Fox Valley Technical College Focus Magazine Fall 2010

focusFox Valley Technical College volume 3, issue 2 • fall 2010

your future

inside:> New Construction

ManagementProgram: Buildingthe FuturePage 12

> Job SeekersNetwork: NewSkills for theNew EconomyPage 6

> Start Smart:Early ChildhoodEducation programPage 10

Thom Willecke’s eagerness to learn ledhim to design his own major—and earna new career in the electronics field.Page 7

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1700 Lawrence Dr.MANITOWOC1100 S. 30th St.

APPLETON2626 S. Oneida St.509 N. Richmond St.2701 N. Ballard Rd.455 S. Nicolet Rd.1235 W. Spencer St.

NEENAH125 E. Forest Ave.2300 Industrial Dr.GREENVILLEN1230 Cty. Rd. CBDARBOYW6089 Cty. Rd. KK

WAUPACA1006 Royalton St.NEW LONDON603 W. Wolf River Ave.NICHOLSW5644 Cty. Rd. F

12

Focus is published bi-annuallyfor the communities of Fox Valley

Technical College.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR/MANAGER OFMEDIA RELATIONS

Chris Jossart

CUSTOM PUBLISHING SERVICESThe Coghlan Group

EDITORChris Mikko

ART DIRECTORAmy Bjellos

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSPhil Bolsta, Sara Gilbert Frederick,

Chris Jossart, Gary Legwold,Todd Nelson, Vicki Stavig, Sue Wilson

PHOTOGRAPHYGary Brilowski, Cara Jakubiec,Gary Gawinski, Patrick Kelly

DIRECTOR OFCOLLEGE MARKETING

Barb Dreger

PRESIDENTDr. Susan A. May

Fox Valley Technical College1825 N. Bluemound Dr.

P.O. Box 2277Appleton, WI 54912-2277

1-800-735-3882TTY (hearing impaired) (920) 735-2569

[email protected] (e-mail inquiries)

Accredited by The Higher LearningCommission and a member of the North

Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

FVTC offers more than 200 associatedegree, technical diploma and certificate

programs, and instruction related to20 apprenticeship trades, in addition to

providing services to business and industry.Annually, the college serves about 47,000people throughout its five-county district.

Member of:

© 2010 Fox Valley Technical College.All rights reserved. Equal Opportunity

Employer/Educator.

Around FVTCA quick look at what’s making news at FVTC.

Focus on Workplace TrainingMiller Electric Mfg. Co. turned to a familiar sourcewhen it needed software training.

Focus on the EntrepreneurFVTC provided Kendal Beilke with a solid careerfoundation. It also made him into a passionateadvocate for technical college education.

Focus on AlumniPa Lee Moua’s career pathway has led her torewarding opportunities enriching the lives of others.

Focus on the FoundationA 10-year partnership with CASE IH and ServiceMotor Company will provide FVTC students withan impressive array of state-of-the-art equipment.

Focus on Student LifeA new club offers services for U.S. military veterans,and an eye-catching rose garden on the Appletoncampus is attracting visitors thanks to a collaborativestudent project and longtime friend of the college.

Making His Own FutureThom Willecke’s eagerness to learnled him to design his own major—and earn a new career in theelectronics field.

Start SmartFVTC’s Early Childhood Educationprogram helped Arica Ludwig findher career path—and it’s helping hermake a difference in children’s lives.

Building the FutureFVTC’s Construction ManagementTechnology and Residential BuildingConstruction programs providestudents with the tools they need tobuild successful careers in theconstruction industry.

features

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in every issue

I chose Fox Valley Tech because of the impressive Culinary Artsprogram and staff, along with the reasonable cost. The peoplehere care not just about my education, but also about me as aperson. They go above and beyond to help me succeed.Other than classes, there are so many different activities to takepart in. I’m in the Culinary Club, and it’s a great way to buildfriendships. Because FVTC is so involved in the community, thereare always different volunteer activities too.I’ve been told countless times, “The more effort you put in, themore you get out of your education.” I believe it.

Welcome to my college.

Laura JohnsonFVTC Student, Culinary Arts

welcome

contents

10What’s NowDiscover how the Job SeekersNetwork is using a new approach toproviding individuals with career-changing tools.

6

High-Tech Eyes on CrimeScene InvestigationsThe process of documenting evidence at crimescenes just received an extra set of eyes in theregion. Thanks to the latest generation of 3D laserscanning technology, the first of its kind for anytraining entity in Wisconsin, FVTC’s CriminalJustice division will continue to play an evengreater role in championing best practices forthose who serve and protect.The Leica Geosystems ScanStation C10–3DLaser Scanner introduces new levels of speed,accuracy, and detail for law enforcementpractitioners and public safety professionals. Thetechnology is broad enough for use in crime scenereconstruction, vulnerability and threatassessment, police involved shootings, crashinvestigations, and post-blast investigations, toname a few.Data generated from the Leica unit has beenaccepted in U.S. courts. Prosecutors can placejurors into actual crime scenes due to its detailedscanning capabilities, virtual imagery, and multiplevantage-point projections.Students in FVTC’s law enforcement and publicsafety programs will have access to this newtechnology, fostering greater skill sets fortomorrow’s police officers, fire protectiontechnicians, and forensic analysts.

For more information, visit www.fvtc.edu/cj.

IT Students Among the Bestin the NationFVTC continues to find its students in elite company when it comes totraining Information Technology professionals. The college once againearned several team awards during the 15th Annual Association ofInformation Technology Professionals (AITP) National CollegiateConference in St. Louis.Students took first place in the Graphics Communications competition,second place in the PC Troubleshooting category, third place in theArtistic Banner competition, and honorable mention in the SystemsAnalyst category.FVTC was also named Outstanding Student Chapter from Region 5,which represents 44 AITP student chapters in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan,the St. Louis metro area of Missouri, Northern Kentucky, Eastern Iowa,and Wisconsin.Brenda Wilz, IT instructor at FVTC, received the “Going the ExtraMile” award among 70 nationwide faculty attendees.Nearly 500 students representing 69 colleges and universities, includingthe likes of Purdue University and the University of Texas, competed atthe national conference.

