunity for scholarship recipients to meet and thank Foundation donors, and it’s also a more elegant, upscale evening that we intentionally create for honoring the achievements of our students while enjoying the best hors d’oeuvres, wine, and entertainment our community has to offer,” Carlisle adds.

 

The event opens with a social hour complete with musical entertainment by Glenna Reierson, pianist, followed by featured speakers Jasmine Bauer and Timothy Soderbeck. Bauer, a practical nursing student, and Soderbeck, a network administration and business technology student, both began their academic careers at PTC in the Summer, 2011 term, and both have received scholarships from the PTC Foundation. Altogether, the PTC Foundation has awarded more than $51,900 to 45 students over the past year.

 

The event is expected to draw more than 120 attendees, and the public is welcome. Tickets will be sold at the door for $10, and all proceeds benefit PTC’s annual Bridging the Dream scholarship campaign. Attendees have the opportunity to participate in a raffle, with prizes that include an IPad2 (generously donated for the event by Wyoming Machine and Atscott Manufacturing) and a 26” Vizio LED HDTV (generously donated by Walmart). The event’s refreshments are provided by Chris’ Food Center, Chubby’s restaurant, Grand Casino –Hinckley, Taco del Norte, and Wild Bamboo, while wine is provided by the Voyageur BottleShop.

PTC announces nominees for annual statewide awards program

Several Pine Technical College faculty members have been nominated by their students, faculty colleagues, peer staff members, administrators, alumni, and members of the Pine community for the prestigious Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees Educator of the Year Award for Excellence in Teaching program, which acknowledges exceptional individual professional accomplishment in providing instruction that prepares Minnesota’s college and university students for their professional, scholarly, and civic lives.

 

The recognition program, in its seventh year, is the result of the dedicated work of faculty, students, campus award committees, and a systemwide Teaching Award Review committee. Each year, members of campus communities nominate and select from among faculty whose excellence they wish to reward, and college and university presidents across the state designate campus nominees as Outstanding Educators to the Board of Trustees. Nominees from Pine Technical College for the 2013 round of awards include: Elayne Beehler, nursing instructor; Stacey Foster, English instructor; Pamela Munkberg, nursing instructor; and Julie Shores, accounting and business administration instructor. The next step in the awards program calls for PTC’s Award Review Committee to review nominees’ profiles and designate one Outstanding Educator from PTC for the systemwide Teaching Award Review Committee, who will vie for the Educator of the Year award to be named in April, 2013.

 

“I am so proud of all nominees on our campus,” says Joan Bloemendaal-Gruett, Pine Technical College Dean of Academic Affairs. “We have so much talent here, and this program gives us a mechanism for publicly recognizing our instructors’ skill, dedication, and expertise on a statewide stage,” Bloemendaal-Gruett adds.

 

Since 2007, the MnSCU Board of Trustees has recognized 172 Outstanding Educators, 23 of whom have received the Educator of the Year award. Last year, PTC’s Ann Boldt, instructor of developmental courses and English communications courses, received the Outstanding Educator award for PTC, and in 2011, PTC’s Melissa Felland, an instructor within PTC’s early childhood education program, was nominated for PTC’s Outstanding Educator award.

PTC's Continuing Education & Customized Training department temporarily housed at credit union

Pine Technical College's Continuing Education and Customized Training (CECT) division has been temporarily relocated to office space within the Greater Minnesota Credit Union (GMCU), PTC's next-door neighbor on Main Street/Hwy. 61. The building in which CECT is normally housed is set to undergo significant construction to house an Entrepreneurship Center and Technology Business Incubator  as well as to make way for a larger CECT office to serve the department's growing student and client population.

"The Greater Minnesota Credit Union is kindly leasing us office space so we may continue to serve our students and industry partners while we prep for construction, and later, while we're under construction," says Jason Spaeth, Dean of Continuing Education and Customized Training. "GMCU stands as an excellent example of community spirit," Spaeth adds.

PTC's CECT division will remain in their temporary location until construction is complete, likely sometime during the Fall, 2013 term. PTC's Continuing Education department offers a broad range of courses designed for an individual's professional growth and development, while the Customized Training department provides education and training tailored to businesses' specific needs. Altogether, the CECT division provides quality workforce training and development to help grow and prosper the Pine region and beyond.

