summer 2013 theranken experience

How’s the job market for our Electrical graduates? Shockingly good. p12 news students employees alumni Congratulations Employment Ranken Employee Distinguished Alumni Class of 2013! Spotlight Becomes Finalist Honored at p 1 p 34 for Prestigious Commencement Fellowship Ceremony p 21 p 24 note from the president ­­­­­­­­­ stan shoun

As we begin another busy summer at the College, we At the St. Louis campus, industry partnerships with are planning not only this season’s fun and learning, but bioMerieux, Hunter Engineering, Ehrhardt Tool & Machine, also ways to ensure the College continues to expand and Triad Manufacturing, Kemco Aerospace and a newly- prosper. formed partnership with Emerson have given students the opportunity to gain real-world skills while in an educational Ranken has experienced record growth in the last four environment. years. This is due to reasons under the College’s control (expanded recruitment territory, new classes and expanded In the coming year, Ranken will continue to change and course sections, more strategic enrollment procedures) grow, always looking for the best ways to bring a high- and reason’s outside the College’s control (a weakened quality technical education to the broadest possible economy, more students seeking education and skills for audience and fulfilling our mission of providing the job changes). comprehensive education and training necessary to prepare students for employment and advancement in a variety Currently, money for student loans to fund this increased of technical fields. We invite you to partner with us in that enrollment is abundant, but with Americans holding more mission. than $1 trillion in student loan debt, the current system may not be sustainable. To plan for this eventuality, Ranken must always strive to decrease student expenses for tuition, books and tools. We must also find additional revenue sources for our students, including grants, scholarships and — most importantly — industry partnerships. We must also make every effort to keep our PROGRAM KEY curriculum relevant to evolving technologies and develop ASYST Alarm Systems Technology the most efficient, effective pathways to gaining and AMFGT Advanced Manufacturing Technology succeeding in a technical career. ARCHT Architectural Technology ACRPR Automotive Collision Repair Technology In addition to curriculum changes, the St. Louis campus has AFMCT Automotive Fleet Management seen a lot of change this year, as well. We’ve completed AUMNT Automotive Maintenance Technology numerous major renovation projects, including the Mary MNGMT Bachelor of Science in Applied Management Ann Lee Technology Center, which houses the High BSYET Building Systems Engineering Technology Performance Racing Technology, Industrial Maintenance CRPCT Carpentry and Building Construction and Fabrication and Welding programs, and the Rodenheiser CRPMN Carpentry Maintenance building, which houses our Automotive programs. Ranken’s CCNPT Cisco Certified Professional Training Community Development Corporation (RCDC), a non-profit CMPNT Computer Networking Technology organization in which students use their skills to build CNSYT Control Systems Technology houses in the neighborhood surrounding the College, has ELEAT Electrical Automation Technology completed construction on its 53rd house. ELCDM Electrical Construction Design and Management ELMNT Electrical Maintenance In order to take our unique educational formula to an even ELSDT Electrical Systems Design Technology broader audience, we have established a new location FBWLT Fabrication and Welding Technology in Wentzville, Missouri. Ranken Wentzville allows area HVACT  Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology students to receive a Ranken-quality technical education AHPRT High Performance Racing Technology without travelling far from home. To cater to the needs INDST Industrial Technology of the Wentzville area, we have developed several new INFOT Information Technology curricula which will be offered at the location, including IWEBT Internet and Web-based Technology Building Systems Engineering Technology (BSYET) and MAPLT Major Appliance Technology Advanced Manufacturing (AMFGT). We are currently in the PLBMT Plumbing Technology planning stage for a Diesel program, to begin in fall 2014. PMCHT Precision Machining Technology STENG Stationary Engineering news RANKEN Congratulations to Ranken’s 2013 Graduates!

On Saturday, May 11 Ranken held its 2013 commencement ceremony at Chaifetz Arena on the Saint Louis University campus. This year, 889 students were eligible to graduate and more than 500 students participated in the ceremony. “The staff and faculty did a great job organizing the ceremony, moving students into position, and keeping everything on schedule,” said John Wood, vice president for student success. “We had more students walk, and in less time than last year because it went so well. All of the board members commented Following Gieseking’s address, Wood presented anniversary on how nice the ceremony was.” graduate recognitions and the David Ranken, Jr. Award, which was given to Carpentry & Building Construction Technology The keynote speaker for the event was Thomas A. Gieseking, student Thomas Michael Hapner. vice president of corporate service operations for Enterprise Rent-a-Car, and Automotive ’84 alumnus. Gieseking was the This award goes to a Ranken graduate who epitomizes the first Ranken graduate to be hired by Enterprise, starting as a concepts that David Ranken, Jr. believed, which related to call center technical advisor and steadily rising through the academic achievement, work ethic and leadership. Hapner ranks after a move to the company’s corporate office in 1991. graduated Magna Cum Laude with a nearly perfect attendance Celebrating 25 years with the company next summer, Gieseking record. He is also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa society and has paved the way to success at Enterprise for many Ranken was recently named “student of the month” by his peers in the graduates. Alpha Tau Chi chapter.

rankentechnicalcollege | 1 New Wentzville Location Holds Grand Opening On March 14, Ranken held a grand opening and open house event for its new news location in Wentzville, Mo. Did You Know We

Approximately 370 guests, which included potential students, local business leaders, Offer an Accelerated teachers, counselors and alumni, attended the event held at the new facility located on Parr Road. To start the event, several members of the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce Bachelor’s Degree RANKEN held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of the building and presented Jeremy Sutton, site Program? director, with a framed one-dollar bill. Get Your Bachelor’s Degree “I was very pleasantly surprised by the turnout,” said Sutton. “I wasn’t sure what to In Only THREE Years! expect but it stayed busy the entire evening. We are really excited to get students here in Ranken’s Accelerated Bachelor of the shops and classrooms and watch this location grow.” Science in Applied Management degree is geared toward technical students who wish to advance rapidly in their careers.

This program offers a unique educational blend, designed to transform highly-skilled technicians into successful managers. Students begin their two year technical program and as they complete their general education classes, they can start taking management courses immediately. This enables students to complete both their associate and bachelor’s degrees in three short years. Students can also receive credits for prior work experience by transferring The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Ranken approved credits and/or testing Wentzville out of certain courses.

For more information about this This summer, courses in Information Technology, Automotive and the Bachelor’s Degree program, contact the Admissions in Applied Management began. In fall 2013 Advanced Manufacturing and Building Systems office at (314) 371-0236 or email Design Technology programs will be added. An eagerly-awaited Diesel program will begin [email protected]. in the fall of 2014. “I think a lot of people in this area have been waiting for this,” stated a potential Automotive student. “Now we have the opportunity to get a Ranken education without the drive into downtown St. Louis.”

2 | therankenexperience RANKEN Congratulations Virginia Graduates! I was looking to get a four-year degree with Ranken, in partnership with Central Virginia flexibility of class schedule and with the state Community College and The Babcock & Wilcox tuition rate. I am hoping that receiving this

Company (B&W), currently offers a Bachelor of Science degree shall be the turning point in my life.” – news program for Region 2000 (an interwoven network Ananda Murthy of organizations within 2,000 square miles that surround Lynchburg, Va.).

The program’s curriculum, which was developed with input Gearheads Come Together for 10th from B&W, includes project management, global business Annual Car Show strategy, risk management, marketing, employment law and small business management. Under this program, students can On April 21, the Ranken community and gearheads build on their technical aptitude and existing college and/or from the area gathered to honor Ranken Alumni and work experience by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Applied to get a look at the 259 registered dream cars in Management degree through Ranken in a local setting. attendance at the 10th Annual Car Show and Alumni Three students, Thomas Riner, Sr., Jonathan Witt and Ananda Reunion. Murthy attended a ceremony in April to honor them as Virginia Forty alums came to the event for the annual alumni lunch. The graduates. lunch was sponsored by Schaefer Autobody Centers, who employ Riner has been an employee with B&W’s Nuclear Operations many Ranken graduates. The Kiwanis Grill Team also provided the Group (NOG) for more than 15 years and has held numerous food and alumnus Rick Jones volunteered at the kettle corn stand. positions throughout the company in laboratories, Development The Spark Plug Challenge sponsored by ET Tuning in High Ridge, Engineering, Quality Engineering, and Process Improvement. Mo., and the Football Throw games brought a steady stream of Whitt has held the executive director of the Region 2000 people, keeping volunteers busy all day. Game volunteers included Technology Council title since 2003. He has been a key player in many Ranken Student Ambassadors, Ranken Car Club members the development of several regional technology-based economic and Ranken alumni; Mike Schweiss, Don Huster, Nate Allen, Larry development projects, including the creation of the Region 2000 Schmidt, John Weber, Dave Riley, and Kevin Haller. Partnership, the Center for Advanced Engineering and Research, the Future Focus Educational Foundation, and the Lynchburg Thank you to the many other donors and volunteers who Regional Governor’s STEM Academy. Murthy holds a bachelor’s contributed to the Car Show: Akzo Nobel, Lewis and Clark College, degree from Bangalore University in India, Oracle database Mo-Vo Tech, ATI, Reliance Automotive, LKQ Salvage, Brock Auto administration certification and has worked with Y2K, Ericsson, Parts, Gateway Classic Cars, Kenny Wallace Fan Club, Meramec Golf and has traveled quite a bit training librarians in Unix and Oracle. Course, Snap-On, Great Clips, Wilke Window and Door, River City Rascals, 3M Automotive, Jeanine Stuart, Joe Marino, Dave Graf, “I am taking this course to achieve one of Jim Kyle and Kevin Webb. my goals, which is to earn an undergraduate degree. I would like to move into a management role, which is why the BSAM was so attractive to me.” – Thomas Riner “I have very much enjoyed, and learned a lot through, the BSAM program offered by Ranken. As a soon-to- be graduate I encourage everyone to stick with the program and encourage your colleagues to join you. There cannot be a better learning format than this one for the working adult.” – Jonathan Whitt “The BSAM program was a ‘godsend’ for me because One of the many dream cars in attendance at Ranken’s 10th Annual Car Show

rankentechnicalcollege | 3 high school students who placed first, second or third in their contests at the news East District and state competitions, and will continue to provide scholarships to those students who go on to place at the National level. RANKEN SkillsUSA Finalists CNC Turning: Aaron Farrington Collision Repair Technology: Joshua Williamson Automated Manufacturing Technology: Alex Boldin, Josh Gallagher, Vern Winn

Ranken’s Automotive for completion of this phase of the Welding Fabrication: Nicholas Building Gets an Rodenheiser building is one week before Conrad, Camron Monarch, Jeremy fall classes begin on August 27. Wahl Update Plans to remodel the Rodenheiser building, home to most of Ranken’s Automotive division, have been years in the making. Last fall, crews began construction of a new addition to Rodenheiser that attaches to the easternmost part of the building, which according to Ranken’s history book, could be the oldest structure on campus. The newly designed east wing of Rodenheiser is now ready to go and is currently housing summer classes. Shops are also open in the wing, as well as a lounge area featuring a TV and fully SkillsUSA competitors gather for a group photo stocked vending machines (furniture will Ranken Cleans arrive in July). Up at SkillsUSA Ranken Builds Hope at This summer, the Rodenheiser building Campus was bustling on February RCDC Work Day is getting another major face lift as 1, as Ranken acted as host of Ranken students, administrators, the entire front wall of the structure is the East District SkillsUSA removed to correct structural issues and instructors, and a few of their Championship. Guests included to allow for the construction of a more family members set out to improve visiting competitors, judges and advisors modernly designed Automotive building. a home on Evans Street on from six area schools. Out of the more April 13. than 150 contestants, 33 were Ranken “We are really excited to finally get students. Five Ranken students also Three administrators attended the event, to show off this new state-of-the art competed at the Computer Science along with Pat Capps, Vince Holtmann, facility,” said Derek Babcock, Information contests, which were hosted at St. Louis all four Carpentry instructors and Chris and Facilities director. “This building Community College - Forest Park. Brueggeman. On the student side, is going to provide our Automotive volunteers included 22 from Carpentry, students and faculty with a much better Thirty-one Ranken students took first or five from Heating and Ventilation, two environment for teaching and learning second place and were eligible to move from Industrial Technology, two from and a true hands-on experience.” on to the state competition held at Linn Architecture, one from Information State Technical College on April 4-6. Technology, and one from Electrical. The final product will include more At the state competition, Ranken came Of those students, one was a Phi Theta than 26,000 square feet of new and out on top with two individuals and two Kappa member and four were student remodeled space, which will include three-person teams qualifying for the ambassadors. classrooms, shops, a student lounge, SkillsUSA National Competition, to be a double-sided, ADA-compliant held June 24-28, 2013 in Kansas City. A few friends and guests also came out elevator and rest rooms. The goal date to support these Ranken students and Ranken provided scholarships to all employees.