For more information, visit www.fvtc.edu/aitp.

2 www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

Criminal Justice student Alondra Cendejas and instructorDan Feucht observe new crime scene technology.

aroundfvtc

Focus is also on the Web!Visit www.fvtc.edu/focus for the online version

News Briefs

A Leader in CrashTest ResearchFVTC is a leading academic research institution for producingrelevant electronic control module (ECM) data used in testingvehicles for the Wisconsin State Patrol and NationalTransportation Safety Board, among others.

The college’s expertfaculty has helped lawenforcement officersmaintain proficiencyin data extraction andlearn new softwareupdates. FVTCtransportationinstructors helpeddevelop the ECMField Guide, anationwidepublication designedto assist officers incrash responseinvestigations.Findings from ECMtesting performed in2009 at FVTC’s J. J.Keller TransportationCenter were presentedat the 2010 Society ofAutomotive Engineers(SAE) World Congress

in Detroit. Since 1905, SAE International has been dedicatedto promoting vehicle safety, maintenance, and energy resourceconservation through its 84,000-plus members, representing97 countries.The impact of FVTC’s vehicle testing initiatives is well-chronicled in the Spring 2010 issue of Wisconsin Troopermagazine.

For more information, call (920) 996-2889.

• Chris Matheny was named vice presidentfor Instructional Services. Matheny beganhis career at FVTC in 2004 as vicepresident of Student Services and waspromoted to vice-president of Student andCommunity Development in 2008.

• The college announced Patti Jorgensenas vice president for Student andCommunity Development. Jorgensen joinedFVTC in 2009 as the director ofInstructional Development & Delivery. Priorto that role, she served as the director ofthe Kellett School of Adult Education forLakeland College.

• Kelly Vils, a 2003 graduate of theOccupational Therapy Assistantprogram, published an article in theAugust issue of a national magazine, OTPractice. The article, “A Light Bulb WentOff,” discusses the influences of fluorescentlighting in learning environments for autisticchildren and any potential health risks.

• Alumna Melissa Raddatz, who receivedintegrated training from the Airframe &Powerplant Mechanics and AircraftElectronics programs, was featured onthe front cover of the September/Octoberissue of the international publication,Aviation for Women. Raddatz now servesas program coordinator for the NationalAssociation of Flight Instructors.

• The Agriculture-related programs held their60th Annual Farm Tour earlier this year.The tour showcases area family farms thatuse the latest technologies and sustainabilitypractices to enhance production.

• The Internet Crimes Against Children(ICAC) Training & Technical Assistanceprogram trained a record 1,200-plus lawenforcement practitioners, probation andparole officers, and prosecutors during the2010 ICAC National Conference in Jacksonville. Attendeesincluded representatives from the United States, Australia, Canada,Cyprus, France, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Poland, Russia,Switzerland, and England.

Chris Matheny

focus fall 2010 3

�

Kelly Vils

Melissa Raddatz

FVTC was featured on the front cover ofthe Spring 2010 issue of WisconsinTrooper magazine.

Thanks for Choosing Us!For the fourth consecutive year, FoxValley Technical College was voted#1 in the Continuing Educationcategory as part of the Post-Crescent’s annual “Best of theValley” reader survey. All ofus at FVTC appreciate thesupport of the community as areaffirmation of the college’svital role in developing skilledemployees and enhancing livesthrough continuing education.

Patti Jorgensen

on workplace trainingfocus

For more information, visitwww.fvtc.edu/bis.�

It’s All Aboutthe ImageMiller Electric Mfg. Co. turned to afamiliar source for software trainingto enhance its training materials.

By Phil Bolsta

Miller Electric Mfg. Co. needed to trainsome of its employees in desktoppublishing, so the firm did whatnumerous local companies have done foryears: It asked Fox Valley TechnicalCollege’s Business and Industry Servicesteam for help.That request was easy to fill. AdjunctGraphic Arts instructor Mark Schlueterwas eager to work with Miller Electric,one of the world’s largest manufacturersof arc welding products designed formanufacturing, fabrication, construction,aviation, motorsports, education,agricultural, and marine applications.Miller Electric had specific goals inmind. The company had beenstreamlining the development andproduction of its training manuals andwanted to improve efficiency and quality.Training five of its employees in desktoppublishing software would enable themto immediately put together a number ofkey publications.Over the course of four weeks, theMiller Electric trainees took part in day-long training sessions for each of threesoftware programs: Adobe Illustrator,Photoshop, and InDesign.According to Nick Peterson, weldingengineer and curriculum developer forMiller Electric, streamlining the in-house

production of various training materialsenables the company to have bettercontrol over the timing, inventory, andpresentation of key product information.“For instance, we learned how toutilize new design applications toupdate a welding process in one of ourmanuals,” says Peterson. “We can alsomake ‘just-in-time’ copies of thesematerials when we need them to bettersupport our training objectives.”Peterson cites this new level of cross-training as an invaluable tool for acompany that aspires to lean practicesand world-class service. “Our industryis fast changing, so we need to changealong with the demands for ourproducts,” he notes.Jill Rosio, another Miller Electriccurriculum developer and fellowtrainee, sees enhanced imagery as animportant benefit from the training aswell. “Understanding the differencesbetween image quality in our highlydetailed world of specifications andtechnical applications is critical,” shesays. “The customized training fromFox Valley Tech really enabled us tosave printing costs and time.”Saving money and time are importantfor any business, but for Miller Electric,improved efficiency in presenting newtraining materials that are valued by itscustomers is essential. “The trainingneeds of our distributor base havechanged,” notes Paul Cleveland,manager of training and mobile salessupport for Miller Electric. “Providingdistributors with updated, customizedtraining materials when they need themenhances customer satisfaction.”The company is now better skilled tocreate educational materials for in-housetraining programs on an ongoing basis.“It was rewarding to get the trainees torealize the characteristics of eachindividual application, and how they allcan work together,” Schlueter says.FVTC’s long-standing partnershipwith Miller Electric has included othertraining concepts like robotic welding,rapid prototyping, and multimediadevelopment through learning objects,to name a few. The company has alsobeen a strong supporter of the college’swelding programs.

