Pine Technical College Blog

Illusion Theatre brings award-winning play, "My Antonia," to Pine City

2012-02-13T09:49:00.019-06:00

Illusion Theatre is bringing Willa Cather's vibrant character of Antonia to life with a statewide tour of the award-winning show, "My Antonia," and the show comes to Pine City Fri. Mar. 9. Theatre management, in collaboration with Pine City Public Schools, Community Education, the Pine City Public Library, Pine City Arts Council, and Heritage Theatre present this critically acclaimed production locally, funded in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, at 12:30 p.m. at the Pine City Elementary Auditorium on Friday, March 9th. All local partners extend a special, free invitation to PTC students, staff, and faculty.

"What a wonderful opportunity!" says Joan Bloemendaal-Gruett, Dean of Academic Affairs. "We have been extended an invitation to attend this award-winning presentation at no charge. It's not often such opportunities arise, and I encourage anyone who is able to attend," Bloemendaal-Gruett adds.

To reserve your seat at the performance, R.S.V.P./e-mail Bloemendaal-Gruett (BloemendaalJ@pinetech.edu) with your intent to attend no later than Fri. Feb. 25. Attendees must arrive and be seated by 12:15 p.m. on Mar. 9, for the production to start at 12:30.

About "My Antonia"
In 1918, Willa Cather wrote about 1880s European immigrants who came to the U.S. to make their American dreams come true. They endured bitter winters and struggled to make things grow in the hard, scrabble soil of the windswept Nebraska prairie. Moore's new adaptation is told through the memories of narrator Jim Burden, who after 20 years of living in the East, returns to his small prairie town to see Antonia, the Czech immigrant girl who shaped his understanding of life. The story is wrapped in an environment of the changing prairie created by the actors, set, and sound.

The one-and-a-half hour drama will relate to high school students and the public in the East Central Region of Minnesota -- an area also populated by Czech immigrants whose culture and language enriched local history. The 2010 production of "My Antonia" was the recipient of two Twin Cities Theatre Ivey Awards.

Photo at top: Actors portray a scene from "My Antonia." (photo courtesy of Illusion Theatre.)

PTC’s Gunsmithing Technology students learn from notable alum, Kevin Muramatsu

2012-02-06T10:24:00.009-06:00

Kevin Muramatsu graduated from PTC in 2007, having earned both the Gun Repair Certificate and the Advanced Gunsmithing Diploma, and now, Muramatsu revises the textbooks that today's students use.

Muramatsu says he is fascinated by the inner workings of the ‘tools’ (guns) and also the art of being a good and consistent shooter. Muramatsu also claims the reason why many people may have not discovered the shooting sports is because they don’t have enough information about guns and shooting and may not know where to turn to for the right start.

“There are basic, easily-taught concepts such as safety, recoil management, and competitive opportunities,” Muramatsu says. “The first gun a youngster – or any beginner – shoots should not be a .44 Mag, or a .30-06. Gun safety is simple, but absolutely necessary, and the repetitive efforts in ensuring it bring confidence,” Muramatsu adds.

Muramatsu is an NRA-certified instructor, teaches carry/permit classes, and is a lead instructor at the School of Outdoor Sports in Woodbury, Minn.

Photo: PTC Gunsmithing Technology student Marcus Lhotka studies the GunDigest® Book of Rimfire Rifles, revised by Muramatsu.

PTC's new Wellness Room takes shape

2012-01-31T13:46:00.017-06:00

Not only is Pine Technical College’s landscape changing as the college is in the midst of several construction projects, but the college's interior also is changing to accommodate growth. Over the past few years, the college has experienced growth in enrollment, an increase of staff and faculty members, and growth in the variety of programs available to students and services available to students and the community.

“We’re seeing the investment in our future take shape, and at the moment, that translates to a handful of structural changes,” says President Robert Musgrove, Ph.D. “Our master plan includes a focus on using the space available to meet the needs of our community and our growing student population,” Musgrove explains.

Part of the changes on campus include accommodating the ever-growing Nursing Department and incorporating an all-new Wellness Room into the college's plans.

“We’re very excited to bring the Wellness Room to PTC. It will serve as a place of peace for students as they move through the ups and downs of college life,” says Director of Nursing, Krista Hoekstra. “For example, it will be a calm and inviting place where students are able to meditate. Also, it will serve as a more private place for breastfeeding mothers on campus. We want our students to relieve stress and discover a healthier and more balanced way of living while remaining efficient and productive,” Hoekstra explains.