4 | therankenexperience RANKENnews rankentechnicalcollege | 5 on the efficiency of Thermal Enclosure on the efficiency of Thermal Enclosure (air sealing, insulation and windows), Water Management (protects roofs, walls and foundations from water damage), Energy Efficient Lighting and Appliances, and Heating, Cooling and Ventilation systems. Overall, the home received a Home Energy Rating System (HERS®) Index rating of 51 on a scale from 140 (least efficient) to 40 (most efficient), with 100 being the typical rating for new homes. The home, which has already been sold, will save its owner an estimated total of $1,005 per year on energy costs. student Taryn Underwood (Architecture student Taryn Underwood (Architecture ‘15) as keynote speaker. Underwood reflected upon how receiving a scholarship has affected her life and her ability to attend Ranken. In order to become ENERGY STAR® certified, measurements were taken RCDC Improves Home Energy Ratings On May 13, Ranken received outstanding Building Performance Ratings on the latest house built by the Ranken Community Development Corporation (RCDC). On April 5, more than 130 On April 5, more than S-STEM scholarship recipients pose with their faculty liaisons. people attended the luncheon, including people attended the and 21 faculty 38 donors, 79 students members. created in order This annual event was recipients to to introduce scholarship their scholarships the donors who made the support possible, and to acknowledge of those donors. Event attendees were a mix of private donors and representatives of companies that offer scholarships. Robert Gau (Mechanical Drafting ‘60) was one private donor who attended. Gau contributes generously to an endowment designed to fund one Industrial Technology student in full annually. Mr. Gau lunched with current scholarship recipient Brendan Stolte. There were a number of S-STEM scholarship recipients at the event as a well, whose scholarships are funded by National Science Foundation grant. Ranken President Stan Shoun introduced The second annual scholarship annual scholarship The second in the Mary Ann luncheon center united Lee Technology donors with Ranken scholarship of their the grateful recipients generosity. Ranken ScholarshipRanken UnitesLuncheon Recipients Donors, 6 |theranken experience RANKENnews Grant a MissouriHistoricalRecords archives havebeenawarded The RankenTechnicalCollege to PreserveArchives Ranken ReceivesGrant but theyhaveneverbeenproperly photographs neverbeenproperly stored, out looseonshelves.Notonly havethe the firsthalfof20thcentury, orlying cardboard boxes,acidicenvelopes from photographic collectionisstored in Services officeandmostofthe located insidetheStudentSupport Currently theRankenarchivesare candid shots. related individualsandgroups classes, wartimemilitarytraining,school- educational programs,graduating roughly intosixmajordivisions:athletics, collection indicatesthattheimagesfall General assessmentofthephoto accessible tothepublicintheirentirety. storage and,forthefirsttime,made be preservedinappropriatearchival This grantwillallowtheseimagesto these images. the dignityoflabor”isclearlyseenin which boysespeciallymightbetaught Ranken Jr.’svisionforaninstitution“in and itsstudentbodyfaculty—David the historyandevolutionofschool College. Thephotographsvisuallyshow be thefocusofgrantprojectat date from1909throughthe1940s,will photographs, themajorityofwhich Ranken’s impressivecollectionofhistoric The assessmentandpreservationof this year’sawardstotaling$54,179. creation oftheMHRGprogram,including to Missourirecordsrepositoriessincethe More than$728,000hasbeenprovided future generations.” that Missouri’spastcanbepreservedfor program toassistlocalinstitutions,so said Kander.“Weofferthisgrant just hereattheMissouriStateArchives,” communities throughoutthestate,not “Our historycanbefoundin program. awarded fundingthroughtheMHRG repositories inMissouri,wouldbe along with16otherhistoricalrecords announced onJanuary17thatRanken, office. SecretaryofStateJasonKander a divisionoftheSecretaryState’s by theMissouriStateArchives, history oftheinstitution,itsrolein knowledge aboutandinterestinthe and inthecommunitytopromote various displaysandexhibitsoncampus particular thephotographs,tocreate the archivesplantouseitsmaterial,in topics atvariouslevels.Additionally, or addtotheirresearchonmany (including thoseatRanken)toundertake should leadscholarsandtheirstudents this incrediblephotographcollection, the archives.Thematerial,including reveal theimagesanddocumentsin local historiansandotherscholars,to to hostaspecialevening,open and findingaidscreated,Rankenhopes images areprocessed,storedproperly Once the researchers. and external both internal access for a meansof providing the material, control over intellectual will give and databases of findingaids the creation stored, and preserved and be correctly the imagesto grant willallow identified. The the entirecollection. the grant,Rankenalsoplanstodigitize completed inJuly.Beyondthescopeof events. Theprojectisestimatedtobe written reports,exhibitsandoutreach Edwards oversawinstitutionalpolicies, finding aids.LibrarydirectorBarbara photograph collection,aswellcreate inventory andprocessingofthe Ranken willcompletetheassessment, of St.Louis. American historyandthedevelopment Preserved photoinRanken’sarchives The RankenArchives RANKENnews instructor Sal Francis rankentechnicalcollege | 7 Ranken students travelling to Nucor with Ranken Visits Nucor Visits Ranken established a Ranken has with Nucor new relationship The company Corporation. this their first job fair attended with impressed was spring, and as their skills as well our students’ Ranken work ethic. for five Nucor arranged transportation visit Nucor Steel Ranken students to Arkansas on Arkansas in Blytheville, students went for Tuesday, April 2. The and to interview for a tour of the facility site. potential jobs at the openings for 6-8 Nucor currently has The role shift and day electricians. of these electricians is to perform preventative maintenance work orders, troubleshoot and repair various mill equipment, repair and modify electrical controls (Electronic Drive Units, PLCs, and HMIs) provide electrical support to the mechanical and production teams, and assist with various projects. This new partnership will be a great opportunity for our students, as Nucor has said they will have many more openings in the future. They report that they have interviewed students from other technical schools and our students “blew them away.” Team 931 competed at the St. Louis Regional competition in March, proudly displaying Ranken’s logo on their robot as well as in the pit area. Thank you to all faculty, staff and students who put so much time and effort into maintaining our partnership with these local schools and potential future Ranken students. School in 2001 and continues to support to support and continues in 2001 School materials with the purchase of the team of the welding and machining as well as and one faculty members parts. Several donated student graciously machining a holiday to even coming in on their time, the project. help complete made for us were “The parts Ranken for us to finish the right on and crucial Frank Dressel, robot on time,” said “The keyway they coach for Team 931. is vital to our broached in the coupling reliably, and Frisbee shooter working our pole climbing the rollers are key to Gary and Nick mechanism. The parts day off were the made for us on their got the hanging only way we could have mechanism working by the deadline.” by providing by providing For more than 10 years, Ranken than 10 years, For more supporting robotics has been local schools teams in Ranken Supports Local Supports Ranken TeamsRobotics “We were really impressed by this team,” said Vince Holtmann, faculty project manager. “The adult mentors hardly intervened. The students came on campus, communicated their needs and stayed in the afternoon and evening to watch much of the work being performed. They asked a lot of questions and made decisions and changes as needed. It was a tremendous learning experience for the students.” Ranken students who supported the team included Cameron Monarch, Andrew Geldermann, Nicolas Goris and Benjamin Doty. Faculty and staff supporters included Jeffery Scott, Gary Young, Ben Wohldmann, Corey Blair, Paul Buneta, Brandon McLain, Tyler Blank, Vince Holtmann, Barbara Bragg and Don Pohl. Ranken, along with Emerson, was also a founding sponsor of the FIRST Robotics Team 931 from Gateway STEM High resources such as lab time, machining such as lab time, machining resources of materials and welding parts, donation One such team and student mentors. 3397 from is FIRST Robotics Team School. Barb Bragg, University City High development Ranken’s STEM pathway money to help coordinator, used grant required materials pay for some of the and students in the for the team’s robot, micro-enterprises welding and machining by helping them supported the team the work on their to complete some of robot. Ranken Partners with Emerson for New Micro-enterprise

Through Ranken’s recent In addition to collecting valuable of refrigerant flowing into the evaporator is partnership with Emerson Climate knowledge from this experience, student appropriate for the load Technologies’ Flow Controls workers will also receive course credit division, three Heating and and wages. Ventilation students will soon gain “Students will gain valuable real-world experience and To qualify for the position, each practical skills for knowledge in the industry. applicant was required to have a thorough understanding of the the industry and On April 30, second-year student Jamie mechanics of a refrigeration system Schneider and first-year students and knowledge of how refrigerant Emerson will have Robert Parnell and Bryan Hajek began gases react in a refrigeration system a new facility and working with the new Emerson Micro- at different operating conditions. To enterprise located near the Plumbing qualify for the position as second great workers.” department in the west end of Finney year-students, Parnell and Hajek also Building. had to show receipt of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “After downsizing our lab we were universal certification. looking for alternatives to keeping our “In searching for these business going,” said William Hoehn, candidates, I was looking director of technical services for for good work ethic and Emerson Climate Technologies. “We a good attitude,” said wanted to support Ranken and support Vince Holtmann, project our business. Students will gain practical manager for the Emerson skills for the industry and Emerson will Micro-enterprise. “I asked have a new facility and great workers.” instructors whether they regularly completed Schneider, Parnell and Hajek will be homework and other responsible for testing parts and assignments on time and products for Emerson, including about their ability to work refrigeration and air-conditioning with others.” systems, water-cooled units, cooling towers, timers and heaters. The * Refers to the number of degrees a vapor is Pictured L-R: Vince Holtmann, Brian Barlow, Chris students will use lifecycle testing above its boiling point at a particular pressure Brueggeman, Bryan Hajek, Jamie Schneider, Robert Parnell equipment to subject these systems and gives an indication of whether the amount and Emerson Climate Technologies representatives. to a battery of tests, such as speed, pressure and environmental stress- tests, in an effort to determine whether their warranty will match up to their use.

The students will also extract, compile and summarize a variety of data accumulated from their work, develop formulas to calculate refrigerant flow and superheat*, and report all results to the project engineer.

“I applied for this position because I wanted real-world experience and because I wanted to work with my instructors,” said Parnell. “I think this position will help me to learn new hands-on skills, and I think the sky is the limit on what I can gain from this opportunity.”

8 | therankenexperience Summer Snapshot With more than 700 students Homes and Renewable Fuels. For more courses include unique projects that the enrolled in summer day and evening information, visit www.ranken.edu/ students will be able to take home. The classes, the spirit of Ranken never about-ranken/events/events-instructors camps range from building go-karts to takes a summer break. The campus or contact STEM Pathway Development designing and manufacturing jewelry. stays busy all summer long with a Coordinator Barbara Bragg in the For more information, visit www.ranken. number of events for current and Education Office. edu/adventureacademy or contact STEM prospective students and educators, Pathway Development Coordinator and a variety of events for the St. Barbara Bragg in the Education Office. ADVENTURE ACADEMY Louis community. Ranken is set to host two weeks of fun and learning at the annual Ranken COLLEGE SUMMIT SUMMER STEM ACADEMIES FOR Adventure Academy, July 15 -26. Some From June 24-30, upcoming high school EDUCATORS camps will also be offered at our new seniors from the local College Summit Summer STEM (Science, Technology, Wentzville location! As in previous years, program will visit Ranken’s campus. Engineering and Math) Academies for the first week of camps is for middle During their stay, students will be staying Educators are high-tech professional school students and the second week is in Walker Hall and attending various development workshops that promote for high school students. This is a new and sessions which give them the tools they awareness of STEM technical programs exciting way for students to learn about need to begin the college application at Ranken as well as technical career technology and career options. process. College Summit’s mission is to opportunities in the St. Louis region. increase the college enrollment rates of youth from low-income communities, Topics for this summer’s STEM Academies Each camp has incorporated activities serving more than 50,000 students will include Advanced Technology, for the students to design, create and across 12 states. For more information, Engineering in Your Classroom, Green work with hands-on projects. Most of the visit http://www.collegesummit.org.