The new Entrepreneurship Center and Technology Business Incubator will house light manufacturing and technology-based businesses working toward producing innovative products or services. The facility will be designed to house two to three start-up companies simultaneously, as well as comfortable meeting space. Additionally, the facility will be designed in a resource-efficient manner, using renewable energy. Groundbreaking for construction is tentatively set for April, 2013, and the incubator’s first tenants may begin operations from the center sometime during the Fall, 2013 term.

 

"It is our vision the incubator will serve as a solid foundation for highly successful companies," says Musgrove. "PTC can offer promising start-up companies a nurturing environment for growth as well as opportunities to tap into a rich network of business resources that are invaluable to a company’s development."

PHOTO at top:
An artist's rendering of how the remodeled addition and expansion of the building may look once construction is complete.

PTC waiving application fees this week

In recognition of Minnesota College Application Week, PTC will waive the typically-mandatory $20 application fee this week -- today through Nov. 16. Nearly all Minnesota State Colleges and Universities are participating in the weeklong push to encourage those thinking about starting or going back to college to apply by waiving application fees.

“This is a golden opportunity for those thinking about college who need that final nudge of encouragement to apply and find out that college really is possible," says Danielle Chandonnet, Director of Marketing and Admissions. "College Application Week also provides an opportunity for our applicants to discover that financial aid, grants and scholarships are available to assist with tuition and other costs associated with college.”

Minnesota College Application Week is part of a national initiative brought forward by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the State Higher Education Executive Officers (SHEEO). The weeklong event urges high schools and postsecondary institutions to collaborate in a concentrated effort to engage and inform underrepresented (first-generation college students, students of color, and low-income) students about the college application process.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications during this week at no charge. Courses start Jan. 14. For more information about applying, visit PTC's "Apply Now" page, or call 320-629-5100.

Student-Parent Support program celebrates one-year anniversary

This fall semester marks the one-year anniversary of PTC’s Student-Parent Support program – a program partly sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Health’s Young Student Parent Grant Initiative, designed and established especially for PTC students with children.

“The Student-Parent Support Program exists to support students with children and help them navigate all the demands of life, including coursework, family life, and more,” says Laureen Williams, PTC’s Student-Parent Support Program Director. “College is both a stimulating and stressful time for students, and for two-thirds of our students who are also students with children, college poses a special challenge; students, as parents, must balance multiple demands on their time and energy, and Student-Parent Success programming helps link students with resources to meet individual and family needs,” Williams explains.

The Student-Parent Support Program provides all the following, and much more:

· One-on-One Support

· Lactation Room (Wellness Room)
· Laptop Loan Program
· Resources & Referrals (on- and off-campus)
· Family-Friendly Study Spaces
· Scholarship Links
· Emergency Services
· Parent Support Groups (Parents’ Café)

For more information about how the Student-Parent Support Program may help you, contact Laureen Williams: Tel - 320-629-5198; E-mail - WilliamsL@pinetech.edu; or in person - located in “The Cottage” at the north end of the campus.

 

IMAGE ABOVE

Laureen Williams, Student-Parent Support Program Director.

Family Fun Night drew students, parents and kids to campus on a Friday night

Last Friday night, more than 200 students, parents, and kids attended “Family Fun Night,” an event co-sponsored and co-hosted by PTC's Student-Parent Success department and Student Senate.

"It was a night full of fun activities for families," explains Laureen Williams, Student-Parent Success Program Director. "Various departments and student clubs hosted activity stations for all ages, including bowling, a haunted hallway, and so much more; plus, we served dinner, awarded prizes, and it was offered free to anyone who attended," Williams adds.

This was the second time the event has been offered in PTC's history, and with the newer Student-Parent Success program established in 2011, campus activities that engage student-parents are becoming more frequently-occurring and popular.

"More than two-thirds of our student population are also parents, and it's important to recognize and encourage this sector of our student body that is likely experiencing numerous and varied demands on their time and energy," says Danielle Chandonnet, PTC's Director of Marketing and Admissions. "It makes sense for us to do what we can to engage them as well as the whole family," Chandonnet adds.

