Some Assembly Required A MAGAZINE OF MORRISON TECH ALUMNI | SPRING 2020
Defining Moments Taking time to thank others often passes by without notice. You, Morrison Tech Alumni, have made our dream come true, thank you. A college that has become the family of so many. You have been there throughout the years to support the dream of the college – to not only be a place that offers a world class education but a place that everyone can call home. A place where you are always welcome at the dinner table. All of you have a story of life changing moments at Morrison Tech, defining moments – thank you for being part of our story.
President Christopher Scott ◼ 701 Portland Ave .◼ Morrison, Illinois 61270 .◼ cdscott@morrisontech.edu
To the Alumni of Morrison Institute of Technology, Since becoming President of Morrison Tech in 2012, I have been consistently impressed and energized by meeting with our alumni. An overwhelmingly positive response to a recent alumni directory update emphasizes a continuing sense of alumni connection to the college. Along with meeting alumni, I have had the opportunity to work closely with many of the current students on campus and I am amazed with the level of talent we have. These students represent Morrison Tech well and are well prepared for the workforce upon graduation. But, they need your help to achieve true greatness. We need your help with career placement as well as the support of our Defining Moments Campaign. This campaign represents the next stage in the evolution of the college. Morrison Institute of Technology has been providing educational excellence to students more efficiently and with a better return on investment than anyone else for decades. We need for all of our alumni to advocate for the college. We will continue to showcase the value of our program, but you play a large role in this. Together we can make a Morrison Tech education affordable to more students, provide students access to even more technologies and opportunities, and support a skilled workforce that is such a vital part of this nation’s future prosperity. Together, we need to work to control student costs yet maintain our educational quality. The Defining Moments Campaign will establish Morrison Tech as a leader in innovation that can meet the current and future demands of Industry. While many of you have returned to campus, we have others that have yet to visit. I encourage you to visit and experience the many changes and improvements that have transformed Morrison Tech over the years. Don’t hesitate to contact me, I am always interested to hear the thoughts, questions, and ideas of our graduates. I hope to see you on campus on September 19, 2020 for our next All Class Reunion. Please join me in a campaign to recognizing the importance of the defining moments that impact our future; Together, we are the future of Morrison Tech.
Christopher D Scott; President
The Walsh Group | Archer Western Regional Quality Manager
Jack Reid Class of 1996
Following graduation in 1996, I began working for a geotechnical, materials and environmental company, GME Consultants in Bridgeview, IL. I spent 5 years at the company working my way up from Lab/Field Technician to Field Services Manager. In 2002, I was presented with an opportunity to become a Quality Control Manager with Walsh Construction and have been with them for 17 years. My work ethic, knowledge and experience has allowed me to grow with the company, and in 2017 I was promoted to the position of Mid-Atlantic Regional Quality Manager overseeing projects in Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia. As Regional Quality Manager I am a coach, cheerleader, educator and communicator who provides support to Business Group Leaders, Program and Operations Managers, Project Quality leads and project teams throughout the region. I am directly involved in Project Start-Up/Close-Out Support, Training on Quality Initiatives, Work Planning and troubleshooting Quality Incidents to develop KPI's, evaluate trends and to implement improvement strategies. I work side by side with our Regional Safety Manager in supporting the "Quality Job is a Safe Job" ethos and with our Regional Technology Champion developing and advancing e-construction protocols. During the bidding process I will also assist with Quality Cost Estimates and Quality Value Engineering. I made a lot of good friends while attending Morrison Tech, most of which I still converse with thanks to social media. The classes that have undoubtedly helped me most in my career were the ones that centered around Critical Thinking and Materials. The education I received gave me the skills to build a 20+ year career. However, the most important connection I made was with Sara Petersen Reid (class of 96) my wife of 21 years,. Sara and I have three daughters.