Summer STEM Academies for Educators participants

rankentechnicalcollege | 9 review SEMESTER

March 7 April 4-6 Ranken’s Career Two individual Services office Ranken students hosted the largest and two three- annual spring job student teams fair to date, with qualified for the 272 representatives SkillsUSA National February 1 from 164 companies. Competition Ranken hosted Companies attended during the state the East District from as far away as championships. SkillsUSA Texas, Arkansas and The National Championship on Iowa. Competition was campus. Thirty-one held on June 24-28 Ranken competitors in Kansas City, Mo. gained eligibility to move on to the state competition.

February 16 The Women of Walker, a group created to bring female residents together to support and encourage each other, volunteered for the American Heart Association’s 2013 Heart Ball.

January 7 The start of the spring semester saw 400 new day and evening students, and 117 new and March 14 returning students Ranken celebrated moved into Walker the grand opening Hall dorms. of its Wentzville location with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house.

10 | therankenexperience April In partnership with Central Virginia Community College and the Babcock & Wilcox Company, Ranken congratulated three students as they graduated from the Bachelor of Science in Applied April 21 Management The 10th Annual Car Virginia program. Show and Alumni Reunion brought the May 6 Ranken community Ranken held its first and area gearheads Adjunct Instructor together to honor Recruitment Fair alumni and get a in an effort to look at the 259 hire a variety of cars in the show’s quality educators competition. in response to the April 30 College’s growing Ranken began a curriculum. partnership with Emerson Climate Technologies’ Flow Controls division to create the College’s newest micro-enterprise. Students will test and run data on parts and products for Emerson, gaining real world experience and knowledge. April 26 Sean Crader, Ranken Automotive Collision Repair Technology instructor gave May 11 St. Louis State Farm 889 students estimators a lesson graduated from in plastic welding Ranken, ready to and cosmetic take the workforce repairs. by storm.

rankentechnicalcollege | 11 Electrical Industry Sees Bright Outlook

As industry grows and evolves to At Ranken, opportunities for employment in the electrical field harness the power of technology come from outside of the state as well, including companies in Illinois, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and and energy, the demand for skilled Texas. In March, representatives from Phillips 66 in Houston, electrical workers will also grow. Texas, visited Ranken’s campus to speak to students in Control Systems Technology and Electrical Automation Technology In fact, the United States Department of Labor projects that about a technician trainee position and other future positions. the demand for electrical technicians will grow 23% by 2020, a Employment in these positions might expect relocation to the considerably faster than average growth when compared to all next open position in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, other occupations at an average growth rate of 14%. According Iowa, Illinois or Missouri. Students also visited Nucor Steel to a report compiled by the Missouri Economic Research and Arkansas in April, after the company saw Ranken students’ Information Center (MERIC), the outlook for electrical jobs impressive skills at the spring job fair. The company, located in Missouri also looks bright. MERIC’s report gave electrical in Blytheville, Ark., arranged transportation for five Ranken occupations an A+ Career Grade based on a combination of students, took them on a tour of the facility and interviewed total job openings, percent growth, and the average wages them for electrician positions at the site. of an occupation. The current average wage in the state is $56,856 with 5,557 job openings. In St. Louis alone, there are “The current electrical workers are retiring and there is a large 2,301 job openings for electrical technicians and the average demand for the skill set that our students are being trained to wage is $64,296. meet,” said Sal Francis, electrical instructor. “Ranken’s spring job fair proved that companies are in desperate need of these The health of the electrical industry is dependent on the health skills.” of the overall economy, building and manufacturing industries. Fortunately, the construction industry is projected to rise right Students graduating from Ranken’s Electrical Technology along with the electrical industry at 23%. New and old homes, division have a wide range of career options ahead of them. businesses and facilities will need more wiring than ever Today’s electrical workers may be responsible for installing before, and aging equipment will require an increasing amount and maintaining basic electrical systems or for operating an of maintenance. According to Missouri Partnership, a nonprofit entire facility through an electronically controlled network. economic development organization, Missouri is also located Control Systems Technology students currently enjoy a rate within 600 miles of 52% of United States manufacturing of 5.49 opportunities per graduate, while Electrical Systems establishments. This places Missouri electrical workers in a and Design technology students have a rate of 4.67, and prime spot for employment and long-term career success. Electrical Automation Technology students can boast a rate of 9.35 opportunities per graduate. In May, 105 students “I receive calls from companies looking for electrical graduated from day and evening programs in Control Systems professionals almost every day and the number of Technology, Electrical Automation Technology and Electrical opportunities and companies seeking to hire our students just Systems Design Technology. Ninety-four of these students continues to increase, said Janie Summers,” career services have already been successfully placed in electrical positions director. “Opportunities range from technicians and installers with a variety of companies. Companies include Electric to control panel operators and field service engineers.” Power Systems, Reinhold Electric, Phillips 66, Fastechnology, Waters of America,. Integrated Manufacturing Technologies, Magnum Press, Nucor, Anheuser Busch and 23% Local IBEW 649, Percentage of growth for demand of electrical technicians and the number of opportunities continues to climb. Current average wage for electricians in Missouri For more $64,296 information about Ranken’s Electrical programs, contact our Admissions 2,301 office. Number of job openings for electrical technicians in St. Louis

12 | therankenexperience Electrical Industry Sees Bright Outlook

Employer Spotlight

For more than 120 years, Sargent & Lundy has provided “Ranken’s Electrical Systems Design Technology curriculum comprehensive consulting, engineering, design and analysis helps prepare students for entry level electrical design for electric power generation and power delivery projects positions at Sargent & Lundy,” said Kelnosky. “In addition to worldwide. The company has become a leading engineering the course work, Ranken provides students with real business firm with state-of-the-art design tools that allow their design world skills including preparing project budgets, schedules, staff to be creative, efficient and competitive in the electric rigor and discipline.” power industry. Sargent & Lundy is recognized throughout the industry for maintaining highly professional individuals and Sargent & Lundy has since hired 38 Ranken graduates. innovative problem solvers for fossil-fuel and nuclear power, Most of these graduates work in the company’s corporate renewable energy, and power transmission projects. headquarters in Chicago, Ill., although a few work at Sargent & Lundy’s Warrenville, Ill. and Chattanooga, Tenn. office “We look for individuals who are searching for challenging locations. and interesting opportunities and seeking all the rewards of working for a leader in the power industry,” said Linda Each Ranken graduate is placed on a project team within Kelnosky, a human resources manager at Sargent & Lundy. Sargent & Lundy’s Nuclear, Fossil and/or Power Delivery “We look for employees who enjoy working in a design office as groups. They are given assignments and are provided well as having opportunities to travel and work at client offices mentoring on learning the Sargent & Lundy way of conducting and field locations.” business. They are engaged with design activities that support new electric generation, plant betterment modifications Sargent & Lundy has been hiring Ranken graduates since or design of transmission system substations and towers. 2006, when one of their electrical design managers heard They work within project teams that have very experienced about Ranken’s programs. Representatives from the company electrical designers that help guide them through design attended a campus job fair and made a connection with the execution. College and instructors. They were impressed by Ranken students’ skills sets and professionalism.

rankentechnicalcollege | 13 news STUDENT Update From Walker Walker Hall Welcomes Hall New Assistant Director Ranken students work hard and of Residential Life play hard, especially if they live Cathy Geisz joined Ranken on on campus in Ranken’s modernly February 25 as the new assistant designed dorm rooms in Walker director of Residential Life. She Hall. The 2013 spring semester saw was previously a counselor for the almost 120 residents, many of whom took Ritenour School District and has also advantage of Walker Hall’s ever growing served as a Math teacher. She has a list of activities. Master of Education degree in Secondary In January, residents participated in Counseling and a Bachelor of Science off-campus trips to a roller skating rink degree in Elementary Education from the Cathy Geisz and to the new MX Movie Theater on University of Missouri-St. Louis. Washington Avenue as part of a plan to educate students on all that St. Louis has to offer. January also marked the Hall’s 5th Anniversary. To celebrate, Residential Life hosted a birthday party complete with music, food and fellowship. One of Walker Hall’s first residents from January 2009, Anthony Doss, came back to campus to DJ the event. In February, the Women of Walker, a group created to bring female residents together to support and encourage each other, volunteered for the American Heart Association’s 2013 Heart Ball. The Ball is the American Heart Association’s annual black-tie gala benefiting its mission to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Above: Residents participate The Women of Walker worked in the in a Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament silent auction area, greeting guests and encouraging them to bid. Walker Hall hosted several other Right: Residents gather around the grill to enjoy BBQ night creative events throughout the rest of the semester, including trips to Forest Park and the City Museum, a barbeque and ice cream social, a cooking class, an arm wrestling tournament, a Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament, board game nights, Wii nights and card game nights. Ranken’s Pathway Specialist Brian Sieve also provided a workshop for residents entitled, “The Secret to Academic Success.”

14 | therankenexperience STUDENT Tropics Claim Three-on-Three Basketball Trophy During the spring semester, a Three-on-Three

Basketball intramural program led by Residential news Life brought students together to duke it out for the championship title. During the final game, two groups of three, The Savages and The Tropics, showed great sportsmanship and gave spectators a great show. In the end, The Tropics took the season and received trophies as a mark of their winning dribbling and dunking skills. Referees: Ty Anderson, Johnnie Farrow and Antonio Palmer

The Tropics

Jacob Dockery Brendan Eubanks Justin Carrico Patrick Kimminau

The Savages

Chris Craig Kyle Willis Terry Wilson Antonio Strickland (not pictured)

rankentechnicalcollege | 15 Architecture Students that four of the six board members in horsepower and weigh 1,000 pounds. attendance were Ranken alumni. After The high power and small size of the cars

news Meet with Advisory the forum, many students stayed behind combine to make midget racing quite Board and talked with the members one-on- dangerous; for this reason, modern midget On March 6, Architectural one. cars are fully equipped with roll cages and Technology students met with the other safety features. They are intended Students Experience a to be driven for races of relatively short

STUDENT Architectural Advisory Board for a question/answer forum in the Mary Ann Racing Legend distances, usually 8 to 25 laps. Lee Technology Center. Board members On December 15, High Performance Students Compete with in attendance included Derek Maschek Racing instructors Jason Gann and from Maschek Design and Fabrication, James Gray took eight Car Club Horsepower Charlie Lutz from HOK, Jamie Henderson students to the POWRi midget race In December, students in the High from Henderson Associates Architects, in Duquoin, Illinois. Performance Racing Technology Cody Henderson from Feeler Scheer Engines class had the opportunity The event, held at the Southern Illinois Architects and Heather Taylor and to participate in a horsepower Rebecca Kleba from Chiodini. Center, was the final race in the POWRi competition. This year’s winning team, Lucas Oil National Midget Series. Sixty- The forum gave students the opportunity students Ryan VanDillen and Zach Lueker, seven of the best drivers in midget racing to network and get answers directly were able to get 454 horsepower and and several other major short-track series from current industry members. Some 449 ft. pounds of torque out of their 346 participated in the 40-lap race. of the more popular subjects discussed cubic engine. Their project originated as were about attending graduate school The winner of the race was none other a GM 5.3L truck engine making about after Ranken and tips on how to find than racing legend Tony Stewart, who led 300 horsepower. The team found their internship opportunities. all 40 laps. horsepower gains by maximizing valve control with a custom camshaft and by “It helped inform us of what to expect “It was an awesome trip,” said Gray. “We hand porting cylinder heads. The rest of and how to prepare ourselves for our had the opportunity to watch Ranken the engine is all stock. Congratulations! future,” said Rachel Schmittling, a alumnus Joe B. Miller compete against the current student. best in the business and our students had an experience of a lifetime.” Another student, Zach Foppe, commented on how impressed he was Midget cars typically have 300 to 400 scholarship awards

