From Janelle Phillips, our Chair of the Professional Development Committee:

Manhattan Area Technical College (MATC) is celebrating Technical Education in the month of October. Technical education is a major part of the solution to a myriad of national economic and workforce problems, such as high school dropout rates, a weakened economy, global competitiveness and massive layoffs.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly one-third of the fastest growing occupations will require an associate’s degree or a post secondary vocational certificate.

"We would therfore like to invite you to a series of brown bag lunches (bring your own lunch) which will highlight a few of our programs providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be competitive in today’s global economy.  Our goal is to educate you on what technical skills and knowledge our students obtain prior to entering the workforce.  All of our lunches will start at 12:00 pm in Room 304 at MATC and last approximately 45 minutes."

The schedule is as follows:

October 7: Computer Aided Drafting, Business, and Computer Technology

October 14: Electric Power and Distribution

October 21:  Information and Network Technology

October 27:  Welding

November 4: Medical Laboratory Technician and Biotechnology

We look forward to seeing you there and your continued support of MATC.



Click here to enlarge

The 2011 United Way Campaign is under way. This year we have two representatives working to help us reach our goal and thereby help many worthy causes by our donations.  Louisa Asbury, one of our SGO Secretaries will be working with the students and Tracy Geisler will be around to see MATC employees.  Our goal this year is to exceed last year's amount of $2,101.81.  If the students can out-donate the employees, I'll throw in an extra $100.00 to top it all off.

The pizza fundraiser at AJ’s Pizza made a total of $2,500.00 in sales last week, donating $250.00 to MATC SGO! SGO would like to say….Thanks for your support!

Speaking of the SGO, Student Senate President Chris Collins met with Governor Brownback at the Capitol and later at the Governor's Mansion last week to discuss two-year technical education. The Governor invited the 26 two-year college Student Government Presidents to have candid discussions about our missions.  During one of Chris' meetings he surprised the Commissioner of Education when he informed her that the solution to a problem she presented to him, of not being able to find IT professionals, was easy to solve if she looked in the right place; technical and community colleges, where the graduates receive an extraordinary education, rife with hands-on experience. 



Not for the faint of heart.

 The Electric Power and Distribution program hosted their fall Hot Line School at our Keats site recently for approximetely 20 companies.  What you see is a part of the exercises that these linemen go through for two intensive days.  They are learning to work on high voltage lines while these lines would still be energized (ours are not live).  While the general practice is to reroute power whenever possible in order to work on a deenrgized circuit, there are times when the rubber gloves, arm shields, wire covers and "hot sticks" must be used to keep the juice flowing to our homes and businesses.  We know that this type of practical training can save lives and we are proud to be able to serve the companies in this way.

I was able to join with other Manhattan leaders and the senior command staff of Fort Riley yesterday afternoon for several hours of community relations.  We hosted the Post's new Commander, General Mayville and his entorage, at the Manhattan Country Club for the Home and Home tournament (in 30 mph winds), dinner, and social time. 

Last Friday, Al Wektlow, from Building and Grounds, and his wife Kay (shown here) were invited to participate in a fishing contest representing MATC.  The Wiper fish Kay is holding up, along with all of their other fish, took every prize in the contest.  Al even won a fishing rod and reel in the drawing.  Nice going guys.  Tracy in our Nursing department thinks we should have an MATC fishing contest and then a big ol'e fish fry afterwards.  I agree and can almost taste those hush puppies already. 

I finally had a chance to get the MATC onesie for Dan's baby, Sawyer, finished this week.  Dan wasn't in his office when I delivered it, so this is what he found waiting for him when returned.  I've lost count, but I think this makes the 8th or 9th onesie in almost 8 years.   Who's next?

Have a great weekend everyone.

Rob

MATC's own Practical Nursing student Kimberly Quire (pictured with guitar) plays the lead role, Maria, in the production of Junction City Little Theater's "The Sound of Music," that opened Sept. 16 in the C.L. Hoover Opera House at 135 W. Seventh Street.  The play closes after this weekend but you have three more chances to attend.  Those who have witnessed her performance say that she is incredible with a truly angelic voice. 

Sound of Music Tickets:  http://click4tix.com/showdates.php?s_id=CLHSOUNDOFMUSIC&rtt=10

 

Friday, September 23, 2011 7:30 pm 

  Saturday, September 24, 2011 7:30 pm

Sunday, September 25, 2011 2:00 pm

Dan Kirkpatrick's son was born on Sunday.  Here is Dan's e-mail to us: "I just wanted to let everyone know that Sawyer Stanton Kirkpatrick was born yesterday!!!  Sawyer was a measly 9 lbs 14 ounces and was 21 1/2 inches long. Jennifer is doing great, she is pretty tough too..she chose not to get the epidural...so they gave it to me instead, it was great..I didn't feel a thing! :)  We will be picking them up today (last Monday) to bring them home..the girls are very excited!"  Congratulations Jennifer, Dan, and the whole Kirkpatrick gang.  Doesn't Sawyer look a little like Dan napping in his office after lunch? 

Our "Recycled Rides" van arrived on Monday night.  As one of only seven schools in the Country participating at this point (of which, two are in Kansas) we are excited about the prospect of helping those less fortunate with the gift if this vehicle.  We have contacted our local Wounded Warrior office and they will begin working on their selection process soon.  We do not have a deadline for the presentation yet, but will keep you informed as to our progress... http://www.recycledrides.org/ 

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Our Director of Financial Aid, Sarah, sent this eye-opening article out on Monday.  If you want to see the full explanation that follows each bullet, click on the link below item #8.
8 Big Reasons Why You’re Getting an ‘F’ in Personal Finance 101

1. You don’t have an emergency fund.
2. You don’t know how much money you have in your bank accounts.
3. You don’t understand the difference between a want and a need.
4. You don’t know how much money you spend.
5. Your tastes exceed your spending capability.
6. You can’t say no.
7. You’re an impulse shopper.
8. You worry about what others think about you.
Source: http://lenpenzo.com/blog/id1142-8-big-reasons-why-youre-getting-an-f-in-personal-finance-101.html

Sarah also reminded us that last Saturday was Constitution Day?  In her words, "What is Constitution Day you say? Well, it’s the day we commemorate the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by 33 brave men on September 17, 1787. We also celebrate all who are born in the U.S. or by naturalization, have come citizens.  In recognition of our rights and responsibilities as U.S. citizens to vote, if you have not yet registered to vote, forms are available in the MATC Commons Area in front of the display case."

Remember when I used to finish most articles and presentations with "Watch us Grow".  Well that growth is still happening, and then some.  The total unduplicated headcount on the "20th Day" demonstrates yet another 10% or greater increase.  The stand alone programs you see are things like CNA Class, IV Therapy class, etc.  As of last June we had grown over 130% since leaving the school district and we see no sign of slowing down.

Marilyn sent a good article from Parade magazine on Sep 4th.  It is titled, At Last: Good News on Jobs: A Worldwide Competition Spotlights Skilled Labor.  Is it, of course, referring to SkillsUSA and the WorldSkills Competition is this case.  While we used to participate many years ago, we have not done so since before I came in 2004.  Our new HVAC Instructor Frank Avila, however, has been participating at NWKTC for a few years and hopes to re-start the practice hear.  To be sure no one misunderstands, we are behind him all the way.  Check out the links:

• http://www.parade.com/what-people-earn/americas-skilled-workers/featured/110904-at-last-good-news-on-jobs.html
• http://www.parade.com/what-people-earn/americas-skilled-workers/index.html
• http://www.skillsusa.org/

With the Autumnal Equinox coming today, you may see people doing strange things...like balancing eggs on end.  This twice-a-year tradition with some people is based on the belief that when the Earth's poles line up with the Sun, it is more feasible than other times of the year to balance a raw egg.   I don't know if that is an urban legend or if it is true; I do know that it is fun though.  The future omelets at the right were balanced by our Division Chair of Nursing, Becky Claus.  The bookend surrounding one of them is for protection from people like me, who might touch it.

Have a good weekend everyone and just before you purchase your Sound of Music tickets tonight, try balancing an egg on your kitchen counter, if that's not too much excitement for one day.

Rob

We are beginning an exciting new welding initiative this month.  It is a multi-level,    open-entry / open-exit skills course designed specifically for welders who are seeking jobs at our regional production plants and maintenance operations, such as Caterpillar, Landoll Corp., Florence, K-State, Ft. Riley, and others.  During the latter part of this month we will be assessing applicant skills and placing them in the proper tier.  Then each month, beginning in October, we will start a new group through and allow those who reach the competency level to depart when they reach that goal.  You can view the details by clicking on the brochure pages below for now.  More information is also available by calling Sally Vonada at 587-2800 ext 4125 or Wes Chambers at ext 4401.

Click the Pic to Enlarge

Click the Pic to Enlarge

October is Cyber Security Month and our Information and Network Technology (INT) students are gearing up for a very busy month.  Manhattan Mayor Sherow will be making a proclamation at the City Council meeting on October 4th where Ben Eckart and one of his INT students students will accept on behalf of MATC and KCSEC.  We have also encouraged the Governor to publicly proclain Kansas Cyber Security Month to help raise awareness of the dangers associated with careless use of technology and social media.  Additionally, Ben's INT students are tasked to give presentations throughout the community and the region to any group that will have them.  If your group is interested in a short presentation of keeping yourself safe using your computers and mobile communications devices, contact Ben at 785-587-2800 ext 4302.

Speaking of INT, congratulations to our new INT Instructor Derek Payne who is getting married to Manhattan HS East English teacher Terri Baker on October 16.

National Tradesmen Day is coming up September 16th and as Ross Porter, president of IRWIN Tools states in this article from The Tennessean, saying ‘thank you’ and showing appreciation to those skilled tradesmen who keep America running is a great idea and it is about time. Here's the article in Mike Rowe's website:  http://www.mikeroweworks.com/2011/09/tradesmen-deserve-their-day-september-16-2011/ .  These are often the folks that I personally refer to as the invisible workforce.  Those who are often behind the scenes, whose day you would make by just taking a moment to say thank you and that we appreciate what you do for us.  Since we are a Career and Technical College we should try to do this often without even having to think about it.

From Monty Enright:  The Campus Improvement Committee would like to recognize and thank Gary Pryor/Laci Heller and their Building Trades students for the outstanding work they have done in the past couple of weeks.  Gary’s and Laci’s Building Trades students have finished installing the park benches around Campus buildings and in the park area.  They have done an outstanding job!  Thanks for all your hard work.

From Donna Hobbs:  In response to repeated requests by clinical students to have Coffee and Baked Goods available on non-clinical days, I will have Radina’s and Alma Bakery Cinnamon Rolls (my treat) available on MONDAY, September 19 and again on Tuesday September 20.  On Monday, I will be out in the library/Tuesday in the Commons.

From Marilyn:  I am pleased to announce that Connie Schlagek will begin working in the LRC/Library on Monday, September 19. Her hours will be from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Please let your students know that will now have access to services into the evening.

We helped Dan Kirkpatrick get ready for the delivery of his first boy, after three girls, on Tuesday with a shower of gifts and well wishes.   

Finally, our HR Director Trysta with one of our Spirit Wear mannequins pasted with her picture.  The caption says "THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN THE GOOD TRYSTA AND THE EVIL TRYSTA".  Of course it's already been posted to Facebook. Happy Birthday Trysta. 

Have a great, chilly and wet weekend.  Remember, at least it's not 110 degrees outside.

Rob

Did you know that MATC students build a complete house out in the community each year and then we sell that house on the market?  This is our house that was built by the 2010-2011 Building Trades students.  The lawn may look a little barren now because we have to wait until the summer heat allows us to manage a new lawn, but it should be going in this week.  If you want to take a visual tour, click on this link:  http://www.visualtour.com/applets/flashviewer2/viewer.asp?t=2533239&sk=200 .

5216 Stone Crest Drive
Manhattan, KS
Tour ID: 0253-3239

MLS #: 59339

http://www.coldwellbanker.com/property?guid=5CE7F702-4266-4DF5-B066-21A4A4F24111&WT.mc_id=CBTruliaListing

Click on the map to enlarge

 

It been a fairly quiet week, so that's it for this Blemo.  Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

Rob

Who's ready for a three-day weekend?  Me too!.  The beginning of the semester has been extremely hectic with so many new people on deck, moving offices, opening new buildings, ironing out those last minute details that had to wait until we had possession of the new buildings.  Through it all I see two groups of heroes here:  those who had to wait while all of the work was accomplished to meet their needs and those who served through accomplishing the hundreds of tasks with very limited resources such as time and manpower.  Thank you for making the start of the 2011-2012 school year a success.

Dan Kirkpatrick, our Counselor tells us that we have three new Student Government Organization officers.  Join us in congratulating the following:  President: Chris Collins from our Auto Technology program,  VP: Aaron Warnke from our Auto Collision Repair program,  Secretaries: Louisa Asbury & Carrie Holaday from our Associate Degree Nursing program.  As you can see, our SGO members come from all of our programs with approximately 30 in total.  We thank the students for volunteering and we also thank Dan and our Librarian, Donna Hobbs for acting as advisers and mentors to this great group.

Tasty Tuesdays are back and this is just a sample of the goodies that you can get in the Library on Tuesday mornings along with Redina's gourmet coffees.  Be sure to buy your punch cards from Donna or bring cash if you prefer.

From our Library: Opening Sept 1, 2001 at the Manhattan Area Technical College is the traveling exhibit Kansas Tornado. Tornados, with their sinister forms and terrific power, have always been a source of curiosity. Kansas has been linked to these awesome storms for many years, perhaps due to Dorothy’s terrifying experience in the 1939 motion picture Wizard of Oz. This exhibit contains ten free hanging displays chronically devastating tornadoes from the late 1800’s until the Topeka tornado of 1966.

Tornados form during periods of warm, humid, and unsettled weather. Average funnels usually travel at about 30 miles per hour; however, winds within the funnel have been estimated to reach 300 miles an hour.  Kansas Tornado is testimony to the destruction and peculiarities caused by these chilling storms. This exhibit was produced by the Kansas State Historical Society and is part of the Kansas Interpretive Traveling Exhibits Service.

Visit or call Manhattan Area Technical College Library at 785-587-2800 ext 4140 for details. Kansas Tornado will be open for viewing from Sept 1, 2011 until Sept 20, 2011. Hours are 8:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. Admission to the exhibit and related programming is free.

Have a SAFE and enjoyable Labor Day weekend.  See you all Tuesday...bright and early.