Rancher Labs Senior Support Engineer
Matthew Mattox Class of 2010
Since graduation from Morrison Tech, I have supported a range of customers from small mom and pop shops to some of the largest companies. From some of the oldest companies who have been in business for over a 100 years to new tech startups. I feel like my time at Morrison Tech really prepared me to hit the ground running, I’m currently working for a startup called Rancher Labs that is changing the world of containers. Because of this I get to work with companies ranging from Cisco to Space X to IBM to NASA. I provide product support and development services for clients who want to run Docker, Kubernetes, and Rancher.
IMEG Corp. Land Surveyor
Jim Abbitt Class of 1976
My career since graduation has included civil design, material testing, construction inspection, and many facets of surveying. I’m celebrating my 45th year in the industry and likely to hit the 50th year before I step aside from a full time role. I commuted to Morrison Tech daily from East Moline. With the half day class schedule I was able to work close to full time for a local engineer/ surveyor. While I did miss out on a good deal of college comradery, I was fortunate to make a couple of close friends that I see on a regular basis. Many regional projects, both civil design and surveying related, have been part of my journey. From retracements of historic Corps of Engineers surveys and detailed measurements on lock and dam structures to the expansion of runway pavements at the QC International Airport to numerous residential, commercial and industrial developments Currently I am charged with expanding the newly created team of field services in a business development related role. My many years of working in the Quad City area has led to numerous connections with public works, engineering and economic development entities; as well as private developers, realtors, attorneys, bankers and contractors.
Robert Smith Class of 1986
After leaving school I took a drafting job with a company out of Rockford IL. I worked there for 30 years then retired. I am married, have three children, and currently live in North Carolina. I worked with many top manufacturing companies including Caterpillar Engines, Harley-Davidson, Motorola, Seagate, Apple and IBM. We supplied fasteners to build these items so we saw all the new product designs before they made it to market.
Belcan Engineering LLC Manufacturing Engineer
Robert Thurman Class of 1992
I gained career level employment before graduation with Sargent & Lundy in Chicago. After 2 successful years there I moved back to Peoria and worked at Caterpillar, performing functions such as Technical Author, Project Manager, and finally Capacity Manager for the Enterprise. Today, I work at Belcan Engineering as a Project Manager and Manufacturing Engineer, doing project oriented work. I've also owned a small business and was elected as an Ambassador to the Washington IL, Chamber of Commerce in 2003, helping drive new business investments in my community. I knew I wanted to attend Morrison by my Jr. year of high school. A campus visit solidified that. I made lifelong friends and will forever be grateful for the solid skills gained here. In fact, I would not have met my wife if not for Morrison! I met my roommates' girlfriends' best friend while here, and we married several years later. I can't imagine my life without having attended Morrison. At Caterpillar, I became a Six Sigma Blackbelt, working on a project to come up with a solid process to develop the future manufacturing capacity & enterprise footprint. After years of work, we changed the way Caterpillar invested for the future. I managed the process after its development for nearly 8 years. At Belcan Engineering, I was one of the lead manufacturing engineers developing the assembly line and all of the detailed process steps to get the JLTV truck into production for the U.S. Government. The JLTV is the replacement for the HumVee. I was quite proud of having a hand in making an efficient assembly line for an important part of our U.S. Military! Currently, I work onsite at Caterpillar in East Peoria (as of 2019). I am here managing and reporting out the past dues, related inventory, and will be involved in the closure of a nearby facility while the facility I am in takes on the new lines. My role is specifically in the Supply Chain, adding yet another diverse part of my overall knowledge and value. See more at my LinkedIn profile at linkedin.com/in/rmthurman In each phase of my career, I've noticed that employers liked the fact I graduated from Morrison. Morrison Tech has a solid reputation, and I'm proud to be a part of it.
Lin Engineering Project Manager
Aaron Peterson Class of 2007
After Morrison Institute of Technology I continued my education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and received a bachelor's degree in Technical Resource Management with a specialization of Land Survey. After SIUC I have worked for Lin Engineering and have received my Professional Land Surveyor license.