Ranken Student Earns said Roy. “Brandon goes to the next step other donations. St. Louis (Hazelwood) is American Welding to help out a student in whatever way he headquarters for Boeing Defense, Space can.” & Security, the largest manufacturer in Society Scholarship the state, employing nearly 15,000 local Scholarships for workers, many of whom are Ranken Brandon Hayes, a first semester welding Precision Machining graduates, working in fields crucial to student in Justin Roy’s evening class, national security and global markets. was awarded a $500 scholarship from Students the American Welding Society (AWS) on Ranken has received a $7,500 grant April 14. from The Boeing Company in support of The AWS scholarship is awarded to ten student scholarships for the 2013-2014 outstanding students who are enrolled in academic year. Three scholarships will a welding-related educational or training be awarded to second-year Precision program. Students must share ambitions, Machining students who have financial If you or your business goals, background and other factors need. This year’s scholarship recipients are interested in offering that will help the selection committee were Robert Harnack, Amir Saafir, and a scholarship to students understand their commitment to Blake Smith. at Ranken, please contact pursuing welding education. The Boeing Company has been a long- our Development office at “Brandon effectively utilizes his time in time supporter of Ranken’s programs 314.286.3674. class to hone in on his welding ability. and students, donating more than He comes to class on time, prepared to $87,000 in scholarship support since learn, and is not afraid to ask questions,” 2003, in addition to over $1.2 million in

16 | therankenexperience ampus STUDENT CLife news ThinkFirst! Speaks at Women in Technology Luncheon An estimated 500,000 Americans sustain permanent brain and spinal cord injuries each year. The most frequent causes of these injuries, in order, are motor vehicle crashes, violence, falls, and sports and recreation. Teens and young adults are at the highest risk for these devastating injuries, the majority of which are preventable. On Wednesday, February 6, a representative from Pictured L-R: Jean Endres, Crystal Fuehne, Cori Maynor, John Wood ThinkFirst!, a program administered by the National Injury Prevention Foundation, came to speak to female Ranken students at a Women In Technology meeting. Cori Maynor, an occupational therapist, discussed the anatomy of the brain, how injuries occur, the physical results of injury and how many of these injuries can be prevented. Maynor also Phi Theta Kappa covered the basics of safety equipment such as bike helmets, seat belts and harnesses but focused on the main cause of Student of the injuries in this age group, impaired and distracted driving. Month Awards “Most people tend to think that drunk drivers are the cause of most of these types of accidents,” said Maynor, “but On Tuesday, February 26, Ranken’s chapter of actually, texting while driving is now the most common cause Phi Theta Kappa held their monthly meeting. The of crashes involving young adults.” meeting included the induction of new officers for the 2013/2014 school year: Meghan Krato as Following Maynor’s lesson, Crystal Fuehne, a 25-year-old president, Bryan Sohn as vice president, Kurtis Arens woman from Damiansville, Ill., told the story of her ongoing as secretary and Taryn Underwood as the reserve battle with brain and spinal cord injuries. In May 2006, officer. Fuehne was hit by a woman who ran a stop sign and was under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Three of the As part of a new incentive to recognize outstanding passengers were killed when they were ejected from the members, Phi Theta Kappa also honored two vehicle and three of the survivors sustained horrific injuries, students, DeAndrae Brock from Automotive and including Fuehne, who had to be airlifted to Saint Louis Tommy Hapner from Carpentry, as the Students of University Hospital. Following several surgeries on her head the Month for February and March, consecutively. and spine, Fuehne began what would be years of therapy in In addition to attending Ranken, Brock is also taking order to relearn how to perform everyday tasks like walking, courses towards a manufacturing engineering degree talking and feeding herself. After spending three months through Southeast Missouri online. He also holds jobs in the hospital and a rehab facility, Fuehne was able to go at Jiffy Lube and Pappas Toyota. home, but three years later, her journey still continues. Hapner recently graduated from the Carpentry “The thing I want to leave you with is to ‘ThinkFirst,” said program, and was presented with the David Ranken, Fuehne. “I was making good decisions that night, but the Jr. award at this year’s graduation ceremony. He woman who hit me wasn’t. So many lives have been affected earned straight A’s in his technical classes, and is one by that one decision. Please remember that with one bad of the top two students for technical proficiency in choice you can hurt someone else very badly and change his class. their life forever.” Phi Theta Kappa congratulates these students for As you enjoy your summer, please take the time to all that they have accomplished and encourages “ThinkFirst,” making safe and responsible decisions to keep everyone at Ranken to follow their examples. you and those around you safe and healthy.

rankentechnicalcollege | 17 news Ranken Robot Reaches out to Prospective Students

This fall, Ranken will begin using a robot to help inspire about the architecture behind the equipment.” Robots are high school students in the bi-state a prevalent tool when incorporating area to go into engineering or a Programmable Logic Controller STUDENT technical fields. Sal Francis, an (PLC), a digital computer that Electrical instructor with Ranken, automates the electromechanical came up with this idea when processes used in many industries Ranken received a grant from and machines, into an electrical the National Science Foundation or industrial curriculum. They give to support Ranken’s work in students an inside look into how the educating future generations controller works, unlike those that about the importance of science, are unseen when being used at a technology, engineering and plant or facility. mathematical (STEM) related In the future, Ranken will also technical disciplines. incorporate the robot within the “This model is common in the Electrical curriculum and will take industry, but it is small enough it to trade shows to show off on to fit through doors on school College Row, where colleges from campuses,” said Francis. “It is the area often demonstrate what portable, yet effective for learning their college is all about.

Ranken Wins Award for Youth Career Interest Program

Ranken and the St. Louis City Juvenile Detention At the end of these programs, students receive a certificate of Center have won the 2013 Excellence in Juvenile Court completion. After their time in detention, participants may then Program Award for their partnership in providing an take part in a three-week program outside of the Center. After School Vocational Program at the Center. The award comes from the Missouri Juvenile Justice Another program goal is to get them enrolled as students in a Association (MJJA), a statewide, not-for-profit 501(c) technical program at Ranken or at another reputable college. (3) organization whose mission is to promote justice “We are proud of our accomplishments in receiving this award for children, youth and families in Missouri. but at the end of the day it’s all about the kids,” said Gerami. In 2010, the St. Louis City Juvenile Detention Center was “The most important thing is for them to move to the next stage awarded a grant to offer short-term career interest training in life and to become productive members of society.” to youth staying at the Center and approached Ranken with the opportunity. Ranken’s dean of education, Keyvan Gerami, Graves represented the program on May 30 as it was honored at started the initiative with St. Louis City Juvenile Detention a conference and awards luncheon in Jefferson City. Center assistant superintendent, Nathan Graves. Their goal was to spark an interest in technology in the program’s participants Ranken Breaks Attendance Record with the hope that they may seek additional education and at Spring Job Fair training after they leave detention. Ranken’s Career Services office hosted the annual Carpentry instructor Mark White, Automotive instructor Dan spring Job Fair on March 7. Kania and corporate specialist Sandy Burns provide rotating This was the largest job fair to date with 272 representatives classes that last two weeks, with students completing 20 from 164 companies visiting campus to speak with Ranken hours of study. Participants enrolled in the Carpentry workshop students about potential job openings. Companies attended construct a faux room and then add plumbing and electrical from as far away as Texas, Arkansas and Iowa. Several components in the consecutive Plumbing and Electrical companies were new to Ranken and commented on how workshops. impressed they were with campus, and some students were offered positions the same day. Youth can also rebuild engines in the Automotive workshop, craft chairs and lamps in the Woodworking workshop and Thank you to everyone who attended and to the Career Services construct robots in the Robotics workshop. office for providing this opportunity to our students!

18 | therankenexperience student spotlight “Electricity is involved in every aspect of your life.”

This was Thatcher Pazur’s answer when asked why his job is so “We are always very happy to have alumni return. Like many important. From your electronics to the utilities in your house, Ranken graduates, Pazur visited our campus looking for the the food you eat, the water you drink, the clothes you wear and degree that would enable him to reach the next level in his the car you drive – you would be hard pressed to find an item career,” said John Wood, vice president for student success. or action in your life that has not been touched by electricity in some way or another. “He is successful today at the technician level, but sees himself as a person who can lead others. Our Bachelor of Science in Growing up in St. Louis, Pazur heard about Ranken from Applied Management program will give him the knowledge and billboards and commercials, and decided to go to Ranken skills to get him there.” because of the hands-on classes promised by these advertisements. He began his Ranken Experience in 2007, As is common for Ranken students, Pazur gained his position wanting to gain a straight out of college degree and become from one of Ranken’s an electrician. job fairs. In his current Instead, he ended up position at Prairie State with two degrees and Generating Company, became a Control Pazur works with a team Room Operator at that keeps the power a company that plant running, dealing provides electricity to with any equipment 2.5 million customers issues and performing from 180 communities routine maintenance. across eight states. His role is in the control Pazur graduated room watching the from Ranken with operation of the plant a double major in through Programmable Electrical Automation Logic Controllers (PLC) Technology and and Distributive Control Control Systems Systems (DCS). He has Technology in 2009. also had the opportunity to assist in the startup of He currently works two Super Critical Coal at Prairie State Fired units. Generating Company in Marissa, Ill., where he is vying for the next step in his career Through this experience, Pazur gained valuable industry as a Shift Supervisor. Because the position requires a Bachelor’s knowledge such as how and why equipment works the way it degree, he plans to return to Ranken for the Bachelor of Science does and seeing the ins and outs of every aspect of the unit. in Applied Management program in the fall.

“I believe the most important things I learned at Ranken go beyond my technical training,” said Pazur. “I believe if you try hard and give all you got, with a Ranken degree you can really do anything in the electrical field that you desire.”

rankentechnicalcollege | 19 news EMPLOYEE Barb Edwards and Steve Swenson Retire Edwards’ retirement plans include traveling, teaching and tutoring at St. Louis Community College, gardening and On May 31, Ranken said goodbye to Steve Swenson, catching up on her reading. Electrical division chair, and will say farewell to Barb Edwards, library resource center director on July 1 as Steve Swenson: they draw their Ranken experiences to a close.

Barb Edwards:

Steve Swenson began working for Ranken in July of 1991 as an instructor in the Electrical department, hired to work under Ranken’s newly formed section for incoming electrical students. Swenson quickly moved from instructor to assistant department head under Charles Corrigan, IT division chair, and became the first year department head when Corrigan moved with the Barb Edwards began working for Ranken in April of 1989 as computer program into the Gray building. Later, he assumed a librarian for Ranken’s newly built library. She was hired responsibility for the second year of the electrical program as it to catalog the books, write a policy manual, and buy library continued to grow. When all the electrical programs were finally resources. Years later, she became the library director for the consolidated into the Electrical division, Swenson became the campus. division head.

“I tell students to take the communication and Before his retirement, Swenson stepped down from this position information literacy skills they learn at Ranken with the intent to mentor his replacement and to teach first seriously,” said Edwards. “In addition to the semester students once again. proficiency they learn in their major, these skills will be invaluable to getting ahead in their careers.” Swenson says one of his fondest memories of working at Ranken was having Don Pohl, vice president for education, as Edwards says she has many fond memories of working at a first semester student in the electrical wiring shop. Swenson Ranken, including her work on grants, teaching, running the says Pohl received an A grade for the class. food drive, creating the index and serving on the editing committee for Ranken’s history book, sponsoring Phi Theta “Working with other Ranken instructors as we prepare Kappa and serving on many committees for the College, among students for the world of skilled trades is truly many others. rewarding,” said Swenson. “I really enjoy talking with grads after they have been out working for a few years, “I have always loved working with so many interesting hearing of their success and that what we taught and great people from all over the campus,” said really applied.” Edwards. “Everyone is always willing to help you with a project here.” Swenson’s retirement plans include traveling and pursuing his many hobbies, but he will also return to Ranken in the fall to teach evening classes.

