focus Fox Valley Technical College
volume 5, issue 1 • spring 2012
your future
SAFeTy FirST FVTC is essential for the cross-training of police, firefighters, and first responders. Page 7
inside:
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FVTC’s decision driving course makes safety a priority. Page 4
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How FVTC’s nursing program helped one nontraditional student succeed. Page 10
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Ariens keeps FVTC’s outdoor power equipment program on the cutting edge. Page 15
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Focus is published bi-annually for the communities of Fox Valley Technical College. Director of college Marketing Barb Dreger eXecUtiVe eDitor/Manager of MeDia relations Chris Jossart
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6 Community Matters Students representing organized clubs are regularly seen around the community helping those in need.
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Safety First FVTC is essential for the crosstraining of police, firefighters, and first responders.
contriBUting Writers Joan Neumahr, Amy Vander Stoep PHotograPHY Gary Brilowski, Gary Gawinski, Dave Kaphingst, Patrick Kelly
2 Around FVTC
A quick look at what’s making news at FVTC.
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features
in every issue
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art Director Amy Bjellos
Focus on Workplace Training Kobussen bus drivers use FVTC’s Decision Driving Course to make safety a priority.
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Focus on the Entrepreneur When the recession hit, landscaper Jerry Oberstadt turned to FVTC’s Venture Center for help.
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Focus on Alumni Q & A with Jesse Hoh, a 2010 graduate of the Fox Valley Technical College Wildland Firefighter program. Jesse’s now building on his skills and experience to expand his long-term career options.
Skillfully Caring Personalized instruction and state-ofthe-art technology helped one nontraditional student succeed.
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Road Warriors Diesel service techs and truck drivers in demand.
Focus on the Foundation Ariens keeps FVTC’s Outdoor Power Equipment program on the cutting edge.
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Focus on the Student Experience Students in Vehicle Refinishing Club go above and beyond for Oshkosh Community project. Also, a win-win holiday promotion for Toys for Tots and Fox Xpress.
PresiDent Dr. Susan A. May Fox Valley Technical College 1825 N. Bluemound Dr. P.O. Box 2277 Appleton, WI 54912-2277 1-800-735-3882 TTY (hearing impaired) (920) 735-2569 www.fvtc.edu jossart@fvtc.edu (email inquiries) Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org. FVTC offers more than 200 associate degree, technical diploma and certificate programs, and instruction related to 15 apprenticeship trades, in addition to providing services to business and industry. The college served about 53,000 people last year, more than any other technical college in Wisconsin.
welcome
Member of:
© 2012 Fox Valley Technical College. All rights reserved. Equal Opportunity Employer/Educator.
For me, Fox Valley Technical College means opportunity and growth. The various classes and experienced instructors have provided me with a wide range of knowledge and skills. The diverse culture at Fox Valley Tech helped me look at issues from many perspectives. I am well-prepared for what the future holds. Welcome to the college. I hope your journey is successful! Jalanna Adams, Business Management ‘11 December 2011 Commencement Student Speaker
fvtc around
Filling the Skills Gap for Our Local Workforce Expansion Plans a Necessity for Area Employers and their Employees At its January meeting, the Fox Valley Technical College Board of Trustees voted unanimously in favor of an administration recommendation to advance the College’s facility expansion plans in the form of a public referendum vote on April 3. The referendum will occur across the nine counties and 148 municipalities that make up FVTC’s service area. A new Public Safety Training Center is the largest of the seven conceptual projects. The center would offer high-tech indoor and outdoor rifle and pistol ranges, an emergency vehicle driving range, a multi-purpose “mock” village, forensic labs and crime scene rooms, an enhanced defensive tactics setting, a live burn tower with various live fire props, and more. This facility would not only be used by FVTC students preparing for these careers, but also by a wide range of public safety professionals who need to regularly enhance their skills through continuing education. “Court decisions have emphasized the importance of training police officers in the settings they’ll encounter in real life,” notes Dr. Pat Robinson, dean of FVTC’s Public Safety division. “When the training matches reality, officers are better prepared to respond in ways that protect the public while keeping themselves safer. The same principles apply to all public safety disciplines. Police, fire, and paramedics all look to Fox Valley Tech to ‘make it real’ in ongoing training to meet the critical demands they face every day on the street.” The College is nationally renowned for its support of AMBER Alert training, the Public safety training at fVtc prevention of Internet provides essential services for Crimes Against the local community. Children, technical training for security
>> On average, 90% of FVTC
graduates land jobs in the workforce within six months of graduation, and just under 80% of these graduates live and work in this region.
>> Enrollment at FVTC has
increased 30% over the past three years.
>> FVTC served about 53,000
people last year, more than any other technical college in Wisconsin.
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>> The referendum is an
investment in the economic health of our region - $1.00 a month for a property valued at $100,000.
>> Overall, the proposed projects would involve just over $1.5 million in annual operating costs, offset by $1 million in savings from terminated leases and related utilities, and new net revenue. This will result in no additional tax impact.
www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College
agents, and forensic and evidence gathering, to name a few. Many of the specialized training sessions bring people to this region, where they spend money in our local economy. In the health care sector, local industry forecasts a growing need for registered nurses and medical professionals due to increased demands based on demographics and an aging workforce. Area health care organizations rely on FVTC for providing entry level employees, as well as assisting with the continuing education of their current staff members. Dan Neufelder, president and CEO of Affinity Health System, recognizes FVTC’s vital role in providing skilled caregivers for local health care organizations. “Fox Valley Technical College’s ability to stay aligned with the changing needs of our health care community speaks volumes about its training technology and best practices.” “Technical education and training are the foundation for fueling a skillsbased economy,” says Dr. Susan May, president of Fox Valley Technical College. “Feedback from members of our community indicates this referendum is an important investment in the economic development of northeast Wisconsin.”