Construction of the Wellness Room is funded through a recent federal health training grant the college was awarded in Oct. 2011. The room is located between the Employment and Training Center and the Nursing staff offices. The Wellness Room remains unlocked during all campus hours and is available to all students, staff and faculty. Uses for the room may include (but are not limited to):

• Mediation
• Prayer
• Lactation
• Medical Administrations
• Quiet Time

Photo at top of page: The inside of the new Wellness Room was designed to provide students with a high level of privacy and comfort.

Photo above: To see what it's all about, student Aaron Kohner peeks into the new Wellness Room.

Student Senate gets down to business in 2012

2012-01-25T13:00:00.012-06:00

The PTC Student Senate gathered for its first meeting of 2012 today at 11 a.m.

“It was a busy meeting since we basically had to set the agenda for the semester,” says Student Senate President Torfi Arnarson. “And, we were all certainly happy to have such good attendance at the year’s outset,” Arnarson adds.

Student senators and students in attendance discussed several high-impact topics including a proposed new method for disbursing financial aid (known as the HigherOne project), the installation of a new wall monument to recognize those who donate to the PTC Foundation and, the senators made tentative plans to carry out a survey to assess what students seek in the way of on-campus entertainment in addition to the already-slated Bowling Night, movie nights, and the annual end-of-year BBQ. Also, Arnarson, having served as PTC Student Senate President for two terms, announced his decision not to run in the next election.

The next Student Senate meeting will be held Feb. 15, 11 a.m. and is open to all students, staff, and faculty members.

Photo at top: PTC's 2011-2012 Student Senators. Front Row, L to R: Jodie Hochstatter, Treasurer; Ellen Dunbar, Secretary; Colin Roskos, Vice President. Back Row, L to R: Amanda Spencer, Student Senate Staff Advisor; Torfi Arnarson, President; Stephen Bobowski, Parliamentarian.

On-campus exhibit showcases artwork by Keith Raivo

2012-01-17T09:21:00.019-06:00

The Pine Art Gallery is currently featuring work by artist Keith Raivo for the duration of the Spring semester. Raivo's piece, Mother Earth, is made completely of stainless steel. Raivo may be well-known for his wooden hampers and baskets; after all, he has been creating them since 1981. However, Raivo works in many media including wood, metals, and stone.

Raivo lives in the Pine Area with his wife, Valerie, and together, they manage a gallery in Mora, Minn. Galerie Valerie features everything from Raivo’s famous baskets and hampers to carved wood and stone sculptures inspired by creatures of nature as well as functional pieces such as tables and seating.

View Raivo’s online gallery at http://raivoart.com. Raivo is available for commissioned works and may be reached at 320-679-4667 or keith@raivoart.com.

The Pine Art Gallery features works of original art created by established and/or emerging artists from the Pine Area, embracing the talent and creativity of Pine Technical College students, staff, faculty and the larger Pine community. The exhibit changes seasonally, and many kinds of artworks are showcased, including paintings, photographs, pottery, sculptures, sketches, wood carvings and more. If you are an artist from the Pine Area and wish to exhibit your works in the Pine Art Gallery, see the Pine Technical College Marketing Director in Student Affairs.

Photo at top: Artist Keith Raivo stands next to Mother Earth, on display in the Pine Art Gallery.

Above: A few samples of Raivo's work include (clockwise, L to R) "Barred Owl 1," made of carved fieldstone; "Tastes Like Chicken 2," made of stainless steel and aluminum; a custom chest made of jatoba, elm, and oak; and, a sewing basket made of elm, oak, and ash.

PTC welcomes new registrar, Darla Calverley

2012-01-09T14:00:00.022-06:00

PTC recently welcomed Darla Calverley to the Student Affairs Office. Calverley is PTC's new registrar, having filled the vacancy left by Robert Baker when Baker retired.

"I absolutely love the campus and PTC community. The whole family here – from the students to faculty and staff – has been so welcoming and helpful during my transition," Calverley says. "I feel so fortunate and blessed to work under the leadership and direction of Nancy Mach and with the whole Student Affairs group. I always said I can work with students anywhere, but to be given the opportunity to share my experience, knowledge and appreciation for students pursuing their education in a career that I have endured for years is the ultimate. I am living the dream!" Calverley adds.

Calverley holds an M.A. in organizational management and a B.A. in communication and organizational management, both from Concordia University and comes to PTC with nearly 20 years of experience working in higher education and student records within MnSCU. Most recently, Calverley served as Assistant Registrar at St. Cloud State University, and prior to that, Calverley served as Student Registration Coordinator at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.