20 | therankenexperience EMPLOYEE news Welcome to the Following New Full-time Welcome to the Following New Part-time & Employees Adjunct Employees Clay King TRiO Coordinator Mary Cancila General Education Adjunct Paul Bunetta Industrial Technology Instructor Tyler Blank Precision Machining Evening School Cory Blair Welding Instructor Linda Putz General Education Adjunct Gary Young Precision Machining Instructor Keith Brown General Education Adjunct Kent Wilke Information Technology Instructor John Schuler Industrial Technology Adjunct (Wentzville) Billy Scholin Industrial Technology Adjunct John Kozelichki Advanced Machining Instructor (Wentzville) Tony Turk Precision Machining Evening School Lester McQuaid Admissions Counselor (Wentzville) Ray Gaudette Precision Machining Evening School Kevin Kriesel Grant Writer John Myers Bachelor of Science in Applied Management Kevin Webb Automotive Instructor Instructor Heather Marketing Events Specialist Brandon McLain Precision Machining Evening School Durawski Paul Conant Industrial Training Evening School Meg Kramer Marketing Communications Specialist Cathy Geisz Assistant Director Residential Life Jason Adair Building Systems Engineering Technology Jonathon Bachelor of Science in Applied Management Department Chair Moberly Instructor Caitlin Lockhart Registrar’s Assistant Keith Batey Bachelor of Science in Applied Management Mark Braden Public Safety Director Instructor Joe Donato Alarm Systems Technology Instructor John Weeks IT Instructor - Savvis Bob Mohr Bachelor of Science in Applied Management

Ranken Employee is Finalist for Prestigious Fellowship

Crystal Herron, Ranken’s dean of academic affairs, has been Although becoming a finalist for this fellowship program is selected as a finalist for the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship an accomplishment in itself, Herron still has some hurdles to program. The program’s mission is to identify, empower and face in order to receive the fellowship. Herron will first need connect individuals from around the world for the sole purpose to contact the USA Program Director, located in Philadelphia, of creating peaceful relationships, giving up-and-coming leaders to give her a sketch of her travel plans, destinations she would the chance to network with influential like to visit, her rationale behind traveling to corporate and government leaders. those locations and an outline of the leaders with whom she would like to meet. Herron will Herron is an active leader at Ranken as the then need to make it through interviews with Dean of Academic Affairs. She also takes Eisenhower judges who will determine whether on a variety of active leadership positions her personal and/or professional aspirations within her church. Although she serves in a coincide with the program’s mission. number of leadership roles, she believes that it is important to be humble and to follow “This opportunity would provide me with another’s lead, when appropriate: “I know it the chance of a lifetime to travel outside the seems very cliché, but I really do believe that country and meet important people known in order to be a good leader, you must first for their contributions and work in a specific learn to follow,” said Herron. area,” said Herron. “It would give me a chance to engage leaders in conversations about their When asked what impact she would like to successes and failures, and hopefully I can make in the future, Herron said that she only share in and glean knowledge from the lessons wants one thing in life: “My faith and my they have learned.” understanding of my own purpose in this life motivate me to make a difference. All I want is to see others do well,” said Herron. She says she would like to “I really do believe be part of an effort which ignites motivation in young people to that in order to be a good leader, achieve and hopes that the Eisenhower Fellowship may give her some insight into how to accomplish this goal. you must first learn to follow.”

rankentechnicalcollege | 21 Meet the Ranken Wentzville Team!

Jeremy Sutton - Site Director

Lester McQuaid - Admissions Counselor

Tim Michel - Automotive Instructor

[Announcement]

Charles Corrigan - Information Technology Division Chair

Kent Wilke - Information Technology Instructor

Gary Young - Advanced Manufacturing and Precision Machining Department Chair

John Kozelichki - Advanced Manufacturing Instructor

Jason Adair - Building Systems Engineering Technology Department Chair

Patsy Zettler - General Education Department Chair for English, Communications and Humanities

Employee Degrees and Certifications

Roy Gillespie – 1st Year Electrical Pat Mickle – Bachelor of Science in Applied Department Chair Management Department Chair Master Industrial Electrician License (4/19/2013) Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) The Board of Electrical Examiners of the City of St. Louis certificate of achievement as a prior learning assessor July 29, 2012. Tameka Herrion – Director of Student Support Services Ron Vaughn – Information Technology Instructor Certificate in Electrical Maintenance Technology from VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V5.1] Ranken Technical College, with honors, 5/11/13. through VMware Education Services and obtained the VMware Certified Professional on vSphere 5 certification Theodore Massey – General Education Adjunct (VCP5), 3/21/13. Instructor Master of Science in Information Technology awarded Carol Winkler - Registrar 04/28/2013 from Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Completed Council for Adult and Experiential Learning Tech) (CAEL) certificate of achievement as a prior learning assessor July 29, 2012.

22 | therankenexperience rankentechnicalcollege | 31 employee spotlight

Growing up, Tammi Spinnenweber always lent an ear When Spinnenweber first entered the workforce there when her father talked about his work as an electrician, were not many women in the field and at Anheuser Busch fostering a fondness for the field that would remain there weren’t any women at all. They had to change the throughout her life. When the time came to choose a major men’s rooms in the maintenance shops to unisex but there in college, Spinnenweber chose to continue her research in were no locks on the door so she had to ask someone to the field. When she graduated from college, Spinnenweber guard it for her. Over time, things changed for the better says the state of the economy was very similar to today’s as the company hired more female workers and changed economy and not a lot of companies were hiring at the the facility to better fit the needs of female workers. When time, but she found a job right away. she left Anheuser Busch, the new maintenance shop even included a very nice ladies locker room. “I have to admit that there are some advantages to being Spinnenweber joined Ranken a woman in the field,” said in January 2012, wanting Spinnenweber. “A lot of my to pass her knowledge of male friends who graduated the Electrical industry on to with the same degree did future generations. Now, most not have job offers upon mornings begin with a class graduation. I had multiple lecture and theory. Then, offers as did the two other the class works in the shop female students who graduated calibrating instrumentation, with me.” programming controllers, and programming PLCs and HMIs. Today, Spinnenweber works She tries to keep theory as at Ranken as an instructor short as possible so she can get in the Electrical division. the class into the shop as soon Prior to coming to Ranken, as possible. Spinnenweber worked at Anheuser Busch for 23 years. “I have learned that no During this time, Spinnenweber matter how well you explain held many positions, including something, until the student Control Systems Engineer, actually goes out to the shop Process Engineer, Training and does the work on their Manager, Brewing Area own, they don’t understand Manager and Maintenance it. This is truly what makes Manager. Ranken so extraordinary,” said Spinnenweber. “Even though our students are adults, they “The Electrical field is always challenging and never still grow so much in the short time that they are with us. boring,” said Spinnenweber. “There are always problems to They leave Ranken with so much more than they had when troubleshoot, new technology to learn and new processes they first walked in the door. Being a part of their learning to make it better, faster and more efficient. If you get bored is an awesome experience.” in this field it’s because you stopped trying.” “There are always problems to troubleshoot, new technology to learn and new processes to make it better, faster and more efficient. If you get bored in this field it’s because you stopped trying.”

rankentechnicalcollege | 23 profile ALUMNI Distinguished Alumnus David G. Roeder, Mechanical Drafting 1964 The fourth annual alumni awards ceremony Roeder then spent the next 22 years at Sunnen was held during the spring commencement exercise Products Company as a manufacturing engineer, in May. The ceremony, sponsored by the Alumni working on tooling, machine design and plant layouts. Association, recognizes Ranken alumni who have Eventually, he worked his way up, supervising seven shared successful careers people in the Process Engineering with their community. The Department. In 1989 he was offered awards honor outstanding a position in International Sales Ranken graduates who and began traveling for Sunnen. sustain the reputation of He worked with distributors in David Ranken Jr. through England, Germany, France and their character, leadership, other European countries. Then, service and financial support. he branched out to work with Recipients are chosen by the distributors in Canada, Mexico, Alumni Leadership Council. Central America and South America. One year he also traveled to Asia This year, Dave Roeder visiting Japan, Korea, Taiwan & (Mechanical Drafting 1964) Singapore. In the mid-1990s, he was received the Distinguished traveling to South America, Central Alumni Award. America and the Caribbean. Roeder After graduating from high retired in 2002, amassing over one school in 1962, Roeder million frequent flier miles. immediately enrolled at Roeder bought a sports car in Ranken. He graduated from 1970, prompting him to serve as the mechanical drafting/tool an officer in the Sports Car Club of & die design program under America (SCCA) St. Louis region. He the instruction of Clarence spent 25 years in various volunteer Lane in 1964. Roeder later positions in the SCCA as well as in received formal certification the Porsche Club. He held positions as a manufacturing engineer. as a board member for SCCA, the Roeder was first employed at regional president of the Porsche Ridgewood Steel Fabrication, Club, an announcer of SCCA events, where he worked in the and a driving instructor for the machine shop. He then spent Porsche and BMW clubs. 15 years as a designer at Stile-Craft Manufacturers, In 1987, Roeder joined a group of volunteers who Inc., a screw machine shop that specialized in medical were restoring the 1926 Ballwin steam locomotive and hospital equipment. During this time he advanced 1522 to operation. Because of this project, he found from designing screw machine tooling and press tools himself serving on the Board of the Transport Museum to designing special machines for the mass production Association and on the board of the St. Louis Steam of everything from 60mm mortar shell bases to brazed Train Association. He also served as the service crew copper/brass medical fittings. Coming in on the ground supervisor for the 1522, overseeing the maintenance of floor in numerical control machining, he learned to write the steam locomotive during trips to Nebraska, Georgia, programs that were converted to paper tapes that Illinois, and many other states for railroad activities. controlled machine functions.

24 | therankenexperience Roeder’s most vivid memory of Ranken is sitting in Roeder has been married to his wife, Judy, for 44 years. class with a Ranken instructor named Mr. Lane when His hobbies include model railroading, contest modeling it was announced that President John F. Kennedy had for local shows and for the National Model Railroad been shot. He also remembers being taught how to Association’s Divisional and Regional events, and model do calculations using a slide rule. Under Mr. Lane’s car building. Roeder also enters his 1988 Porsche in tutelage, he was required to communicate designs local car shows, including the Ranken Car Show. He verbally by standing up in front of class and giving recently participated in an eight-year restoration of presentations. a 1918 Dodge Brothers touring car and had an article published in the Dodge Brothers Club magazine. Mr. “The confidence I gained by learning to speak and and Mrs. Roeder are members of the Ranken Legacy communicate clearly has helped me achieve many Society, and have supported the Capital Campaign at career goals,” said Roeder. “I have fond memories of the Museum of Transportation in St. Louis County, the working on maintenance projects at Ranken during the YMCA of the Ozarks, the YMCA of Greater St. Louis, summer months. We scraped and painted the iron fence and are annual donors to Ranken Technical College’s and helped to remove the large steam engine generator that was in the main lobby where the Dining Hall is Fund for Ranken. now.”

