June 2006 Alumni e-Newsletter
It's time once again for the latest installment of the e-newsletter. As always, this issue will contain alumni news, campus updates and scholarship news.
Farewell
After 11 years with
MATC (4 as Counselor; 7 as Vice President of Student Services), I've decided
it's time for me to move on to my "next life." June 23 will be
my last day on campus, but the memories I have of students, faculty, staff,
and administration (present and past) are forever. I've enjoyed putting
out the alumni newsletter, and I will so miss hearing from graduates and
former students; however, "the time has come" (or so the walrus
said!). Thanks for being a part of my memories!
Alumni/Former Faculty and/or Staff News/Updates: Where are they now &
what are they doing?
I heard recently from Candice Lehman (Graphic Arts Technology, Dec. 2002), who started her career as a press operator in Salina, KS. When her husband joined the Air Force, they moved to Mississippi where she worked as a graphic designer until they were transferred to South Carolina. They are currently living on Shaw Air Force Base (in South Carolina) where Candice began a job as a marketing clerk in February 2005, but was promoted to graphic designer in October 2005. Candice stated that she is "so glad I made the decision to go to MATC and get my 2 year degree. I don't know what we would have done if I [hadn't been able to] get a job that pays what we need." We're glad you made the decision, too, Candice!
Correction/Update from March 2006 newsletter: Kathy Hanna has not been "Hanna" for quite some time. Her married name is Benninga, and although her husband teaches in Maize and son Eric attends school there, they actually live in Wichita. As for Kathy's ski injury, she is STILL working on the leg. She may have to undergo surgery after all, but they are hoping to avoid it. She was to find out more in May. Sorry about the misstatement, Kathy!
Joshua Cofer (Computer Repair, Dec. 2003) is now living in Ocala, FL, and is employed as the head technician for Mac's Enterprises, Inc. He started there in February 2005, really enjoys working on computers (everything from server builds to networking) in their technology room and has no plans to move on. According to Josh, Mac's has more than 200 clients throughout the state. In addition, the company is currently developing a software package for central management for mental health facilities. Once the software is in use, it will be Josh's job to support all the hardware and operating system software, while Mac's programmer will continue to support the package itself. According to Josh, "I couldn't have made it to where I am now without your help. Thank you very much." MATC is glad to have been of assistance, Josh! Anyone wishing to contact Josh can do so at his current address: 1431 SW 21st Ave, Ocala, FL 34474 joshua.cofer@gmail.com.
The Computer-aided Drafting (CAD) Dept. held its spring advisory committee meeting and Job Fair Friday, April 28. Former drafting instructor Dale Thies (July 1998 - June 2005), now employed by PGAV in Olathe, was present for the meeting, as were the following MATC Drafting Technology graduates: Paula Bird (July 2002), Tanya Hannebaum (July 2004), and Ken Oathout (August 1999), Burns & McDonnell; Rich Colson BHC (May 1999); Jennifer Marshall (May 2005), Kaw Valley Engineering; Brent Eichman (May 2005), Design Resource Group; Erik Wraalstad (December 2004), PBA; Heathe Ball (April 1998), Hanover; Jeremy Nolte (August 1998), independent consultant; Shelley Brown (December 2005) and Doug Norwood (July 2003), Deam & Deam; and Dan McCormick (June 2000), ICE Corp. Following the advisory committee meeting and luncheon, CAD students were able to explore job opportunities with representatives from the following companies: Olsson Associates, Overland Park; Henderson Engineers Inc., Lenexa; Burns & McDonnell, Kansas City, MO; Hanover Mid-Continent Division, Tulsa, OK; Black & Veatch, Kansas City, MO; Brungart, Honomichl & Co., Overland Park; Deam & Deam, Junction City; PTMW, Topeka.
Congratulations to Karla DeLoach (May 2003, Business & Computer Technology) on her June 23, 2006, graduation from DeVry University. Karla plans to start graduate school in January of 2007. Meanwhile, she will continue to encourage others to get an education.
Campus News/Updates:
Manhattan Area Technical College (MATC) Welding Instructor Wes Chambers and seven of his students traveled to Kansas City, KS, Thursday, March 30, 2006, to participate in a welding competition hosted by the Kansas City Kansas Area Technical School. Forty students from MATC; Kansas City Kansas Area Technical School; North Central Kansas Technical College, Beloit; Johnson County Community College and Area Technical School, Kansas City; Central Community College, Hastings, NE; and State Fair Community College, Sedalia, MO, competed in written knowledge, oxy-fuel cutting, and TIG welding tests. Third place winner overall, Andy Bruce, received a trophy, medals, welding hood, welding gloves, and safety glasses for his performance; seventh place winner, Isaac McNary, was presented a welding hood, welding gloves, and safety glasses; Ryan Rengstorf, 9th place, Aaron Roudybush, 10th place, Cat Garbarino, 17th place, Jamie Dole, 18th place, and Travis Herrman, 22nd place, all came home with new welding gloves and safety glasses.
