Winter 2014
The Tower
Serving Alumni, Parents and Friends of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Stevens’ New Water Management Technology Program is Ready to Flow.
Our leadership continues to keep pace with technology as Stevens College moves forward with high-demand environmentally developing programs.
See the article on Water Management Technology Page 10
SAVE THE DATES FOR OUR SPECIAL UPCOMING EVENTS! Stevens Slam
3 on 3 Basketball Tournament Saturday, March 29, 2014 – 9:00 a.m.
Spring Admissions Open House Saturday, April 5, 2014 - 9:00 a.m.
Alumni Banquet & Class of 1964 Reunion
Saturday, April 26, 2014 – 5:00 p.m.
Commencement
May 10, 2014 – 1:00 p.m.
Stevens Scramble Golf Outing Friday, June 20, 2014 – 11:30 a.m.
Get up-to-date information and details on the College’s website at www.stevenscollege.edu. Also check out the Alumni Association Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TSCTAlumni.
The Tower is a service of the Thaddeus Stevens Foundation and Alumni Association. It is published quarterly. Current circulation is 7,500 to alumni, parents, trustees, faculty, corporations and friends.
D. Scott Trower ’80, Foundation President David B. Wolf ’85, Alumni Association President Alex B. Munro ’60, Executive Director amunro@stevenscollege.edu Sophia E. Weibel, Editor seweibel@stevenscollege.edu Mike Brady ‘05, Graphic Designer
740 East End Avenue Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 295-9666 1-800-571-7324 Fax: (717) 295-9652 Federal Tax I.D. #23-6406980
The Thaddeus Stevens Foundation is registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in compliance with its charitable organization law, and copies of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania 1-800-7320999. Registration does not imply endorsement by the Commonwealth.
2 Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Greetings….. In this column, I am returning to a topic I have covered in the past but one that I believe is so important that it deserves continued attention. One of our advisory committee members who is an alumnus and owns a manufacturing company sent me a poster with a photograph of Mike Rowe, the host of the television show Dirty Jobs. The caption on the poster read, “We are lending money to kids who can’t pay it back to train them for jobs that no longer exist. That’s nuts.” This poster could have well been the lead-in to an article that appeared recently in the Bloomsburg news service entitled, “Fed Student-Loan Focus Shows Recognition of Growth Risk.” The article begins with the personal story of a woman who works as a parole officer and part-time teacher while living with her parents after completing her master’s degree. She is holding off marrying her fiancée and starting a family because she owes more than $170,000 in federal and private student loans. The Federal Reserve is now trying to determine if the large number of people in similar situations poses a threat to the economy through default and the lack of adequate income to support economic growth. Student loan debt surpassed the $1 trillion mark last year and exceeded the nation’s total credit card debt. The rate of student loans delinquent by 90 days or more rose to an all-time high of 11.8 percent while mortgage, credit card and auto debt delinquency all declined.
From The President’s Desk William E. Griscom
“We are lending money to kids who can’t pay it back to train them for jobs that no longer exist. That’s nuts.” - Mike Rowe
It seems paradoxical that at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology (TSCT) we have employers literally standing in line to hire our graduates—graduates who have very little student loan debt and who are paid family-sustaining salaries with benefits. At our most recent career fair, we filled three collegiate basketball courts with 130 employers and had to turn companies away due to a lack of space. Some of these employers wanted to hire as many as 10 graduates from one program. Many wanted graduates from multiple programs and from programs the College does not have the resources to initiate or operate. Of these graduates, approximately 69 percent will have student loan debt which will average $8,438, with median student loan debt being $7,180. A number of graduates start out at or will be making over $50,000 a year in a short time; some are making over $100,000 annually within four years of graduation. Certainly these graduates will be buying homes, cars, and other consumer products that will fuel the economy; in short, they will be achieving the American Dream and most likely have the same standard of living as their parents or better. While it is great news that TSCT graduates have numerous job opportunities at good salaries and benefits, it is also very alarming that industry cannot find the skilled employees they so desperately need. This is a need that is going to become even more critical when as much as 40 percent of their skilled workforce retires in the near future. In a global economy where costs are similar or American companies are at a disadvantage, the only sustainable competitive advantage a business has is in the productivity, creativity, and innovativeness of their workforce. If companies in Pennsylvania and the U.S. cannot even fill their vacancies, how can they compete? I talked to 30 companies at the Career Fair who have had machinist positions open for over two years while actively advertising. I spoke with a company owner recently who had to lure a retired machinist out of retirement in order to fill an important order for a customer. Athletic teams spend a great amount of time and money trying to draft or recruit the best players possible in order to be com exist in the construction sector. These shortages are going to grow exponentially as Pennsylvania and the nation begin to address the critical infrastructure problems posed by deteriorating highways, bridges, railways and airports. Nationally the cost is measured in trillions of dollars. Pennsylvania just passed a transportation bill which will invest over $7 billion in the next five years. These investments will result in millions of new jobs for which the skilled employees simply do not exist. As I have discussed in previous columns, the root causes of the mismatch between the output of our educational system and the needs of the economy can be traced to the lack of an adequate career exploration program in secondary schools and the lack of relevant information required for prospective students and their parents to make informed decisions about which career and postsecondary program they should pursue. There is no rational system in secondary education that teaches students what various career options exist or the nature of the work each entails or the type of training/education that is required. Thomas Jefferson said democracy presumes an informed electorate to work; the free enterprise system is no different. It could resolve much of the mismatch that exists but requires informed consumers. – continued on page 8 The Tower • 2014 Winter 3
From The
Tower
Class of 1954 Mary Jo McKeever, wife of Jug McKeever (Carpentry & former instructor) passed away January 2, 2014 following a long illness. Our deepest sympathy to Mr. McKeever and his family.