Distinguished Young events around St. Louis and St. Charles Alumnus Counties; Charitable Giving, which Today, Hester has a teenage daughter Kynal “Von” Hester, determines where to allocate company and serves on the Parents of Student funds to assist with programs around St. Athletes board, assisting as a statistician Computer Technology 1993 Louis and St. Charles Counties (i.e. Angel and scorekeeper at school sporting After receiving an associate degree Wings, Our Little Haven, Youth in Need, events, and volunteers for transportation from Ranken in the spring of 1993, etc.); Ameristar Green, which promotes assistance to and from extracurricular Hester applied to several local ways to encourage team members to activities. In his free time, Hester enjoys colleges to continue his education. recycle and run the company operations discovering new places to eat around St. To help with additional tuition costs, more efficiently; and Ameristar’s Peer Louis and St. Charles, and as the weather Hester worked nights at UPS and enjoyed Review, designed to give team members gets warmer, riding his motorcycle. He a partial scholarship for the performing a mediated option to settle grievances also recently enrolled in Spanish classes. arts, playing the viola. Upon receiving within the organization. a Bachelor of Science in Information Taken from his nomination form: “Von Systems from St. Louis University, demonstrates every core value Hester acquired a job with Station that a great trade school like Casinos as a valet, but quickly Ranken Technical College instills transferred to the company’s IT in an individual that makes them department as a junior operations successful. Von is well respected specialist when a job opened up. in the company and looked upon Between Ranken and St. Louis favorably by fellow team members University, Hester gained a solid IT as noted by the compliments, skill set, including SQL/Database positive feedback from surveys and Administration, Cisco Routing and job completion ratings he receives Switching, AS400, “Block” Phone after each task is completed. Von Switches/IP Telephony, and recently, is very hands-on and has no issues Virtualization. Because of this vast showing others how to do the task set of skills, he was promoted to at hand, thus being a great role systems analyst five years later and model and teacher guiding the three years after that to senior systems “The expression says ‘if you love what next generation of IT professionals to the analyst, a position he holds today with you do, then you’ll never work a day in high standards that Ameristar Casinos, Ameristar Casinos. your life.’ It’s been 15 years now, and I Inc. looks for in all their employees. still enjoy coming to work,” said Hester. Ranken Technical College has graduated Hester has been a very active part “I knew exactly what I would become another fine individual that will leave an of several Ameristar-sponsored since I was a preteen playing missile everlasting impression of excellence in committees, including Habitat for command on an Atari 2600. Attending the community. “ Humanity; Ameristar Cares, an internal Ranken was the catalyst in my life that committee that coordinates various helped me obtain that goal.”

rankentechnicalcollege | 25 news ALUMNI

Alumni Entrepreneur thrilled to see Fredrick again, Gives Advice and they both enjoyed their reunion after 47 years. Bill Fennewald (Industrial Electricity and Electronics 1965) Other alumni who own a is the 2012 Distinguished Alumni business or have an inspiring and former president and CEO of career story to tell are Fennewald Pump in Martinsburg, welcome to volunteer for Mo. Fennewald recently met with the next session to be held a number of Ranken students to in September 2013. Please share his insight and experiences contact Kathy Fern in the in growing a successful business. Alumni Relations office or visit www.ranken.edu/alumni Fennewald, who inherited his agricultural for details. water pump company from his father, says his business is built on honesty Fedrick and Fennewald peruse old class photos. and the Golden Rule. His industry calls for long hours, after hour emergency Alumni Council repair and priority response to farmers Welcomes New Join our with livestock who need water. A main point of Fennewald’s speech Members eScrip Program! was that a successful company is built The Alumni Leadership Council Shop at Schnucks and help on reputation, and in a small town of Ranken’s Alumni Association is increase the Alumni (Martinsburg has 304 people), word pleased to welcome new members. Association Scholarship Fund! travels fast. David Munie (Plumbing 1990) has Thanks to more than 380 friends of been a member of Plumbing and Here are a few of Fennewald’s tips for Ranken who are helping to increase Pipefitter Local 101 in Belleville for the Alumni Association Scholarship starting a small business: more than twenty years. Munie is Fund by swiping their eScrip card at Schnucks. More users mean more • Start small also an evening school instructor, as dollars available in the scholarship fund well as a member of the board. Also • Work long hours and six days a week to in the future. joining the group is John Heitz (1962 gain a customer foundation With the eScrip program developed by Industrial Electricity). Heitz is retired the Schnucks Corporation, shopping • Have sympathy and courtesy towards and recently moved to the Wentzville at Schnucks has a great impact on customers in need area, home of Ranken’s second colleges and special interest groups all location. across the country. • Be honest and live by the Golden Rule Tamikka Reed (Information Here’s how it works: Here are a few of Fennewald’s tips on Technology 2007) has rejoined becoming a leader in your industry: 1) Get your Schnucks eScrip Community the Council, representing the IT Card from Kathy Fern in the Alumni • Read everything - articles, the department returning from a project Relations office (Walker Hall), call (314) 286-4895 or email ktfern@ newspaper, management books and the in Louisiana. She is currently an IT ranken.edu with your request. Up to dictionary Specialist at Maryville University. four cards can be issued per household. • Be customer oriented, outgoing and a Other alumni members of the 2) At check out, present your eScrip ‘people person’ Council are Dean Alinder (Advanced Card to the cashier to be swiped. Manufacturing), Don Huster Schnucks will donate a percentage • Get involved in the community in some of your total store purchases to the (Automotive Collision Repair), Larry way so that people will know who you are Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. Schmidt (Automotive Collision Repair/ - volunteer! Faculty), Larry Kelso (Automotive With your help, future students • Use proper manners and dress Collision Repair), Dave Garvin (HVAC), can benefit from this easy way Rich Weinhold (Precision Machining), to increase the Scholarship Willie Fedrick (INEET 1965), Fennewald’s Fund! Rebecca Kleba (Architecture) and lab partner from his Ranken days, Brett Randoll (Carpentry). surprised his old friend with a visit to campus to hear his presentation. He was

26 | therankenexperience ALUMNInews | 27 rankentechnicalcollege | 27 Congratulations GoldenCongratulations Graduates! years or more) Graduates (75 Diamond Bruno A. Corradi (1934, Industrial Electricity/Electronics) (50 years or more) Golden Graduates (1962, Automotive Maintenance) Dean H. Alinder (1962, Automotive Maintenance) Thomas C. Giovanni Industrial Electricity/Electronics) Don F. Hardin (1963, (1951, Industrial Electricity/Electronics) Robert (Bob) Heine (1963, Machine Shop) Charles (Terry) Jackson (1963, Mechanical Drafting) William (Bill) James Electrical) Jack Kuchar (1963, (1963, Machine Shop) Bruce Markwardt (1963, Plumbing) David M. Murguia Dennis J. Murphy (1963, Electrical) Electricity/Electronics) Urban (Irv) Naeger (1963, Industrial Ralph C. Neubert (1963, Plumbing) Dennis A. Newman (1963, Plumbing) Electricity/Electronics) Richard D. Nichols (1963, Industrial Maintenance) Roy E. Nottingham (1963, Automotive Shop) Walter M. Pumfrey (1963, Machine Melvin L. Sutton (1963, Machine Shop) Clarence J. Vohsen Jr. (1963, Electrical) James E. Wilton (1963, Machine Shop) Air Conditioning, Robert A. Zagar (1963, Refrigeration, Heating) During *If you have already donated you are eligible Ranken license plates are available for Missouri residents! To get yours, Ranken license plates are available for Missouri residents! To get yours, a simply contact Ranken’s Development office at (314) 286-4865 to get Ranken Emblem Use Authorization (cost is a minimum $25 tax deductible donation*) and a Personalized and Specialty Plate Application Form 1716. Return the forms to your local Missouri license office. Process takes approximately ten weeks. Pictured: Golden Graduates and Diamond Graduate, Bruno Corradi Pictured: Golden Graduates and Diamond Graduate, (pictured in white cap and gown) On May 11, a procession of alumni led Ranken’s alumni led Ranken’s a procession of On May 11, as they marched to their seats newest graduates ceremony. commencement 2013 the during 50-year Graduates50-year Ceremony Attend the celebration, fifty-year graduates, dressed in gold the celebration, fifty-year to remember their Ranken caps and gowns, gathered years ago. These graduates experience from many commemorating their received a pin and certificate anniversary. for the first time since leaving Many classmates reunited Giovanni, a 1962 graduate, Ranken’s campus. Tom so that he could be honored postponed his celebration graduated along with his grandson John Tindall, who on stage along from the electrical program. Tom walked his diploma. with his grandson when he was called for by wearing a Bruno Corradi celebrated his 79th year year anniversary white cap and gown, celebrating as a 75 year. Diamond graduate. Bruno turns 98 this Technology Tom Gieseking (Automotive Maintenance 1984) delivered the commencement address. Show Ranken Pride on YOUR Ride! Electrical Golden in town, so he enrolled to get the training “Ranken gave me the key to reach the Graduate Profiles that IBM required. He started working at goal that I had set in high school, which IBM over the summer between his first was to go to work for IBM,” said Kuchar. Bruno Corradi and second year at Ranken and then on “IBM recognized Ranken as being a school 1934 Industrial Electricity/ weekends. of the highest educational quality, and ALUMNI news Electronics that is why I was hired all those years After completing his second year and ago. I continue to enjoy and use the A Diamond graduate celebrating 79 years graduating from Ranken in 1963, he many electrical and electronic skills that I as a Ranken alumnus, Bruno Corradi was hired by IBM as a field engineer. learned while at Ranken and still have my (Industrial Electricity/Electronics 1934), He installed, repaired and serviced IBM original Ranken tool box and tools.” turns 98 this year. equipment. After six years in that position, he was promoted to field engineering “I lived in Gillespie, Ill., and my dad was manager and was given a territory in a coal miner there. One thing my dad Springfield, Mo., where he managed a always said was that he didn’t want me team of field engineers. Realizing that he to work underground in the mine, too,” needed more managerial training, he took said Corradi. “The best job at a mine was an educational leave of absence from IBM an electrician, so he said that I should be to attend Saint Louis University's business an electrician. I was working at Kroger at school. There he earned his Bachelor of the time, and I asked my supervisor what Science degree in management and an I should do. He said to go to David Ranken MBA degree in corporate finance. School of Mechanical Trades, so I did.” Upon returning to IBM, Kuchar While Corradi’s electrical class was was promoted to IBM’s corporate touring the Cahokia Power Plant one day, headquarters in New York, where he the supervisor offered him a job, because lived for ten years and worked to help set he asked so many questions, showing an IBM customer service policies. Later, he interest in the field. was promoted to manager of customer satisfaction in the field engineering “He said that air conditioning was coming division and then to manager of personnel and that an electrician could work for the research responsible for measuring next 50 years,” said Corradi. and managing nationwide employee Corradi worked at the power plants in morale and satisfaction. In 1981 he was Cahokia, Venice, Portage de Sioux and promoted to IBM National Customer Labadie until he retired 45 years later. At Service Executive and returned to St. the end of his career, he was a supervisor Louis where he was responsible for all IBM over the electrical maintenance service deliveries to the General Dynamics department. His advice to students today Corporation throughout the country. is: “Choose Ranken. You won’t be able to choose a better school than Ranken to When General Dynamic’s headquarters help you with your career.” relocated from St. Louis in 1984, Kuchar left IBM to start his own consulting company. Kuchar's company provided Jack Kuchar employee and customer satisfaction research to many companies and 1963 Industrial Electricity/ Pictured: Diamond Graduate, Bruno Corradi organizations over the next two decades. Electronics More recently, Kuchar and three others Golden graduate Jack Kuchar was always have started a "green chemistry" mechanically-inclined, and set a goal for company called Viridichem, a chemical himself to work at IBM early on in his manufacturing company that produces life. He applied to IBM in St. Louis for unique and specialized air freshening and a technical position, but they wouldn't odor removal products using patented hire him full-time because he didn’t have formulations. the necessary electronics skills. IBM recognized Ranken’s programs as the best

rankentechnicalcollege | 23 28 | therankenexperience A Tribute to a Distinguished He was saddened by the loss of Mr. Wagner a few years ago and ALUMNI spoke of him often on his campus visits. Honoree Tom was a founding

Tom Wood (Carpentry 1955) passed away on March 31, 2013 at news member of the Alumni the age of 76. Tom was born in St. Louis in 1936. He graduated Leadership Council in from St. Boniface grade school and attended Cleveland High 2005 and remained an School. Tom enrolled in the carpentry program at Ranken active member until when he was 18 years old and graduated under Bill Wagner’s 2008 when failing instruction in 1955. He used his training from Ranken as a health forced his carpenter for 52 years. He worked for his father’s company, resignation. He has William P. Wood and Son, General Contractors, before and donated his carpentry after his student life, in addition to working for several large tool set and books to construction companies as a foreman. He was an active member the Ranken archives the St. Louis Carpenter’s District Council and served as a and often brought delegate. He received the Ranken Distinguished Alumni Award friends to look at them in 2011. when they were on display. Tom purchased memorial bricks, Tom would tell anyone he met: “My Ranken education was the referred students, and continued his close ties with campus by best thing that ever happened to me. My instructor, Bill Wagner, visiting often. Tom will be remembered by many. was a tremendous influence on me, and I owe so much to him, Tom leaves behind his partner, Dot Flamm, three daughters, both as my carpentry instructor and as my friend. Because five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He enjoyed of my education, I have had rewarding jobs with a variety of fishing, golf, dining out and traveling with Dot. The family has employers.” created the Tom Wood Memorial Scholarship to assist students at Ranken Technical College. In Memoriam