Kankakee County Highway Department Principal Engineering Technician
Timothy Hamilton Class of 1981
I have worked for the Kankakee County Highway Department for approximately 38 years. I started two months after graduating. I have predominantly worked in the bridge division of the department. I conduct bridge surveys and also design bridge approaches. I do most of the construction inspection on bridge projects and until recently I did all the in-service bridge safety inspection for both the county and townships. I became the highway department’s RSO approximately five years ago. I am currently looking forward to retiring in about 20 months. I loved my time at Morrison Tech. When I attended the school it consisted of several mobile homes put together to make up the classrooms and the dorms were also mobile homes capable of holding up to 8 people. The surveying class was my first introduction to surveying and has been invaluable for my given profession. My career highlights include a scour project in the Kankakee River on Warner Bridge. I also worked on a bridge replacement over the Illinois Central Railroad tracks near Grant Park IL, and on a bridge replacement that included 1.75 miles of road reconstruction (which I designed) near Essex, IL. I currently do surveying, design, inspection, contracts, and everything related to the Radiation Safety Officer duties. I’m also the department’s union steward.
Seiberling Designer—Process
Morgan Haick Class of 2016
I have worked as a process designer for Seberling and associates for 3 years. I actually started two days after graduation. We work with Clean in Place processing for dairy and pharmaceutical companies. I have worked with many big name companies all over the United States including Coca-Cola, Wal-Mart, SC Johnson and Fage. My current duties include 2D and 3D modeling of plant piping diagrams, site visits to document existing equipment, and project coordination.
Through the Years This past decade brought many transformational changes to the college. Transformation that continues to move us toward our vision.
2010
2011 2012
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2014
An Alumni Garden was constructed outside the Administration Building. It houses bricks with Alumni names and year they graduated, as well as memorials to those who left our family too soon while they were a student here.
A large step toward our future began this year. The first 3D Printer was purchased. A prototype lab was constructed in the Tech Building. This step allowed our students to see their designs come to life. A new President took over the college; Mr. Christopher Scott. Mr. Scott started with the college in August of 1995. He began at the college as an instructor in the Engineering Technology department. He went on to develop the Networking program in the early 2000’s and instructed the program for two years.
The Rambo Building underwent an extensive remodel. The old familiar paneling was removed, classrooms were relocated, the library found a new location and a new physics lab was added.
The college began to transition from Morrison Institute of Technology to Morrison Tech. The transition also brought a new logo with it. Also in 2014, the Barn was remodeled into a sports bar theme, adding more pool tables, televisions and seating.
Equipment was added to all programs. The Networking program saw the addition of multiple computers to meet the growing enrollment of the program. The Prototyping Lab added many more printers that supported the use of several different materials. The printers served both the Mechanical Engineering Tech programs as well as the Construction Technology programs. Dual Credit began at the college allowing area students to earn college credit while in High School. Four courses were offered to the students over two years. The surveying class took on a project for the college. They laid out a sand volleyball court that was installed over the summer/fall. The Admissions office was relocated to the Rambo building which prompted the building of two offices and a boardroom. Announcement was made of building an 8,000 square foot Innovation Center. One of a kind in the area. Construction was to be completed in 2018. Also in 2017 the college was recognized by Forbes magazine as a top 30 college for trade schools in the nation. The college ranked number 19 out of 30. The dorm rooms were remodeled, adding new armoires, desks and beds. The Innovation Center opened and housed newly added machinery; CNC Mill, Laser, Routing and Plasma equipment. Two forges, welding and sheet metal equipment were also added. A fully equipped woodworking shop was built. The prototype lab in the Tech Building was relocated to the Innovation Center and several 3D printers were introduced. Three new instructors were added to the staff as well. A Career Service department was added allowing even more personalization to job placement. The first Alumni Reunion was held bringing together Alumni from every year; 1960’s-2000’s. Remodeling of the Barn’s Clock Tower took place as well as the Principles of Engineering room. This room houses a Robot Competition ring. During this year the announcement of an 8000 square foot addition onto the Innovation Center was made, breaking ground in 2020.
