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.
No comments:
Post a Comment