Ranken faculty and staff extend their sympathy to the families and friends of the following alumni and faculty who have recently passed away: Joe Altman (Machine Shop 1984) – December 2012 Alumni Joe Kargacin (Industrial Electricity/Electronics 1963) – Bruce Walters (Precision Machining 1977) – April 2013 December 2012

John Honerkamp Sr. (Refrigeration 1938) - March 2013 Jason Sagez (Automotive Collision Repair 2010) – November 2012 Gerald Poser (Machine Shop 1957) – March 2013 Paul J. Plummer (Precision Machining 1949) – November Dennis Casey (Automotive 1959) – March 2013 2012 In memory of Dennis Casey, friends may contribute to the Dennis Casey Memorial Scholarship by mailing Lawrence C. Wilms (Machine Shop 1950) – October 2012 a contribution made out to Ranken Technical College, including Dennis Casey Memorial Scholarship on the William Pohlman (Machine Shop 1963) – July 2012 memo line. Larry Lewis (Industrial Technology 2007) – March 2012 Tom Wood (Carpentry 1955) - March 2013 In memory of Tom Wood, friends may contribute to the Retired Faculty Tom Wood Memorial Scholarship by mailing a contribution made out to Ranken Technical College, including Tom Lee Thielker -November 2012. Wood Memorial Scholarship on the memo line. If you know of other Ranken alumni or friends who George Ott (Communications Electronics 1946) - have passed away, please contact Kathy Fern in Alumni January 2013 Relations at (314) 286-4895 or email [email protected].

rankentechnicalcollege | 29 class notes ALUMNI

Curious as to what your classmates are G. William Gastineau (Radio 1955) maker. He remembers, “Ranken provided doing these days or want to let them has many fond memories of his garage me with good training to make a good know where you are? Visit our website to apartment on Lindell Blvd. and paying living.” keep us informed. You can also contact $6.00 a semester to attend Ranken. the director of Alumni Relations, by After graduation Bill joined the Navy Dennis Richter (Electrical 1963) retired phone (314) 286-4895 or email alumni@ then went to the University of Illinois. in 2009 after 29 years with Boeing as ranken.edu. Here is news from some who He is celebrating his 50th wedding a maintenance electrician after having have kept in touch. anniversary in Alaska with his family, started his career with General Steel vising the Gastineau Channel near Industries. 1940s Juneau. Bill is the 13th generation of the channel namesakes and has been retired Clarence Vohsen Jr. (Electrical Joe Vastine (Refrigeration 1949) for 35 years. 1963) started at Snap-On Tools after enjoys retirement and is the tour guide graduation and retired as a mechanical for the historic Mermaid House Hotel in Dale Snodsmith (Electrical 1953) was supervisor and maintenance plant Lebanon, Ill. a member of IBEW and retired after 43 manager from Boeing in 2004. Clarence years as an electrician with Mac Electric. worked with his classmate Dennis Richter Ken Kaup (Automotive Maintenance for many years. 1945) retired in 1992 from Southwestern 1960s Bell after 41 years of service as a lineman Melvin Sutton (Machine Shop 1963) and a communications equipment Don Hughes (Architectural Drafting started at Proctor & Gamble as a installation technician. At 15 years old, 1965) visited campus and was amazed machinist, became a mechanic then a Ken remembers standing on the corner at the growth and changes since his welder, continuing to add to his skills waiting for the street car to pick him up graduation, which was held in the through Ranken’s evening classes, then to take him to night classes. Rodenheiser Building. He is originally retired after 37 years. He spent 30 from Sparta, Ill., but currently lives in years in his hobby as a crew chief racing Keith McWilliams (Communication Las Vegas, Nev., with his wife of 46 quarter midgets. Electronics 1947) is retired after years, Nina. Don is a senior engineering working as an electrician and teaching technician in the public works Faro Maniaci (Architectural Drafting apprentice electricians in the St. Louis department for the City of Las Vegas. 1963) retired in 2001 but works part- Public School system for 18 years, Don retired in January 2013 after a time as an independent contractor for serving a total of 43 years in the career spanning 48 years in structural government and army contracts locally. electrical trade. engineering. Don’s father also graduated from Ranken during the war in the 1940s. David Storey (Radio Communications 1963) joined the Air Force and worked 1950s Dale Bauer (Machine Shop 1964), a on diesel electronics for the Atlas Missile Joe Moehrle (Mechanical Drafting retired tool designer from Siemens, System. He also served as a training 1959) remarked, “Ranken was a godsend attended the Ranken Wentzville open NCO in Germany for power plant states. to me. It made a big difference in my house in March and commented, “I still Upon his return to the states, he worked life. My friend of 60+ years with whom use the knowledge I received at Ranken for Century Electric, then in TV/radio I went to grade school and high school today.” repair with a friend. In 1982 he became Pat Marlow, graduated with me. He also a service manager for REMCO Rent and introduced me to my wife!” William (Bill) James (Mechanical retired from Ahren Rents in 2008. He Drafting 1963) was a tool and die has a broadcast engineer license and Edward Purdy (1956 INEET) is retired designer in the corporate engineering enjoys a hobby as a ham radio operator. and a pastor of a church in Gillespie, Ill. department for Consolidated Aluminum. Bill retired at age 55 and now is a private Leroy Swetnam (Carpentry 1962) lives James Musgrove (Radio 1955) consultant/expert witness on product in Plato, Mo., and worked at Fort Leonard currently serves on numerous liability. Wood until he retired in 1992 from committees and is an alderman for the carpentry. He farmed until 2012, when he 8th Ward in Belleville, Ill., in addition James Wilton (Machine Shop 1963) had to sell all but a few livestock due to to teaching computer programs at retired 10 years ago from Olin Works in health concerns. Southwestern Illinois College. Alton, Ill., after 40 years as a tool and die

30 | therankenexperience rankentechnicalcollege | 25 ALUMNIclass notes Schools. School, partoftheSt.LouisCity Public drafting teacherfromO’Fallon Technical drafting anddesignasanarchitectural 1962) retiredafterspending27years in Thomas Koncki(Architecture Drafting and otherantiquetractors. collecting andrestoringMassey-Harris Maintenance 1962)isretiredandenjoys Cletus Hohrein(Automotive of whomareRankengraduates.” with mycoworkersfromShellOil,many Baptist men’sgroup.Istillkeepintouch work atChristiancampswithaTexas four monthseachyeartodovolunteer 1994. NowItakeacampertoTexasfor I wastherefor28yearsandretiredin in 1966atShellOilelectricaldrafting. in draftingHVACsystemsthentookajob stated, “Iwasaconsultantforsixyears mechanical draftingunderMr.Lane.Ray became aninstructoratRankenfor Ranken forHVAC.Aftergraduationhe another collegewhenheenrolledat a mechanicaldraftingeducationfrom Ray Carril(Refrigeration1960)had advisory boardofthealumniassociation. the AlumniLeadershipCouncil, after 32yearsandhasrecentlyjoined a servicetechnicianfromWesternUnion John Heitz(Electrical1961)retiredas Construction locatedinFerguson,Mo. construction estimatorwithRhodey recently retiredafter30yearsasachief Mike CaponiJr.(Architecture1962) 50-year weddinganniversary. on thesamedayandisalsocelebratinga His classmateRobertWortwasmarried Marge weremarried50yearsinJune. friend inmaintenance.Jimandhiswife until 1999,whenhewenttoworkfora convenience storesandservicestations his discharge,heownedachainof until heenteredtheArmyin1966.After Jim wasadraftsmanaftergraduation Clark, Mo.,andretiredinOctober2012. Jim Wilson(Architecture1962)livesin Refrigeration untilhisretirementin2010. a teamleaderforWhirlpool/Amana construction inKentuckyandbecame Philip Weiss(Carpentry1962)left Midwest. located throughoutthe procedures at10speedways where hewilloverseesafety (NASA) CentralRegion Auto SportAssociation director fortheNational 1985) wasrecentlynamedthetechnical Dave Riley(AutomotiveMaintenance 1980s lunch breaks.” across fromthemainentranceonour remembers, “playingfootballonthelot and Tool.Fromhisyearsoncampus,he 1970) isretiredfromPattersonMold Joseph Schneider(MachineShop Metro (formerlyBi-StateTransit). after 34yearsasadieselmechanicfrom Larry Freeman(Diesel1972)retired Saint Louis,Mo. years forMercuryExpressoutofLake owner/operator truckdriverforover35 Bruce Hampton(Welding1972)isan children andfivegrandchildren. a machinistfor34years.Hehassix he hasworkedatAnheuserBuschas his almamaterandtoletusknowthat recent autoshowtotouchbasewith stopped bytheRankenboothat Dan Krueger(MachineShop1975) humor.” and myclassthathadagoodsenseof attendance, mygradepointaverage my accomplishments,perfect Sewer Districtandis“proudof is atechnicianwithMetropolitan Control/Control Systems1979) Bob Benne(InstrumentationProcess 1970s in Decatur,Ill. John Kreiter(Architecture1962)lives me.” and itwasaninvaluableexperiencefor of whatIlearnedatRankeneveryweek, said thisaboutRanken,“Istillusesome from achemicalsalesmanposition.He lives inWichita,Kan.,andretired2006 Randy Scheltgen(Architecture1962) [email protected]. R elations Alumni of Kathy contact or Fern, director www.ranken.edu website at our visit To update, alumni an submit engineer/CNC programmer. in Kirkwoodasamechanicaldesign currently employedbyBohnandDawson Glennon Flood(1995MachineShop)is Equipment &MachineinCentralia,Ill 1996) istheshopmanageratAmerican Joseph (Keith)Brake(MachineShop Mechanical ClaimsInternshipProgram. job fairasarecruiterforJM&AGroup Maintenance 1998)visitedtherecent Jeff Schmidt(Automotive located inBatavia,Ill. as aCNCprogrammerforTekPakInc., 1999) residesinDekalb,Ill.,andworks Zachary Dismuke(PrecisionMachining 1990s Taylorville, Ill. after 28yearsofserviceandlivesin retired fromtheStateofIllinoisDOT Donald Hendricks(Carpentry1980) enjoying retirementinFlorida. retired over30yearslater.Heis Aircraft asatoolanddiemaker graduation hestartedatMcDonnell night schoolformachineshop.After for dieselmechanicsthenreturnedto Machine Shop1981)attendedRanken Stephen Burchett(Diesel1975, Plumbers &PipefittersLocal101. the newrecordingsecretaryfor Scott Luchtefeld(HVAC1981)is Metro asadieselmechanic. and toletusknowthatheworksforthe show totouchbasewithhisalmamater the Rankenboothatrecentauto Jesse Berry(Diesel1982)stoppedby business locatedinFairmontCity,Ill. years atThomasGarage,afamilyowned 1982) hasbeenamechanicfor30 Robert Allen(AutomotiveMaintenance Keep InTouch! at(314)286-4895or rankentechnicalcollege |31 32 |the rankenexperience ALUMNI 2011) isengagedtoJaime Erband Nicholas Doerr(IndustrialTechnology Association Scholarship. was therecipientof2012 Alumni Ericksen. Herhusband,Theo Murphy, 2012) isaCADdrafteratNooter Megan WilliamsMurphy(Architecture October of2013. is engagedandplanstobemarriedin Curt Lenau(PrecisionMachining2011) being withfamily.” enjoyed goingtoRanken.Itwaslike recent correspondencesaid,“Ireally Terry Bledsoe(Carpentry2012)ina Precision MachiningSolutions. 2012) isaCADtechnicianatHydromat Jamar Bohannon(Architecture adjuster. Response, LLCasanindependentclaims 2012) washiredbyWorleyCatastrophe Tyler Kathmann(IndustrialTechnology 2000s Local 101Hallfor23years. last 13years.Davehasworkedoutofthe been aplumbinginstructorthereforthe Pipefitters Local101inBellevilleandhas executive boardofthePlumbers& second-term electedmemberofthe Davie Munie(Plumbing1990)isa Waynesville R-6SchoolDistrict. 1991) isacomputertechnicianfor Ron Amass(AutomotiveMaintenance Design inKirkwood,Mo. of productionatRiggsConstruction& recently promotedtovicepresident Brett Randoll(Carpentry1994)was but callsLargo,Fla.home. and energylocatedinMorrisville,N.C., company fortheconservationofwater of qualityforSensus,atechnology Technology 1994)isthedirector Kurt Diekemper(Information mechanic atWashingtonUniversity. currently workingasapowerplant Industrial Technology1999)is Brian Nelson(Refrigeration1994, married toLauren LammertinMayandis Chris Chandler(Carpentry2007) was Water, AirandPowerSystems. currently anapprenticeforTriState Timothy Dooley(Plumbing2008) is mechanic atPeterbuiltinSauget,Ill. Maintenance 2008)worksasa Scott Latinette(Automotive Holly Lifka. 2009) recentlybecameengagedto Josh Fischer(IndustrialTechnology Jackson KrausbornonAugust20,2012. helpful.” JoshuaisanewfathertoCaden and thehands-onexperienceswere He wrote“Alltheteachersweregreat as acommunitydevelopmentspecialist. Government intheplanningdepartment is employedbySt.LouisCounty Joshua Kraus(Architecture2009) U.S. AirForce. Afghanistan forhissecondtourwiththe 2009) iscurrentlydeployedin Jason Kelts(InformationTechnology service engineer. Ace LabSystemsinSt.Louisasafield Elizebeth Donovan.Johnisemployedby plans aSeptember2013weddingto 2004, HVAC2009)isengagedand John Ballard(AutomotiveMaintenance and livesinSt.Charles,Mo. Technology 2009)wasrecentlymarried Becky DettmerFitzgerald(Information Malcinski.” into shopclasswiththeinstructorMark shop onourbreakorwhenwefirstwent were whentheentireclasswouldtalk memories ofRanken,butmyfavorites tells usviaemail,“Ihavealotofgreat the VAMedicalCenterinSt.Louis.He 2010) isamedicalsupportassistantfor Terry Taylor(IndustrialTechnology Lowe’s inWashington,Mo. promoted tostoremanagerofthe Sam Brown(Plumbing2011)hasbeen Restoration ShopinRedBud,Ill. Nicholas isemployedbyV8TVSpeedand planning aSeptember2013wedding.