>> The economic impact of the
Public Safety Training Center over the first five years is projected at more than $100 million, according to Northstar Economics, Inc.
>> Enrollment in the Criminal
Justice programs has increased about 60% over the past three years, and the Fire Protection program is currently capped because of capacity limits.
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News Briefs
A Snapshot of the Facility Expansion Plans: Public Safety Training Center
This center, to be developed in partnership with the Outagamie County Regional Airport, addresses the handson, tactical training needs for students and professionals training in law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency medical services. No other fully-integrated training facility exists in the Midwest that combines investigation, firefighting, technical rescue, pursuit, air disasters, and more.
Health Simulation and Technology Center
The center would allow students and medical professionals to optimize the use of human patient simulator technology to better prepare for realistic health care situations within a virtual hospital lab setting. It further expands new health care education options for the region.
Student Success Center
The project would add needed space for academic advising, basic skills instruction, tutoring, testing, disability services, and library resources to help more diverse students become better prepared for the workplace.
Transportation Center
FVTC’s J. J. Keller Transportation Center is the largest trainer of truck drivers in Wisconsin. The plan would address the state’s annual need for 8,000 – 10,000 truck drivers and 400 diesel technicians.
Agriculture Center
Agriculture is the state’s largest industry. The project would accommodate an 87% enrollment growth in ag-related programs since 2008.
Land Purchase in Oshkosh
technology is abundant in agriculture.
Purchasing a parcel of land in Oshkosh next to FVTC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center on Highway 41 will allow for future program and campus growth. Since 2007, the number of students taking classes in Oshkosh has grown 25%.
• Summer Camps, 2012: FVTC is offering nine different hightech camp experiences for middle and high school students. Participants can explore printing, jewelry design, wind energy, solar energy, robotics, firefighting, information technology, and more. For a complete list of camps, dates, and details, visit www.fvtc.edu/summercamps. • The Criminal Justice Center for Innovation at FVTC trained more than 150 local and national public safety professionals during its annual Responding to Missing & Unidentified Persons Conference in Appleton. The conference is the only one of its kind in the U.S. that brings together various law enforcement disciplines for best practice training in missing persons’ issues. In addition, FVTC was praised for providing leadership in training law enforcement in this field in renowned author Carole Moore’s recent book, The Last Place You’d Look: True Stories of Missing Persons and the People Who Search for Them (2011: Rowman & Littlefield). • Students from FVTC’s Dental Hygienist program earned 1st and 4th place finishes in a state table clinic competition as part of the annual Wisconsin Dental Hygienists’ Association Indigo Conference. • Apprenticeship students from both the fourth-year ABC Wisconsin Construction Electrician and fifth-year Industrial Electrician programs collectively raised about $4,000 for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin - Fox Valley, the Fox Valley Humane Association, and local Wounded Warrior project. • For the 5th consecutive year, FVTC was recognized as the best provider of Continuing Education and best Local College/ University as part of the Post-Crescent’s annual “Best of the Valley” awards.
Purchase of the Chilton Regional Center
The college currently leases this facility. Purchasing the center would free up operating dollars and allow the college to build a small expansion to primarily serve the region’s increased need for skilled health care professionals. Enrollment at this center has grown 36% since 2008.
Focus is also on the Web. www.fvtc.edu/focus
Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/referendum
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on workplace training Family Pride in Every Ride Kobussen Bus Drivers use FVTC’s Decision Driving Course to make safety a priority.
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Kobussen Buses, Ltd.’s operation consists of service to 11 school districts with a fleet of 428 buses that transports 36,000 students, in addition to the company’s line of transit services and excursions. “We live our company motto of ‘Family Pride in Every Ride’ with a safety record of excellence every day,” states co-owner Dan Kobussen. “That’s why all of our drivers take the Decision Driving course that Fox Valley Technical College designed specifically for our company.” The course includes both time behind the wheel and an in-classroom session. “The behind-the-wheel part of the program starts on the skid pad, which simulates a slick driving surface that gives you experience in pre-accident conditions,” explains Joe Kobussen. “In one exercise, you start by going around in a circle, increasing your speed until the bus starts sliding. In another, you drive straight ahead to test your reaction time. There’s also one in which they hit the brakes and you have to pull out of the skid and re-gain control.”
It’s known as the best transportation college in the Midwest.
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Dan Kobussen,
Kobussen Buses, Ltd.
“On the skid pad, you quickly learn that there are many aspects of driving that you’re unaware of,” says Brad Plamann, an FVTC driving instructor. “And, it definitely shows the limitations of your equipment. I’ve heard many students report that what they learned through skid pad training could have prevented catastrophes on the road.” For the Kobussens, the program has been very effective at reducing not just the number of accidents, but also the
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severity of accidents. “My brother and I have both been through the course and believe every driver should take it before getting a license,” says Joe Kobussen. “It’s not required by law, but we insist on it because we firmly believe that it makes our employees better drivers.” Kobussen driver Ralanna Zimmer heartily agrees. “Every student who takes driver education should take this course,” she states. “It changes the way you drive. You’re suddenly very Dan kobussen and ralanna Zimmer aware of road conditions and pay Dan Kobussen. “It’s known as the best more attention to all the cars around transportation college in the Midwest. you. Everything I learned in the course We also work with them in a customer I apply every time I get behind the service program for our motor coach wheel—even in my own car.” drivers, as well as the safety program “The instructors at Fox Valley Tech for the bus drivers. For us, they’re right work hard to improve safety,” states here and they make it easy.”