"While attending college, budgets aren't very forgiving and typically don’t allow much room for family entertainment," Williams says. "This event gives students a chance to have a fun night and show their families where they attend school, too. So many of the children didn't want to leave at the end of the event, and it's fun to see all the smiling faces and happy families as they left our campus!"
 

Pine Technical College honors Medical Assistants Recognition Week

 

In honor of Medical Assistants Recognition Week, Oct. 15 – Oct. 19, 2012, students and faculty in PTC’s medical assistant program are working to promote their profession within the larger campus community.

“Every year, MARWeek (Medical Assistants Recognition Week) is celebrated during the third full week in October,” says Krista Hoekstra, PTC’s Director of Nursing and Health Sciences. “Because our medical assistant program is new as of this fall, it’s especially exciting for us since it’s our first year honoring the profession with our inaugural cohort,” Hoekstra explains.

Medical assistants (MAs) work in the allied health profession and perform both clinical and administrative procedures, and with this summer’s historic Supreme Court ruling that upheld the president’s healthcare law in June, the impact for the healthcare profession and the demand for medical assistants in East Central Minnesota and Western Wisconsin is expected to be significant. It is projected that a new model of healthcare delivery in hospitals and clinics that relies heavily upon medical assistants working alongside nurses and doctors will become the new standard, sparking a need for qualified medical assistants.

“With their unique versatility, MAs are proving to be the allied health professional of choice for this decade,” Hoekstra says. “In fact, according to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the MA profession continues to be one of the fastest-growing occupations, and we’re proud to offer such a comprehensive associate degree program to help fill the need as well as, of course, give our students and graduates an in-demand, valuable career,” Hoekstra adds.

 

Photos at top: Students enrolled in PTC’s inaugural medical assistant cohort practice laboratory procedures in the college’s all-new, state-of-the-art medical assisting laboratory in MEDA 1201: Clinical Procedures.

Pine Technical College to host forum for political candidates

Pine Technical College will open its doors to the public for the eighth edition of its election year Candidate Forum. With a larger number of candidates, organizers are offering the forum in a two-night series.

The first evening, Tues. Oct. 16, will feature local candidates seeking the Mayoral position and positions for the City Council, beginning at 7 p.m. The following week, Tues. Oct. 23, will feature candidates seeking to fill the District 11 Minnesota Senate and District 11B Minnesota House of Representatives. Both events will be held in PTC’s auditorium, room 20.

As in years’ past, candidates will be given an opportunity to introduce themselves and will be asked to answer questions prepared by forum sponsors. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of the candidates; a panel of sponsor representatives will screen questions to ensure appropriateness as well as eliminate duplications.

Pine Technical College, the Pine City Area Chamber of Commerce and WINDOW Victim Services are co-sponsoring the event and encourage the public to attend. Listed below is the agenda for each evening of the Candidate Forum as well as registered candidates.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012 ● 7 p.m. ● PTC Auditorium, Room 20

Candidates for Mayor of Pine City
Mark Campeau
Paul Janssen

Pine City Council Candidates
Paul Dunbar
Linda Hanson
Robyn Miche
Steve Ovick
Brian Scholin

Tuesday, October 23, 2012 ● 7 p.m. ● PTC Auditorium, Room 20

District 11 Minnesota Senate Candidates
Tony Lourey
Bill Saumer

District 11B Minnesota House of Representatives Candidates
Timothy Faust
Ben Wiener

Student Senate leaders register voters with annual campaign, “Get Out the Vote"

Going on now through the end of the week, PTC’s student senators are working to register students, visitors, staff and faculty members as voters. Student senators are working in shifts, staffing a table at the entrance to the Student Lounge, urging anyone at least 18 years old who is not already a registered voter to complete the registration cards.

“It’s an especially important election year, no matter what political party you’re affiliated with, and every voice needs to be heard,” says Student Senate Treasurer April Sheldon. “We’ve already registered more than 25 new voters this week with the campaign,” Sheldon adds.

There is no charge to register, and just one form of identification or a Minnesota driver’s license number is required. Student senators are available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Friday this week.

PHOTO at top:
Student Senate Parliamentarian Tim Soderbeck gives directions to a student registering to vote.