Motors inHerculaneum,Mo. Maintenance) isatechnicianatSapaugh William Stewart(2001Automotive University. systems analystforWashington Technology 2002)isanoperating Aaron Wilson(ComputerNetworking management. he worksasthemanagerforsecurity recruiter forConnectriaHostingwhere 2003) visitedtherecentjobfairasa Eric Williams(InformationTechnology lives inBrighton,Ill. 2003) marriedAngelainMay2013and Drew Hartman(PrecisionMachining infrastructure. where heworksasthemanagerofIT fair asarecruiterforConnectriaHosting Technology 2003)visitedtherecentjob Josh Patterson(Information with EilermanEnterprises. Rose inSeptember2012andisemployed 2005) wasmarriedtoJenniferMichelle Kyle Eilerman(IndustrialTechnology Mo. Lighting AssociatesinWebsterGroves, and livesinAurora,Ill.Ianisemployedat Allison MartinezinMonticello,Ill.,May Design Technology2005)married Ian Hesterberg(ElectricalSystems wireman forIBEWLocal649. to LindseyHamiltonandisemployedasa Technology 2006)wasrecentlymarried Steve Naylor(ElectricalAutomation for WaterTechnologyGroup. currently atechnicalsolutionstechnician lives andworksinDenver,Col.,is Don Sanders(ControlSystems2006) 2010 andhadhisfirstchildin2012. Services, Inc.,wasmarriedinOctober is theseniorprogrammerforClient Internet WebBasedTechnology2007) Ronnie Hicks(InformationTechnology/ General Contracting,St.Louis. employed asacarpenterforBrunstrom save the date

8.8.13*, 8.13.13-8.14.13 10.9.13, 11.19.13*, 11.21.13 or 12.4.13** Fall Orientation Shadow-a-Tech All students beginning the fall semester should plan to attend Potential students are invited to spend part of their day on the new student orientation. You should receive information in campus shadowing Ranken students to see what a technical the mail indicating which day to attend. For questions, contact education is all about! Please register online at www.ranken.edu. the Admissions office at (314) 286-4809. * Wentzville Location * Wentzville location ** Automotive Only 8.15.13 10.19.13 Fall Family Orientation Fall Open House This orientation is intended for family members of students Join us at our fall open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Take the beginning in the fall semester. For questions, contact the opportunity to tour our programs, speak with an admissions Admissions office at (314) 286-4809. counselor and learn about our many scholarship opportunities. 8.27.13 Fall Semester Begins 10.30.13*, 11.7.13 It’s not too late to register for classes! For more information Placement Testing Day contact the Admissions office at (314) 286-4809. Choose from three different sessions to take the placement test and enjoy a free continental breakfast or afternoon snack. Please 9.6.13, 10.4.13 or 12.6.13 register online at www.ranken.edu or call (314) 286-4849. Space is Employer Breakfast limited. Businesses are invited to join us for breakfast from 8 a.m. to 9:30 * Wentzville location a.m. to learn more about Ranken and how to connect with our recent graduates. Please register online at www.ranken.edu or call 11.6.13 the Career Services office at (314) 286-4821. Fall Job Fair All companies are invited to attend our job fair to meet Ranken 9.27.13 students and accept resumes for open positions. For more Educator/Advisor Workshop information contact Janie Summers, director of Career Services at All educators are invited to attend this half-day workshop to tour (314) 286-4821 or register your attendance online at campus, learn about the benefits of a technical education and how www.ranken.edu. Ranken can benefit your students. 11.13.13 Fall Open House (Wentzville) Join us at our fall open house from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Take the opportunity to tour our programs, speak with an admissions counselor and learn about our many scholarship opportunities.

Giving the Gift of Education Has Never Been Easier We have made it even easier to give the gift of education...simply use your mobile phone to text a donation! Ranken Text RANKEN to code #20222 to give a $10 gift to the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. #20222 A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. For more information on how to use this service or to see copies of our privacy statement, Donor Bill of Rights and Code of Ethics, visit www.ranken.edu/development.

For more information, contact Kathy Fern in the Development Office at (314) 286-4895 or via email at [email protected].

rankentechnicalcollege | 33 employment report RANKEN

Job Opportunities Per Graduate - Spring 2013

Automotive Collision Repair 9.88 3.70 Automotive Maintenance Architecture 7.23 Carpentry 7.79 Control Systems Technology 5.49 Electrical 9.35 Electrical Systems Design 4.67 Welding 5.27 HVAC 6.14 Industrial Technology 4.02 Information Technology 8.67 Internet and Web Technology 6.07 Plumbing 2.13 7.77 Precision Machining 0 2 4 6 8 10 Average Starting Salary Per Program - Spring 2013 Department High Low Avg Avg with 3-4 years exp. Architecture (AS) $42, 000 $24,000 $33,000 $39,000 - $50,000 Architecture (BS) $45,000 $30,000 $38,000 $45,000 - $55,000 Auto Collision Repair $37,000 $22,000 $30,000 $45,000 - $55,000 Automotive Maintenance $44,000 $18,000 $31,000 $45,000 - $55,000 Carpentry $40,000 $22,000 $31,000 $57,000 - $67,000 Control Systems $60,000 $38,000 $49,000 $45,000 - $50,000 Electrical Automation $52,000 $20,000 $36,000 $40,000 - $50,000 Electrical Systems Design $47,000 $33,000 $40,000 $55,000 - $80,000 Heating/Ventilation/AC $40,000 $22,000 $31,000 $45,000 - $55,000 High Performance Racing $35,000 $25,000 $30,000 N/A Industrial Technology $48,000 $30,000 $39,000 $55,000 - $60,000 Information Technology $43,000 $24,000 $34,000 $40,000 - $55,000 Internet/Web Based $42,000 $25,000 $34,000 $45,000 - $55,000 Plumbing $47,000 $21,000 $34,000 $45,000 - $50,000 Precision Machining $53,000 $26,000 $40,000 $45,000 - $50,000 Welding $46,000 $24,000 $34,000 $30,000 - $48,000 as of spring 2013

34 | therankenexperience scholarships donations

Herbert A. & Adrian W. Woods Foundation Pershing Charitable Trust Scholarships for Summer Adventure Academies $15,000 Unrestricted Gift The Pershing Charitable Trust has contributed to Ranken’s The Herbert A. & Adrian W. Woods Foundation (Bank of mission for many years, giving a total of $730,000 since 1998. America, Trustee) recently awarded a $5,500 grant in support This includes a recent unrestricted gift of $15,000. The Pershing of scholarships to this summer’s Career Exploration Adventure Charitable Trust was established in 1968 and gives primarily to Academy. Approximately 20 students will receive scholarships, education and human services organizations in St. Louis. with a focus on economically-disadvantaged youth. This is the second year the Woods Foundation has supported the Adventure Academy program. The Herbert A. & Adrian W. W.R. Persons Charitable Trust Woods Foundation was established in 1999. Mrs. Woods has a $5,000 Unrestricted Gift long history of charitable giving in the St. Louis community. Since 1976, the Persons Charitable Trust, founded by W.R. “Buck” Persons, has graciously contributed over $774,000 in Women’s Scholarship support of Ranken’s programs, including this recent $5,000 Ranken Offers Scholarships to New Female unrestricted gift. Students Ranken recently asked prospective female students to tell Hydromat, Inc. us why a Ranken education is a good option for them. In Multiple Donations of Time and Equipment partnership with Clear Channel, contestants were asked to fill Hydromat’s mission is to offer precision machining solutions out an entry form in hopes of winning a $5,000 scholarship which provide customers with unsurpassed quality, reliability, to be used at the St. Louis or Wentzville location. After all the and productivity. entries were gathered, contestants sat down with John Wood, vice president for student success, to discuss their interests in Hydromat CEO Bruno Schmitter has been a member of the the technical fields, as the final round. Ranken Board of Trustees for several years. Recently, Mr. Schmitter and the company agreed to be a lead donor in the Lucian C. Haney Memorial Scholarship College’s effort to grow the machining trade through new Annual Scholarships to Support Ranken educational opportunities in Wentzville. They also donated a Education precision machine to Ranken’s Wentzville campus.

To remember Ranken alumnus Lucian Haney, a visually Koch Air, LLC impaired 1936 Refrigeration graduate, his family has created Equipment Donations the Lucian C. Haney Memorial Scholarship to be given annually Koch Air has been a distributor of Carrier products since 1936, to support Ranken education. Lucian was 97 when he passed and is the fourth oldest Carrier distributor. It is among the ten in 2012 and had a long, successful career as a result of his largest independent Carrier distributors in the U.S. Ranken education. This gift will provide two $2,500 scholarships annually with preference given to students with special needs Carrier and Koch Air have donated equipment to the Ranken or students enrolled in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Technical College HVAC program many times in recent years. and Refrigeration program. Recently, several 1.5 ton condensing units were delivered to our Industrial Technology and HVAC programs. This continuing Red Bud Industries Scholarship support allows our students to gain hands-on experience with $5,000 Annual Scholarship the most recent technology. Red Bud Industries is one of the most respected manufacturers of Coil Processing Equipment in the world. As part of the Sigma-Aldrich Corporation celebration of its 50th Anniversary in 2009, Red Bud Industries Unrestricted Donation to Fund for Ranken established a $5,000 annual scholarship to Ranken Technical Sigma-Aldrich Corporation generously supports Ranken College. Their goal is to remain a leader in their industry by through its annual contribution to the Fund for Ranken. Their helping the next generation of students from the Red Bud, Ill. unrestricted donations are used to support the purchase of new region gain the skills necessary to build world class equipment equipment, updating lab facilities and enhancing the curriculum. for a global economy. The company also offers each scholarship Headquartered in St. Louis, Sigma-Aldrich operates in 40 recipient employment opportunities while they are in school and countries, has 7,600 employees and is a leading life science and after they graduate. high technology company. Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage paid St. Louis, MO 4431 Finney Avenue | St. Louis, MO 63113 Permit No. 2147

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