The Best Training in Transportation “We offer something in transportation for virtually everyone in our region,” states FVTC Driving Instructor Brad Plamann. “The college trains people in the Decision Driving course and those who want to become professional truck drivers, and more. In addition to working with companies like Kobussen, we work closely with the Wisconsin DMV in training all of the CDL examiners in the state. The Wisconsin State Patrol even uses our facility.” The FVTC staff in this field works together to provide both on-site and on-theroad training. “Our whole skid pad area and driving range encompasses about five acres, plus we have a three-quarter mile road around a pond that adjoins college property,” notes Plamann. “Once they get the basics here, we also work with students out on the road.” In addition to its training space, FVTC’s J. J. Keller Transportation Center also houses a lot of state-of-the-art equipment. “Our program is nationally recognized,” adds Plamann. “We are experiencing demand for our training services like never before, making our scheduling process a challenge. Everything we do is geared toward making the roads safer, so we must find ways to continue to address transportation safety and efficiency.”
Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/wddc
www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College
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focus
on the entrepreneur
A Growing Success When the recession hit, Jerry Oberstadt turned to FVTC’s Venture Center for help. “As an entrepreneur, it’s hard to find a resource you can really count on,” states Jerry Oberstadt, president of Oberstadt Landscapes in Fremont. “That’s why I consider the E-Seed™ and Pro-Seed™ programs at Fox Valley Technical College’s Venture Center to be such good investments.” Part of the Business and Industry Services division at FVTC, the Venture Center provides professional development training programs for entrepreneurs on a fee-for-service basis. “Our goal is to boost entrepreneurship and build area business to expand employment,” states Venture Center director Amy Pietsch.
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Our revenue increased twenty percent in 2011. When people ask me about the Venture Center, I think that says it all.
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Jerry Oberstadt
Oberstadt Landscapes is a great example of how the Venture Center helps area businesses. “Jerry first went through our E-Seed™ program for help in developing management and planning tools,” Pietsch says. “He then registered for Pro-Seed™, a blended program in which students work individually through online modules, and then meet with a personal coach on a weekly basis for one-on-one sessions.” When the recession hit in 2009, Oberstadt’s clients began cutting
Jerry oberstadt
back on projects. “My revenue was decreasing and my expenses were increasing,” recalls Oberstadt. “I then looked to the Venture Center to help me rethink my business strategies.” With the help of the Venture Center, Oberstadt was able to identify his strengths and his weaknesses. “The center’s resources gave me tools that I could apply immediately to my business,” remembers Oberstadt. “For example, my coach helped me boost my financial management skills, which had an immediate impact on how I handled the business on a daily basis.” Oberstadt also learned that he needed to delegate more. “I now put more trust in my team members by bringing them into new projects sooner so they can work effectively without me,” he says. “I am now the manager of the entire business rather than just the lead designer. I still get involved in design work, but I am finding fulfillment in helping different team members do their jobs well.” Business has been very good for Oberstadt Landscapes. “Our revenue increased twenty percent in 2011,” Oberstadt says. “When people ask me about the Venture Center, I think that says it all.”
Helping small business every step of the way Launched in 2005, The Venture Center at Fox Valley Technical College has served more than 1,000 professionals, helped launch and/or expand 300 businesses, which in turn created more than 1,000 new jobs. In addition to the success of new business start-ups, existing small business owners are increasingly finding that the Venture Center is their lifelong partner in improving or expanding operations as well. “We offer customized blended programs, monthly guest speakers, and oneon-one coaching,” says Amy Pietsch, director of the Venture Center. Pietsch says she’s proud of how the Venture Center has emerged as an invaluable network of business professionals. “Basically, every client who has worked with the Venture Center stays with us throughout his or her journey. Some provide expert counsel to aspiring entrepreneurs, others look to us for additional resources and training, and some help by simply letting people know that business ownership is very doable!”
Learn more: www.venturecenterwi.biz
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community
Horticulture students at Riverside Medical Center in Waupaca
matters
Students from organized clubs are seen around the community helping those in need There are 45 student organizations at Fox Valley Technical College, and all of them donate their skills in support of community efforts. “We’re developing people,” says Jim Beard, Horticulture instructor and student group advisor. “As a technical college our job is to train the workforce, but providing skills is only one part of it. Volunteering is another way all Fox Valley Tech students learn how to work with others, gain confidence, and communicate professionally.” Developing organizations that meet student needs and their interests is part of the FVTC “Knowledge That Works” approach to education.
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Volunteering is another way all Fox Valley Tech students learn how to work with others, gain confidence, and communicate professionally.
