On a career path she never imagined

Recognizing Excellence — page 3 Enhancing Smiles — page 4 Creating Pathways — page 6 Fulfilling Dreams — page 7 diane gorder On a career path she never imagined PRESIDENT’S message GET connected It’s just the beginning... A degree from St. Cloud Technical College (SCTC) is a launching pad into a future of possibilities. This issue’s cover story focuses on the dental assisting program. Featured are two graduates whose career paths began at the same place— SCTC —but diverged in the following years. Diane Gorder has gone from a dental assistant to a supervisor at a local clinic with the help of additional course work in the supervisory management program at SCTC. Lois Berscheid-Brunn decided to become a dentist after working as a dental assistant. She currently is practicing in Rochester, MN. Both are inspirational. Gorder and Berscheid-Brunn chose different career tracks, but had the same beginning at SCTC. They set goals for themselves and worked hard to attain them. These women are excellent examples of how a degree at SCTC prepares individuals for a life-time of work in a rewarding career. St. Cloud Technical College (SCTC) has grown by leaps and bounds over the past ten years with 100 percent growth in full-time students. The student body consists of a variety of learners with different needs and challenges. This year, the average age of a SCTC student is 24. Many students not only attend SCTC, but are also self-supporting and responsible for children. Individuals tell us that finding quality child-care while attending college is a critical factor in determining where they attend college. SCTC is committed to providing a quality child-care environment for infants, toddlers, and pre-school children in order to assist our students. Thanks to a major donor, the PlayHouse, our child-care facility boasts a state-of-the-art playground. The facility was designed as a safe environment for learning, playing, and social interaction. Careful planning went into each area as to meet the developmental needs of all the age groups. The PlayHouse is an integral part of SCTC’s Child & Adult Care and Education program. Students not only observe children in various stages of development, but have ample opportunities to interact and practice skills. As students learn to plan activities in the classroom, they are able to practice these skills in a real-life setting. The staff at the PlayHouse provides critical feedback in a positive learning environment. What a win-win situation as the children are given extra attention while the students obtain the hands-on learning experience. SCTC is committed to providing a quality child care program and facility. Our goal is to offer an environment that enhances the development of each child and student. We invite you to make an appointment to visit the PlayHouse to see first-hand how SCTC is providing quality childcare and preparing future childcare providers for central Minnesota’s youngest citizens. Dr. Joan Volkmuth, St. Cloud Technical College President A NEWSLETTER FOR SCTC ALUMNI, FACULTY, FRIENDS AND PARENTS OF SCTC STUDENTS. EDITORIAL Penny Casavant, Editor/Writer Stephanie Rudningen, Editor/Writer GRAPHICS •Diane Wimmer, Graphic Design Jim Altobell, Altobell Imagery •Bill Champa, Champa Studios ALUMNI COMMITTEE Sandy Brenny •Allen Faber •Rich Feneis Jeff Gau •Larry Pearson •Tricia Peters •Duane Schultz •Joel Vogel •Arlene Williams For address changes or to be added to our mailing list, please contact St. Cloud Technical College at (320) 308-6021 or pcasavant@sctc.edu •Indicates St. Cloud Technical College Alumni Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer Penny Casavant, Interim Executive Director of Institutional Advancement 2 spring 2005 | www.sctc.edu St. Cloud Technical College is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. St. Cloud Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. VENTURED AND gained Tom Schlough DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Recognition xcellenc E TOM SCHLOUGH Inspiration ALLEN FABER Dreams Allen Faber DISTINGUISHED YOUNG ALUM As a graduate of the Credit and Finance program in 2000, Faber has continued his involvement at St. Cloud Technical College (SCTC). He is a member of the SCTC Alumni Committee and proudly participates in many of the community tours held at the College. Faber has also served as a table captain at the Foundation’s