Resources and Results forYour WorkplaceFor nearly three decades, theworkplace training experts at Fox ValleyTechnical College have been deliveringcustomized workplace solutions forthousands of high-performingcompanies and their employees.

Each year…• Over 1,700 employers choose FVTC

for their training needs• Over 20,000 employees participate

in FVTC training sessions

Learn more about the broad range ofcustomized training plans, technicalassistance, seminars, and moreoffered through the Business andIndustry Services team at FVTC in thelatest Resource Guide.

To view the Guide or to request a copy,visit www.fvtc.edu/bisguide.

Our industry is fastchanging, so we needto change along withthe demands for ourproducts.

Nick PetersonMiller Electric Mfg. Co.

“”


Jill Rosio and Paul Cleveland,Miller Electric Mfg. Co.

TheRight ToolsFVTC’s Machine Tool Technicianprogram provided Kendal Beilkewith a solid foundation for arewarding career. It also made himan advocate for technicaleducation.

By Gary Legwold

Early in high school, Kendal Beilke sat inthe machine shop looking at coolprojects that made his head turn. Theyinfluenced him to take a machine shopclass during his junior year, and he soonfound the mix of mechanical andintellectual challenges a powerfulcombination. The experience causedBeilke to enroll in Fox Valley TechnicalCollege’s Machine Tool Technicianprogram right after high school.“The guidance counselor said I shouldgo to a four-year college,” says Beilke,who in his mind respectfully disagreed.“A four-year degree is nice, but itshouldn’t be automatically recommendedfor everyone. Keep it simple and matchyour passion with a program.”

First StepsWhile at FVTC, Beilke landed a part-timeposition at Richmark Patterns, aGreenville-based design and machiningfacility with 13 employees. “The timingwas ideal,” he says. “Our industry wasexperiencing an evolution of the endproduct from wood to a metal-basedplatform, and I was on the ground floor.”The part-time gig became a full-timejob after graduation, and Beilke was one

of the first to use thefast-emergingtechnology of CNCmachining, a highlyaccurate and cost-effective method oftool-making. Theprocess was anincredible challengeand definedRichmark’s directionfor the followingdecades.Today, 25 yearslater, Beilke is oneof the owners ofRichmark, whichnow employs 36skilled workers. HisFVTC educationprovided a path to agreat career. JimKitchen, the Machine Tool Technicianprogram’s lead instructor, says theprogram emphasizes individuallearning. “We push them to figurethings out,” he notes. “That’s thereality in the workforce. You have tothink on your feet.”

Real World, Real Training,Real JobsEmployers are excited when theyinterview job seekers with that kind ofinitiative. So, it’s not surprising that 80%of the 2009 class were employed sixmonths after graduation from theMachine Tool Technician program. “Andthat was low because we were in a downeconomy,” says Kitchen. “Normally, wehave placement rates in the 90% range.”Beilke will back that up. He says thatmany high school students are eager toimmerse themselves in real training forreal work. “Yet, they’re often advised notto go to a technical college,” he says. “Inreality, job placement prospects andaverage starting wages are often higherfor technical college graduates than forfour-year grads.”Given that perspective, it’s notsurprising that Beilke has continued hisrelationship with FVTC, serving as anadvisory committee member for thecollege’s Machine Tool Technicianprogram. The role allows him to give

back to a program that helped himlaunch his career. It also allows him tofind new employees; he’s hired eightFVTC graduates in the last few years.

A High “Five” for EconomicDevelopmentThe Venture Center at Fox ValleyTechnical College marked its fifthanniversary in September, celebrating astrong presence as a driving force inregional economic development. Start-upentrepreneur training and businessgrowth training are cornerstones of theVenture Center’s services through boththe E-Seed and Pro-Seed programs.

Here is a five-year snapshot of theVenture Center’s economic impact:• More than 200 business start-ups,

creating more than 700 jobs• Around 13,600 people served

through entrepreneur programs in theFox Cities, Waupaca, and Oshkosh

• More than 2,600 hours ofinstruction, one-on-one coaching, andtechnical assistance forentrepreneurs and small businesses

For more information, visitwww.venturecenterwi.biz.�

focus fall 2010 5

In reality, job placementprospects and averagestarting wages are oftenhigher for technicalcollege graduates thanfor four-year grads.

Kendal BeilkeCo-owner, Richmark Patterns

“”

Kendal Beilke, co-owner,Richmark Patterns

on the entrepreneurfocus

Today’s unemployed individuals represent all walks of life and are a sign of the struggling economy.While dealing with a challenging transition, many career-changers have found a fresh approach tocontrolling their job search.

New Skills for the New EconomyJob seekers are learning that today's economy requires newskill sets. “The days are pretty much gone where a highschool graduate could walk into a company and earn a jobmaking $15 to $20 an hour on an assembly line,” statesPaul Verbeten, president of Perfecseal, a Bemis companyspecializing in medical and pharmaceutical packingproducts. “Today’s employers are looking for advancedskills that align with the changing economy.”In spring of 2008, Fox Valley Technical College’s Student

Employment Services department launched the Job SeekersNetwork (JSN) to arm career-changing individuals withmarketable tools to help re-enter the workforce. During thefirst year, JSN meetings were held once a week at FVTC’sAppleton campus, but the down economy and word ofmouth caused the fast-growing resource to add sessions.Today, JSN is running four sessions a week, including arecent addition in Oshkosh at FVTC’s Riverside campus.“Job Seekers Network introduces the career seeker to a

different approach to being hired,” notes Chris Czarnik,facilitator/instructor for JSN. “We focus on teachingpeople to market themselves through emphasizing his orher achievements, networking, and identifying unadvertised job opportunities. This is very different than a traditional jobsearch support group.”Since its inception, JSN has impacted nearly 250 individuals and built an ever-growing network through social media.