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Jim Beard
instructor
“Through giving their time and skills, many students build relationships that produce donations from community groups, individuals, and businesses,” states Vicky Barke, director of Student Life. It’s truly a win/win arrangement for learning and for the betterment of the community.” An excellent example of these efforts is the Reflection Garden at the ThedaCare Riverside Medical Center in Waupaca, designed and built, in part, by students in FVTC’s Horticulture Club. In one day, club members and
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other Horticulture students joined about 80 community volunteers to complete a 75-by-276-foot garden featuring five patios, three raised plant beds, two walls with built-in benches, and more. “I call it a healing garden because it provides a nurturing environment for anyone who needs to take some time away from the hospital,” says Beard. Students from the Horticulture program and club served as team leaders for most of the projects, and they continue to work on enhancing the garden for the Waupaca community. Beard says his students are already working on a fencing project for the garden to be completed this spring. Student groups heal the community in other ways, too. Each year, volunteers from the FVTC Student Nurses Association (SNA) lend a hand at the Community First Fox Cities Marathon. “I take about eighteen to twenty students to the marathon,” says nursing instructor and SNA advisor Peggy Taylor. “Half of them work the medical pavilion by the finish line, and the other students staff the medical tent.” Nursing students at the finish line help assess runners and determine whether anyone is in need of help. “We call them ‘catchers’ because they catch any problems by doing a quick triage,” explains Taylor. “They also help transport those in need to a rest area and assist doctors in whatever additional treatment procedures may be necessary.” “All of our student organizations help their community in many ways
throughout the year,” says Barke. “They work with our local food pantries, dental clinics, the MakeA-Wish Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and several other non-profit organizations and community projects.” Volunteering is a true part of the FVTC student experience. “It’s hard to summarize how good it makes you feel to help,” Taylor says. “To understand it, you need to do it. Working with our student association is the best part of my job!”
Nursing students at Fox Cities Marathon
View video of the Reflection Garden project: www.fvtc.edu/focus/community
www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College
Safety FVTC is essential for the cross-training of police, firefighters, and first responders.
First
Fox Valley Technical College is changing the landscape of public safety training. Traditionally, law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical services are trained independently and at different facilities. FVTC’s integrated approach in training these disciplines together reflects the way the services work in the real world. “The Cottonville fire, just west of Wautoma, in 2005 was an excellent example of why law enforcement, emergency medical services, and fire training work best when they’re essentially Paramedic student and first responder Jessica Giacalone, firefighter grad Xiong Yang, and Hortonville Police Chief Mike Sullivan
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functioning as one response unit,” states Rick Buser, department chair and instructor in FVTC’s Wildland Firefighter program. “It burned nearly 4,000 acres and 90 structures. I was there, and everyone had to work together to get the job done safely and efficiently. Now, with our college’s unified approach to public safety, we can make sure everyone is better prepared through cross-discipline training.” Dr. Pat Robinson, dean of FVTC’s Public Safety division, has been spearheading a plan to integrate these programs since 2008. “These disciplines work together on the street all the time,” she states. “However, we’re one of the very few places where they get to train together. The potential when every field of public safety trains together in the same place is amazing.” Areas such as arson investigation, which involve both fire and police departments, need professionals who have cross training. And, there is a nationwide trend for consolidating services. “In today’s economy, it’s far more cost effective to have people who can serve in whatever function is needed at any point in time,” explains Dr. Robinson. “The result is very beneficial for the community.” Access to technology is another important consideration for public safety training. “Every program has an advisory committee that meets at least twice a year to keep us in touch with what is going on in the real world,” says Dr. Robinson. “I’ve been at schools where the graduates talk about how the college equipment is several years out of date. That’s not the case at Fox Valley Tech. Our job is to be an innovation leader with stateof-the-art equipment to keep our grads current in their fields.” The Criminal Justice department, for example, has a Leica 3D laser scanner used for crime scene reconstruction. The college has made it available for use on a number of actual crime
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scenes, including a major pile-up accident on Highway 41 in Appleton in July of 2011. “We train our students and make our services available to the units who are actually out in the field,” Dr. Robinson says. “It’s a good deal for the taxpayer, plus it gives our students and instructors more real-world experience.” Michael Sullivan, the Village of Hortonville’s police chief, validates FVTC’s commitment to staying current with today’s ever-changing needs. “I earned my associate degree from Fox Valley Tech in 1994,” he says fondly. “And, I’ve watched as the college has continually evolved to meet new needs. Just look at forensics, SWAT team, juvenile law, evidence technology, DNA preservation--the list goes on. All of my officers go to Fox Valley Tech for training.” Sullivan is not alone in his enthusiasm. Jessica Giacalone, a basic-level first responder in the nearby Weyauwega-Fremont community and current student in the Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic program, adds her voice to the chorus of those impressed by FVTC. “I believe that Fox Valley Tech is really making our area a safer and better All of my officers go place to live,” she states. “These programs to Fox Valley Tech aren’t easy. They weed out the people who aren’t right for this field and make sure for training. that the people who make it are the best professionals to have on the street.” Mike Sullivan Hortonville Police Chief Giacalone also appreciates FVTC’s
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Hortonville Police Chief Mike Sullivan (left) with patrol officer and FVTC graduate Tyler Heiden
www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College
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practical, real-world emphasis and handsThe college’s on approach to learning. Virtually every class includes demonstrations, and all reputation in training students take intensive clinical hours for first responders is on-the-job experience. In addition, FVTC was one of the first colleges in Wisconsin well known. I made to have a Human Patient Simulation technology lab. a great choice. “The simulated mannequins in the lab Jessica Giacalone are very lifelike,” explains Giacalone. “They cry, laugh, bleed, turn blue, and even urinate. Through working with them, we learn what to do in critical situations and can keep practicing.” Giacalone looked to FVTC because she wanted to work in emergency situations. “I wanted to be out in the field,” she remembers. “I want to be the first person on the scene and the first person to help in what can be a horrible situation. I think I’ve found my niche here. The college’s reputation in training first responders is well known. I made a great choice.” Xiong Yang, a recent graduate of the Fire Protection Technician program, came to FVTC as a way to give back to his community. “My family is from Laos and I am
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A National Leader in Your Backyard “I’ve traveled the country for more than three decades, and Wisconsin is one of the best public safety states in the nation based on communication between firefighters and law enforcement,” notes Gordon Graham, president of Lexipol and 33-year veteran of California law enforcement and national renowned trainer in risk management topics regarding public safety practitioners. “What has contributed toward Wisconsin’s special disposition in this area is the exemplary public safety training initiatives of Fox Valley Technical College, which continue to standardize best practices in services for those who serve and protect us,” adds Graham. FVTC is a national, state, and local leader in training the next generation of public safety professionals, as well as keeping the skills up-to-date for current police officers, first responders, firefighters, and forensic investigators. “Criminals are finding new ways to commit crimes each day,” says Grand Chute Police Chief Greg Peterson. “It is vitally important that public safety officials, investigators, and first responders work more closely than ever to combat criminal behavior, and Fox Valley Technical College is already taking charge of bringing these fields together to make communities even safer.”