annual fundraising breakfast. He currently works as a Retail Lender at Stearns Bank in St. Cloud. As president of Park Industries, Schlough has supported St. Cloud Technical College (SCTC) in myriad ways for many years. Among Schlough’s contributions to the College has been his steady support of the Foundation in his service to the board and its many activities, as well as being a contributor to the Foundation. Through the challenges SCTC has faced with the economic downturn in manufacturing, Schlough has been a guiding light to assist faculty in setting a new direction. Schlough supports the College in both word and action. RICH FENEIS Dedication Rich Feneis DISTINGUISHED ALUM Feneis is a graduate of the Sales and Management program at St. Cloud Technical College (SCTC). Currently, he is president of Logo Signs of America and Feneis Enterprises, Inc. He serves on the Alumni and Executive Committees of the Foundation Board. Feneis is the driving force behind the annual Cyclone Classic, a golf event that raises money for scholarships. With Feneis’ guidance and dedication, the Cyclone Classic has grown from an income of $41 in 1999 to $12,400 in 2004. All the money raised goes directly to student scholarships. Because of Feneis’ efforts, more than 60 scholarships have been given to SCTC students, a direct result of the success of the Cyclone Classic. Applications are now being accepted for the 2005 St. Cloud Technical College’s Annual Distinguished Alum and Service Awards. Applications are due on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 and are available online at www.sctc.edu. For more information, contact Penny Casavant at pcasavant@sctc.edu or call 320-308-6021. www.sctc.edu | spring 2005 3 COVER story diane gorder assistant so she decided to participate in Vocational Industrial Club of American (VICA). Before she knew it, she found herself embarking on her first plane ride to VICA nationals in Georgia, where she won gold! “VICA gave After careful “It wasn’t just the instructors, me a lot of thought and consideration, but the entire staff truly cared confidence in myself. After Gorder decided to about my success.” the competition, pursue a career as a dental assistant at I really KNEW I St. Cloud Technical College was good at this,” Gorder said. (SCTC) in 1981 and has never SCTC, along with her looked back. At SCTC, Gorder involvement in VICA, provided a excelled at the technical skills associated with being a dental very comfortable, supportive The first thing you notice about Diane Gorder is her bright, inviting smile. It is contagious. This smile is a window into a woman who is passionate about not only her life, but also, her chosen career. Smile... it’s contagio lois berscheid-brunn Growing up on a dairy farm near Grey Eagle, MN, Lois Berscheid-Brunn was unsure what to do after high school. Like many teenagers, BerscheidBrunn had braces. She spent many hours in the dental chair getting spacers, having the braces put on, and getting them adjusted during routine check-ups. Ultimately, her experiences with braces led to her career in dentistry which started at St. Cloud Technical College (SCTC). Looking back, Berscheid-Brunn sees her decision to attend SCTC’s Dental Assistant program as a critical stepping stone in her professional career. “The program is one of the best in the state. The “I never instructors were dreamed I committed to my success,” said would be a Berscheid-Brunn. dentist.” After graduating, Berscheid-Brunn worked for Dr. Rich Rajacich in St. Cloud. When Dr. Rajacich decided to go to graduate school, he encouraged Berscheid-Brunn to become a dentist. “I found myself at a crossroads, my job was ending. I had never thought about becoming a dentist.” Berscheid-Brunn said. 4 spring 2005 | www.sctc.edu Opportunities environment where she grew both personally and professionally. “Everywhere I turned, someone was always there to help me. It wasn’t just the instructors, but the entire staff truly cared about my success,” Gorder said. Currently, Gorder is working as a supervisor for Health Partners Dental in St. Cloud, MN. Her new career opportunity prompted Gorder to enroll in the Supervisory Management program at SCTC. “It was in this program that my self doubts about my capabilities in this job were erased. I knew the additional education I was obtaining in decision making, management and computers would help ensure my success in this new