“We’re learning of new successes almost weekly by way of participants landing careers or continuing their education,” saysCzarnik. “The beauty of JSN is that the networking creates energy among participants, and that dynamic gives people themotivation to control their job search.”

Need JSN?Sarah Dempsey of Oshkosh needed a different approach to a new career after losing her job. After nine months ofbeing out of work, she attended a JSN meeting and discovered a strategic, structured resource to landing a job.“Getting a job today requires a new way of networking,” says Dempsey, who earned a full-time career with anaccounting firm in Appleton as a result of attending JSN. “Job Seekers Network gave me confidence to help othersspread the word about my skills.”

Job Seekers Network classes are free and open to the public. To learn more, visit www.fvtc.edu/jsn.

Get ConnectedStudent Employment Services at FVTC helps connect students and alumni to jobopportunities through Wisconsin TechConnect, an up-to-date, free online pool of jobpostings by statewide employers.

To learn more, visit www.fvtc.edu/ses.

what’sNOW

Preparing Today’s Job Seeker for Success

By Chris Jossart

>>


Chris Czarnik converses with JSN participant Michelle Jaeger

It didn’t take Tim Meredith long to realize he should hire Thom Willecke as a communicationstechnician earlier this year. Meredith, the president of Wire Technologies, a Kaukauna-basedcommunications contractor, knew when he reviewed Willecke’s resume that he would be an asset tothe company. “It was a very easy decision,” Meredith says.What he saw on Willecke’s resume was an associate degree as an Electrical Communication Systems

Specialist from Fox Valley Technical College, plus 11 specialized certificates that Willecke earned inthe course of creating his own degree at the college. Three of those—Electronic Communication andData Cabling, Fiber-Optic Cabling/Devices, and Telecommunications Field Service, are directly relatedto the job he was applying for at Wire Technologies. But the rest were just as impressive to Meredith.

focus fall 2010 7

MakingHis Own

Future

Thom Willecke’seagerness to learn led himto design his own major—and earn a new career inthe electronics field.

By Sara Gilbert Frederick

Thom Willecke


“Thom had the necessary skills to help us out tremendously,” Meredith says. “Hiswealth of experience would be a benefit. There are few people who can cross over andwork in both cabling and networking. That was definitely a selling point when webrought him on.”Willecke knew he wouldn’t find a job that completely incorporated all 11 of his

certificates. But he also thought that whatever he did and wherever he worked, thevariety of knowledge and experience would serve him well.Turns out he was right. “All of my training at Fox Valley Tech has impacted me,”

Willecke says. “There are bits and pieces from all of the courses that I use on my job.Some things are not exactly part of what I do daily, but they are part of the environmentthat surrounds me.”

Defining a DegreeWillecke’s customized degree program came about when he was denied a financial aidaward because he didn’t have a declared degree. He was taking a full load of classes andworking toward a number of certificates that sounded interesting to him, but none ofthem counted toward an established associate degree. “I didn’t figure that out until myaward came back indicating zero dollars,” Willecke says. “Then someone I was workingwith in Enrollment Services (at FVTC) suggested I try to create a degree out of theclasses I was taking.”Willecke met with a counselor, who recommended that he pursue an individualized

technical studies degree. Together, they developed a proposal that showed how thevarious certificate programs he was enrolled in would result in employable skills.Willecke then had to find someone in the workforce to review the proposal andacknowledge its feasibility. In addition, he had to share it with several people oncampus, including the department chair of the engineering-related programs. Thatprocess, he says, helped him visualize his future more clearly. “It was the icing on thecake,” he says. “It allowed me to transition my mindset from just completing certificatesto realizing that this is actually what I want to do.”His initiative impressed many instructors. “It’s very unusual for a student to design a

program like this,” says Brenda Wilz, an Information Technology instructor and theadvisor for the FVTC chapter of the Association for Information TechnologyProfessionals (AITP). “What Thom did was amazing. He now has a unique combinationof skills and a much broader background than most students. He developed a clear planof what he wanted to do, and he put it together in a way that would be most beneficialto him and anyone fortunate to employ him.”

CertifiablyCertifiedA look at the 11 certificatesThom Willecke received onthe way to his customizedElectrical CommunicationSystems Specialist degreefrom FVTC:

• National Electrical Code

• Electronic Communicationand Data Cabling

• Internet Protocol Telephony

• Telecommunications FieldService

• IT–Network System Design

• Fiber-Optic Cabling/Devices

• IT–Network Infrastructure

• Photovoltaic Installer, EntryLevel

• Commercial ConstructionTechnician

• Network Topics forEngineering Technology

• Cisco CCNA Preparation

focus fall 2010 9

Willecke completed 29 credits in one semester,far exceeding full-time status as a student.Despite this load, he excelled academically.“He had a very heavy workload, but hewas always a top student,” says GaryHerlache, an Electronics Technologyinstructor who had Willecke in severalclasses. “He was driven to learn anddo the best in everything he did.”That included his involvement in

AITP. Willecke was part of a team thattwice took first place in the nationin the organization’s NationalCollegiate Conference GraphicCommunications competition—topping teams from such schoolsas the University of Texas, PurdueUniversity, and more from acrossthe country. “We earned an award injust about every category,” Wilz says.“It was a great event; I had to pinchmyself many times because I was soproud of our remarkable students.”As important as the recognition was

to Willecke and others, both he and Wilzagree that hands-on learning is a leadingreason that FVTC can compete with four-yearinstitutions in collegiate conferences. It speaks to thehigh-quality education available at FVTC, Willecke says,and discredits the notion that two-year schools are inferiorto four-year colleges.“People from other colleges approached us and asked how

they could transfer to Fox Valley Tech,” says Wilz. “It was quiteimpressive.”So is what Willecke has done, both while at FVTC and since

he’s graduated.

For more information, visit www.fvtc.edu/its.

