GRAVITATE A MAGAZINE OF MORRISON TECH | SUMMER 2018
LIFE IS MADE UP OF MOMENTS. Not all moments are equal. There are big moments, like choosing your college. Small moments, like grabbing a bite to eat. Heavy moments, like stepping out of your comfort zone. And wonderful moments, like realizing others are beside you in that step.
At Morrison Tech, every moment is a chance. A chance to decide how you wish to live. A chance to realize that we are your extended family, and we are cheering you on along the way. We know that you were created to make a difference in today’s world and at Morrison Tech, you’ll learn, innovate
and face this challenge through every moment of your life.
Jasmine’ is preparing for a Network Administrative Career—and she’s uniting her heart and mind to engage a world that needs her creative solutions.
Jasmine Baumbarger Network Administration Major
Hello! My name is Jasmine and I am from Okaw Valley (IL) High School. Class of 2019 . Why I chose Morrison Tech? I chose the college because it had the exact major I am interested in. It is a small school with small class sizes, and it offers a true hands on education. Fun Fact About Myself: I really do not have a fun fact about me, but did you know that gorillas burp when they are happy? Best advice for incoming students and those starting their college search: Set goals, work hard and don't be afraid to get out there and do them.
Jordan is Studying to obtain his Associates Degree in Engineering Technology
Jordan Freet
Engineering Technology Major—Mechanical
Hi! My name is Jordan and I am from Byron (IL) High School. I will be graduating in the Spring of 2019 with an Associates Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Why I chose Morrison Tech; It was close to home and offered the specific classes that I wanted . With these specific classes I would like to work for Harley Davidson as some of our Alumni do. Fun Fact About Myself: I play the guitar and I skateboard. Not together though! Best advice for incoming students and those starting their college search: Get out and socialize, make new friends, do not sit in your dorm room all day.
You Asked...We Answered Q: Why did you choose Morrison Tech first, then transfer as opposed to attending a Community College.? A. Morrison Tech allowed me the ability to start a career path with just 2 years of school. Community College typically focuses on general education credits - that does very little in paving the way to a professional career after two years. With the specialized training I received at Morrison Tech I was able to start an internship in my field as a freshman in school. Receiving the specialized classes allowed me to work three summers in my field -James Castle Class of 2018; transferring to the University of Wisconsin, Platteville Q: Do you need high school classes that are in your field of study at Morrison Tech before you attend? A: No, I came in knowing next to nothing, never having taken a class in computer networking. This year I have learned much and am at the same level as those students who took networking classes in High School. I was a bit nervous starting college without any knowledge other than I knew I wanted to major in Network Administration, but within days I realized that we all were learning new things and on the same playing field. -Jasmine Baumbarger Q: What is dorm life like? A: Our dorms are really apartments, it is like being on your own, but not on your own... You learn to cook for yourself and others. Yes, you really learn how to cook! That is a great experience that will prepare me for when I live on my own. By living on campus you make many friends. There's actually a lot to do on campus. We have a lot of get together, there are late nights where we share stories and watch TV and there are always bonfires and cookouts going on. Another huge thing about living on campus is that you have instant study groups. You are surrounded by friends that are in your major. You can quickly get together and study or seek help when you need it.-Wendy Nunez Q. Will I get a job when I graduate Morrison? Plain and simple yes! A: I directly worked with the placement coordinator - I received one on one help. Several companies call the college to recruit graduates. I had many job offers before I even graduated. I had wanted to work for a specific aerospace and defense coordinator company in Arizona and with the help of my education, placement officer and the college in general, I received the position before I graduated. This is the typical scenario for graduates - you are employed before you walk across that stage. -Derek Hobbick Class of 2017
Success Begins Here D.J. Clayton—Class of 1998
I started at Orbital ATK back in May of 2007. I work mainly new development programs. Here in Chandler our products range from Targets, Interceptors and Space Launch Vehicles. I am currently working the NGL Program. Orbital ATK’s family of space launch vehicles has carried out more than 70 launches, boosting more than 160 satellites into orbit. Orbital ATK entered the market for medium-class launch services in 2013 with the introduction of the Antares™ rocket. Antares has now successfully launched six cargo delivery missions to the International Space Station for NASA. Orbital ATK is an industry-leading provider of sophisticated suborbital launch vehicles for the nation’s missile defense systems. In the last 10 years, we have conducted more than 75 major launches for U.S. and allied countries’ missile defense programs. I grew up in Lyndon, Ill., just down the road from Morrison Tech. I graduated in 1998. My wife, two kids and I live in Surprise, Ariz.
Fred Johnson-Class of 2011 I started working at Astec Mobile Screens as an intern in 2010. I was hired on full-time is a drafter in January 2011. I was promoted to a Drafting Manager in 2014. My primary work is designing global track equipment that is used in quarries and road construction sites to screen aggregate. My day consists of checking drawings, designing equipment, working with fabricators, welders, assembly workers, and machine operators to improve our equipment
Ben Donavan—Class of 2011
Morrison opened my eyes to all the various types of jobs within the construction industry and helped me determine which direction fit me best. Faculty and staff also encouraged me to further my education at Illinois State University where I received my Bachelors in Construction Management, but without the help and support that I received at Morrison Tech I wouldn't be where I am today. My experience at Morrison is probably very similar to several others who have attended over the years, Day one you move into a dorm with several strangers but by graduation day you have become part of the Morrison family, and more than likely you have made some lifelong friends. To me this speaks volumes about the school and their programs, compared to other schools where you see unfamiliar faces day in and day out. I felt at Morrison we were all a part of the same team and the staff went above and beyond to make sure everyone succeeded. I have been involved in several IDOT projects surrounding the Bloomington Normal area and recently received an IDOT Job of the Year award for one of my projects on Veterans Parkway in Bloomington. Currently I am coordinating daily operations such as Asphalt paving and milling crews, Concrete crews, and traffic control and construction layout.