MATC
welcomed Mark Claussen to the staff on April 1. Mark is our brand new Director
of Development and has hit the ground running to create a foundation for
the college, as well as to generate interest in scholarships, etc. If you
or anyone you know is interested in being part of MATC's present and future,
Mark can be contacted via e-mail at MarkClaussen@matc.net, or at 785-587-2800
or 1-800-352-7575, ext. 402.
Great news!! Air conditioned shops and classrooms are now a reality for Automotive Technology and Automotive Collision Repair students and instructors!! How happy are they??
MATC is the proud owner of a mobile (laptop computer) learning lab funded by Perkins grant money that was "freed up" when MATC received $30,000 from KanEd to help purchase equipment for the new distance learning lab. According to Sally Vonada, Director of the Workforce Development Center (WDC), "The new mobile lab will provide more flexibility for both the WDC and our full-time programs. Faculty will be able to "check out" the computers for classroom or off-site use, and the WDC will be able to provide on-site computer training for businesses."
MATC's Faculty Association sponsored an all-staff picnic May 13 at Lake Elbo, east of Manhattan. Ron Bell, Faculty Association President, towed his giant cooker to the Lake, where he proceeded to prepare brats and hamburgers for a large and very appreciative group of attendees. Ron cooked up the leftover brats and hamburgers for MATC staff to enjoy at noon on May 19, the faculty's last day before summer break.
The Associate Degree Nursing pinning was held late afternoon May 13, prior to MATC's evening spring commencement ceremony. Thirty-three graduates received their pins in front of a standing-room-only crowd in Kansas State University's All Faiths Chapel. The class representatives included Nikki McClure, Brett Dinkelacker, David Bynum, Sarah Massengill and Cassie Markley. Patricia (Trish) Gardner presented the Class Reflections.
The
frame is up for the new Building Trades Building. Schultz Construction will
side and insulate the building prior to the start-up of classes in August.
Congratulations
to Kelly Hoggatt, currently the Director of Financial Aid & Student
Records. She will become MATC's Vice President of Student Services July
3.
Soon
to be former employees of MATC Mick Cook (Automotive Technology instructor),
Arlene Irvin (Business & Computer Technology instructor), Kim Kickhaefer
(Vice President of Student Services), Justin Ostrander (mathematics instructor),
Kevin Sullivan (Counselor) and Kathleen Wisneski (written communications
instructor) were honored by faculty, staff, friends and family members with
a farewell reception Friday, May 12, 2006, in the MATC Library. In addition
to the traditional cake and punch, attendees were treated to numerous fun
stories and great memories about the honorees' days at MATC. When asked
what was next for them, Mick, Cook, and Arlene Irvin were unsure what their
"next life" would look like at this point. Kim Kickhaefer will
be moving to Lawrence to be closer to family and to work in the Lawrence
school district. Kathleen Wisneski and her husband were in the process of
completing their relocation to Joplin, MO, where Kathleen anticipates continuing
work as an adjunct instructor. Justin Ostrander and his wife have moved
to Nashville, TN, to give Justin the opportunity to pursue a career in music.
Kevin Sullivan has accepted a position as the counselor for Rock Creek High
School.
Kim Kickhaefer, Vice President of Student Services, was awarded the John Reichle Leadership in Education award during the reception.
During
their final meeting of the 2005-2006 school year, Manhattan 
Area
Technical College's Student Government Organization elected the following
officers for the 2006-2007 school term: Stephanie Forgy (Business &
Computer Technology), President; Jason Banuelos Computer-aided Drafting
Technology),Vice President; Jessie Wickwar (Business & Comuter Technology),
Treasurer; and Brandy Lehman (Business & Computer Technology), Secretary.
Highlights of SGO's spring semester activities included Career/Technical
Education Week, which featured SGO President Brent Miller (Information &
Network Technology)and Vice President Stephanie Forgy (Business & Computer
Technology) attending the February 7th Manhattan City Commission meeting
to
accept a proclamation from Mayor Ed Klimek; MATC apparel sales; Bowl for
Kids' Sake, which generated approximately $2000 in pledges for the local
Big Brothers & Big Sisters Organization; meeting with the Higher Learning
Commission of the North Central Association visiting team; sponsoring the
Open House Pizza & Soda Luncheon; and the purchasing of new tables and
chairs for the student lounge area.
Congratulations
to the Spring 06 Student of the Semester selections: Jolene Boyle Business
& Computer Technology; Andrew Bruce, Welding Technology; Quinton Eilert,
Electric Power & Distribution; Joan Rezac, Associate Degree Nursing;
and Daniel Schrandt, Computer-aided Technology. Student Government President
Brent Miller and Vice President Stephanie Forgy presented each of the recipients
a certificate to honor their accomplishments.