The Stevens West Coast Reunion The Stevens West Coast Reunion will be held in Laughlin, NV March 24-28, 2014. Headed up by Donald Hopkins ’55 (Machine), the group has a full slate of activities planned for the week, highlighted by The Winter Dance Party show at the Riverside Casino. The show is a tribute to Buddy Holly, Big Bopper and Ray Vanses, who were on tour for “The Winter Dance Party” when they were all killed in a plane crash. For more information about the reunion, contact Don Hopkins at sheihopkins@aol.com or call 623-875-5087 or 570-947-9210.
Class of 1964 – 50th Reunion! Be sure to make plans to be part of the celebration on April 26, 2014 for the Class of 1964 50th Reunion! Starting on Friday evening, the class will have an informal gathering in the Vista Room of the Lancaster Host resort at 6:00 p.m. The big celebration takes place at the Alumni Banquet on Saturday evening, at which time the Class of 1964 will receive special recognition for their 50th Reunion. For more information, contact Mike Gerfin, Larry Ruhl, or the Alumni Office – and make your reservation today!
In Memoriam Gerald George Class of 1950 – Electric March 15, 2013 Donald B. Zellers Class of 1954 – Machine December 31, 2013 Thomas J. Moran Class of 1958 – Carpentry January 12, 2014 Robert Hiemenz Class of 1962 – Electric June 2, 2013
Donald McKlaine Class of 1995 – Metals Fabrication & Welding Former Resident Hall advisor February 2, 2014 Captain Derek Gantz Henson Class of 1998 – Electric November 29, 2013 David Giliberti Class of 2012 – Graphic Communication & Printing December 21, 2013
Get In Touch Many of our readers have told us how much they enjoy reading the “Class Notes” section of this publication. The news and accomplishments of our alumni are of great interest to fellow alumni, faculty, staff and others. We want to hear from you! Send us news of your businesses, careers, promotions, marriages, births, etc. Email to seweibel@stevenscollege.edu. 4 Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Stevens Goes to Peru
Announcing our brand new store website!
Dave Boyd, who recently presented training for students in the Stevens HVAC program, sports a Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology shirt while on a visit to Peru. HVAC instructor Steve Phyillaier shared this colorful photo with us to show that Stevens is getting some international advertising!
Class of 1958 Our condolences to Bernard Radocha (Electric) on the death of his wife, Jacqueline, in January 2014.
What’s Christmas without Santa? We had nine students who spent their Christmas Holidays on campus, simply because having no other place to go. Stevens was the most welcomed place to be. Christmas morning, Chris Metzler, Director of Student Services, donned in Santa attire, made a startling appearance in the dorms. Knocking on each door the students were in, they were each presented with a large colorful bag of neatly wrapped Christmas gifts consisting of collegiate clothing and items of personal use. We extend a sincere thank you to all those who gave of their time to ensure our students had a home felt Christmas. It continues to prove that, at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, you’re not just another number – you’re at a college that cares about the social wellbeing of their students as well as their technical skill level in their major.