LEARN FROM THE BEST “Most people are unaware of the infrastructure needed to make the modern technological world run. Most people think of IT in terms of what they see, the computer hardware, access points on the wall, their cell phone, tablet, and laptop or desktop computers. People who want to be successful in the world of IT need to be able to analyze problems using critical thinking skills. They also need to be lifelong learners to keep up to date with the ever changing technology that is the modern world of IT. I want my students to have the skills to succeed now, and have the ability to keep learning and be successful in the future too.
Robert Cox , Network Admin
Teaching the incoming freshman for their first AutoCAD class at MIT is so rewarding. It is inspiring to see students that have never used this technology when the "light bulb" goes on and to witness their excitement in their achievement. As they continue with their classes, they seem to be more confident in their abilities, proud of their accomplishments, and excited at the prospects that await them after graduation. I tell my students that the road to success is always under construction, so continue to learn, be creative and design the next Empire State Building or Golden Gate Bridge.
Jan Drosopoulos, Design & Drafting
“The transformation students make here is incredible. High school students with a lot of anxious excitement become self-assured young professionals. There is nothing more fulfilling than the opportunity to guide young men and women on that journey, and help them develop the skills and confidence they need to translate their interests and passions into a rewarding and fulfilling career.”
Scott Connelly , English
“One of the best parts of working closely with Morrison Tech students is getting to see the excitement and pride they have when they complete a project. With the technology available to us we can take an idea that a student has, design it, and make it come to life. When they hold something they designed in their hands, it opens the world of design to them.“
Jason Long , Design & Drafting
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones that you did do. So Throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover -Mark Twain
Rise to the Top Keys to success in college Get Involved You’ll be amazed how quickly friendships are made in structured activities that provide “safe” opportunities to meet people and explore common interests.
Get out of Your Comfort Zone Matthew Kirgan remembers his first day at Morrison Tech. “Nobody at this school knows anything about me
besides my name. Well, time to step up or shut up. It’s time for me to step out of my comfort zone and meet new people make new friends. It’s time to be heard and not sit in the back quietly and passively. Because when it all comes down to it, risks can’t pay off unless you are willing to take them. So that’s just what I did. I took the chance. I was loud and took charge of projects all around campus. Now I don’t know if the group of people I call friends today would say the same back to me. But I’m glad I met every single one of you.”
The Student Government and The Student Ambassador Program are great ways to do this. Not into big commitments? How about organized kickball, softball, bowling, or volleyball?
Ask Questions Find Answers Go Beyond the
Classroom It’s not just about homework, assignments, and grades anymore! Develop your professional skills and interests In lab space made available to students. Take advantage of one-on one time with Instructors to explore independent project ideas, network with students and industry professionals in our state-of the-art Innovation Center, and explore internship and cooperative opportunities.
It may not look like it, but nobody entering a college program knows exactly what to expect or how everything works. Morrison Tech is a place where your needs are a top priority. Talk with your instructors, visit your academic advisor, to share your plans, goals, and dreams. Stop into placement and career services to explore internships and services available to you. The only stupid question is the one that goes unanswered because it was never asked.
By the Numbers 97% Career placement in your field. We have graduates throughout the United States Morrison offers a 14:1 student teacher ratio. Small classes, one-on-one Instruction
97 19 14 4 3 2 1
3 programs is all we offer. We focus on only these programs allowing us to deliver an exceptional curriculum in each area.
Your success is number 1 on our list. It is all about you. You are an individual to us. You are part of the Morrison family.
Morrison Tech was ranked 19th on the top 30 trade schools list by Forbes Magazine It’s only a 4 day school week. Monday - Thursday, go enjoy your three day weekend! 2 year guarantee. Go to class, do your work‌ you graduate in 2 years.
MORRISON TECH SPRING GRADUATION
STUDENT AMBASSADORS Morrison Tech student Ambassadors are a volunteer group that hail from various high schools. They all are very proud of attending Morrison Tech and want to share their pride in their college with others. These Ambassadors connect with current students, prospective students and their families. They are able to offer a student perspective of the college. Their job does not stop there. They volunteer in the community and head up events that support various causes. If you would like to contact a Student Ambassador please email admissions@morristontech.edu and you will be contacted soon by an Ambassador.
Expanding for Student Success The Innovation Center, which will house the college’s Makerspace, is progressing on schedule. Construction began on March 1st and is scheduled to be completed this summer. Equipment has been ordered and has already started to arrive. This will be a great asset to the students and the Morrison Tech Community.
Rec Center Summer of 2018, the Rec Center will be getting a new roof and a new floor in the workout facility.
Career Center
Tech Center
The College will be adding a new Career and Student Service office. A space for clubs to meet, and students to get career assistance.
Computer Lab equipment will be updated in both the engineering technology and network administrative labs.
Odey Hall
Rambo Center
Exciting News for the Dorm! All rooms will be newly furnished and freshly painted!
Room 125 will be getting updated with new carpet, tables, chairs, whiteboards, and LCD monitors.
CAMPUS LIFE
Haven’t Enrolled? Don't sweat it - there's plenty of time left! .
ENROLL MORRISONTECH.EDU/ADMISSIONS/
Applying is at easy as 1-2-3 1) Visit morrisontech.edu/admissions. 2) It's a one-two punch; choose the Application tab, then choose Application. 3) Complete the application, pay the fee and submit Boom...Done...
Office of Admissions 701 Portland Ave Morrison, Il 61270