"We are so lucky to have Darla," says Nancy Mach, Dean of Student Affairs. "She has been such an asset to us already, and our department will continue to grow with the skill-set she brings," Mach adds.

Photo at top: Darla Calverley, Registrar, is poised to greet new students at the college's front entrance with the most need-to-know information at the start of the new semester.

PTC's Academic Skills Center to offer free workshops

2012-01-03T09:24:00.020-06:00

Periodically, PTC staff and faculty hold free seminars/workshops that teach tips about time management, stress management, studying, test-taking, the college environment overall, how to navigate Desire2Learn (D2L) -- the college's "virtual campus," and much more. At the start of the new semester, PTC's Academic Skills Center will be hosting a rich lineup of such workshops throughout January and February.

"The workshops are designed with today's super-busy students in mind," says Erin White, Director of the Academic Skills Center. "All our students -- whether they are brand-new to the college experience or close to graduation -- can benefit from the workshops. New students will become more comfortable with services and everything that is available to them, and our more seasoned students are sure to pick up extra tips and tricks they may not have known yet," White adds.

Registration is not necessary, and all workshops are free. Students are encouraged to attend any and/or all workshops. For more information, contact: Erin White, whitee@pinetech.edu or 320-629-4574.

PTC to submit six nominees for MnSCU's Excellence in Teaching awards program

2011-12-20T13:28:00.035-06:00

The Pine Technical College community, including students, staff, faculty, administrators, and alumni, has nominated six instructors to participate in the prestigious MnSCU Excellence in Teaching awards program.

The six nominees, all Outstanding Educators of the Year, now are working on completing some additional information for the Nomination Committee to review, and, using pre-established scoring criteria, the committee will select one faculty member to represent PTC and have a chance at winning the coveted Educator of the Year award. The six nominees are:
• Ann Boldt
• Jeff Ruth
• Julie Shores
• Dione Thoma
• Rita Watson
• Chris York

Last year, PTC's Melissa Felland, an instructor in the Early Childhood Development program, received an Outstanding Educator of the Year award.

"As a recipient of last year's Outstanding Educator of the Year award, I am proud and honored to congratulate all nominees. Preparing, being selected, and attending the ceremony honoring all Educators of the Year and Outstanding Educators of the Year was one highlight of my teaching career," Felland says. "It's one that I will never forget, and I hope the same for all of this year's nominees," Felland adds.

Photo: Melissa Felland, instructor in PTC's Early Childhood Development program, received an Outstanding Educator of the Year award at last year's ceremony.

Impressive results from Minnesota College Application Week are in

2011-12-13T09:58:00.015-06:00

The results are in from Minnesota College Application Week, an event held in Novemnber that waived college application fees for a full week. PTC staff and faculty members are impressed with the initiative's results.

"We had 24 applications come in during the week, compared to 11 applications during the same week last year when application fees were not waived," explained Dani Chandonnet, PTC's Director of Marketing and Admissions. "The program is encouraging for those just thinking about applying who may be on the fence - the fee waiver is an incentive, and applicants truly have nothing to lose," Chandonnet adds.

The event ran Nov. 14 through 18, and applications nearly tripled across MnSCU campuses. Each MnSCU college and university waived its $20 application fee during the weeklong event, resulting in the colleges and universities collectively forgoing about $300,000 in revenue. Students could complete one application and submit it simultaneously to more than one MnSCU institution, a service that had not been available before this year. MnSCU figures report that nearly 10,000 high school students submitted 15,600 applications to the 31 state colleges and universities, compared to 4,900 students who submitted about 5,500 applications during the same week in 2010.

"This initiative was tremendously successful," said MnsCU Chancellor Steven Rosenstone. "Increasing the number of Minnesotans who complete a college degree, certificate or diploma is more important than ever," Rosenstone added.

By 2018, 70 percent of all jobs in Minnesota will require some postsecondary education, according to a Georgetown University study; many of those jobs will require a certificate or associate degree, and not necessarily a baccalaureate degree.

Phi Theta Kappa rolls out new "Giving Tree" program

2011-12-06T13:32:00.013-06:00

Going on now through Dec. 12, PTC students, staff and faculty members may contribute to the "Giving Tree" program, established by students in PTC's Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter. The program features three holiday trees (donated by PTC Student Senate), adorned with tags that double as Donation Requests. The tags represent students and their families who could use a hand up during a season where costs historically run high. PTC students, staff and faculty members are able to help by fulfilling the $10 gift card Donation Requests. The gift card designated options are: Holiday, Chris' Food Center, Wal-Mart and Family Pathways.