MATC's
Board of Directors bid farewell to retiring members Chair Jerry Mayo (Clay
County) and Vice Chair Dale Shipps (Riley County) at the June 13 Board meeting.
During that same meeting Mr. Arthur Loub (Riley County) was introduced and
will assume Dale Shipps place on the Board effective July 1.
Scholarship News:
Scholarship
winners for the Spring 06 semester included: Stephanie Forgy (Business &
Computer Technology) Human Resource Management Network Scholarship - $300;
LaToya Anderson and Jolene Boyle (Business & Computer Technology) Briggs
Scholarships - $300; Jacqueline McEuen (Practical Nursing) and Sherri Robidou
(Associate Degree Nursing) Barbara Teaford Nursing Scholarships - $500;
and Casey Jones (Building Trades) Pat Butler Building Trades Scholarship
- $200.
We still need your help! We continue to work on updating our alumni addresses
and would very much appreciate your assistance. Conservative estimates,
according to the research (University Business, Aug. 2003), indicate that
the average alum moves three times in the first five years following graduation.
If you're one of the "average" alumni, please e-mail me and bring
us up to date on where you are now and what you are doing. Thanks in advance
for your assistance!
Did you know you can find job opportunities (both external and MATC jobs) on our web site at www.matc.net.
Anyone who is interested
in contributing to an existing scholarship in the MATC Fund under the Foundation
umbrella, or endowing a new scholarship, or just contributing money to the
MATC Fund, can do so by sending it to the
Manhattan Community
Foundation
555 Poyntz Ave., Ste. 269
PO Box 1127
Manhattan, KS 66505-1127.
Be sure to say the money is designated for the MATC Fund.
Following is the latest list of alumni who have requested their e-mails be published for anyone interested in contacting them. Let me know if you'd like yours published in a future list.
Luke Henson (Automotive
Technology) lukehenson@hotmail.com
Andy Schoen (Computer-aided Drafting) andy_schoen1@yahoo.com
Michael Rasmussen (Information Network Technology) Michael_Rasmussen01@hotmail.com
Dwayne Bozarth (Information Network Technology) dwaynebozarth@cox.net
Cole Gisselbeck (Information Network Technology) tvtcoleg@twinvalley.net
Audrey Hubbell (Information Network Technology) nhubbel@ksu.edu
Christopher Baker (Information Network Technology) christopherbaker.sw@hotmail.com
Thomas Coleman (Information Network Technology) thomascoleman12@hotmail.com
Jamie Chestnut (Business & Computer Technology) jamiec_78@yahoo.com
Scott Bollig (Business & Computer Technology) scottrbollig@hotmail.com
Jolene Boyle (Business & Computer Technology) jmboyle14@yahoo.com
Angela Moore (Business & Computer Technology) AngelaMoore@yahoo.com
Barbara Parker (Business & Computer Technology) barbparker2857@yahoo.com
Jere Dodge (Business & Computer Technology) bugbyte@tmo.blackberry.net
Fatemah Alsharekh (Business & Computer Technology) alwesssam@hotmail.com
Jordan Kirk (Business & Computer Technology) jordankirk@hotmail.com
Chantae Anderson (Business & Computer Technology) Latoya.c.anderson@us.army.mil
Cheyenne Brown (Associate Degree Nursing) cheyenne_brown@hotmail.com
David L. Bynum (Associate Degree Nursing) dbynum35@yahoo.com
Brett Dinkelacker (Associate Degree Nursing) brettdink@hotmail.com
Toni Forbes (Associate Degree Nursing) tkforbes@hotmail.com
Amy Hines (Associate Degree Nursing) achines75@yahoo.com
Susan Kelly (Associate Degree Nursing) smkkelly@yahoo.com
Lisa Koch(Associate Degree Nursing) lisabkoch@yahoo.com
Stephanie Lovitt (Associate Degree Nursing) steph_117@hotmail.com
Cassie Markly (Associate Degree Nursing) nursekc1972@yahoo.com
Sarah Massengill (Associate Degree Nursing) sarahmassengill@yahoo.com
Kayla Merritt (Associate Degree Nursing) kdavis8200@yahoo.com
Deborah Propp (Associate Degree Nursing) d-dpropp@sbcglobal.net
Hayley Redden (Associate Degree Nursing) comet12@gmail.com
Melissa Ruetti (Associate Degree Nursing) mpruetti@yahoo.com
Michelle Stunkel (Associate Degree Nursing) michel6stunkel@yahoo.com
Krystal Wichman (Associate Degree Nursing) philkrys@earthlink.com
Tina Wilson (Associate Degree Nursing) tina-swim_00@yahoo.com
Kim Kickhaefer
Vice President of Student Services
Manhattan Area Technical College
3136 Dickens Avenue
Manhattan KS 66503-2499
785.587.2800 Ext 102
Fax 785.587.2804