Pine Technical College to host Sixth Annual Open House, Oct. 24

Pine Technical College will host an open house, Wed. Oct. 24, 4 to 7 p.m. The event is open to current and prospective students and their families, business and industry partners, PTC Foundation donors, and the public. In its sixth year, the event is predicted to draw more than 100 attendees.

“This is anyone and everyone’s chance to tour the college, meet instructors, talk to advisors and college administrators and get valuable program information on the spot,” says Paula Hoffman, Dean of Student Affairs. “I’m so proud of PTC and all that we do, and this event is a great opportunity for the community to discover and explore all we have to offer,” Hoffman adds.

PTC's Sixth Annual Open House will be held at Pine Technical College, 900 Fourth St. SE, Pine City. In addition to instructors, advisors and admissions representatives on hand, refreshments will be served, and door prizes will be awarded to several lucky winners.

“We’re excited to showcase our hi-tech, equipped labs and classrooms, and to introduce our knowledgeable and helpful faculty and staff members to new students and their families and friends,” says Robert Musgrove, Ph.D., President of Pine Technical College. “We're proud of all we offer, and we want our community to know and see all that we have,” Musgrove adds.

Automotive Technology students to offer “Lights On For Safety” event

PTC's Automotive Technology department is partnering with O'Reilly Auto Parts to offer a free event to students, staff, faculty, and the public.

"With the winter's shorter daylight hours and the inclement weather that's common during these upcoming months, motorists must be aware of the need to drive with their lights on," says Jim Ascheman, PTC Automotive Technology instructor. "When visibility is reduced, drivers must use their lights -- being visible is an important part of avoiding accidents," Ascheman adds.

To assist the PTC community in increasing visibility this coming winter, the PTC Automotive Technology department, with O'Reilly Auto Parts, is hosting "Lights On For Safety," Tues. Oct. 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. During these hours, Automotive Technology students will check and replace light fixtures on drivers' vehicles. The bulbs are being provided by O'Reilly Auto Parts at no charge to drivers.

• What: "Lights On For Safety," a free event to replace dim and/or broken light fixtures on community members' vehicles

• Where: Taking place in the PTC Automotive Technology lab

• When: Oct. 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, contact Jim Ascheman, PTC Automotive Technology Instructor, AschemanJ@pinetech.edu or call 320-629-5162.

PTC pairs with Century College to offer professional development in human resources

Pine Technical College is partnering with Century College to offer a course for those working in the human resources field who plan to take certain industry-specific exams to bolster their credentials. The course, PHR/SPHR Certification Preparation, prepares students for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) exam as well as the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) exam.

“For the HR professional, earning your PHR or SPHR credential helps demonstrate your commitment to the HR profession,” says Heidi Braun, PTC Continuing Education and Customized Training Program Manager. “Also, in the long run, it works to strengthen your department, protects you and your organization from risk, and it will help to ensure your organization maintains compliance with federal regulations,” Braun adds.

Once prepared, students may plan to take the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) exam, which focuses on the technical and operational aspects of HR management, or students may plan to take the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) exam, which focuses on strategic and policy issues relating to HR management.

PTC is now offering a new format of course delivery with an online, virtual classroom that includes:
• An experienced, SPHR-Certified, Six Sigma Black Belt-Certified instructor
• Weekly “live chats” and weekly virtual office hours
• Access to the robust website of Learn HRM
• A community of learners with a common goal from throughout the Midwest
• A curriculum that capitalizes on the most widely-utilized PHR/SPHR certification preparation tool available – a program modeled and based on the renowned Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) Learning System, developed to maximize a student’s experience, education, and skill set to provide the best chance to pass the either exam.

The next round of courses start tomorrow; to register or to inquire about future availability, call 320-629-5178.

Automotive Technology instructor Jeff Ruth a finalist for prestigious award

PTC automotive technology instructor Jeff Ruth has been selected as a finalist for the Valvoline-ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Teacher of the Year award. One of five finalists from across the United States, criteria for selection includes successful completion of Valvoline’s training program, as well as scoring among the highest on the ASE test for automotive instructors.

“Of course, it would be amazing to win, but right now, I am honored to simply be among the finalists,” says Ruth. “I enjoy teaching, and I enjoy keeping up to date with current technologies and training, and it all comes together for our students and graduates. Really, it’s our students and graduates who are the stars,” Ruth adds.