Thom had thenecessary skill setsto help us outtremendously.

Tim MeredithPresident, Wire Technologies”

“

Arica Ludwig has always enjoyed taking care of children. She watched over her younger cousins and helpedout at her mom’s in-home child care center while growing up. As a high school senior, she discovered sheliked teaching during a year-long cooperative education class with second graders.Now, thanks to her associate degree from Fox Valley Technical College in Early Childhood Education,

Ludwig has transformed her passion into a career, working as a co-teacher at 21 for Tots Child Care Centerin Appleton.It took Ludwig some work to get to this point, however. “I’ve always wanted to teach young children, but

I wasn’t sure about the best way to pursue the goal,” she says. Ludwig initially enrolled in a large, four-yearuniversity after high school. “As a freshman, I was overwhelmed by the size of the school. My classes werelarge, and it was difficult to build personal relationships.”

Small Classes, Big BenefitsLudwig began exploring other options. She attended FVTC’s Discovery Days and toured the EarlyChildhood Education department. During the event, she learned about on-campus activities as well. “I reallyliked the Early Childhood Education program and the friendly environment at Fox Valley Tech,” Ludwigsays. “The small class sizes really sold me! From the first day of class, I felt welcome and comfortablegetting to know my classmates and instructors.”According to Amy Werba, FVTC’s Early Childhood Education department chair and instructor, the

associate degree program includes a mix of early childhood and general education courses. It focuses oncurriculum methods, child development, and practicums that provide hands-on experience in varied caresettings for children of all abilities. Students teach in a licensed child care center, a kindergarten, a preschool,and the FVTC Parent/Child Center.Ludwig says her training provided her with opportunities to teach, interact with children and parents, and

work in different classrooms. “During every experience, I used what I was learning in my classes,” shenotes. “My courses on curriculum planning and art, music, and language for young children wereparticularly helpful.”She also had great experiences outside the classroom. She was a member of the women’s competitive

basketball and volleyball teams, served as a student ambassador for the Early Childhood Educationprogram (on Discovery Days and Campus Visit Days), and was a new student orientation leader.

FVTC’s Early Childhood Education program helped Arica Ludwig find hercareer path—and it’s helping her make a difference in children’s lives.


Arica Ludwig provides care formany diverse children at 21for Tots Child Care Center

Start

Smart

By Sue Wilson

Ready for the Real WorldLudwig is now putting her FVTC training to work at 21 for TotsChild Care Center. The center, which is sponsored by Century 21Real Estate, is licensed for 40 children ages six weeks to 12 years.“I care for and teach two- and three-year olds, write parent lettersand lesson plans, and build relationships with parents,” Ludwigsays. “It’s extremely helpful to draw from the lesson plans I createdin college and to use the resources and teaching methods from myclasses. I was very well prepared.”

This fall, Ludwig enrolled at the University ofWisconsin–Oshkosh to pursue a bachelor’s degree in ElementaryEducation. As a student in an accelerated program, she attendsclass at night while working full-time. Almost all of her FVTCcredits transferred through a transfer agreement with the university.

According to Werba, Ludwig exemplifies many EarlyChildhood Education students. “While Arica participated in ourtraditional-format degree program, we provide an acceleratedprogram option for people already working in early childhoodeducation,” notes Werba.

Werba adds that the program classes meet Wisconsin statelicensing requirements, which offers an advantage for graduates.And what is the job outlook like these days for graduates? “Ourstudents have many employment options, including working inHead Start programs, preschools, child care centers, 4-Kclassrooms, and more,” says Werba. “They also work as nannies,paraprofessionals in school districts, and child care center owners.”

She expects to see many new students due to Wisconsin’s recentlypassed YoungStar regulations that increase the educationrequirements for child care center staff members. “There’s neverbeen a better time to return to campus and continue youreducation,” says Werba.

To find out more, visit www.fvtc.edu/earlychild.

Centered AroundLearningExperience is the best form of learningat FVTC’s Parent/Child Center.

You probably won’t see the youngest attendees ofFVTC sitting next to you in class. That’s becausethey are children at the college’s Parent/ChildCenter, an accredited preschool licensed to carefor kids that range in age from six weeks to 11years old.

Not only is the center a convenient, high-qualitychild care option for faculty, students, andcommunity members, it also plays an importanttraining role in the Early Childhood Educationprogram. All Early Childhood Education studentshave at least one practicum at the Parent/ChildCenter and are mentored by the center’sexperienced instructors.

The center’s close collaboration with the EarlyChildhood Education department benefits staff,children, and parents. Center staff members canpursue continuing education opportunities oncampus and employ the latest teaching methods.

Sally Beining, director of 21 for Tots Child CareCenter in Appleton, worked at the FVTCParent/Child Center for 13 years before assumingher current role. “FVTC graduates are wellprepared due to their many hands-on learningexperiences,” she says. “As employees, they fit inwell and easily transition to our center.”

For more information, visitwww.fvtc.edu/parentchildcenter.

focus fall 2010 11

It's extremelyhelpful to drawfrom the lessonplans I created incollege and to usethe resources andteaching methodsfrom my classes.I was very wellprepared.

Arica Ludwig”

“

Culinary Arts graduate Mark Biesack.


Tony Hill was fresh from two years in the U.S. NavalConstruction Force when he enrolled in Fox ValleyTechnical College’s new Construction ManagementTechnology (CMT) program last year. While he had gainedextensive experience building mostly residential-styleprojects in the military, Hill knew he needed to round outhis skills and take on greater responsibilities in the privatesector or back in the service. “It’s been a great way to easeback into civilian life,” says Hill. “I’m taking the next steptoward going back to the Navy as an officer or trying tofind a civilian job.”Hill was a member of the inaugural CMT course when

FVTC introduced the program in 2009 as a complement toits Residential Building Construction (RBC) program, aone-year offering that began in 1993. ConstructionManagement prepares students for entry-level supervisorypositions in residential, commercial, or industrialconstruction. Residential Building trains students to workas entry-level carpenters for builders, remodelers, andsubcontractors in such specialties as estimating and materialsales. Both programs are housed at FVTC’s S.J. SpanbauerTraining Center in Oshkosh.