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Be sure to follow us on Twitter and friend us on Facebook. It’s a great way to keep up to date with Stevens and reconnect with classmates! The Tower • 2014 Winter 5
The Director’s Corner Alex Munro, Executive Director Foundation & Alumni Association Dear Alumni and Friends: Here we are in the twentyfirst century and the unlimited boundaries of technology are rapidly changing. This in itself should be a red light to potential students to stop and reevaluate the pathway of their educational pursuits. From what we read it’s reported that all across America our technical skilled workforce has diminished in staggering numbers. Yes, this is a serious situation for our country to be in, but in the midst of the dark cloud of massive unemployment there is a prevailing beam of sunshine illuminating endless employment opportunities for the technically skilled worker. This should be an exciting incentive and encouragement to explore the new and upcoming employable fields of technology. You have to ask yourself, do I have a marketable skill and if I don’t, then what must I do to prepare myself technically for tomorrow’s skilled labor workforce? You might consider a two year technical college that offers trades and technical fields that stimulate your career interest. Your questions of inquiry as you visit technical colleges should always consist of what is the job placement rate of your graduates in their majors upon graduation? What was their average starting salary in their particular technical field? And where’s the geographic location of their places of employment in relationship to where they lived. As the distance between the employed and unemployed continues to grow, so does the widening chasm between the skilled and the unskilled advance daily. One answer to brighten your day is to apply to Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and select one of their 17 technical employable career programs. We’re extremely proud to say out of 1,000 colleges, TSCT has been selected by the Aspen Institute in Washington D.C. as one of the top 150 two year technical colleges in America for the third consecutive year. This is a tribute to the leadership of our President, Dr. William Griscom, his administration, faculty and supporting staff. Don’t be left behind. Let Stevens College help you build your bridge of success for the future through employable technology. Whether you’re young or old, we can never recapture lost time. So act now and let Stevens College help you shape your future. The third segment of “Pathway to Prosperity” written by the Harvard Graduate School of Education is a most valued report as we prepare our youth for employable careers. Dealing with reality is captured in this next segment of “Pathway to Prosperity”, Written by the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
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WIDENING SKILLS AND OPPORTUNITY GAPS Focusing more precisely on future employer demand illuminates part of the challenge, but there’s also a problem at the supply end of the equation. Increasingly, U.S. employers complain that today’s young adults are not equipped with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century workforce. In 2006, the conference Board and three other organizations issued Are They ready to Work? Based on a survey of several hundred employers, the report concluded that “Far too many young people are inadequately prepared to be successful.” The authors were especially scathing regarding high school graduates, concluding that more than half were “deficient” in such skills as oral and written communication, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and communication. The implication of this work is that a focus on college readiness alone does not equip young people with all of the skills and abilities they will need in the workplace, or successfully complete the transition from adolescence to adulthood. This was highlighted in a 2008 report published by Child Trends, which compared research on the competencies required for college readiness, workplace readiness, and healthy youth development. The report found significant overlaps. High personal expectations, self-management, critical thinking, and academic achievement are viewed as highly important for success in all three areas. But the report also uncovered some striking differences. For instance: while career planning, previous work experience, decision-making, listening skills, integrity, and creativity are all considered vital in the workplace, they hardly figure in college readiness. At the same time, researchers on healthy youth development place far more emphasis on spiritual development (including a sense of purpose), and developing a positive identity and healthy habits, than do those who focus on workforce readiness or college readiness. These findings strongly suggest that a more holistic approach to education – one that aims to equip young adults with a broader range of skills—is more likely to produce youth who will succeed in the 21st century. Some critics complain that a focus on “soft skills” will only further dilute rigor. In our view, both hard and soft skills are essential for success in this economy. The growing complaints of a skills gap from some of the nation’s most prominent companies and business organizations underscore a hard reality: their growing reluctance to hire young people with just a high school degree. Meanwhile, business leaders are warning that once the recession ends, they could face shortages of qualified workers in areas ranging from on-residential construction and energy to information technology, healthcare and the STEM fields. And almost all these jobs require at least some post-secondary education. When young adults fail to successfully complete a post-secondary degree or credential, it is increasingly difficult for them to find an alternative pathway to success through the labor market. This problem began well before the current Great Recession. Economist Andrew Sum calculates that even though total civilian employment surged by over 8 million jobs during the 2003-7 recovery, the total number of employed teens actually fell by 10,000 over this same period.