the fourth person to graduate from the college,” he says. My instructors worked hard to make sure I learned. I came here not knowing anything about being a firefighter, but now I am very well prepared. My classes were very hands-on.” Yang also credits a current internship experience with Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue for preparing him for all aspects of the job. “They treat me as if I am another firefighter,” he explains. “I get to help save lives. My captain said that I would be an asset to any fire department, and that gives me confidence in my current job search.” Yang is currently going through various application processes for a job as a firefighter. “Our work is to bring the most highly qualified people into the fields that require so much from each individual,” continues Dr. Robinson. “And we’re expanding by offering more programs in new ways such as online learning and even fighting wildfires from the sky through partnering with our Aeronautics program. We’re also working on developing fee-based programs as well as continuing to secure government grants.” “I came to Fox Valley Technical College because it was just too cool of an opportunity to turn down,” concludes Dr. Robinson. “The people here are amazing and we’re leading the way nationally in many areas. We’re making a real difference. My only regret is that I didn’t find this place sooner!”
FVTC also takes a leadership role in protecting America’s children through grant-funded training for AMBER Alert, Internet Crimes Against Children, as well as a wide range of training related to missing and exploited children. Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/cjci
View video: www.fvtc.edu/focus/publicsafety
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Skillfully
Caring
Personalized instruction and state-of-the-art technology helped one non-traditional student succeed. For some, returning to college at age 37 can be challenging and downright scary. For Carri Rosera, a graduate of Fox Valley Technical College’s Nursing-Associate Degree program, being a single mother with three kids even magnified the challenge. “I soon realized I made the right choice when the Fox Valley Tech instructors took me under their wings,” states Rosera. “They helped me through so many things that were going on in my life. My feelings about Fox Valley Tech are strong because the place was so life-changing for me.” Chemistry with Dr. Miriam Douglass was one of Rosera’s first classes. “It involved a lot of math—a subject in which I was never very strong at,” she says. “She stayed after class with me, giving me math problem after math problem, and I ended up getting an A in that class!”
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www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College
Carri Rosera, registered nurse
Zoe Cujak, dean of the Health division, believes that helping students succeed through a mentorship-style approach is a vital part of her area and the college as a whole. “The professionals who recently came here from the national accreditation agency remarked that every student they interviewed talked about the nurturing and caring support they received from our faculty,” she notes. Today, providing nurturing support has become part of Rosera’s daily work. “I’m a registered nurse at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, working on the in-patient medical floors,” she explains. “I take care of very ill patients who have cardiac problems and cancer. Many are facing end-oflife issues.” Rosera said that she felt well prepared for her job from day one. “The classroom instruction was amazing, plus our
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We have an excellent placement rate. Ninetyeight percent of our recent associate degree graduates have found career positions.