Depending on their goals, students can learn to manage construction projects from the ground up or build homes from startto finish. Both programs feature hands-on projects, use sophisticated software, and incorporate principles of sustainable,energy-efficient building design and construction wherever possible.

Construction Management on the Fast TrackConstruction Management Technology is the first and only associate degree training program of its kind in Wisconsin,according to department chair and instructor Rich Cass. All graduates are qualified for such entry-level management orsupervisory positions as assistant project managers, assistant construction managers, and project engineers.First-year program enrollment exceeded expectations, with 21 students signing up.

It now has 35 to 40 students, counting both first- and second-year students.“Students can finish in two years if they apply themselves,” Cass says.Coursework covers the basic principles of building science, project cost control,

document management, supervision, and safety and risk management. The coreclasses teach the fundamentals of construction materials and methods. Othercoursework enhances construction project management skills and introduces studentsto architectural design and building information modeling software. Students arealso required to complete a 10-week summer internship, where they learn and applyconstruction management skills in a real-life setting with local contractors.

Residential Construction Gets Hands-OnEnrollment in the Residential Building Construction program, which peaked before the national housing bubble burst, is atabout 20 students this year. Students typically are one to three years out of high school, though a small percentage of non-traditional students also enroll. “I feel the market has bottomed out and we’re climbing again,” notes instructor BillTuchscherer. “Our students are getting jobs, more so in the remodeling market; where a few years ago it was in newconstruction.”

FVTC’s Construction ManagementTechnology and Residential BuildingConstruction programs providestudents with the tools they need tobuild successful careers.

Tony Hill, a student in FVTC'snew Construction ManagementTechnology program

Buildingthe

I decided to get adegree; it teaches youeverything you need andgets you out in theworkforce quickly.

Paul Shaver”“

Students spend half their week in the classroom learningtheory and practicing a specific skill until they perfect it.The other half of the week focuses on working on a phaseof a home that the class builds from start to finish. Studentsdo everything a carpenter would, from staking out thehouse for the excavator to framing and roofing to putting inwindows, siding, insulation, and sheetrock. Inside, theyinstall stairs, hardwood floors and crown molding, andother special woodwork.Over the years, the RBC program has built and sold 20

homes, Tuchscherer says, with all the profits going to theFVTC Foundation for college-wide student scholarships orspecial projects. The program has enjoyed the support offour trade associations in completing the projects: ValleyHome Builders Association, Winnebago Home BuildersAssociation, the Fox Valley Construction ManagementAssociation, and the Fox Valley Chapter of the NationalAssociation of the Remodeling Industry.

A Foot in the DoorGrowing up helping with his father’s construction business,Paul Shaver already knew a lot about building. But he alsorealized he needed additional credentials. “In today’seconomy, unless you have a degree, it’s hard to get your footin the door,” says Shaver, who completed the RBC programin August. “I decided to get a degree; it teaches youeverything you need and gets you out in the workforcequickly.”Shaver says he chose the program in part because of its

reputation as one of the state’s best finish programs. It methis expectations. “Finish work is what really makes acarpenter,” he says. “It’s not easy, but they broke thingsdown so everybody could understand it and apply it.Anyone going through the program is capable of succeedingat carpentry.”Shaver will have to wait before he joins his father on the

job site. He’s off to serve as a combat engineer in the U.S.Marine Corps, building base camps, airports, and otherstructures for the military. He expects to go overseas aftercompleting basic training in California. “I thought it wouldbe cool to use the skills I learned for something that mightbe bigger than building a house for one family,” he says.“It’s a different way to apply my degree.”

For more information, visit www.fvtc.edu/rbc orwww.fvtc.edu/constructionmgmt.

focus fall 2010 13

Growing GreenSustainability is a focus of both the ConstructionManagement Technology (CMT) and Residential BuildingConstruction (RBC) programs at FVTC. For example, theCMT program features an entire course in sustainabledesign and construction that provides an introduction to theGreen Building Rating System from the Leadership in Energyand Environmental Design (LEED) organization. Whenstudents finish the course, they will be prepared to take theLEED Green Associate accreditation exam. With architectsand engineers employing sustainability into their designstoday, students who have knowledge will have a leg up.

Similarly, RBC program students receive hands-onexperience in sustainability in a variety of ways. All studenthouse projects employ the latest air-sealing techniques andincorporate a high degree of insulation. Special attention isgiven to economical use of material, recycling, and reuse. Arecent student project involved disassembling an existinghouse and reclaiming a large share of the framing lumberfor reuse in the new home. Other material was offered tothe local Habitat ReStore or made available to students foruse in personal projects. Minimal waste is sent to landfills inboth new construction and remodeling projects.

These green-related initiatives are just a sampling of thecollege’s sustainability efforts. To learn more, visitwww.fvtc.edu/sustainable.

By Todd Nelson

Students apply their skills on community projects in FVTC'sResidential Building Construction program

FUTURE

Finding SuccessAlong theWayPa Lee Moua's career pathway hasled her to rewarding opportunitiesenriching the lives of others.

By Sara Gilbert Frederick

Pa Lee Moua started classes at FoxValley Technical College in the fall of1998, determined to succeed.

At 18, she was already a wife and amother. She knew that enrolling inFVTC’s Administrative Professionalprogram was the right path for her toattend college and forge ahead with acareer. And she knew that manymembers of the Hmong community,including an older sister who hadn’tbeen able to attend college, werewatching. They were pinning their hopesand dreams on her success as well.

“Failing wasn’t an option,” Mouarecalls. “It was find a career and tastesuccess, or crumble and not be able tosupport myself or my family. There aremany options for higher education; youneed to find the one that best fits yourneeds. Fox Valley Technical College wasthe right path for me.”