Biography of a Star Since the Great Recession began, teens have been hit harder than any other age group by unemployment. As a result, the percentage of teens (16-19) who were employed fell from 45.2 percent in 2000 to just 28.6 percent in June 2010. Clearly, teens now face Depression-era employment prospects. Unfortunately, this catastrophe has hit low-income minority teens especially hard, even though they are the very youth who are most likely to struggle in school and who most need the supports that employment provides. Incredibly, just 9 percent of low-income black teens are employed, as are just 15 percent of low-income Hispanic teens. In sharp contrast, the employment rate among upper middle-income white teems (whose families earn $75,000 or $100,000 a year) is 41 percent--four times higher than among low-income black teens. Employment opportunities for young adults (20-24) have also evaporated. As the Great Recession has caused the U.S. unemployment rate to more than double -- a rate of increase that far surpasses that seen in the other 10 leading OECD nations -- young adults have been clobbered. Their employment to population ratio plunged to just 62.2 percent in June, 2010, down from nearly 75 percent in 2000. This amounts to a 17 percent drop in employment, which far surpasses the pain suffered by older workers. In contrast, workers aged 25 to 54 suffered an 8 percent drop in employment, or just half as much. All of this has dire implications for youth development. Employment in the teen and young-adult years can have a very positive impact on future prospects for employment and earnings. Teens who have good high school work experiences are more likely to be inspired to stay in school, graduate, and adopt ambitious goals. Conversely, low-income teenaged males who cannot find work may more likely get into trouble with the law, while their female counterparts may be more likely to become single mothers. The percentages of teens and young adults who are working are now at the lowest levels recorded since the end of the 1930s Depression. In this unforgiving economy, successfully completing a post-secondary degree offers young adults the best insurance that they will find work. Among all groups, young adults--aged 25 to 30--who have earned at least an associate’s degree, are significantly more likely to be employed than those who have a high school degree or less. Still, because the majority of young adults do not earn even an associate’s degree, we face an ever-rising population of less educated teens and young adults who are persistently disconnected from both education and employment. The contents of this text just verifies the justification for the expanding growth of Stevens College. We need you as a supporting partner as we develop our master plan for the College step by step. The purchase of the National Guard Armory facility is one of our early expansion initiatives as we dearly need your participation to bring it to fruition. Please turn to page __ and learn how a supporting gift from you will be matched by the Greiner Industries pledge to match dollar for dollar up to $1 million in our campaign to purchase the National Guard Armory facility. Respectfully,
Alex B. Munro
Christopher Cooper, son of Stevens’ employees Bob & Sharon Cooper, recently wrote a book entitled, “Our Sun, Biography of a Star,” which is now one of the top best sellers in the non-fiction category at Barnes & Noble. Bob Cooper recently retired after twenty-plus years as the Director of Residence Life. His wife Sharon continues to work for Stevens as the test proctor in the Admissions Department. Below is an excerpt taken from the introduction of the book: Throughout history, the sun has been central to humanity’s quest for meaning in the universe. But our roughly 100,000 year history has been a brief moment in our sun’s 4.5 billion-year life. Only recently, through advances in science and technology, have we begun to really understand our sun – where it came from, how it functions, how it affects our lives, and how it eventually will destroy our planet. This book was not written for scientists or for anyone with more than a rudimentary understanding of astronomy. For that matter, it was not written by a scientist either. It was written by an expert in energy for an audience with a passing interest in and an intractable wonder at our closest star. Like many of you, my earliest memories of the sun involve painful burns after too much exposure. Beyond that, my knowledge of the sun consisted of no more than what I learned from grade-school science textbooks. It was my fascination with energy later in life that sparked an intense curiosity about the sun. I wanted to understand everything I could about energy: where it came from, how it traveled, how it was used (and how we could use it more efficiently). There is simply no way to understand energy without understanding our sun, the battery that powers nearly everything in the solar system. But I was no scientist. To understand the science of the sun, I had to break it down into terms a nonscientist could comprehend. It was my pursuit of simplicity that was the genesis of this book. But the science merely sparked the idea. It was the pictures that drove an obsession. Sometime in 2010, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory began producing images of the sun unlike anyone had even seen before (certainly unlike anything I had ever seen.) Words cannot do them justice, which is why the pages that follow are strewn with some of the most stunning images. It is hard to look at these pictures and not become fascinated with our sun. Though they have taught us much about the science of the sun, these images transcend science. They are works of art that move the soul in the way only the best art can. They approach the spiritual, the sublime. They remind us not only of our physical connection to this immense ball of fire, but of the role the sun has played in the shared development of all human culture. Everyone on the planet (and everyone who has ever been on the planet) has experienced our sun. And, whether you realize it or not, like me, you have been profoundly changed by the experience.” Christopher is a Senior Research Fellow at the institute for Energy and the Environment, Vermont Law School, and is an expert in energy law and policy. He has written extensively on solar energy and the effects of solar activity on electrical systems for academic journals and trade publications, from Energy Policy to the Electricity Journal. In 2005, he founded the New York – based Network for New Energy Choices, a nonprofit organization devoted to reforming U.S. energy policy and expanding consumer choice. Cooper holds a master’s degree from the University of Miami, and earned a JD, cum laude, in energy law from Vermont Law School. The Tower • 2014 Winter 7
From The President’s Desk
– continued from page 3