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Occasions for defining moments do not arise everyday. When they do, we must seize the opportunities they present for improving everyone’s life. -Richard Pound
Guiding Principles Our guiding principles shape the culture and character of our college. They guide how we behave and the decisions we make.
Student Centric Our responsibility is to provide an environment where students will succeed. Underlying every decision we make are the questions; Does this contribute to the success of our students? Does this cultivate the caring family atmosphere we promote? Is this what is best for the student not what is easiest for me?
Passion Exhibit passion in all that we do. Every moment we have the opportunity to empower and excite those around us, do so. Genuine passion is contagious. To do great work you have to love what you do.
Embrace and Drive Change Change is imperative for growth. Accept change, encourage change, implement change and support change.
Respect Make the commitment daily to respect one another. Provide an environment in which every member of the college community exhibits trusts, teamwork, and openness. Acknowledge and value contributions made by all.
Stewardship We are stewards of engineering technology, network administration, our students’ dreams and aspirations and the community at large. We will work towards building a better and stronger college each day.
Morrison Tech Students Giving Back Annual Blood Drive ◼ Community Trick or Treat ◼ Pancake Breakfast Habit for Humanity ◼ 4H Club ◼ Homeless and Hunger Awareness ◼ Geek Squad Engineering Tech Days ◼ STEM Camp ◼ High School Dual Credit Courses Girl Scout STEM Event ◼ Boy Scout STEM Event ◼ Food Pantry ◼ Santa’s Visit Paint the Town/Harvest Hammer ◼ Mental Health/Suicide Awareness Presentation
Innovation Center Opens
The newest construction on campus, the Innovation Center, has been up and running for nearly a year. This past year has brought significant changes and additions to the way the students of Morrison Tech are preparing for their careers. The programs at the college have always been hands-on, but the Innovation Center has taken this practice to an entirely new level. In the past students have designed their projects and brought them to life with one of the many 3D printers on campus. Use of 3D printing continues, and the capabilities have expanded to SLA machines, but these projects are limited by size, time and cost of materials. With the addition of the Innovation Center students have the opportunity to design, create and build larger scale items with a variety of materials. The subtractive technologies are among the most popular machines housed in the facility. CNC capacities include a router table, plasma cutter, a 4 axis mill, and two laser cutters. The center will soon offer additional CNC capabilities including, waterjet, fiber laser, and a new lathe. With these capabilities students and staff have made numerous designs and prototypes during the past year. You may find life size chairs, various lamps, a curved desk or even clocks displayed in the center. Not only are the students reaping the rewards of the facility, but businesses have began to utilize the equipment as well. As the Innovation Center becomes fully implemented, the possibilities are endless. The possibilities will not stop there. Phase II, an 8000 sq. ft. addition, will include a construction lab, a sawmill, and areas for large projects and assemblies. This new addition will double the size of the Innovation Center. As time passes the campus continues to grow - big things are on the horizon!
Alumni Reunion Morrison Tech hosted its first All Alumni Reunion event on June 22nd. The inaugural event brought a group of nearly 100 Alumni, staff and faculty together to reconnect and rekindle friendships. For some it seemed like years. For others it seemed like yesterday. But how much time had passed since their last visit to campus didn’t matter: they were home. They were home and swapping memories.
than I could ask for.” Scott said. “A great team put this together to try something for the first time, and it has been an absolute success.”