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Zoe Cujak
Dean of FVTC’s Health division
clinical experiences offered a great deal of insight,” she notes. “And the Human Patient Simulation (HPS) lab ensures you get hands-on experience handling everything. The patient simulators are very real and can be programmed to present any medical condition. Even after graduation, we can go back to the HPS lab to tune up our skills to provide the best care possible on the job.” “At the college, we work in collaboration with our area health care employer partners to assess their current and future needs,” Cujak says. “We have an excellent placement rate. Ninety-eight percent of our recent associate degree graduates have found career positions. The graduate placement rate for our medical assistants is about ninety percent.” The role of the health care worker is also changing and expanding, according to Cujak. “At Fox Valley Technical College we’re preparing our graduates with skills they will need to succeed in a professional environment that is leaner—a place where people will simply have to perform more tasks.” Rosera continues to make learning new skills a regular part of her professional life. “With nursing you are learning every day,” she states. “I recently passed the ONS Chemotherapy and Biotherapy course and am now able to administer chemotherapy. I would also like to take the Advanced Cardiac Life Support classes, in addition to earning my bachelor’s and master’s degrees.” Rosera credits FVTC for her continued success. “When I think of Fox Valley Tech and all the people who helped me, I get tongue-tied,” she says. “Going back to school also helped me instill the importance of education in my children.” The FVTC Health division offers a wide range of programs. In nursing, graduates include registered nurses with associate degrees as well as licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and medical assistants. In addition, the division offers dental programs for both dental assistants and hygienists, and other specialized programs like Occupational Therapy Assistant, Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, Medical Coding Specialist, Health Information Technology, and several certificate offerings. View video: www.fvtc.edu/focus/nursing
Human Patient Simulation Technology Brings Training to Life at FVTC Robotic simulators Real-life training through are used as best human patient simulation practice tools for all students in Fox Valley Technical College’s Health division and for those in the Emergency Medical Services programs, in addition to medical professionals throughout the region. “These simulators are very lifelike, hightech robots,” notes Bob Sternhagen, director of the Human Patient Simulation (HPS) Lab at FVTC. “I work with instructors and then program the simulators to present the symptoms of whatever disease or disorder the students are studying.” For students, work in the HPS Lab is like seeing patients. They make treatment decisions and see the results of their efforts. “We have one simulator that actually gives birth,” notes Sternhagen. “When I show someone a video, they assume they’re looking at a real human patient. Students are gaining the most effective learning experience possible before hitting the workforce.” Research has shown that simulation labs play a critical role in health care education today. “FVTC associate degree and certificate paramedic students can now earn half of the 800 hours of clinical experience they need on simulators,” states Sternhagen. Sternhagen, who has been teaching at FVTC for 37 years, was part of the team that brought simulation robots to campus a dozen years ago. “The manufacturer, Medical Education Technologies, Inc., or METI, now directs other schools to us for best practices,” he says. Area hospitals and other medical providers use HPS technology to keep the skills of their employees up to date. FVTC’s virtual hospital setting and outreach capabilities with HPS technology exemplify the college’s unique position in training the next generation of caregivers. View video: www.fvtc.edu/bis/hps
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Road WaRRioRs The J. J. Keller Transportation Center at Fox Valley Technical College will soon have to double capacity to keep up with the needs of Wisconsin businesses. “We have at least three job offers for every diesel tech student,” states Dan Poeschel, associate dean of the Transportation Division. “And there is a continuing demand for qualified truck drivers.” Steve Farwell, a general manager of Quality Truck Care Centers and an FVTC advisory board member for 17 years, reports that the industry is facing a huge dilemma and needs highly qualified professionals.
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Diesel service techs and truck drivers in demand.
Zach Tratz, diesel technician
Students need to understand that technical positions now pay as much, and often more, than many jobs which require a fouryear college degree.
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Steve Farwell
Quality Truck Care Center
“Approximately 40 to 50 percent of our workforce will be retiring between 2010 and 2030,” he says. “There will be a huge need for technicians and we need to do something about it now.” Zach Tratz, a recent FVTC graduate of the Diesel Equipment Mechanic program, is a technician working with Farwell at the Appleton Quality Truck Care Center. He came to FVTC’s program after studying physical and environmental geography for two years. “I realized that I wanted to do something hands-on and learn a trade,” he says. “The minute I got here and took a tour, I knew this was what I wanted to do.” Diesel technician students at FVTC attend school for six hours a day, typically spending one hour in lecture and the rest working hands-on in the lab. “You do get homework, but mostly you’re working to solve real problems,” Tratz says. Tratz sees his technician job as a gateway to getting into management.
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www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College
s Stefani Kersten, truck driver
Training almost around the Clock to Meet the Need Training services provided on behalf of the J. J. Keller Transportation Center at Fox Valley Technical College are currently working at full capacity. “We’re open at 7:30 in the morning and still going strong until well after 10:00 each night,” states associate dean Dan Poeschel. “We are in such demand that students are constantly wanting to attend any number of our programs.” At any given time, there will be at least 200 students at the center in programs such as: Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing Technician Automotive Maintenance Technician Automotive Service Management Automotive Technician Automotive Technician - Imports Automotive Technology Automotive Technology - GM ASEP Automotive Technology - Imports
CDL Straight Truck Diesel Equipment Mechanic Diesel Equipment Technology Electrical Power Generator Service Technician Exploring Automotive Careers Logistics Truck Driving Vehicle Refinishing and Repair Technology
“In addition, we train industry professionals from insurance adjustors to bus drivers to state troopers to maintenance people for fire trucks, and more,” adds Poeschel. “Every Sunday, you can see police cars on the skid pad learning how to handle a high speed chase and other critical driving skills.”
“I’ll know the business from the ground level up,” he says. “My hands-on knowledge will ultimately make me a better manager.” Farwell has hired many FVTC graduates over the years. “The technicians we’ve hired from Fox Valley Tech have grown with our organization and are now foremen, service managers, and sales people,” he says. “Students need to understand that technical positions now pay as much, and often more, than many jobs which require a four-year college degree.” FVTC’s transportation programs offer outstanding career opportunities for men and women of all ages. “We have both traditional and non-traditional students,” says Poeschel. “More women are enrolling as the industry now recognizes that they make good technicians as well as conscientious truck drivers.” Recent truck driving completer Stefani Kersten became the third generation of her family to drive long haul. “It was something that my dad and grandfather did, and I always wanted to try it,” she says. “I finished in April 2011 and started with Roehl Transport the next month. I’ve driven steel, lumber, doors, and aluminum for cell towers. I once carried all the pieces of a complete log home, including the kitchen sink!” Kersten recommends the program to others. “The first week of school is all in the classroom,” she remembers. “By the second week we were already in trucks, and all the classroom instruction started to immediately make sense. The instructors know how to turn book knowledge into practical capabilities.” Today, the 33 year-old Kersten receives nothing but compliments on her driving. “I spent ten years cutting hair, where you have to pretend to be in a good mood even if you’re not,” she laughs. “Now, I’m out getting to see the country and getting paid for it!” View video: www.fvtc.edu/focus/transportation
In a recent conversation with the transportation industry, employers urged college officials to develop a program in tractor-trailer repair. “There is a huge shortage of technicians needed to handle this kind of work,” says Poeschel. “Here is another example of our value to the community.”