Unfortunately, while it is easy to find out every entrée in every café on a college campus, the number of climbing walls in the fitness center, or every amenity available in college housing, it is impossible in most cases to find out the answers to these vital questions: What percentage of students who started a program actually graduated in the prescribed time? • How many got jobs in their field? • What was the average and median starting salary? • How satisfied were graduates with their program? • How satisfied were companies with new graduates? • How are graduates progressing five years after graduation? • What is average and median student loan debt upon graduation? If prospective students and their parents had this information they would be enrolling in programs that met the needs of the economy and would not find themselves unemployed or under-employed, with large student loan debt they may never be able to repay. I would extrapolate on Mike Rowe’s quote and suggest not only should we not be lending money to kids who can’t pay it back and training them for jobs that do not exist, but as a state, we should not be subsidizing programs at any level if the graduates cannot reasonably expect to find a job in their field. Funding should be focused on programs at the one-year, twoyear, four-year and graduate level that match the needs of the economy. The United States—and Pennsylvania in particular—have a real opportunity to retain and attract manufacturing jobs as many companies are returning their operations from overseas. Pennsylvania is fortunate to have more manufacturing jobs than most states. We have great companies like Kennametal in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, that are successfully competing all over the world. The 30 companies I spoke to at last year’s career fair are also successfully competing with foreign companies. However, it is important to note that these are not the same low-skill, assembly-line type jobs that left over the last several decades but rather high-skill jobs that require an advanced workforce. Manufacturing enterprises are primary drivers of the economy that provide good jobs and have a multiplier effect that produces other businesses and jobs. This type of industry is coveted by countries around the world. If we do not take full advantage of this opportunity, it will be lost. A critical step is to insure existing and prospective companies are supplied with the skilled workforce they need. If Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology’s current State appropriation was increased by $5 million annually we would have the funds for equipment and operations to double enrollment to 1800 students and the number of graduates per year to 600 within three years. This investment would actually reduce the cost per student. Not only would this double the size of existing programs such as Machine Technology, Metal Fabrication and Welding, HVAC, and Electrical Technology but would permit the initiation of critically needed new programs such as diesel mechanics, welding, and electro-mechanical technology. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology has the knowledge, experience, and commitment to play a significant role in this effort; all that is lacking is funding. Best regards,
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Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) Program Update By Don Hart, Instructor The CAD Technology program started in the fall of 2006. Classes were first located on the main campus in the Hartzell building for one semester until temporary classrooms were constructed at the branch campus. The program remained at the branch campus until the spring of 2011. The program then had to move to a temporary building for two years so the branch campus could be renovated. In the fall of 2013 the CAD Technology program started conducting classes in the newly renovated 210,000 sq. ft. branch campus. The program now has four state-of-the-art classrooms that include; a computer lab, manual drafting lab, lecture room and a meeting/ critique model room. This is a huge improvement from the two classrooms the program started out in. Recruiting new students has improved significantly because of the new classrooms and labs. The curriculum prepares graduates for mechanical and engineering drafting positions in manufacturing- and engineering-based industries using advanced 2D and 3D CAD applications. Additionally, students broaden their drafting skills with course work in piping, tool and die drafting, sheet metal, castings, forgings and welding providing employment opportunity in related work areas. Specialized topics in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, CAD customization and management provide further opportunity for the graduate. Students are introduced to product design and manufacturing processes where problem solving and analytical skills are enhanced through projects often involving team collaboration. Cutting-edge CAD instruction within state-of-the-art computer and a 3D printing lab prepares the graduate for today’s work environment with a focus on parametric CAD and digital prototyping applications. AutoCAD®, Autodesk Inventor®, SolidWorks®, and Creo Parametric (formerly Pro/E) ® are used extensively in the program. In addition to course work specific to the major, mathematics, science, manufacturing processes, communications, and computer applications prepare the graduate for the drafting and design field. The CAD Technology program may serve as the foundation for a student to transfer to a four year institution to further their education and receive a baccalaureate degree in the Engineering field. Large populations of students within our program are able to achieve employment in their field before graduation. Others are here for job skill update training as they take individual courses on an as-needed basis. Because CAD software changes so frequently, this helps those who have been away from the software programs for a while.
Happenings in Academic Affairs Dr. Robert Nye, Vice President
New Technical Exploration Instructor! Thaddeus Stevens College would like to welcome a new faculty member to the team. Sean McKnight joins us from Penn Manor High School where he has been a Technical Exploration instructor for many years. We are privileged to bring Sean into our ranks, as he brings a wealth of experience that will be invaluable for the College. Sean is fine tuning a special course for our Pre-Major students to explore various aspects of many of the programs of study at Thaddeus Stevens College. Additionally, the course will allow the students to learn basic shop and technical skills that will facilitate greater student learning and student success when they matriculate into programs of study. Sean will be teaching five classes this spring where the students will attend class twice a week for two hours during each session. Sean relates that the skills and experience in this class will “help entry-level students determine the best placement for their aptitude. In this experience students will have the opportunity to explore many different technological fields including drafting, electronics, graphics, woodworking, plastics, ceramics, engineering, and metals. In each of these areas students will gain a basic understanding of tools and equipment for each area and produce a project in each of the fields of study.”