Scott Connelly, Director of Career Services, said that he was excited to take part in the event and help coordinate. “As the Career Services Director it was amazing to find out where our alums have landed and to hear their success stories. To find out Jodie Eaker, Director of that we have alumni working Admissions, assisted with with high security clearance planning the afternoon for our government was event. She said she had hoped incredible,” said Connelly. the family friendly reunion would bring Alumni together of Planning for this years All all ages, and it did. Alumni from Alumni Reunion is underway. The date has been the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and set for September 19th. If you 2000’s were represented. “It would like to join the Alumni was exciting to watch the Reunion Committee to help alumni wander around campus. For many of them this plan this year’s reunion, please contact Scott Connelly. was their first time seeing a sconnelly@morrisontech.edu fully remodeled campus and 815 772-7218 the newly built Innovation Center. It was great to see Online registration for the 2020 several alum visit their old Alumni event will open on dorm rooms and play pool in the barn. Everywhere I turned I April 15. could hear laughter.” Chris Scott, Morrison Tech president, was happy with the turn out. “The enthusiasm and energy on campus was more
Alumni Association
Share your Success Story Become a Featured Alumni on the college Website. https:://www.morrisontech.edu/alumni/
ALUMNI AMBASSADORS The Admissions Office invites you to join our team of Morrison Tech Alumni Ambassadors. Ambassadors are a group of volunteers that assist the College Admissions Department with recruiting prospective students and representing the college in the community-atlarge. As an Alum, you are able to share invaluable personal experiences that go beyond any brochure or website. Alumni Ambassadors will be used at a variety of college fairs in their local areas. We know we have Alumni scattered across the country your participation will create a presence at areas we are unable to reach. If you would like to participate in this organization or have questions please contact Jodie Eaker, Admissions Director, at 815-772-7218 x 207
Morrison Tech launch a middle school STEM Camp two summers ago and based on the experiences and succus will be expanding the STEM Camp this summer. The camp will consist of seven different STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) related activities that campers will be able to select from. Each day campers will participate in two activities, a morning session and an afternoon session. Kids imagine, collaborate, explore and create, all while learning super cool STEM skills that will help them in school and in life. The camp will be held on June 24th, July 8th and July 29th. The daily fee to attend the camp will be $60 and will include two sessions, lunch and a T-shirt. Sessions run 9AM - 12:00PM and 12:30PM 3:30PM. Lunch will be served 12:00PM - 12:30 PM. Camps offered: •
Coding 4 Kids - Take a peek inside the mysterious world of coding, and the hardware that makes it work. • Bridging into the Future - Explore bridge design using the latest in computer simulations, then put your ideas to the test in a bridge building contest. • Robot Revolution - Design your robot to be the best at our camp robotics challenge. • Robot Resurgence - Take your robots past the revolution. Campers build on experience to overcome challenges of increased complexity and difficulty. • Make It. Take It - Build your personalized project that combines materials and processes including concrete, electrical/electronics, and woodworking. • Make It. Take 2 –What’s better than building one multi-material take home Project? Building a second one! Explore new materials and processes and expand your skills. • Wear’s The TECH - Design and build wearables that utilize and integrate the latest technology. It’s never too early to encourage development in science, technology, engineering, and math. Giving STEM education a try at an early age is the best way to determine whether a child might want to pursue a career in a related field. All of the activities will be staffed by Morrison Tech instructors. The camper will also be able to explore our inspiring campus, make new friends and build skills that last long after summer. Visit the website at www.morrisontech.edu/stemday/ to learn more, or download the brochure and application to apply now. Space is limited, so apply early to secure your spot.
Imagine What We Can Do Together!
Defining Moments Campaign The previous decade has been critical in the evolution of the college. Each transformation took Morrison Tech one step closer to realizing its vision; to be one of the finest private colleges to award Engineering Technology and Network Administration Degrees. As you once were a student here, you can relate to your education at Morrison – how it brought you from uncertainty to a path of success. This shift was a defining moment for both you and the college. This defining moment not only changed your trajectory, but all of the countless graduates that have walked across our stage. A defining moment is believing what is possible, a series of light- bulb moments spark the realization that you have reimagined yourself and redefined your future. Morrison Tech is proud to announce our “Defining Moments Campaign.� The Defining Moments Campaign sets it sights on moving our vision forward. The vision to offer an affordable outstanding education, promoting a culture of excellence and remaining on the cutting edge of technology. You may donate to this campaign by visiting our website or returning the enclosed envelope to the college. Thank you for your support of the Defining Moments Campaign.
Alumni Center 701 Portland Ave Morrison, Il 61270