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Q & a with Jesse Hoh A 2010 graduate of the Fox Valley Technical College Wildland Firefighter program, 24-year-old Jesse Hoh has already gained impressive professional experience. Jesse’s now building on his skills and experience to expand his long-term career options.
Did you always want to become a firefighter? I have to admit that I never really thought about being a firefighter until I was a student at Fox Valley Tech. I was taking general education classes when my advisor encouraged me to talk to Rick Buser about this new program. I am an outdoors-type person who loves to hunt and fish, plus I really care about the environment. The more Rick told me about the program, well, it just clicked.
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I got my first job in this field in 2009 working for a private contractor in California. I earned this job before I actually graduated from the program.
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Jesse Hoh
graduate
Where was your first job fighting wildfires? I got my first job in this field in 2009 working for a private contractor in California. I earned this job before I actually graduated from the program.
Describe what your most recent job is like. Last summer I worked for Sun Fire, a private contracting firm in South Dakota. The company sent us to Georgia to help battle the 300,000-acre
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Jesse Hoh, wildland firefighter
honey prairie fire. I was one of around 2,000 firefighters working in the Okefenokee Swamp. We had to build a fire bridge so bulldozers could get in to cut down the vegetation to prevent the fire from spreading. I worked on a lot of fire fronts making sure the fire didn’t cross the bulldozer line.
What do you like most about being a wildland firefighter? I really enjoy my work. It takes a special person to get excited to go out on the front lines of a fire. I like the intensity of it; it’s a very disciplined and military-like field. You definitely have to like the challenges associated with observing and managing a fire, in addition to being physically ready for it. A lot of important analysis and research goes on before you actually start fighting a fire.
Did you feel well prepared for the job? Between the math and science classes, my internship working alongside the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fire crew, and the live fire classes, I did feel well prepared. When
www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College
you’re on the ground during a fire, you have to keep an eye on everything, like the weather and what’s happening around you. You have to quickly apply what you learned. The more training I had at Fox Valley Tech, the more I enjoyed it. I liked learning about weather, topography, and meteorology. To me, those lessons were really cool and piqued my interest.
What are your current plans? I am going to UW-Oshkosh fulltime pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies. I was able to transfer all credits from my associate degree into this program. My goal is to have a dual career where I can fight fires and do environmental work such as being a forester, park ranger, or a scientist for the DNR. There are only six colleges in the U.S. that have associate degree programs in wildland firefighting, so I felt this training would help distinguish my skills and give me an advantage.
Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/wildlandfirefighter
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on the Foundation
Investing in Innovation Ariens keeps FVTC’s Outdoor Power Equipment program on the cutting edge. In 2005, Fox Valley Technical College launched its Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) program with industry leaders who were concerned about the need for qualified technicians. Their donations of equipment and training materials have helped the program gain national recognition. Established in 1933 in Brillion, Wisconsin, Ariens Company is a leading manufacturer of outdoor power equipment for both consumer and commercial use. Ariens was one of FVTC’s initial founding partners of the OPE program, and recently the company made yet another important contribution. “They delivered six of their new state-of-the-art electric riding lawn mowers late last year,” says OPE instructor Dale Drees. “These are the very latest in green technology.”
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Every time we receive equipment like this, it saves the taxpayers money.
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Dale Drees
Instructor, Outdoor Power Equipment program
“Every time we receive equipment like this, it saves the taxpayers money,” Drees states. “We don’t have to purchase these training tools for our students. We can save money for other student learning experiences.” “Our relationship with Fox Valley Technical College goes back years,” states Fred Moreaux, director of Product Conformance-WarrantyTraining for Ariens. “I’ve been part of the program’s advisory committee since its inception.” Throughout this relationship, the company has made substantial donations including snow equipment, conventional gas mowers and commercial equipment,
training materials, and component parts such as transmissions. “We believe it is important to enable Fox Valley Technical College to put actual working products into the hands of its students,” says Moreaux. “It helps ensure that technicians will know how to work Ariens Company’s recent donation to the with the latest Outdoor Power Equipment program equipment.” That equipment community courses. “We offer the is far more sophisticated and powerful, full gamut of courses in our evening plus newer emission standards require program and work with everyone,” cleaner engine performance. “Today’s states Drees. “Some are homeowners equipment requires fully qualified who want to learn simple things like technicians,” notes Drees. “That’s why sharpening a mower blade. Others want industry support of technical education to handle complete maintenance and is so important. Without it, many repair projects.” schools could simply not afford to run Today, all of the OPE program’s effective programs.” original supporters, which include Since 2005, more than 175 Briggs & Stratton, Stihl, Snap-On Tools, technicians have completed the and Ariens, continue their support. OPE program. “You’ll find our Other companies have climbed onboard grads working almost everywhere,” too. “What we don’t use, we pass on to states Drees. “Some work for our high schools,” says Drees. manufacturing partners in their plants and dealerships. Others, who came to us as older learners due to job loss, have started their own companies!” Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/ope In addition, the program also serves many non-professionals through
Another Tech Education Champ Recently, Kohler Company, a global leader in the manufacturing of kitchen and bath products, engines, and power generation systems, donated more than 3,600 Courage XT-7 small engines to Fox Valley Technical College’s Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) program. “Kohler looked to us to help distribute these engines because of our reputation and relationships with high schools,” notes Dale Drees, instructor in FVTC’s OPE program. “This is an incredible demonstration of support for technical education at all levels. Education is facing unprecedented budget cuts, so
Kohler’s donation is very timely as well.” The fair market value of Kohler’s overall donation is more than $543,000. To date, FVTC has donated these engines to 115 school districts in its service community and throughout Wisconsin. “Hundreds of students can now gain real-life experiences in small engine theory,” says Kevin Otradovec, technology education instructor at Stockbridge High School. “The generous support of Kohler Company and Fox Valley Technical College provides the tools for meaningful, high quality education.”