What is the Technology Exploration Experience This experience has been developed to help entry-level students determine the best placement for their aptitude. In this experience students will have the opportunity to explore many different technological fields including drafting, electronics, graphics, woodworking, plastics, ceramics, engineering and metal. In each of these areas students will gain a basic understanding of tools and equipment for each area and produce a project in each of the fields of study.
Metals Fabrication and Welding Service Project
While we are very fortunate to have Sean to teach these skills to our Pre-Major students, I would be remiss if I did not recognize two very important people who played a key role in developing this program and getting it up and running. First, without Dr. Griscom’s vision and initiative this program would never have gotten off the ground. He has overseen the development of the program through its paces over the past several months. Additionally, Dr. Bill Thompson stepped up and took on the initial development of the shop layout as a special project for Dr. Griscom. Many thanks to both for their vision and foresight in getting the shop ready for Sean to take over the week after school started. Whenever you get an opportunity to visit the campus, don’t forget to stop by the fourth floor of the Branch Campus and give Sean a warm welcome, and see the great things that are happening in the new Technical Exploration Lab! With Warm regards,
Alex Cauchon, sophomore student in Metals Fabrication and Welding Technology, offered to take on a community service project designing and fabricating a gun case for a Pennsylvania State Police vehicle. The locking gun case, fabricated from stainless steel, was retrofit to the console of the vehicle, giving the trooper a secure storage place for weapons not in use. Pictured above (L) Mr. Steve Hower, Instructor, Alex Cauchon, and Lt. Marty Zeamer of Lancaster Troop J who was on hand to supervise installation and congratulate Alex on a job well done. The Tower • 2014 Winter 9
President Griscom is happy to announce that Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology will be offering a new associate degree program in Water Management Technology. retaW weN ’sAfter nevmuch etS research and planning by our college ygolonhceT tnemeganaM administration, President Griscom gave .w olF ot ydaeR si margorP the green light to implement the Water Management Technology Program.
Water Management Technology at Thaddeus Stevens
The assignment for the mammoth undertaking of researching, writing, and developing a Water Management Technology program was conducted and performed by Katie Surra, holding a BA in Engineering. She has written ecap peek ot seunitnoc pihsredael ruO a comprehensive egelloC syllabus snevetS saoutlining ygolonhcet the htiw dnconsists amed-hgihof htia w broad drawrof range sevom curriculum. It .smargorp gnipoleved yllatnemnorivne of components that make for a very exciting, comprehensive program.
Katie Surra
Kathleen has put together some dashboard questions with answers that you might be wondering yourself in xxxxxxX xxxxxX eeS selecting a career major. .X eg aP no
Why should I choose an Associate Degree program? The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection requires that operators of water treatment facilities are certified. Certification is obtained through a combination of exams and operating experience. Completion of an approved associate degree program significantly reduces the number of years of operating experience required for certification. The associate degree program has been designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for successful completion of Department of Environmental Protection examinations. What will I learn? Students enrolled in Water Management Technology will take courses designed to meet the knowledge, skills, and ability requirements tested on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental protection certification exams. This will include courses covering topics such as: • Water and wastewater treatment • Water distribution and wastewater conveyance systems • Geographical Information Systems (GIS) • Equipment maintenance • Solids handling • Basic electricity • Plan administration • Rules and regulations Where will I work? An aging workforce is expected to result in a shortage of certified operators over the next five to ten years. This shortage is expected to result in a growth rate faster than the average for all occupations. Graduates can expect to find work in both the private and public sectors What do Water Treatment Facility Operators do? Water treatment facility operators monitor and regulate the treatment of water at drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities. The 10 Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
duties of an operator will vary depending on size and type of treatment facility. Generally, operators: • Collect samples and perform lab tests • Inspect, repair, and maintain equipment • Monitor treatment processes to ensure the plant is operating correctly and make adjustments as necessary • Ensure the plant is in compliance with local, state, and national regulations The Water Management Technology program at Thaddeus Stevens College will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to become certified water or wastewater treatment plant operators. Students will learn the details of water and wastewater treatment technologies, become familiar with laboratory techniques used at treatment facilities, study basic plant maintenance and electrical concepts, and develop an understanding of the rules and regulations governing treatment facilities. Employment Opportunities Graduates of the program can expect to find employment as water and wastewater treatment plant operators in both the private and public sectors. Employment trends are summarized in Table 1, below. Table 1: Summary of national and state employment trends. Employment Percent United States Job Openings 2010 2020 Change Water and Wastewater Treatment 110,700 123,600 +12% 4,150 Plant and System Operators Percent Pennsylvania Employment Job Openings Change 2010 2020 Water and Wastewater Treatment 5,970 6,100 +2% 170 Plant and System Operators Source: www.CareerOneStop.org
In Pennsylvania 9,500 certified operators make process control decisions for over 7,000 water and wastewater facilities. That number is expected to continue to grow as federal and state regulatory programs continue to make further demands.