Ruth has been with PTC for 11 years, and prior to that, he worked at Northwest Iowa Technical College as an automotive instructor for 14 years. Over the course of his career so far, Ruth has amassed an expansive collection of awards and recognition, from the 2010 – 2011 Pine Technical College Teacher of the Year nomination, to national recognition such as the Valvoline-ASE program. Most notable, Ruth’s name is inscribed on the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Mich. – a sought-after recognition among those in the industry. Ruth earned his spot in the Hall of Fame in 1988, and says he worked hard and prepared for it.

“For that, I was taking home service manuals each night, and I really studied for it. It was worth it; I earned the Master Engine Machinist, Master Automotive Technician, Master Medium and Heavy-Duty Truck Technician, and Master Body and Paint Technician certifications,” Ruth says.

Ruth’s methods of studying are a habit; each year, Ruth must receive 20 hours of continuing education/instructor training to maintain the ASE program certification, plus he has a reputation for continually seeking out additional training on top of what is required.

“We’re so proud of Jeff and our entire automotive technology program,” says Robert Musgrove, Ph.D., President of PTC. “Jeff is extremely well-liked by his students. He is thorough, patient, and approachable, and of course, he is extremely knowledgeable,” Musgrove adds.

As part of the Valvoline-ASE Teacher of the Year competition, Ruth must submit a short video depicting why he should be selected as the Valvoline-ASE Teacher of the Year. Ruth’s students and colleagues participated in the making of the three-minute video, viewable here.

PHOTOs at top:
Jeff Ruth (L) sits with colleague James Ascheman (R) at Pine Technical College, among many awards Ruth has amassed over the years.


PHOTO above:
(L to R) 1988 – General Motors executive C.N. Moore; Northwest Iowa Technical College student David Imhoff; Miss America 1988 Kaye Lani Rae Rafko; Jeff Ruth. Moore extends his congratulations to Imhoff and Ruth, as Imhoff – a student of Ruth’s – won a first place award at the 1988 annual U.S. Skill Olympics competition held in Wichita, Kan. Ruth attended the same competition again in 1991 with another student and says he looks forward to attending more competitions as the Skills chapter at PTC grows.

PTC grows in enrollment and with expanded facilities

With Fall, 2012 courses starting this week, PTC marks another year of remarkable growth. Compared to last year’s fall start, enrollment has increased by 2.3 percent, and students continue to register through the end of the week.

PTC administrators attribute the growth to a number of things, including a new medical assisting program, a new business information technology program, and more courses offered in alternative formats and schedules. In preparation for the fall semester’s anticipated jump in enrollment, the college had been busy building new classroom space, as well as repurposing and enhancing existing facilities for much of the summer term – a time where, historically, student traffic is limited. With a new medical assisting classroom and lab, an added classroom building located to the main building’s east, new office space for the college’s Child Care Resource and Referral staff, as well as two new storage buildings on the south side of the campus, the campus now boasts seven buildings and a total of 102,654 square feet.

“The additions and improvements go hand-in-hand with our overall goal of enhancing the educational experience of our students,” says PTC President Robert Musgrove, Ph.D. “It’s part of our mission in providing superior and relevant education, and to that end, it’s important to provide the right kind of learning environment supported with updated technologies to facilitate student learning,” Musgrove adds.

The campus’s most notable changes include its new, state-of-the-art medical assisting lab – a space specifically designed for students enrolled in the college’s new medical assisting A.A.S. degree. The combined laboratory and classroom boasts the latest in phlebotomy (blood-drawing) and electrocardiography training facilities and technologies, as well as patient examination tables and designated student learning and instruction space.

“I am so proud of all PTC has accomplished to bring this program and facility to fruition,” says Medical Assisting Program Instructor Nanci Milbrath. “With the curriculum we’ve established combined with a technologically-advanced lab equipped with all the right tools and more, our students have everything they need to achieve success,” Milbrath adds.

Additionally, to accommodate growth in all areas across programs, the college has added a modular building on the east side of the campus. The 2,016 sq. ft. structure also is equipped with advanced technologies to facilitate instruction and student learning, yet serves as a temporary solution for accommodating the college’s ongoing growth. Also new to the campus is a 1,144 sq. ft. prefabricated structure, built by students in Pine City High School’s Industrial Arts class, specially designed and created to house PTC’s Child Care Resource and Referral staff – a department previously housed within the college’s main building. The department is comprised of seven staff members, and their new office space contains offices and workstations for each, a restroom, and a kitchen.

“We have everything we need in the way of workspace and technology, and we’re just about 50 feet away from the main building,” says Child Care Resource and Referral Executive Director Wendy Walburg. “It’s so cozy and comfortable to come to work here; we affectionately call our new building ‘the cottage,’” Walburg adds.

PHOTOS AT TOP

TOP
PTC’s new medical assistant program classroom and laboratory.

MIDDLE
PTC’s new, temporary classroom located on the campus’s east side.

BOTTOM
PTC’s “cottage,” home to the college’s Child Care Resource and Referral department.

PTC partners with Strengths Strategy, Inc. to offer professional development course

Pine Technical College and Strengths Strategy, Inc., announce a new training partnership to bring strengths-based professional development to students taking courses from PTC’s Continuing Education and Customized Training department. Strengths Strategy, Inc., a Minneapolis-based training company, offers a simple, concrete training approach for employees and leaders that creates measureable improvement in employee engagement, leader effectiveness, and organizational success. Students are invited to register and attend a 90-minute introductory, interactive learning session led by DeAnna Murphy, Strengths Strategy CEO, on Oct. 2, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at PTC.

“We’re very excited to offer this training to our clients. Strengths Strategy brings a level of expertise that will make a significant improvement in their profitability and ability to create jobs,” says Jason Spaeth, PTC’s Dean of Continuing Education and Customized Training.

Organizations that participate in the full range of Strengths Strategies results-driven learning experiences can expect to see individuals six times more likely to be engaged in their work, which can lead to as much as a 43 percent increase in productivity and as much as a 36 percent increase in individual performance. The Strengths Strategy approach goes beyond teaching employees and leaders how to understand their own strengths and those of their team members, to actively applying those strengths to realize outstanding business results.

“This is a great opportunity for PTC to deliver experiential learning where the knowledge can be implemented and the results measured,” says Heidi Braun, PTC CECT Program Director.

PTC’s Continuing Education department offers a broad range of courses designed for an individual's professional growth and development, and PTC’s Customized Training department provides education and training tailored to businesses’ specific needs. Overall, the CECT department provides quality workforce training and development to help grow and prosper the Pine Area. To register for the 90-minute introductory, interactive learning session with Strengths Strategy, Inc., call Dawn Sandberg, 320-629-5176.

Paula Hoffman appointed Interim Dean of Student Affairs

Paula Hoffman has been appointed to serve as Interim Dean of Student Affairs, filling a vacancy created when Nancy Mach, former Dean of Student Affairs, retired July 1 after serving in the role for more than eight years. Hoffman is no stranger to the higher education landscape, nor PTC, having served as PTC's Director of Academic Planning since 2008, and prior to that, Hoffman served as Integrated Service Project Grant Coordinator in PTC's Employment and Training Center since 2006. Additionally, Hoffman has instructed, teaching PTCG 1225 - Job Seeking and PHIL 1271 - Critical Thinking in Modern Society.

"It's already been nearly one month since I've taken on the Interim Dean position, and I am so happy I did," Hoffman says. "Throughout my career, I have been committed to creating a holistic environment for student success, and now, leading the student affairs department gives me the opportunity to pair my academic affairs, my teaching experience, and my knowledge and understanding of student success in a way that will uniquely contribute to the goals of PTC. I am more than excited to join Student Affairs, especially at this time, where we are readying for the start of the new academic year," Hoffman adds.

Hoffman holds a B.S. in Secondary Education/Social Studies from St. Cloud State University, an M.S. in Education-Professional Studies, and she continues to work on her Ph.D. in Post-Secondary Adult Education.

"As an educator and skilled administrator, Paula understands the educational and student service needs of our students, making her ideally suited for this role," PTC president Robert Musgrove, Ph.D., says. "Her experience in multiple roles at this college, combined with her formal education and training, have really prepared her for this senior leadership position, and we recognize we are very lucky to have her," Musgrove adds.

Photo at top: Paula Hoffman.