position,” said Gorder. employees look to Diane to help them solve problems; she helps them find solutions because she is able to see beyond the problem.” Gorder has never stopped enhancing her technical skills. She went on to receive her Associates Degree in Supervisory Management, and is planning to begin a program at the University of Minnesota in the fall which will enable her to assist more advanced, restorative work with supervision from a dentist. As a shy girl from central Minnesota, Gorder never dreamed that her SCTC education would pave such a solid career path. us After graduating from SCTC, Gorder went to work for a private dentist. As a dental assistant, she assisted the dentist with chair side procedures and also made use of her many expanded functions. These included removing plaque from children’s teeth, applying “It was in this program that my fluoride and sealants, and self doubts about my capabilities in teaching patients how to practice good oral hygiene. The this job were erased.” relationship she develops with “The thing that amazes me the most her patients goes beyond solid technical skills; she treats every patient as a about Diane is her attitude and outlook unique individual. A philosophy not only on her job but the entire staff,” instilled in her by the instructors said Karen Hoeschen, Human Resources Manager at Health Partners. “Our at SCTC. RESOURCES Dr. Rajacich helped Berscheid-Brunn find a job as a dental assistant in Minneapolis, MN so she could work full-time in the afternoons while completing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota. “In dental school, a lot of things came easier for me because of my excellent training at SCTC. I felt more comfortable working with patients and felt a step a head of the other students because of my experience,” Berscheid-Brunn said. After graduating from dental school, she worked in a variety of practice settings, before settling in Rochester, MN where she is now partner in a group practice. “I love the people contact and the relationships you develop with patients. I never dreamed I would be a dentist,” said Berscheid-Brunn. Berscheid-Brunn’s career path began with braces and continued with the help of SCTC, mentors, and her dedication and commitment. Today, her life is exceeding even her wildest dreams. For information about receiving dental services at St. Cloud Technical College, call 320-308-5919. For more information about how to enroll in St. Cloud Technical College’s Dental Hygiene or Dental Assistant programs, call 320-308-5089 or visit www.sctc.edu. For more information about dental careers go to the American Dental Association website, at www.ada.org. www.sctc.edu | spring 2005 5 IN THE spotlight Partnerships St. Cloud Technical College (SCTC) is educating individuals for jobs. Nearly 70 percent of SCTC graduates find jobs in central Minnesota. Featured here are alumni working at seven businesses in central Minnesota. These employers are helping to create promising futures for SCTC graduates, their families, and the communities they reside in. We want to visit our partners and alumni. To host the SCTC Alumni Association at your business call 320-308-6021 or email alumni@sctc.edu. DALE GRUBER CONSTRUCTION (left to right) Dale Gruber, Jim Carlin, Nevi Haus, Tony Knier, Sid Elyea, Steve Raeker IMAGE BUILDERS (left to right) Julie Zniewski, Lisa Landowski, Eric Beuning, Mike Fanslau STEVEN V. BAKER, LTD. (left to right) Carol Butkowski, Kim Kenning, Corina Lemke, Steven Baker, Jessica Kuklok HARDWARE DISTRIBUTORS, LTD. (left to right) Gary Koshiol, Tom Kubat, Stephanie Lawrence, Deborah Koob, Bob Koopmeiners, Jana Zumwalde, LP Hanson, president CENTRAL MN CREDIT UNION Front Row (L to R): Joe P., Bernie B., Stephanie L., JoAnn D. Back Row (L to R): Sue S., Corey S., Nancy R., Melissa K., Amanda V., Kim W., Elisha G., Kim K. EICH MOTORS (left to right) Cory Feld, Andrew Shaw, Peter Binsfeld, Karl Haider, Scott Weyer, Nick Binsfeld, Adam Means PLEASURELAND RV (left to right) Mark Long, Betty Beehler, Justin Borgerding, Bruce Theisen, Alicia Crosgrove, Paul Blaszack, Heidi Binsfeld “St. Cloud Technical College does a great job of educating our employees. The partnership we have developed is invaluable for not only my business but the entire community." Mike Fanslau - Image Builders 6 spring 2005 | www.sctc.edu SCTC foundation As president of the SCTC Foundation and member of the Scholarship