In Pennsylvania over 85% of all certified operators are older than 42 years of age. As these individuals retire, a significant shortage of certified operators is expected to occur in the next 5 to 10 years. Nationally, employment of water and wastewater treatment plant operators is expected to grow by 12 percent between 2010 and 2020, which is about as fast as average for all occupations. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that job prospects for individuals with training or education in the field should be excellent as the number of qualified applicants for these positions is normally low. Wages The average wages of certified water or wastewater treatment plant operators are summarized in Table 2, below. Table 2: Summary of average wages. Location United States Pennsylvania
Pay Period Hourly Yearly Hourly Yearly
2012 Average $20.56 $42,800 $21.03 $43,700
Source: www.CareerOneStop.org
Don’t hesitate; this is a great program that will produce multiple job opportunities. Sign up now for our fall semester. Classes start the end of August, 2014. For more information, call Director of Admissions, Dr. Erin Nelson at 717-299-7772.
The Tower • 2014 Winter 11
Development News Allen E. Tate, Director of Development Industry representatives most often ask me, “Will the college have enough trained graduates to meet our workforce needs over the next 5 years as our experienced Boomers retire?” The answer and responsibility rests not only with education but also industry. We both must promote the value of a post-secondary technical education and the opportunities for rewarding, good-paying careers in modern industry. We must communicate that technical careers in manufacturing are not like old jobs of the past. Today’s high-demand careers are challenging, highly skilled, and pay well in very appealing , hi-tech workplaces. But to get these jobs requires a technical education. Thaddeus Stevens College is doing its part to attract students to many high-demand careers and to explore their options. I encourage you to visit the College’s new career awareness website at www.myfuturecareer.us, and see what all the buzz is about! High school career and guidance counselors are talking about this website. It’s a new tool they are using in the classroom to demonstrate and promote careers attainable with a post-secondary technical education degree. This highly interactive website features videos aligned with major technical programs at Stevens. The videos feature a Stevens’ alumnus on the job at their company as they explain their job responsibilities, why they chose that career, what they needed to prepare for their career, and what type of lifestyle their education and job can give them! This website also has activities for students to help them research careers and get answers to career-related questions. As one educator noted, “This is an awesome tool for not only for educators but parents to use with the students. It provides a field trip without going out of their room.” MyFutureCareer.us is in continual development. More and more careers will be added. By mid-summer, we hope to add 10 – 12 more careers. We are pleased that many foundations and corporations have contributed their financial support to the first phase. As we enter the project’s second phase, we are seeking additional businesses and industries who are willing to sponsor a video featuring their company and employees. Just contact me for more information. Sponsoring some content on MyFutureCareer.us is just one way to help recruit tomorrow’s technical workforce. Here are some other ways you can help:
Use your smartphone to scan this code and immediately access the Stevens website!
1. We are looking for representatives from business and industry to serve on one of our Industry Advisory Councils associated with each of the 20 major programs we offer. Advisory Councils make recommendations to the program faculty regarding industry standards and expectations, curriculum, technical requirements, equipment recommendations, and other knowledge specific to their industries so programs stay current. If interested, please let me know. 2. Participate in our Capital Campaign to help support equipment purchases needed in each program’s student laboratory. Keeping up to date with state-of-the-art equipment in each department is costly. As an alumnus of the College, a partnering industry, or a foundation, your financial contribution toward new equipment is vital to help us meet these needs. If you are interested in helping, please contact me directly to review any program’s equipment wish list. 3. Be an ambassador not only for your business but for the College. Contact your local high school Guidance Office and ask to meet with them to convey the importance and need for workers in today’s technical career fields. You would be surprised how most guidance counselors are not aware of your needs or today’s highdemand careers. Incidentally, the new 2014 Stevens College desk calendar was just issued. If you would like a copy, just e-mail me at tate@stevenscollege.edu and I’ll send one to you. It’s an exciting time here at Stevens as we begin implementing a new Master Plan of growth in programs, students, facilities and outreach. To be successful in inspiring the next generation of technical workers requires a partnership among education, industry, and alumni. Can we count on you? Thank you.