The determination that helped herearn an associate degree from FVTC in2000 has since helped her finish both abachelor’s degree in BusinessAdministration from Lakeland Collegein 2003 and a master’s degree inEducational Leadership from theUniversity of Wisconsin–Oshkosh in2006. Today, she is the assistant dean ofstudents for Multicultural Affairs atLawrence University in Appleton—andthe recipient of FVTC’s 2010Outstanding Alumni Award.

“I feel very privileged to have earnedthis award,” Moua says. “But I didn’t

do it alone. It takes notonly a lot of will power,passion, and motivation,but also people power. Inmy opinion, networkingis the key toopportunities. And that’swhat I experienced frommy husband, my parents,and the people at FoxValley Tech.”

Laying theGroundworkIt was FVTC’s flexibilitythat made it all possible,Moua says. She needed totake classes at night andhave online options aswell. At FVTC, she could. She needed tostay close to her Appleton home. AtFVTC, she could. And she needed to feelcomfortable as a student. At FVTC, shedid. “Some students were right out ofhigh school, like I was,” she says. “Butsome were nontraditional with youngchildren. They could understand what ayoung mom like me was going through.The mixture of traditional andnontraditional students was veryimportant to me.”

So was the support network thatsurrounded her at FVTC in the form ofRita Van Groll and Willie Pekah, whonoticed her skills and outgoingpersonality. They recommended her fora job as a minority retention specialist inthe Minority Student Services center oncampus. That experience and theconnections she made there helped herbecome a multicultural advisor at anarea two-year university before landingher current job at Lawrence University.

FVTC, Moua says, laid thegroundwork for all of those experiences.She can now see that her experiences atthe college were the stepping stones thatled her to where she is today. “It was thestarting point for everything,” she says.“When I reflect back on the courses I’vetaken, people I’ve met, and the hands-onexperience I’ve gained, I know that FoxValley Tech was the foundation for whatmy life is now.”

She also knows that her success setsan example for the rest of her family andthe Hmong community. Her family and

friends were all on her mind when sheaccepted the Outstanding AlumniAward. “I felt like I was living everyone’sdream along with my own,” she says.

on alumnifocus

For information, visitwww.fvtc.edu/alumni.�


Fox Valley Tech wasthe foundation forwhat my life is now.

Pa Lee Moua

“”

Seeking Outstanding AlumniFVTC is seeking nominations for its2011 Outstanding Alumni Award. Eachyear, this distinguished honor ispresented to a deserving alumna whohas completed a Fox Valley TechnicalCollege associate degree, technicaldiploma, or apprentice program.

The award was created to recognizean FVTC alumna who hasdemonstrated the value of technicaleducation through:• Career advancement• Community service• Continued personal and educationalgrowth

• Support of the Wisconsin TechnicalCollege System

• Success within his/her career field

FVTC will honor the award recipient inMay 2011. Nomination guidelines areavailable at www.fvtc.edu/alumni, orcall (920) 735-4859 for moreinformation.

FVTC Outstanding Alumni Awardrecipient Pa Lee Moua

The Power of 10A new 10-year partnership withCASE IH and Service MotorCompany will provide FVTCstudents with an impressive arrayof state-of-the-art equipment.

By Vicki Stavig

When CASE IH and Service MotorCompany (SMC) signed a partnershipagreement with Fox Valley TechnicalCollege in February, it far exceededanything college officials could haveanticipated. Under the 10-yearagreement, CASE IH and SMC willprovide the college with an impressivearray of state-of-the-art equipment foruse in training students. CASE IH is aRacine-based supplier of agriculturalequipment, and SMC is a dealer for thatequipment with six locations throughoutWisconsin, including one in nearby Dale.

“When CASE IH decided to supportsome of the training going on in collegesthroughout Wisconsin, they looked atFox Valley Technical College and wereexcited about what we were doing,” saysAlyce Dumke, executive director of theFVTC Foundation, Inc. and CommunityRelations. “This partnership took ourbreath away; we had no idea that itwould be so extensive.”Through the partnership, FVTC isreceiving such equipment as tractors,planters, combines, tillage implements,mowers, skid steers, and utility vehicles.All are being used by students in thecollege’s Agriculture, Natural Resources,Horticulture, and Outdoor PowerEquipment programs. Grounds-keeping

employees will also benefit fromthe generosity of CASE IH andSMC by having access to high-tech snow removal equipment.“It’s difficult today foruniversities and colleges toexpose their students to state-of-the-art technologies,” says PattieLardie, manager of governmentsales for CASE IH NorthAmerica. “We feel strongly thatstudents in Wisconsin should beable to experience the most up-to-date equipment, and tounderstand its impact.”The equipment that FVTCwill receive each year carries acombined price tag of over $1million. “It’s a 10-yearpartnership,” says Dumke. “It’sincredible because the experientiallearning our students engage in allowsthem to hit the ground running. We needthese kinds of training tools.”

Loyalty Runs DeepThe partnership also provides FVTCinstructors and students access to SMCemployees. Along with CASE IH productspecialists, SMC staff provides hands-ontraining and assistance in fielddemonstrations. “It’s going very well,”says Kevin Sommer, a Service MotorCompany vice president and currentFVTC student. “Service Motor Companyhas been working with the college for 35or 40 years, lending equipment forstudents to set up and repair, and helpingprovide training. Through this newpartnership, we are supplying Fox ValleyTechnical College with brand-newequipment right off the assembly line.”“I’ve heard nothing but positivefeedback from our students,” says MikeCattelino, associate dean of FVTC’sManufacturing, Information, andAgriculture Technologies division. “Theyhave an opportunity to operate thisequipment to its fullest extent. Potentialbuyers also can come here to see whatwe’re using.”Lardie is more than a little impressedwith FVTC. “The folks at Fox ValleyTechnical College are phenomenal,” shesays. “They have really engaged with us.In fact, when we drove the combine tothe school, they arranged for a police

escort. It was awesome.”Partnerships like this provide tools andtraining to meet the ever-changing needsof today’s workforce. “We are alwaysseeking partnerships that can support ourstudents and our programs,” saysDumke. “The reputation, passion, anddedication of our faculty made thishappen, and the students are thrilledabout the opportunity.”

on the Foundationfocus

Jumpstarting an AgricultureCareerFor Andrea Korth, a 2010 graduateof New London High School, enrollingin FVTC’s Agri-Business/ScienceTechnology program was an easychoice. Korth received the Patrick D.Rohan Memorial Scholarship, one of12 agriculture-related scholarshipsavailable to students attending FVTC.

“Fox Valley Tech’s reputation made thedecision to go there a breeze,” notesKorth. “I was also happy to learn theTech provided scholarshipopportunities in something I havewanted to pursue for a long time.”

The FVTC Foundation, Inc. is acceptingscholarship applications from currenthigh school students from January 5through Feb. 11, 2011. To learnmore, visit www.fvtc.edu/scholarships.

For more information, visitwww.fvtc.edu/foundation.�

focus fall 2010 15

We are supplying FoxValley TechnicalCollege with brand-new equipment rightoff the assembly line.

Kevin Sommer, vice president,Service Motor Company

“”

Kevin Sommer (left), Service Motor Company,and Tom Yost, FVTC Agriculture instructor

Supporting theTroopsA new club offers services,assistance, and camaraderie forU.S. military veterans.

In 2009, Bruce Rathe had an epiphany:There was nothing at Fox ValleyTechnical College that students who weremilitary veterans could call their own.Rathe, who works in the college’sEducational Support Services department,wanted to change that. “I wantedveterans to know that their presence oncampus was valued,” he says.In April 2010, Rathe put out feelers todetermine if others shared his views.Feedback from students, faculty, staff,and community members gave him the

answer he was looking for.Thus, V4V—the Veterans forVeterans Club was formed.Club meetings are open toanyone. Currently enrolledstudents who have served orare serving in the military, fromany era or any branch, havevoting privileges in the club.Almost 40 vets, including anFVTC alumnus, have signedup, along with a handful offaculty and community members.Chris McKeithan, a student in thecollege’s Natural Resources Technicianprogram and the inaugural V4Vpresident, views the club as an importantoffering for those readjusting to civilianlife. “The club will help fellow vetssupport one another while they adapt tonew settings,” he says. “We’re alsohoping to unite similar clubs around thearea by offering cross-generationalnetworking opportunities.”After brainstorming sessions with clubmembers, Rathe helped the groupnarrow its focus to three areas:• Outreach: Events, activities, and serviceprojects like speaking at schools orholding fundraisers for serviceorganizations or military families.

• Benefits and services: Awareness andeducation will help veterans identifywhat benefits and services are availableand how to access them.• Camaraderie: Increasing interactionsamong veterans will provide consistentnetworking opportunities.

Rathe, who has no military experiencehimself, is glad he took the initiative toget the club started. “I’m not familiarwith military culture, but I wanted tohonor veterans,” he says. “I appreciatewhat these folks have done and aredoing for our country.”

on student lifefocus

For more information, visitwww.fvtc.edu/studentlife.

Taking Time to Smell the RosesAn eye-catching rose garden at FVTC’s Appletoncampus is attracting visitors thanks to acollaborative student project and longtime friend ofthe college.

The beautiful new rose garden near Entrance 3 at FVTC’sAppleton campus is a living memorial to a very specialman. “Bill Hartling was a dear friend to Fox ValleyTechnical College,” says Jim Beard, FVTC’s leadHorticulture instructor and landscape architect. Bill’swife, Jeanne, who recently retired after 25 years as anemployee at FVTC, approached Beard shortly after Bill’spassing in December of 2009. She said Bill wanted thecollege to have his roses.Hartling, a Master Rosarian and the go-to guy for anyand all questions about roses, had a wonderful collectionof more than 200 roses. With the college administration’sblessing, Beard met with local rosarian Carl Christensonand Horticulture Technician student Vickie Bartman toplan and design a rose garden.

Horticulture Technicianstudent Vickie Bartman inFVTC's new rose garden

�


The club will help fellowvets support one anotherwhile they adapt to newsettings.

Chris McKeithan

“”

Chris McKeithan (left), V4V, andBruce Rathe, FVTC counselor

Since the designated spot was grass-covered and a former fill site ladenwith rubble, rock and different soils,Beard’s students spent all of Mayexcavating planter beds and fillingthem with layers of topsoil andcomposted horse manure. Students thenlifted, transported, and transplantedHartling’s rose collection, a task mademore difficult by unseasonably hightemperatures and an excessive amountof rain that month. A trickle irrigationsystem and fertilizer attachment wereadded so the roses could beautomatically watered and fed at thesame time.

FVTC Horticulture students did allof the on-site work, which includedlaying the brick work for walkwaysand patios, as well as constructing twoarbors, a pergola, a porch swing, and alattice trellis. FVTC’s AutomatedManufacturing Systems program andthe Production Welding program inOshkosh combined forces to create thetwo stainless steel signs and the patio'sstone-cut rose.Bartman, 52, whose background is indesign and art direction, threw her“whole heart and soul” into theproject. In addition to the landscaping-related projects, she worked with other

students to create and assemblenameplates for all the roses, and more.“Roses were Bill’s passion for over 30years,” she says. “I wanted to be partof honoring Bill’s memory, his legacy,and the generosity of the Hartlings’contribution to the college.”Beard couldn’t be happier with thefinal result. “The rose garden is one ofthose places where you can go to reflect,smell the roses, and recharge yourbatteries,” he says. He cannot praise hisstudents enough for their achievement.“The finest thing this garden representsis the quality and dedication of FoxValley Tech students,” he says. “It’sbecause our students work acrossdepartment lines to form partnershipsthat we are able to accomplish thesekinds of projects.”

The finest thing this garden represents is thequality and dedication of Fox Valley Tech students.

Jim Beard“ ”

For more information, visitwww.fvtc.edu/horticulturetech.�focus fall 2010 17

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Fox Valley Technical College Focus Magazine Fall 2010