Awards Committee, I’ve read many scholarship applications. I know the struggles and courage its taken students to attend college and the hopes and dreams they have for the future. SCTC is helping them reach those dreams. It starts here with an education. Grasping what a scholarship means in financial terms is easy. It’s the money that pays the tuition, and buys books and supplies. But the impact of a scholarship goes beyond the money and lasts a lifetime. quick FACTS To learn more about how you can become involved with the SCTC Foundation please contact Penny Casavant at 320-308-6021 or pcasavant@sctc.edu. Did you know… • 500 scholarship applications were received during the 2003-2004 school year. • Scholarships were awarded to 207 students equaling $117,800. • Last year, approximately 55 volunteers read scholarship applications. • Volunteers spent over 125 hours reading scholarship applications. Linda Eich DesJardins, Foundation President Gratitude Our graduates become valuable assets to this community. And that’s why we invest and believe in them. As donors, you are truly changing lives. We are grateful for you, our donors and partners. I want to share one of the many thank you cards I received recently. Dear Linda, I cannot express how grateful I am for your kindness. Receiving the SCTC Foundation award is a great honor to me. Also, to be receiving one that is named “Beat the Odds” is a reminder of where I have been, what I have accomplished and where I am going in life. The education that I am working towards will help me provide for my 8 month-old-son. I am sure that Benjamin will also be grateful for the gift of a better life. Thank you for helping us achieve our dreams. Michelle and Benjamin McEwen SCTC Foundation Scholarship Committee Terry Gruber, Chair Anita Baugh Judy Berg Lee Boraas Linda Eich DesJardins Jodi Elness Lana Feddema Kathy Kronebusch Denise Rosin Mike Tenvoorde Tom Tie dation Scholarship Kopp Family Foun Turner, tative Spencer Kopp Represen sser, Be Recipient Katie ey Lang esentative Linds Kopp Repr Luke Brown Mem orial Scholarship Instructor Bob Brown Recipient Christ ian Aune Photos taken during annual scholarship breakfast in January. www.sctc.edu | spring 2005 7 Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID St. Cloud, MN 56303 Permit No. 634 1540 Northway Drive St. Cloud, MN 56303-1240 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Career Majors Accounting Administrative Support Advertising Advertising Web Page Designer American Sign Language (pre-requisite courses only) Architectural Construction Technology Associate in Arts Degree Automobile Body Collision Technology Automotive Service Technology Business Management (emphasis in accounting, credit and finance, sales and management) Cardiovascular Technology Carpentry Child & Adult Care and Education Computer Programmer Culinary Arts Dental Assistant Dental Hygiene Echocardiography Electrical Construction Technology Electronics Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Farm Business Management Finance and Credit Graphic Communications Heating, Air Condition and Refrigeration Technology Land Surveying/Civil Engineering Technology Machine Tool Technology Mechanical Design Technology Medium/Heavy Truck Technology Microcomputer Support and Network Administration Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide Paramedicine Paraprofessional Educator Plumbing Practical Nursing Printing & Imaging Technology Public Welfare Financial Worker Sales and Management Careers Sonography Supervisory Management Surgical Technology Water Environment Technologies Welding/Fabrication THAT WAS then THIS IS now but the legacy The clothes and hair styles have changed, of St. Cloud Technical College’s (SCTC) DEX Chapter (Decca) continues today. At the state competition in March, SCTC DEX students collected 60% of the top three awards in twenty-two competitive events. Students from the Advertising, Credit and Finance, and Sales and Management Programs competed during the conference. DEX competitive events include comprehensive exams, critical thinking and problem solving case situations business simulations, prepared sales and promotional presentations, ad campaigns, interviews, and role plays. Approximately 65 of these students qualified for international DEX competition in Anaheim, CA in early May. Two SCTC students also ran for the DEX State Officer Team, and won their elections. Brad T.