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Nutcrackers on the Town Students in Auto Collision Repair Club go above and beyond for Oshkosh community project. Last holiday season, students from Fox Valley Technical College’s Auto Collision Repair Club took on a special project to help out the Oshkosh community: the design and construction of an eight-foot nutcracker statue.
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We have repair shops constantly calling us for professionals in the collision field. Even in this economy, we don’t have enough students ready to fill the need.
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Joe Kircher
instructor
In response to the city’s request for area artists to turn giant metal nutcracker statues into individual pieces of art for the 2011 holiday season, club members agreed to donate their time and skills. “We took three broken nutcrackers and turned them into one on a rotating platform,” says 62-year-old student and club vice-president Dave DeBruin.
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“Ours has two faces with a different style character on each side.” In all, 20 students were involved in the two-month project with five individuals dedicating more than 100 hours each. “There was a lot of work to be done,” notes DeBruin. “We built a gear-driven box to make it spin. The body required a great deal of work with different polymers, fiberglass, and Bondo before we started painting.” The nutcracker is just one of the club’s community support projects. Previously, they rebuilt and donated a van to the area’s Veterans Affairs hospital. They’re currently working on a specially equipped car for a handicapped student. All these projects exemplify ideal hands-on opportunities for the students to demonstrate their skills. “I originally joined the club because it’s fun to be part of a group of pure gear heads,”
As a veteran, I think it’s also important to give back to our community.
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Dave DeBruin
Vice President of FVTC Auto Collision Repair Club
FVTC’s nutcracker will be auctioned in September to benefit local arts programs. For more information, email christine@thepaine.org.
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www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College
High-tech training for auto collision and refinishing program students at FVTC
Graduates of both the Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing Technician and Vehicle Refinishing and Repair programs saw 100% job placement. - 2011 FVTC Graduate Employment Report laughs DeBruin. “However, as a veteran, I think it’s also important to give back to our community.” “I’m very proud of our club because it really did go beyond the call,” says Joe Kircher, instructor in FVTC’s Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing Technician program. “We have repair shops constantly calling us looking for professionals in the collision field. Even in this economy, we don’t have enough students ready to fill the need!” According to the 2011 FVTC Graduate Employment Report, graduates of both the Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing Technician and Vehicle Refinishing and Repair programs saw 100% job placement just six months after graduating.
Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/vehiclerefinishing
nd C
Good-Cause Marketing A win-win holiday promotion for Toys for Tots and Fox Xpress. For their final marketing project, Fox Valley Technical College Marketing students Devan Kuether, Aaron Blabaum, Arron Hoch, and Taylor Knowles wanted to do something extraordinary while addressing a community need. “Our original assignment was to promote Fox Xpress (FVTC’s mobile kiosk-style restaurant at its Riverside campus in Oshkosh) more in the community,” Kuether recalls. “It was during the Christmas season, and when the idea of tying the promotion with the Toys For Tots campaign came up, we knew it was the right direction.” The promotion featured a prize raffle, plus coupons for discounted soda and coffee at Fox Xpress. “If you dropped off a toy or any monetary donation, you
could enter to win a prize,” explains Kuether. “We had some fantastic prize sponsors, including Bergstrom Automotive and Best Buy.” Graphic Point, an area design firm, worked with the group to develop large vinyl posters, door signs, and coupons. “Everyone was extremely helpful,” notes Kuether. “Our instructors, Sandy Plank and Teri Stark, do a phenomenal job of using projects rather than tests to learn. You learn skills and real solutions rather than just knowing the answers on a multiple choice test.” The initiative proved to be successful, with the group collecting more than 100 toys for Toys for Tots while increasing business at Fox Xpress by more than 25%. The students’ innovative approach to the project impressed FVTC faculty as well. “Their goal was something big and bold and they exceeded all expectations,” states marketing instructor Sandy Plank. “Devan’s group was so successful that we would like to continue this idea on a yearly basis.”
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You learn skills and real solutions rather than just knowing the answers on a multiple choice test.
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Devan Kuether
Marketing student
Marketing students at Fox Valley Tech not only do hands-on projects, but are also often involved in handling full-scale marketing research. “We get quite a few calls from well-known businesses in our area,” Plank explains. “They want us to work on everything from developing questionnaires to writing reports and handling major presentations. We’ve worked with leading area companies such as the Heidel House Resort, the YMCA, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield in Fond du Lac.” Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/marketing www.fvtc.edu/foxxpress
Marketing students from Oshkosh (left to right): Taylor Knowles, Aaron Blabaum, Arron Hoch, and Devan Kuether
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