12 Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
3 on 3
Basketball Tournament Saturday, March 29, 2014 @ Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in the MAC building at 9am • • • • •
Must be 15 years or older. $75 per team. Maximum 4 players per team FREE t-shirt for every player! Cash prizes and trophies!
Tournaments fills up fast - get your registration in early!
Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities Available $200 Company name on t-shirts give to each participant $250 Company name on t-shirts AND team entry included
STEVENS SLAM 3 on 3 basketball tournament
REGISTRATION FORM
Name____________________________________________ Address__________________________________________ Email Address____________________________________ Phone # (____)_________Team Name________________ Shirt Sizes (M, L, XL, 2X) Payment: __check __credit (Visa, MC, Discover) Name on Card_____________________________________ (1)____ (2)____ Card Number______________________________________ (3)____ (4)____ Exp Date____________ Mail to: Thaddeus Stevens Alumni Assoc., 740 East End Avenue Lancaster, PA 17603 717-295-9666
The Tower • 2014 Winter 13
Stevens is nearing the goal with $200,000 to go! Thanks to the generosity and committed giving of our alumni, corporate partners, and friends of the College, the Greiner Industry $1,000,000 Match is in full swing. We’ve had a fantastic response in raising $800,000, which leaves us with a makeable $200,000 to reach our goal of $1,000,000. We’re sincerely honored that so many people have made supporting gifts toward enabling Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology to purchase the National Guard Armory facility. It’s most encouraging when you receive calls from the private sector expressing their desire to make a contribution to the Stevens Campaign for growth. There’s a public awareness that there is a critical shortage of skilled tradesmen and technicians throughout our state, and industry knows if Stevens College has the funding and training facilities, they’ll make a significant contribution in closing that gap. There seems to be excitement in the community in wanting to help Stevens meet their goal of raising $1,000,000 and be a full partner with the Stevens mission of changing lives through technical education. Please join us in raising that last $200,000. It’s an exhilarating experience when you know your gift was a most worthy and valued contribution in helping Stevens College reach their lofty goal of $1,000,000. Our Governor and members of the General Assembly have acknowledged Stevens College has had a successful 109 year track record in producing highly skilled graduates for PA businesses and industry and they, too, would like to see Stevens College expand its campuses and training facilities as well as to increase student enrollment. We can make what seems impossible, possible when we work together. Your financial consideration would be most appreciated as the finish line of completion is now becoming visible on the horizon. The Commonwealth has already made a considerable investment toward helping Stevens acquire the Armory property and now Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology has to complete their part. We ask you kindly to make a charitable gift of any size in helping Stevens reach their $1,000,000 goal. It’s amazing to know that your supporting contribution will be matched dollar for dollar by the Greiner match. Very seldom are you ever able to double the dollar power of your gift but, in the Stevens Campaign for Growth you‘ll have that opportunity. Just maybe, your gift will be the one that puts us over the goal line.
14 Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Thaddeus Stevens Alumni Association
Alumni
Awards Banquet
2014
Saturday, April 26, 2014
4:00 p.m. Annual Business Meeting ( Jones Conf Rm) 5:00-6:00 Social Hour 6:30-9:00 Buffet Dinner & Program Multipurpose Activity Center
Name:_______________________________________________ Class Year:_________________ E-mail Address:_________________________________________ Phone:___________________ I would like to purchase ___ reservations at $35/each for: Name(s): _ ________________________________ ,____________________________________ _________________________________ ,____________________________________ TOTAL ENCLOSED: $ __________ Note: Special tables will be reserved for the 50-year reunion class. All other seating is open. Make checks payable to: Thaddeus Stevens Alumni Association Mail this form to: 740 East End Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17602 Also payable by: ( ) Visa ( ) Mastercard ( ) Discover Account # ____________________________________ Exp. Date_________ Signature________________________________________________________
Deadline for Reservations is April 18, 2014 The Tower • 2014 Winter 15
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The Thaddeus Stevens Foundation Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
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740 East End Avenue • Lancaster, PA 17602-3714
Permit No. 1354 Lancaster, PA 17604
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INVEST WISELY Make an impact on the future while earning a secure income with a GIFT ANNUITY
A GIFT ANNUITY CAN PROVIDE: • Financial security with guaranteed income for life. • Tax benefits including deductions and capital gains tax savings. • Personal satisfaction in leaving a meaningful legacy at Stevens.
Let us help you create a lasting legacy at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. For more information, contact the Foundation Office at 717-295-9666. 16 Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology