Fox Valley Technical College Focus Magazine Spring 2011

focusFox Valley Technical College volume 4, issue 1 • spring 2011

your future

inside:> How one graduate

found his callingand opened hisown businessat age 220

> New servicehelps peoplemanage theirfinances—duringand after collegePage 15

> AdvancedManufacturingTechnologyCenter offershigh-tech trainingPage 2

As Elizabeth Amweg discovered,the opportunities are sky highfor graduates of FVTC’saviation programs.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 WRITERSChuck Benda, Chris Jossart,

Chris Mikko, Vicki Stavig, Sue Wilson

PHOTOGRAPHYGary Brilowski, Gary Gawinski,Cara Jakubiec,Dave Kaphingst,

Patrick Kelly, Adam Shea

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 NorthCentral Association, www.ncahlc.org.

FVTC offers more than 200 associatedegree, technical diploma and certificateprograms, and instruction related to

20 apprenticeship trades, in addition toproviding services to business and industry.Annually, the college serves about 47,000people throughout its five-county district.

Member of:

© 2011 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 TrainingWhen Walker Forge needed specialized softwaretraining for its designers, the company knew exactlywho to call.

Focus on the EntrepreneurThe Venture Center at Fox Valley Technical Collegehelped open Kristin Benson Ellsworth’s eyes to aworld of new possibilities.

Focus on AlumniQ&A with Michell Pascarella, a family nursepractitioner with the Fox Cities CommunityHealth Center.

Focus on the FoundationThanks to a new grant and the collaboration ofnumerous community partners, Fox Valley TechnicalCollege has unveiled a unique resource to helppeople learn how to manage their finances, bothduring and after college.

Focus on the Student ExperienceHow FVTC Truck Driving students gain valuableexperience while helping one of the state’s most vitalnon-profit organizations.

Reaching New HeightsThe opportunities are sky high whenit comes to careers for graduates ofFVTC’s aviation programs.

Above and BeyondEddie Paul’s first class at Fox ValleyTechnical College helped himdiscover his life’s passion—and sethim on the path to owning andoperating a business at age 22.

Opportunity KnocksTwo years ago, Miriam Quinonez’slong-time employer packed up andmoved away. FVTC helped hertransform that unlucky break intothe gateway for a new career.

features

2

4

5

14

15

16

10

12

7

in every issue

Fox Valley Tech is an affordable place to earn adegree and to learn from experienced instructors.When I’m done, I may decide to continue myeducation at another college or university becauseFVTC has a lot of transfer options.

Welcome to Fox Valley Technical College.

John MainiFVTC Student, Banking & Financial Services

welcome

contents

10What’s NowThe college’s commitment toproviding innovative training andservices continues to help develop askilled workforce and sharpen ourregion’s competitive edge.

6

New CenterSupports Growthin ManufacturingThe new Fox Valley TechnicalCollege Advanced ManufacturingTechnology Center in Oshkoshopened in January 2011 to helpaddress the growing demand forskilled workers in the region. The30,000-square-foot facility housesthe latest technology for bothworkplace training opportunitiesand program-related classes inwelding and metal fabrication.The center operates in

partnership with Miller ElectricMfg. Co., one of the world’s largestmanufacturers of arc weldingproducts designed formanufacturing, fabrication,construction, aviation, motorsports,education, agricultural, and marineapplications. Miller donated morethan $1 million in weldingequipment to the center as part ofthe new partnership.Plans are underway to implement

robotic welding equipment in 2012.In exchange for the equipment,FVTC provides in-kind training forMiller employees each year.Despite a sluggish economy,

welding careers are still in demandin the New North region.According to the 2010 New NorthOccupation OpportunityProjections Survey, area weldingcareers are anticipated to increaseby 26% by 2015.

Learn more:www.fvtc.edu/advancedmfg

FVTC's new Advanced ManufacturingTechnology Center in Oshkosh.

Welding careersare in demand.

aroundfvtc

2 www.fvtc.edu Fox Valley Technical College

Focus is also on the Web!www.fvtc.edu/focus

NewsBriefs

The First Choice forEducation and Training for100 YearsTell us why we’ve beenyour first choice!

There’s good reason whyFVTC has been thecollege of choice in thiscommunity for 100 years.You get high-techoccupational training forthe workplace, whetheryou’re preparing for anew career or sharpeningyour job skills. In fact,many area employers turnto FVTC first to hire job-ready employees and to keep them sharp with continuingeducation. No surprise, since one-third of the fastest growingoccupations require a technical college education.Fox Valley Tech prepares you for jobs that are the fabric of

our community—from law enforcement and health care tobusiness and advanced manufacturing . . . and everything inbetween. With over 200 programs to choose from, you cantrain for a career that’s in demand—right here, right now.

How do YOU know us?Visit www.facebook.com/foxvalleytech100and share a story or two about how FVTC has madea difference in your life. Read stories shared byothers too!

You may also e-mail your story [email protected] or call (920) 735-5607.

• FVTC is the first educational institution in Wisconsin to earn a GreenMasters Award from the Wisconsin Sustainable BusinessCouncil for its efforts in energy reduction, recycling, implementationof water quality courses, and repurposing of food waste.

• Medical Education Technologies, Inc., or METI, a worldwideleader in interactive patient simulators used to mimic human medicalscenarios, presented FVTC with a national award for the college’scommitment to innovative training in thehealth care field.

• Dr. Patricia Robinson, executive deanof the Public Safety division, co-authoredan article in the October 2010 issue ofPolice Chief magazine, published by theInternational Association of Chiefs ofPolice. The article is entitled, “When theGuilty Walk Free: The Role of Police inPreventing Wrongful Convictions.”

• The FVTC Foundation, Inc. increasedits support for displaced workers in needof retraining by receiving a second-year$20,000 grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation and a $15,000grant from the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation forscholarships.

• FVTC’s City Center GOAL (GoalOriented Adult Learning) Lab indowntown Appleton is serving as astatewide model for effective educationalpartnerships. A site evaluationconducted by the Wisconsin TechnicalCollege System recognized the Lab’sabove-average completion rates and useof shared resources with theEmergency Shelter of the Fox Valley.

• Marge Rubin, director of ArticulatedPrograms and coordinator of theWisconsin Career Pathways WebsiteProject, and Jay Stulo, Web developerfor the Learning Innovations department,co-presented, “What’s All the BuzzAbout: Career Pathways andWisconsin’s Website,” at the NationalCareer Pathways Network 2010Conference in Dallas. The project’spurpose is to help grow and sustain askilled workforce to support economicdevelopment.

focus spring 2011 3

�

Marge Rubin

Jay Stulo

Dr. Patricia Robinson

Scan this code with your smartphone to share your story atfacebook.com/foxvalleytech100

Close to HomeWhen Walker Forge neededspecialized software training for itsdesigners, the company knewexactly who to call.

By Vicki Stavig

It wasn’t the first time the folks atWalker Forge had turned to Fox ValleyTechnical College for help in providingspecialized training for its employees.And, given the success of the mostrecent training program, along withthose provided in the past, it won’t bethe last time.

Walker Forge has been making hotforged carbon and alloy steel productsfor numerous industries since 1950. Thecompany’s Clintonville facility—not farfrom one of FVTC’s regional centers—isthe site of its manufacturing operations.That is where 370 employees designand manufacture parts for use in theoil/gas, heavy construction, automotive,recreational, and agricultural industries,as well as for the military.

When Walker Forge decided to use anew computer-aided program called ProEngineer to design its dies, that decisionbrought a need to train its team ofdesigners. “That’s when we turned toFox Valley Technical College,” saysRick Recktenwald, vice president ofmanufacturing for Walker Forge and amember of the college’s Board ofTrustees. “We had been working withFox Valley Technical College fordecades in setting up training programs.In fact, our entire die design team ismade up of FVTC graduates.”

Recktenwald met with Steve Dreger, akey account manager on FVTC’sBusiness & Industry Services team, todiscuss his company’s needs. “We’re thecollege’s training arm that works withclients to identify and resolve an endlessvariety of workplace issues and needs,”Dreger says. “Once we identify all thebusiness challenges, a customized plancan be developed to achieve theorganization’s training goals.”

In this case, Walker Forge wassending its designer group out of the

area for ProEngineer trainingevery time it wasneeded. Thecompany gaveFVTC anopportunity toprovide thetraining locally.Dreger madearrangements forWalker Forge toreceive the trainingat FVTC’s Clintonville Regional Center,utilizing an adjunct instructor.

FVTC will provide training wheneverand wherever the client desires. In thecase of Walker Forge, the college savedthe company the cost of travel andlodging. “It went very well,”Recktenwald says, noting that theprogram delivered precisely what thecompany’s designers needed. “FVTChas the talent and the resources to builda program for anyone.”

That is exactly what Dreger and histeam do. “We like to be innovative,” hesays, adding that the college has beenoffering customized training for nearly30 years, and on average, serves about1,400 employers and more than 21,000employees annually.

“We have a wealth of professionalresources ready to meet the trainingneeds of customers, with both technicalknowledge and real-world workexperience,” states Dreger.

“In many cases, participants can earncollege credits for the training, whichtypically occurs at the main campus inAppleton, at one of our regional centers,or at the client’s location—when, where,and how they want it.”

Going DigitalAccessibility to expert resources andspecialized equipment make Fox ValleyTechnical College a top choice forworkplace solutions of virtually any kind.

One piece of innovation that isimpacting FVTC’s workplace partnersis digital printing technology withstate-of-the-art Kodak brandequipment. Paper companies, forinstance, work with the college’sPrinting Technologies department totest a gamut of paper substrates foroptimized resolution, ink quality, andadherence properties.

“Research and developmentdepartments from the paper industrylook to us for ways to increase theirbottom lines,” notes Shana Farrell,manager of Printing Services atFVTC. “Our digital printing technologyis the first of its kind in the area.”

Internally, the college also uses digitalprinting technology as part of itssustainability efforts by implementingdocument output managementsystems, resulting in enhancedefficiency and cost savings.

FVTC has the talentand resources tobuild a program foranyone.

Rick RecktenwaldVice President of Manufacturing

Walker Forge

“”


Chris Kratzke, tool & die designerat Walker Forge, displays ProEngineer technology.

focuson workplace training

For a brief video of thesoftware’s impact, go towww.fvtc.edu/walkerforge�

Learn more:www.fvtc.edu/print�

Vision QuestThe Venture Center at Fox ValleyTechnical College helped openKristin Benson Ellsworth’s eyes to aworld of new possibilities.

By Vicki Stavig

Sometimes an idea for a new businesscomes when you least expect it. In thecase of Kristin Benson Ellsworth,attempts to get her young daughter towear her glasses led to starting PeepsEyewear, a wholesaler of glasses designedfor children ages 3 to 6.Ellsworth, who had earned an

undergraduate degree in business andthen a law degree, credits the VentureCenter at Fox Valley Technical Collegefor giving her the tools to start PeepsEyewear. “Everything came together withFox Valley Technical College,” she says.“It was the springboard to start mybusiness. Its resources and mentorshelped me move forward.”When Ellsworth tried to get her 3-

year-old daughter to wear her glasses,she received a curt reply. “Princessesdon’t wear glasses,” the little girl said. SoEllsworth set out to change herdaughter’s viewpoint by writing a storytitled, “Princesses Wear Glasses,” which

she later developedinto a book that isnow included witheach pair of PeepsEyewear glasses.

Taking theNext StepIn 2008, Ellsworthregistered for theVenture Center’s E-Seed entrepreneurshiptraining program, which includedcourses on business legal structures,marketing, market research and analysis,customer relations, product pricing, andbusiness finance.“The next step was to make glasses,

but I couldn’t find manufacturers in theUnited States,” she says. “I read aboutthe Fab Lab at FVTC and used it todevelop a 3-D image of what I wantedthe glasses to look like.”After a year-long search, Ellsworth

connected with a manufacturer. “Theframes are made overseas, andeverything is tested in the United States,”she says. Ellsworth added that the booksare made locally by RR Donnelley. Thecompany prints her books from itsGreenville, Wis., facility, in addition topackaging, warehousing, kitting, andshipper services for Peeps Eyewear. Thegirls’ line, called Princess Peeps, includestwo designs: a classic frame and a pink,sparkly princess frame. Ellsworth also isdeveloping a line for boys.Last year, Ellsworth entered her

business plan in the Governor’s BusinessPlan Contest and earned first place in thecompetition’s Business Services division.In August, Ellsworth began selling herproduct line with University of

Wisconsin Health Optical and WinkOptical in Lincoln Park, Ill. “If it wasn’tfor FVTC’s Venture Center, I wouldn’t bethis far along,” Ellsworth says. “Thetools and resources it provided wereinstrumental in getting my business offthe ground. And I had a technical teambehind me with the college’s Fab Lab.”And, Ellsworth adds, this is only the

start. “I want my glasses to be availableto children throughout the country,” shesays. “I hope that when children get theirfirst pair of glasses, they will walk outexcited to be wearing them.”Ellsworth’s goal to make Peeps

Eyewear frames accessible to childrenthroughout the U.S. took another stepcloser to reality when she recently landeda partnership with Wisconsin Vision, alarge Midwest optical, eye exam,eyeglass, and contact lens provider with27 locations in Wisconsin, Indiana, andIllinois. Her products are available inWisconsin Vision select boutiques and allstore locations. “We want to change theway children wear glasses,” saysEllsworth.

If it wasn’t for FVTC’sVenture Center, I wouldn’tbe this far along.

Kristin Benson EllsworthFounder, Peeps Eyewear

“”

Kristin Ellsworth (left)with Teresa Glasowof Wisconsin Vision.

on the entrepreneurfocus

Crossing the BridgeWhen Fox Valley TechnicalCollege offered a Bridge toEntrepreneurship andBusiness course for 14 ELL(English Language Learner)students representing arange of countries, they allquickly learned the basics ofstarting a business in theUnited States or in theirhomelands.

“We’re trying to encourage our studentsto look at entrepreneurship as a viablechoice,” says Caethe Brockman, aninstructor in FVTC’s Entrepreneurshipand Marketing program. “With thisclass, we wanted to develop a product,so the students could better understandentrepreneurship.”

That product was an aluminum waterbottle with lettering that was laser-etched in FVTC’s Fab Lab, with proceeds

going to Kiva, an online microlendingbank that helps support entrepreneursworldwide. “The students developed atimeline and pricing, did somemarketing, determined expenses andprofits, and assessed areas ofimprovement,” Brockman says. Theygave their profits to four businesses inKenya, Peru, Cambodia, and Pakistan.

Learn more:www.venturecenterwi.biz�

focus spring 2011 5

Fox Valley Technical College’s commitment to providing innovative training and servicescontinues to help develop a skilled workforce and sharpen our region’s competitive edge.

Discover Innovation 365 withtour guide Chris Matheny, vicepresident for InstructionalServices, and learn how FVTCis innovating every day!

Innovation 365


what’s>>

Innovation is PartnershipsLongstanding partnerships with local and internationalbusinesses have helped FVTC incorporate the latesttraining, equipment, and industry knowledge into itscurriculum. These tools prepare students for careers in aneconomy that demands lean operations, hands-onknowledge of high-tech equipment, and innovativeproblem-solving.FVTC continues to develop partnerships that introduce

new technology to various careers such as advancedmanufacturing, agriculture, automation, health care, andconstruction. These collaborations are the result of thecollege’s unique approach to working regularly withindustry advisory committees to identify workplace needs.They ensure that FVTC’s educational programs remain atthe forefront of innovation.

Innovation is MultifacetedWhen a local manufacturing company needed to enhanceproduct development, it turned to FVTC. When anentrepreneur needed to make a prototype to help a childimprove her eyesight, she turned to FVTC. When a

community needs police, fire, and EMS workers, FVTC isthere to deliver.Regardless of industry, FVTC has the instructional

expertise, resources, and relationships to stay abreast ofwhat today’s workforce needs. Knowledge that works andinnovation aren’t only found in the college’s state-of-the-artequipment, they are also evident in:

• Faculty with industry experience and world-classcertifications

• Unique, hands-on learning experiences that preparestudents for their careers and provide them with an edgein the job market

• Flexible learning options such as customized training forworking adults

• Training on the latest sustainable business practices

Innovation is “What’s Next?”Innovation at FVTC never ends. We are constantlyexploring ways to improve the education and trainingservices we provide. Interested in learning more about howFVTC is innovative? See below.

NOWBy Chris Jossart

Learn more:www.fvtcinnovationblog.com

Elizabeth Amweg, 22, started taking flight lessons when she was 15. By thetime she graduated high school, the Plymouth, Wis., native had already earnedher private pilot’s certificate at a nearby airport. When she started shoppingaround for a flight school to continue her professional pilot education, shequickly chose Fox Valley Technical College.“I started out looking at some four-year programs,” Amweg explains. “But

they were expensive—and they didn’t offer as much as FVTC does in its two-year program.”A visit to campus made Amweg’s decision even easier. “The people were all

friendly,” she says. “The class sizes were small and I discovered I could

focus spring 2011 7

ReachingNew Heights

The opportunities are skyhigh when it comes tocareers for graduates ofFVTC’s aviation programs.

By Chuck Benda

Instructor Jared Huss andElizabeth Amweg in FVTC’s

high-tech flight simulator.

school, it would have taken twice as long and I wouldn’t have acquired nearly as muchflight experience or pilot certificates,” says Amweg.Plus, she wouldn’t already have two years of experience working as a flight instructor.

Like some FVTC program graduates, Amweg was hired as a flight instructor at thecollege after completing her degree. She now has more than 1,000 hours of flight time,and recently landed a job as a first officer with American Eagle Airlines, where she willbe flying 70-passenger airplanes around the United States and the Caribbean.“We keep our class sizes small [16 students] and really try to give our students as much

one-on-one tailored instruction as possible,” says Jared Huss, lead instructor of FVTC’sPilot Training program. “Elizabeth was the kind of student every instructor looks forwardto teaching. She took full advantage of all the resources available to her, and always wentabove and beyond what was required. Elizabeth carried a tremendous work ethic with herwhile she worked for us as both a work study and as a flight instructor.”

Before TakeoffAlong with the Pilot Training program, FVTC offers programs in Aircraft Electronicsand Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics (A&P). Melissa Raddatz completed bothprograms, and she can attest that they too are top-notch offerings.Raddatz, 28, started in FVTC’s A&P program, where she learned about every aspect

of airplane maintenance, inspection, and repair—from welding, repair of compositestructures, aircraft engine overhaul, and more. And she came to deeply appreciate the


transfer to a four-year programlater on and earn a bachelor’sdegree.”For Amweg, things couldn’t

have worked out better. After onlytwo years at FVTC, she graduatedwith her associate degree inAeronautics-Pilot Training in2009. At the same time, sheearned her commercial pilot’scertificate with airplane single-engine, multi-engine, andinstrument ratings. She alsoearned a certified flight instructorcertificate. What’s morenoteworthy is that Amweg hadaccumulated more than 300 hoursof flight time in only two years—acritical component of qualifyingfor employment as a pilot.“If I had chosen a four-year

All my instructors had real-worldexperience working for companies suchas Rockwell Collins and Delta.

Melissa Raddatz”“

Melissa Raddatz

breadth of knowledge herinstructors brought to theclassroom. “All my instructorshad real-world experienceworking for companies such asRockwell Collins and Delta,” saysRaddatz.When she finished the A&P

program, Raddatz enrolled inFVTC’s Aircraft Electronicsprogram. She liked the electronicsside of things even better thanA&P. The two programscontributed toward her landing anew job with Duncan Aviation inBattle Creek, Mich. Her FVTCeducation helped tremendouslywith what was an extremelycompetitive interview process.“There were roughly 100applicants for two openings,” saysRaddatz.Raddatz is now working as a

wiring specialist, building andinstalling wiring harnesses forDuncan, which builds customairplanes for corporate clients.

Her husband, Austin, also worksfor Duncan. The two of them metat FVTC, where Austin completedthe same courses of study.Raddatz, who is the first womanto have completed both the A&Pand Aircraft Electronics programs,has also earned nationalrecognition for heraccomplishments. She wasfeatured on the cover of theSeptember/October 2010 issue ofAviation for Women magazine.

focus spring 2011 9

Added OpportunitiesFVTC adds new option to pilot training program.

Most years, 100% of the graduates of Fox Valley TechnicalCollege's pilot training program land a job within six months. Withthe downturn in the economy, that number dipped a bit last yearto 80%. Jared Huss, lead instructor of FVTC’s Pilot Trainingprogram, reports that the industry is rebounding. But that doesn’tmean the college is sitting still.

“Along with keeping FVTC outfitted with state-of-the-art trainingequipment, we’re always looking for ways to collaborate withother college programs to increase opportunities for graduates,”says Huss.

FVTC is now offering students the opportunity to combine oneyear of Pilot Training with one year in the college’s WildlandFirefighter program. Students could earn their commercial pilot’scertificate with airplane single-engine, multi-engine, andinstrument ratings the first year. Then, with a year in the WildlandFirefighter program, they would be qualified for jobs supportingwildland firefighters such as air patrol pilots (looking for fires), airattack pilots (directing firefighters on the ground from a plane),and air tanker pilots (dropping chemicals on fires).

“We hope this is just the first of several collaborative efforts alongsimilar lines,” says Huss. “In the future, we plan to look at addingprograms in criminal justice and agriculture that would help qualifystudents as pilots with the U.S. Border Patrol and other lawenforcement agencies, as well as crop dusting operations.”

I started out lookingat some four-yearprograms,” Amwegexplains. “But theywere expensive—andthey didn’t offer asmuch as FVTC doesin its two-yearprogram.

Elizabeth Amweg”

“

Along with keeping FVTC outfitted withstate-of-the-art training equipment, we’realways looking for ways to collaborate withother college programs to increaseopportunities for graduates.

Jared HussLead Instructor of FVTC’s Pilot Training program”

“

“I basically worked two or three jobs while going to college full-time,” says Paul, whostates he’s not worried about keeping up with the demands of a new business and attendingcollege.Jerry Goodson, FVTC Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing instructor, has no doubt

Paul has what it takes to succeed at both. Whether it was working in the classroom, in theshop, or participating in activities such as student government and auto-body repaircompetitions, Goodson notes that Paul was the kind of student who makes an instructor’sjob easy.“I worked with Eddie his second year at Fox Valley Tech,” says Goodson. “Right away, I

noticed he was the kind of person who follows through. If he brought up an issue, it wasn’tto complain about it; he tried to improve something.”

Jumping InDuring his time at FVTC, Paul immersed himself in student life activities. He started outserving as a student representative to the Fox Valley Auto Body Association. Before long, hebecame a fixture in student government, serving as president of the Student GovernmentAssociation and as a student member appointed by former Governor Jim Doyle to theWisconsin Technical College System State Board. He was awarded a number of scholarships

After graduating from high schoolin 2007, Eddie Paul didn’t reallyknow what he wanted to do withhis life. But the Neenah nativeowned a 1984 Trans Am he likedto tinker with, and he was curiousabout auto painting and bodywork.So, he signed up for a class at FoxValley Technical College. The rest,as they say, is history.“Turns out I was pretty good at

it,” says Paul, who went on to earnhis associate degree in VehicleRefinishing and Repair Technologyin 2009.

What it TakesProclaiming he was “pretty good”at painting and bodywork is anunderstatement. Today, Paul is theproud owner of Appleton-based SSAuto Body and Restoration, LLC.One might think owning a newbusiness is enough to keep busy—but Paul has re-enrolled at FVTCon a part-time basis in the BusinessManagement program.


Eddie Paul’s first classat Fox Valley TechnicalCollege helped himdiscover his life’spassion—and set himon the path to owningand operating abusiness at age 22.

By Chuck Benda

andBeyondAbove

and was twice nominated for the Wisconsin Technical CollegeSystem Ambassador award, which recognizes the mostoutstanding student at each of the 16 Wisconsin technicalcolleges.Paul appreciates the recognition, but he gives credit for his

success to the people he met at FVTC. “Just about everythingI’ve done in the past few years, Fox Valley Tech has helped mein some way,” he says, adding quickly that he credits VickyBarke, director of FVTC’s Student Life department, for getting

him involved in student government. “If not for her, I never would have gotteninvolved in all of the student government boards and other activities.”Paul says those experiences helped him develop the problem-solving skills he

uses today in running his business. And he also gives a lot of credit to hisinstructors. “They gave me the knowledge I needed to get started,” says Paul.“Most instructors in the Vehicle Refinishing and Repair program go above andbeyond what they have to do. They’re very well connected with area businessesand what’s going on in the real world regarding auto body repair.”In fact, those connections helped Paul start his new business. He was hanging out

with a former instructor, Bob Smith, at the Iola Old Car Show and Swap Meet. Aconversation revealed that one of Smith’s first-ever students at FVTC was looking toretire and wanted to sell his business. Smith helped the two get connected, and Paulbecame a new business owner.“There’s no doubt that the networking I’ve done through Fox Valley Tech has

helped me enormously,” says Paul.Without question, Paul is a self-starter and a disciplined, hard worker. With the

skills he plans to learn in the Business Management program, there’s no telling wherehe’ll end up.

Eddie Paul

Under theHigh-Tech Hood:FVTC offers more automotive-related training options than anytechnical college in the state.

Auto Collision Repair &Refinishing TechnicianTechnical Diploma

Automotive Maintenance TechnicianTechnical Diploma

Automotive TechnicianTechnical Diploma

Automotive Technician, ImportsTechnical Diploma

Automotive TechnologyAssociate Degree

Automotive Technology, GM ASEPAssociate Degree

Automotive Technology, ImportsAssociate Degree

Vehicle Refinishing & RepairTechnologyAssociate Degree

Based on the 2009 FVTC GraduatePlacement Report, nearly eight out of10 students in the college’sautomotive programs landed jobswithin six months of graduation.

Learn more:www.fvtc.edu/automotive

focus spring 2011 11

Just about everything I’vedone in the past few years,Fox Valley Tech has helpedme in some way.

Eddie PaulOwner of SS Auto Body and

Restoration, LLC”“


Miriam Quinonez is good at tackling challenges. Recently, her determination andenthusiasm helped her make a challenging transition from displaced worker to successfulstudent in Fox Valley Technical College’s Administrative Professional program.

When Miriam left high school to work in a factory at age 18, education was notan option. During the next 10 years, she got married, had four children, andcontinued working at the factory. She often considered returning to school, butthought that juggling her unpredictable work schedule with caring for her familyand attending college would be too difficult.

Her circumstances changed in January 2009 when her employer relocated out ofthe area. Miriam considered this as an opportunity to look at different colleges. “Iwas nervous about returning to school after so many years,” she says. “But I knewinstantly that the Administrative Professional program at FVTC was the one for me.I wanted a versatile degree that would provide me with the skills needed in variedbusiness settings and jobs. The program’s great reputation and high employmentrate after graduation convinced me to enroll.”

Two years ago,Miriam Quinonez’slong-time employerpacked up and movedaway. FVTC helpedher transform thatunlucky break into thegateway for a newcareer.

By Sue Wilson

Miriam Quinonez

OPPORTUNITYKnocks

Training + Placement= SuccessAccording to Cathy Van Eperen,chair of FVTC’s BusinessTechnology department, anadministrative professional careeroffers stability and variety in dailywork. “A key selling point for theprogram is that there are jobs,” shesays. “Our most recent graduateplacement rate is 95 percent.FVTC’s program trains students tofunction as true assistants toexecutive teams. They are preparedto think, speak, and act on behalf oftheir managers—as well as to helpthem accomplish critical tasks.”

The recently remodeled BusinessTechnology Center at FVTCprovides access to the latesttechnology. The program also offersreal-world experiences throughguest speakers, industry tours, acapstone project, and internshipopportunities.

Flexibility MattersMiriam has made the most ofFVTC’s online, accelerated, andtraditional-style classes. “As amom, there isnothing moreimportant than theflexibility that onlineclasses give me,” shesays. “I can turn inassignments,participate in classdiscussions, and dotests from homewhile my kids are atschool or sleeping.Accelerated classes,which meet once aweek for sevenSaturdays, are also a great optionsince my kids have many after-school activities Monday throughFriday. And I like traditionalclasses because I can ask questionsright away. The class sizes aresmall, and they are offered fromearly morning to late at night.”

Miriam praises her instructors,noting they are great mentors whoare always available to provideadvice. She also values theopportunity to develop current,in-demand job skills. She has putthose skills to work as a volunteerfor Harbor House (a shelter fordomestic violence victims), theSalvation Army’s “Adopt-a-

Family” Christmas program, and the Women of Color Advisory Committee, which wasformed at Harbor House.

Pat Rickman, Miriam’s academic advisor and a Business Technology instructor, saysMiriam welcomes new challenges while effectively balancing roles as a student, mother,wife, and community member. “Miriam is now pursuing a Bilingual Interpretationcertificate, in addition to the Administrative Professional degree,” she says.

Miriam is ready to put her knowledge and skills towork. “In a short time period, I have accomplishedthings that I never thought possible—like makingFVTC’s Dean’s List and Phi Theta Kappa, the honorsociety for two-year colleges, and I recently earned aninternship with the Wisconsin State Public Defender’sOffice,” she says. “I will be the first one in my family tograduate from college, and I hope to inspire other adultsand my children to do the same.”

After graduation, Miriam plans to pursue FVTC’sGeneral Studies transfer certificate, and then attend afour-year college or university for a bachelor’s degree inBusiness Management. “Because FVTC is so affordableand close to my home, it’s a smart choice to continue myeducation here.”

focus spring 2011 13

WANTED: Administrative ProfessionalsToday’s business leaders continue to rely on highly skilled administrativeprofessionals to help organize and run their daily operations in a lean,efficient manner.

During the past three years, 91% of Fox Valley Technical College graduatesfrom the Administrative Professional program have landed jobs in their fieldwithin six months of graduation, according to FVTC graduate placement data.

Learn more: www.fvtc.edu/adminprofessional

Instructor CathyVan Eperen with Miriam

Because FVTC is soaffordable and close tomy home, it’s a smartchoice to continue myeducation here.

Miriam Quinonez

“”

Q&AwithMichellPascarellaMichell Pascarella is a family nursepractitioner with the Fox CitiesCommunity Health Center.

By Vicki Stavig

Over the course of her career, MichellPascarella has worked in a wide range ofnursing capacities. She started workingas a nursing assistant while enrolled inFox Valley Technical College’s NursingAssociate Degree program. Pascarellahas since earned advanced degrees andworked as a registered nurse, and mostrecently as a certified nurse practitioner.

We caught up with Michell to learnabout her career progression and whyshe often tells people, “I love my Tech.”

Why did you attend FVTC?I chose Fox Valley Tech because I waseager to get a grip on my career. Igraduated in 1991 with an associatedegree in Nursing.

What were some of theskills you gained at FVTC,and how have they helpedyou in your career?The FVTC model was very clinicallyfocused and hands on; the instructorsencouraged and sought opportunities forus. We all have much to learn in ourprofessional journeys, but I had a solidfoundation to build on when Igraduated.

Did you work whileattending school?Yes, I worked as a nursing assistant innursing homes and home care settings. Ihad an infant while attending FVTC,who was two when I graduated. My sonprovided a very clear perspective for mewhile in school. Having a familyreminds you every day that you can andwill be successful.

What was your first jobafter graduating, and howdid your FVTC educationprepare you?I worked as a registered nurse at MercyMedical Center in Oshkosh. I alsoworked as a registered nurse for theThedaCare system for three years whilecompleting my bachelor’s degree. Once Icompleted my master’s, I had theopportunity to grow with ThedaCare asa family nurse practitioner for anadditional 12 years. FVTC taught me toalways have high expectations for myclinical work and that the patient isalways the focus. I have continued thatlevel of thinking through my roles overthe years.

Where do you work now?At the Fox Cities Community HealthClinic, which is a community-based clinicthat serves a broad range of patients,including the homeless, employed,unemployed, professional, uninsured,

and insured. We deliver cost-effectiveprimary and preventive services withhigh clinical standards that are databased.

We heard that you oftensay, “I love my Tech.”What does that mean?I tell others that I am probably themost proud of my associate degreefrom Fox Valley Tech. I worked thehardest for that two-year degree. Itprovided me with the most clinicallydiverse and satisfying career anyonecould ever ask for.

Would you recommendFVTC’s Nursing programto others?Oh, yes! Going to Fox Valley Tech wasone of the smartest decisions I evermade. It is a cost-effective way toestablish a career in a condensed periodof time.

Where do you hope thefuture will take you?Only God knows. I hope that whateverrole I serve in, I will be able to deliverindividually tailored care to those Iserve and to the very best of myabilities—the way I learned it in thebeginning at my Tech.

on alumnifocus

Learn more:www.fvtc.edu/alumni�


My FVTC degreeprovided me with themost clinically diverseand satisfying careeranyone could everask for.

Michell Pascarella

“”

Michell Pascarella

FiscalResponsibilityThanks to a new grant and thecollaboration of numerouscommunity partners, Fox ValleyTechnical College has a uniqueresource to help people bettermanage their finances, bothduring and after college.

By Chris Mikko

The concept of “financial wellness” is anappropriate one these days. As thenational economy continues to sputterand unemployment rates hover close to10%, many people are focusing onindividual finances—and consideringhow higher education can help themachieve their goals. With that in mind,Fox Valley Technical College andcollaborating partners—the Fox ValleyTechnical College Foundation; theFinancial Information and Service Center(FISC), a program of GoodwillIndustries of North CentralWisconsin, Inc.; and CommunityFirst Credit Union; launched theirnew initiative.

In January, the organizationsopened a Financial Wellness Centeron FVTC’s Appleton campus. Thecenter, located in the CounselingServices office, is a one-stop resourcefor students looking for guidance onhow to increase their financialstability. It is funded by a grant fromthe Basic Needs Giving PartnershipFund within the CommunityFoundation for the Fox ValleyRegion, and supported by the U.S.Venture Fund for Basic Needs, theJ. J. Keller Foundation, and othercommunity partners. Students haveaccess to a range of services—everythingfrom educational workshops to one-on-one budget and debt counseling,scholarship and financial aidinformation, asset-building opportunities,and more.

“We’ve set up the center as a place ofhope,” says Patti Jorgensen, FVTC’s vicepresident of Student and Community

Development.“Many peopleseek financialcounseling indire emergencies.We want thecenter to be awelcoming placewhere peoplecan go beforethings reach thatemergencystage.”

Diane Drew, a FISC financialcounselor at the new center, echoesJorgensen’s sentiments. “One of FISC’sprimary goals is to help educate peopleso they can make wise financial choices,”says Drew, who also graduated fromFVTC with an associate degree inBanking and Financial Services. “Overthe past years, we’ve seen people whohaven’t been able to complete theireducation because of financial obstacles.The Financial Wellness Center will go along way toward helping reduce oreliminate those obstacles.”

OWLS InputIn recent years, FVTC has been servinglarge numbers of nontraditional studentssuch as displaced workers, militaryveterans, and homemakers. Many ofthem have been unaware of scholarships,financial aid options, and community-based resources such as those offered by

FISC and Community First Credit Union.Jorgensen adds that members of

FVTC’s OWLS (Older, Wiser Learners)student club also offered helpful input.“OWLS is a solid anchor for displacedworkers; its members are typically olderstudents who have returned to collegebecause of job losses or life-changingexperiences,” she explains. “Clubmembers shared that a lot of peoplewant and need financial education.Their ideas and suggestions wereinstrumental as we developed the ideafor the center.”

on the Foundationfocus

Students are Winners atFVTC Golf OutingsThe FVTC Foundation’s annual golfoutings generate scholarship funds forstudents who need a financialboost. Proceeds from lastyear’s outings created 103scholarship awards valuedat $61,500.

Join us this year at one orboth outings:

Wednesday, July 20Foxfire Golf Club, Waupaca

Wednesday, August 3Royal St. Patrick’s Golf Course,Wrightstown

There are many ways to support FVTCstudents through the 2011 golfoutings. Learn more by visitingwww.fvtc.edu/golfoutingor call (920) 735-4859.

Learn more:www.fvtc.edu/financialwellness�focus spring 2011 15

Many people seekfinancial counselingin dire emergencies.We want the centerto be a welcomingplace where peoplecan go beforethings reach thatemergency stage.

Patti JorgensenFVTC’s vice president of Student

and Community Development

“

”

Patti Jorgensen (left) andDiane Drew in the new

Financial Wellness Center

Above and BeyondA unique arrangement allowsDental Hygiene students to providea much-needed communityservice—while receiving manybenefits in return.

By Vicki Stavig

When students in Fox Valley TechnicalCollege’s Dental Hygiene programvolunteer at the Tri-County CommunityDental Clinic (TCCDC), it’s a three-waywin. Those students receive hands-ondental office experience, dentists receiveassistance in providing services, andpatients get top-notch dental care.

Located near FVTC’s Appletoncampus, the TCCDC opened in 2003 asan all-volunteer facility. Since then, nearly

500 volunteers, including 140 dentists,have treated almost 28,000 patients.Many of those volunteers have beenFVTC students enrolled in the college’sassociate degree Dental Hygiene andtechnical diploma Dental Assistantprograms.

“Students volunteer independentlyand on their own time,” says JoanRohrer, chair of FVTC’s Dentalprograms, adding that Dental Hygieneprogram students are required tocomplete 20 hours of communityservice in a dental-related activityduring the three-year program. “Ourstudents go above and beyond that—members of the May 2011 class had a100 percent participation rate during theprevious summer, spending 272 hourstreating children.”

Besides the benefit to the community,those volunteer efforts help studentsdevelop the interpersonal skills tobalance their technical skills. “One thingI hear from students is that they areinitially concerned with the hands-onskills and academics,” Rohrer says. “Butas they volunteer at the clinic, they get tosee how professionals interact withpatients, and consequently, they want totalk more to their patients and learnmore about them.”

FVTC volunteers perform cleanings,provide fluoride treatments, take X-rays,

and replace sealants. The clinic servesresidents of Calumet, Outagamie, andWinnebago counties who have no dentalinsurance and a family income below200% of the federal poverty level. “Thedentists volunteer their time, and patientshave continuity of care,” says Rohrer,who also is a member of TCCDC’sclinical advisory committee.

Feedback from those dentists is aspositive as it is from the studentvolunteers. “Dentists look for volunteerefforts when they’re reading resumes andinterviewing,” Rohrer says.

Learn more:www.fvtc.edu/dentalprograms

Special DeliveriesHow FVTC Truck Driving students gain valuableexperience while helping one of the state’s most vitalnon-profit organizations.

A few years back, Jeff Kujawa noticed semi-trucks at FoxValley Technical College and had an idea. Why not offerstudents in the college’s Truck Driving program an opportunityto gain real-life experience while simultaneously supplementinghis organization’s staff of drivers?

Kujawa, operations manager for the non-profit organizationFeeding America Eastern Wisconsin (FAEW), contacted RobBehnke, chair of FVTC’s Truck Driving program, and the twoindividuals established a partnership that has since seen 17students volunteer for Feeding America. Thirteen of thevolunteers landed jobs as a result of the experience, four ofthem with Feeding America. Founded in 1982, theorganization is the state’s largest food bank and hasRob Behnke (left)

and Jeff Kujawa.

�


Dentists look for volunteerefforts and accreditedtraining when they’rereading resumes andinterviewing.

Joan RohrerChair of FVTC’s Dental programs

“”

Dental Hygiene studentKayla Poxleitner with a

young patient.

on the student experiencefocus

distribution centers in Milwaukee andOmro. Last year it distributed 14million pounds of food to about330,000 people.

“Product comes in, we sort throughit, label it, do a quality check, anddistribute it to food pantries, homelessshelters, soup kitchens, churches, andto anyone who prepares food forhomeless or abused people,” Kujawa

says. “Fox Valley Tech studentsvolunteer and help a great organizationwith a noble cause. In return, we tryour hardest to help them land jobs.”

Behnke shares Kujawa’s enthusiasmfor the partnership. “It gives ourstudents real-world experience andhelps them build tremendous resumesat the same time,” he says. “It’s a greatopportunity for them, and they’re

helping people in the process.”FVTC’s Truck Driving program

consists of a 10-week course for ClassA commercial drivers and a four-weekcourse for Class B drivers. “They’repopular programs,” Behnke says.“We’ll be expanding to offer an eveningprogram as well to accommodate morestudents.”

Meanwhile, Kujawa is extremelypleased with the FVTC students. “Ican’t say enough about those students,Rob, and his staff,” he says. “It’s awin-win for all of us.”

Learn more:www.fvtc.edu/truckdriving�focus spring 2011 17

It gives our students real-world experience andhelps them build tremendous resumes at thesame time.

Rob BehnkeChair of FVTC’s Truck Driving program

“ ”

Fox Valley Technical College Focus Magazine Spring 2011

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Transcript of Fox Valley Technical College Focus Magazine Spring 2011