Photo at top: Marcus Lhotka (L) and John Thabes (R) present PTK President Ann Kubesh (center) with $500 in the form of gift cards to support the Giving Tree program. The large donation was generously provided by the PTC Shooters Association/Foundation Fund, of which Lhotka and Thabes are members.

PTC Foundation participates in Grand Casino’s Giving Trees program for a chance to win $5,000 for student scholarships

2011-11-28T09:00:00.008-06:00

The Pine Technical College Foundation is participating in Grand Casino’s inaugural Giving Trees program, beginning this afternoon. The Foundation will decorate a six-foot-tall holiday tree at the Grand Casino - Hinckley, in hopes of winning First Prize, $5,000. The winnings will be deposited in the PTC Foundation’s Bridging the Dream scholarship reserve, augmenting funds available for scholarship recipients.

“We’re especially excited about this program since it will directly benefit our students. Considering that our full-time scholarships are awarded in amounts of $1250, our Bridging the Dream program will be able to support four additional full-time students if we win the grand prize, and that’s very exciting,” says Nancy Mach, PTC’s Dean of Student Affairs.

Four area organizations are participating in the Giving Trees program, including the PTC Foundation, and the trees will be judged by casino guests, associates, and online visitors – fans of Grand Casino’s Facebook page. The trees will be on display at the Grand Casino’s Events Center, Mon. Nov. 28, and judging will be finalized at 12 p.m. Mon. Dec. 5. The winners of the contest will be based on the number of online “likes” on Facebook combined with the number of votes collected onsite. The program’s prize structure is as follows: First Place, $5,000; Second Place, $2,000; Third Place, $500.

“Our tree will carry a very student-centered theme; it will showcase photos of current students hard at work – studying, in the lab, in class, doing groupwork, and doing what they do best,” says Sandi Carlisle, Executive Assistant to the President and Foundation Manager.

The trees are donated by Mickman Brothers, and once judging is final, all trees will be donated to a family in need of a holiday tree.

“We’re going to want a lot of votes for our tree, so we are encouraging all staff, faculty, and students to ‘like’ our tree online,” Mach says. “We just need to all get online and vote and help our students get those scholarship dollars!”

Photo: Lucas Pederson, Grant Accountant in PTC's Office of Business Services, shows off one of the custom-made ornaments that will adorn the holiday tree.

PTC's Diversity Committee welcomes guest presenter, David Isham

2011-11-23T09:51:00.015-06:00

The Pine Technical College Diversity Committee welcomed a guest presenter, David Isham, to its November meeting. Isham, Access and Opportunity Specialist with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, advised the committee regarding how the college may proceed in its work to establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with American Indian nations in East Central Minnesota.

Photo: David Isham (left) and PTC Diversity Committee member, Theresa Leopold (right).

PTC's Judy Yorston, on behalf of Pine EMS, accepts $2500 from AgStar

2011-11-14T11:24:00.026-06:00

The AgStar Fund for Rural America, the corporate giving program of AgStar Financial Services, has awarded Pine EMS $2500 to offset funding for equipment. Judy Yorston (second from left in the photo above), an EMS instructor in PTC's Continuing Education and Customized Training department, accepts the check from AgStar on behalf of Pine EMS.

PTC waives application fees in honor of National College Application Week

2011-11-07T13:31:00.004-06:00

In recognition of National College Application Week, PTC will waive the $20 application fee Nov. 14 through Nov. 18. Nearly all Minnesota State Colleges and Universities are participating in the weeklong push to encourage those thinking about starting or going back to college to apply by waiving application fees.

“This is a golden opportunity for those thinking about college who need that final nudge of encouragement to apply and find out that college really is possible," says Nancy Mach, Dean of Student Affairs. "College Application Week also provides an opportunity for our applicants to discover financial aid, grants and scholarships are available to assist with tuition and other costs associated with college,” Mach adds.

National College Application Week is part of a national initiative brought forward by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the State Higher Education Executive Officers (SHEEO). The weeklong event urges high schools and postsecondary institutions to collaborate in a concentrated effort to engage and inform underrepresented (first-generation college students, students of color, and low-income) students about the college application process. The first year for such an event in Minnesota, 17 high schools across the state are serving as pilot sites, including one in PTC’s service area – Rush City High School.

“College Application Week sends the message that college is possible for every student,” says President Robert Musgrove, Ph.D. “It is our hope that high school students in our service area will plan for college because we make it possible, and we’re prepared to fit their needs and goals,” Musgrove explains.

New construction accommodates campus growth

2011-11-01T13:45:00.014-05:00

Photo above: Construction continues on the college’s new storage facility at the south end of campus.

PTC's landscape is changing as the college is in the midst of several construction projects necessary to accommodate its growth. Over the past few years, the college has experienced growth in enrollment, an increase of staff and faculty members, and growth in the variety of programs available to students and services available to students and the community.

“We’re seeing the investment in our future take shape, and at the moment, that translates to a handful of structural changes,” says President Robert Musgrove, Ph.D. “Our master plan includes a focus on using the space available to meet the needs of our community and our growing student population,” Musgrove explains.

The college recently acquired a 1,144 square-foot house, built by students in Pine City High School’s building trades class. The house sits at the northwest end of the campus and once ready, will house PTC’s Child Care Resource & Referral department. At the south end of the campus, a 3,500 square-foot storage facility is being built, which will serve as a storage building for the college’s Facilities Department, as well as house college vehicles and other equipment. The house is nearly ready at this time; the storage facility is on schedule for completion by the first week in Dec.

Inside the college’s main building, the ever-growing Nursing Department and an all-new Wellness Room are on track to move into the area vacated by Child Care Resource & Referral. Construction of the Wellness Room is funded through a recent federal health training grant the college was awarded in Oct.

“We’re very excited to bring the Wellness Room to PTC. It will serve as a place of peace for students as they move through the ups and downs of college life,” says Director of Nursing, Krista Hoekstra. “For example, it will be a calm and inviting place where students are able to meditate. Also, it will serve as a more private place for breastfeeding mothers on campus. We want our students to relieve stress and discover a healthier and more balanced way of living while remaining efficient and productive,” Hoekstra explains.

The college also is making progress toward building an Entrepreneurship Center and Technology Business Incubator. PTC's current Continuing Education and Customized Training building will undergo significant construction and remodeling to house the incubator. Ground-breaking for this project is tentatively set for April, 2012, and the incubator’s first tenants may begin operations from the center sometime during the Fall, 2012 term.

The new Entrepreneurship Center and Technology Business Incubator will house light manufacturing and technology-based businesses working toward producing innovative products or services. The facility will be designed to house two to three start-up companies simultaneously, as well as comfortable meeting space. Additionally, the facility will be designed in a resource-efficient manner, using renewable energy.

Photo above: The new house, built by students in Pine City High School’s building trades course, is readied for occupancy at the northwest end of the campus.

Get ready for "Student Success Week!"

2011-10-20T14:21:00.011-05:00

PTC brings you "Student Success Week," Oct. 24-28. The week highlights important topics for students such as Advising, Course Planning, Counseling, and Tutoring. The weeklong event brings into focus events/themes that students sometimes push to the side while mainly focusing on academics. There are no classes scheduled for the mid-week event, "Advising Day," Oct. 26, and instead, students are encouraged to meet with their advisors to ensure they are on track.

Daily highlights Student Success Week brings include:

Mon. Oct. 24
"Recipes for Success!"
Free recipe book available from Student Affairs, featuring quick and easy recipes perfect for any college student, plus "Recipes for Student Success!"

Also, students will have the opportunity to participate in a GPS scavenger hunt and win prizes from the Academic Skills Center.

Muffins and mini donuts available outside Student Affairs.

Tues. Oct. 25
"Math RoundUp!"
Students can get their very own booklet of Math Success hints, available in the ASC.

Also, don't miss a special presentation at 11 a.m. in the auditorium (room 20) from Lakes State Credit Union - a free workshop on personal finance.

Plus, rice-krispy bars available in the ASC and room 94.

Wed. Oct. 26
"Advising Day!"
Students in developmental coursework (except ECD and Nursing) encouraged to meet program advisors between 11 a.m. and 12 noon in room 270 for ice cream sundaes.

5th Annual Open House!
4 to 7 p.m. campus/college-wide -- students are encouraged to bring their friends and family and show off their Pine Pride and campus! Instructors and staff will be on hand to talk with prospective and inquiring students!

Thurs. Oct. 27
"Study Secrets and Resources!"
Student Senate and student clubs will be available in the lounge and halls to showcase their activities.

Open House in the Academic Skills Center AND in Student Affairs. Get re-acquainted and connected with support services.

Hot dogs and chips available at the bistro tables.

Fri. Oct. 28
"Staying Healthy!"
Surround yourself with positive people, and spend some time in the ASC getting unfinished work finished! Drawings for prizes in the ASC for attendance at weekly events, and popcorn at the bistro table area.

PTC part of $19.6 million federal health training grant

2011-10-17T08:53:00.016-05:00

PTC will partner with nine other two-year colleges across the country in a $19.6 million federal workforce training grant that targets the health professions. The U.S. Department of Labor announced the grant in September as part of a $500 million round of workforce training awards to community colleges by the Obama administration.

Under the three-year grant program, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College will take the lead in the partnership program in what will be known as the “Health Professions Consortium.” Part of the impetus for the grant came from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as a result of its research into a pioneering health workforce training program launched in Cincinnati. That program, known as the Health Careers Collaborative, has seen Cincinnati State, hospitals, and other organizations work together to help individuals acquire needed training to land jobs, or to improve their chances for promotion if they already have jobs.

Joining Cincinnati State and Pine Technical College in the grant program are: Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Minn.; El Centro College and Texarkana College, Texas; Ashland Community and Technical College and Jefferson Community and Technical College, Ky.; Owens Community College, Ohio; City Colleges of Chicago, Ill.; and Community College of the District of Columbia.

The consortium has three major goals:
• Provide low-skilled workers with adequate preparation, support and opportunities to complete postsecondary training in health professions that provide credentials aligned with job advancement;
• Expand and enhance the health care workforce with the competencies needed by industry;
• Build the capacity of community colleges to continuously assess student and employment outcomes and use the information to improve the quality of health professions programs.

PTC’s share of the grant totals about $1.7 million, and the college, in conjunction with the Healthcare Alliance, plans to expand its programs in healthcare training fields. The college currently offers programs in long-term care, nursing, and general health science, and with support from the grant, the college is tentatively planning to offer additional programs in limited scope X-ray technology, certified medical assisting (CMA), as well as phlebotomy and EKG certificates.

“This is an exciting moment for Pine Technical College. This grant will allow us to expand job training in healthcare, as well as work toward meeting critical workforce shortages in the industry,” says Robert Musgrove, Ph.D., Pine Technical College President. “The demand for healthcare professionals is expected to continue growing, and with our strategic partnership with the Healthcare Alliance, we remain on the forefront of pursuing innovative ways to expand our programs to strengthen the development of a skilled workforce. I congratulate all our partners on securing this significant award,” Musgrove adds.

PTC helps bring the Highway 61 Film Fest to life

2011-10-10T09:24:00.019-05:00

The Highway 61 Film Festival comes to Pine Technical College this weekend, Oct. 14 and 15. The festival will feature 39 short and feature-length films. Doors open at the PTC auditorium (room 20) at 6 p.m. Friday for the first session of films. The price for each session of films is only $5.

FULL SCHEDULE

FRIDAY EVENING 6:30 pm @ Pine Technical College Auditorium

What If?
Director: Noah Schwell • Comedy • 6 min
A boy discovers what it's like to have all his wishes suddenly answered.

Boundary Waters
Director: Lee Houghtaling • Drama • 36 min
A gruff loner who lives in a remote cabin faces financial pressures and the encroachment of outsiders that threaten his way of life.

Five Bucks Til Friday
Director: Zach Hamill • Comedy • 28 min
Goofy slacker Scott wakes up Monday morning with five dollars to his name... and has to make it last for five frustratingly eventful days.

Stories Next Door
Director: Jeff Weihe • Documentary • 28 min
A close-up look at innovative programs that connect youth and seniors to record and celebrate local history as part of the Minnesota Historical Society's statewide Sharing Community Stories initiative.

Lumber Jill
Director: Tucker Lucas • Comedy • 29 min
Jill LeBlah, an urban misfit, decides to finally seek her birth parents. Her journey leads her to Cloquet, an old logging town in northern Minnesota, where she, in the midst of magical lumberjacks and talking taxidermy discovers … a home?

Songs to Enemies and Deserts
Directors: David Martinez and Shane Bauer • Documentary • 35 min
In Darfur, an area of Sudan controlled by two factions of armed rebels, farmers and herders go about with their daily lives as they interact with the rebels. It’s been said that 95 percent of a war is waiting, and this film is about that part: when the conflict comes to a standstill, and the men with guns become part of everyday existence. Life is hard in Darfur, but it continues on nonetheless.

FRIDAY LATE NIGHT 10pm @ Danny C's BeachRocks Resort

Recreation
Director: James Vogel • Documentary • 8 min
An observational documentary about drug use, and how it relates to our social activities.

All Over the Walls
Directors: Ryan Anderson, Greg Paape, Joe Galegher, Jake Johnson, and Alex Grangaard • Documentary • 77 min
This documentary follows eccentric and charismatic mixed media artist and body painter Jacob as he pursues his dream of building an art gallery that doubles as an underground party space in downtown Minneapolis. Experience the many difficulties and meet the collection of characters Jacob encounters.

The True Story of Peter Pan
Director: James Vogel • Comedy • 13 min
A mocumentary about what might happen if Peter Pan existed in the real world.

Night Surf
Director: Brittany Gustafson • Drama • 16 min
In an alternate reality where the Nazis won WWII and are now creating human-animal hybrids, the lives of five people intersect at a top secret medical facility.

Cocainine
Director: Jack Deflorin • Action/Horror • 20 min
A villainous plan to sell moondust as a drug brings chaos and murder to the city, and a detective is forced to get up earlier than he wanted to.

Your Mother's a Hunt
Director: John Karsko • Comedy • 14 min
Meeting her boyfriend's mom for the first time, a young woman goes toe to toe with her when the discover each is hiding a supernatural secret.

Hunting Buddies
Director: Bill Cooper • Action/Horror • 77 min
Old friends gather for a weekend of fun and hunting. But when one of them goes missing, dark secrets emerge.

SATURDAY 11:30 am • Family-Friendly @ Pine Technical College Auditorium

Rhythm Sticks
Director: Kristin Seuntjens • Animation (Not for competition) • 28 min
The whole family will love visiting the wonderful world of Rhythm Sticks, where learning about music is always fun!

Spaceman from Space
Director: Jack Deflorin • Comedy • 3 min
When a young space cadet crash-lands on an unknown planet he is forced to survive without a bunch of stuff, and in his search for stuff he finds himself in a battle of wits with the local inhabitants.

Whistle
Director: Mike Gainor • Comedy • 8 min
An unhappy boy looks for a cure for his sadness, and finds it... at the Pine County Fair!

Underwater Ocean Visit
Director: Bonnie Menigo • Documentary • 23 min
Join scuba divers as they discover underwater creatures in a world few people get to see.

Welcome to America: 50 states in 50 days
Director: Rodney Johnson • Documentary • 90 min
Roger Johnson and his travel partner Haley Chamberlain began a journey to all 50 United States in only 50 days. Starting in New York City, the two drove over 15,000 miles ending their journey in Honolulu, Hawaii on the 4th of July.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON 2:30pm @ Pine Technical College Auditorium

Ink Blots
Director: Sara Maki • Documentary (Not for competition) • 5 min
A trailer version of a documentary exploring the meanings and reasons for people's tattoo choices.

Out of Character
Director: Barbara P. Flees • Drama • 21 min
The world inside the mind of author Zander – once a heavy drinker and womanizer. He cleaned up his act and is ready to move on by killing his main character, Zeke, who represents Zander's unpleasant past. As he considers his options, Zeke tries to dissuade Zander from ending his book series.

Games Men Play
Director: Norm Barnhart • Comedy • 3 min
A news report on the destructive and addicting game that is sweeping the nation.

Cento
Director: Michael Thompson • Animation • 5 min
A strange and mysterious exploration of art and meaning.

Sun Gods
Director: Nial Hopkins • Drama • 16 min
When a stranger rolls into town with only a map to his name, he enlists two brothers to guide him on his journey.

Masquerade
Director: Jennifer Prettyman • Drama • 27 min
Two lost souls are brought together through an evening of drinks and conversation at a local bar.

Payback Time
Director: Mark Kopischke • Comedy • 7 min
An inventor uses his time-travel machine to wreak revenge on enemies and former girlfriends.

Harold Crumb
Director: Christopher Jopp • Drama • 24 min
Poor Harold. Too many fortune cookies to fill, and that yellow rabbit always out of reach...

The Suit
Director: Adam Chown • Comedy • 7 min
After receiving their tax refund, two friends purchase new suits with the sole intention of destroying them.

Lambent Fuse
Director: Matt Cici • Drama • 99 min
The choices of a depressive man, a kleptomaniac, two amateur thieves, a mysterious chef, and a corrupt cop cause their intertwining lives and dynamic outcomes.

SATURDAY EVENING 6:30pm @ Pine Technical College Auditorium

Love Notes
Director: Canyon Lalama • Action/Horror • 11 min
Lovelorn Victor is rejected by his beloved Henrietta. He is in the process of killing himself when he finds a magical accordion on the train tracks. He uses the accordion's magic to try and seduce Henrietta, but it backfires when she is stabbed by a fork. Victor must defeat the evil accordion and come to terms with the rejection.

Stitches
Director: Mason Makram • Action/Horror • 13 min
Jolene is wanted for the murder of a state trooper. Bullet wound in her stomach, she must do whatever it takes to get a passport to the border to Canada.

Bloodshed Love
Director: Mason Makram • Action/Horror • 17 min
1927: Handyman Daniel Coyle is called to yet another job at the house of the beautiful Becky Darling. As love buds, his boss takes him to a speakeasy where he finds Becky in the lap of her procurer, McLintock, whom Coyle discovers is her procurer. Coyle convinces her to stand up for herself, but McLintock will have the final say. Instead of taking her to a new life, Coyle finds ...

Roadside Assistance
Director: Mark Kopischke • Comedy • 8 min
Stranded in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire, an unhappy couple's journey to find a jack turns into a bizarre adventure as they meet some interesting characters along the way.

Dope Sick
Director: Elijah Woodcock • Action/Horror • 18 min
Todd Parker finds himself lost in a maze of a rundown hotel. Lovely Terra Crowe guides him through the twists and turns of his own mind in an attempt to escape his doomed fate.

Birthmarked for Death
Director: Matt Olson • Comedy • 8 min
A reluctant hitman and an inept informant bond over substitute teaching on the way to an execution.

Ghost from the Machine
Director: Matt Osterman • Action/Horror • 86 min
A young man, raising his even younger brother after the death of their parents, plunges himself into the murky science of the supernatural and invents a machine intended to be a conduit to the other side. He reaches an unintended level of success that not only threatens his safety, but also those around him.

SATURDAY LATE NIGHT 10pm @ Danny C's BeachRocks Resort • Adult content

The Missing Frame
Director: Elijah Woodcock • Action/Horror • 12 min
After finding his wife's dead body in their motel room, Johnny Keys goes on a hunt to find the man responsible. His only clue a car with a busted out back window he sees fleeing the scene.

Attack of the Moon Zombies
Director: Christopher R. Mihm • Action/Horror • 99 min
On Jackson Lunar Base, scientists stumble upon a seemingly impossible discovery: alien plant life on the surface of the moon! Unfortunately, exposure to the spores of this otherworldly flora cause instant death. Too bad those killed by them don't stay dead, and want nothing more than to replicate!

Some Fangs
Directors: Mark L. Nielson and Destiny Soria • Action/Horror • 9 min
A girl gets revenge on her human ex-boyfriend after a mysterious vampire turns her into one of the undead.

Potpourri
Director: Brandon Van Vliet • Action/Horror • 90 min
A group of students are faced with expulsion if their final philosophy papers are not satisfactory. As a result, the inept group of friends decides to experiment with a series of illicit drugs to help them understand some of the mind-bending concepts of the course – but the students begin to realize how severely they've underestimated the effects of the drugs...

Photo: Kristin Seuntjens introduces her film "Rhythm Sticks" Sat. morning at the festival. (Photo added Oct. 17)

PTC takes its show on the road!

2011-10-03T12:00:00.024-05:00

Pine Technical College staff members have been traveling and representing PTC at various college fairs and public events over the last few weeks. Affectionately called the "PTC roadshow," the outreach efforts work to increase the college's visibility and reach. Staff members have recently attended college fairs in PTC's very own Pine City, Cambridge, and the national college fair is set for this week in Minneapolis. Additionally, admissions staff has been a featured guest presenter at several area high schools and job club meetings.

"Attending outside functions like college fairs and speaking at special events helps prospective students, at the very least, become aware of us as option. And, when they're ready to apply, we're top-of-mind," says Dani Chandonnet, PTC's Director of Marketing and Admissions. "September and October of every year is always a super-busy time for events like this, and the payoff, as far as increased visibility and reach, is well worth it," Chandonnet adds.

Don't miss the next PTC-hosted special event, set for Wed. Oct. 26 -- the 5th Annual Open House, 4 to 7 p.m.

Photo at top: Dani Chandonnet and Marlene Mixa, Ph.D., CBJT Grants and Outreach Coordinator, pause for a photo at the National College Fair, hosted by the National Association for College Admissions Counseling, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. (photo added Oct. 4)

PTC earns grant to support young students and their families

2011-09-27T11:39:00.016-05:00

PTC was selected by the Minnesota Department of Health for a grant that will support young parenting students. PTC will receive up to $278,827, awarded in increments going on now through Aug. 31, 2013. The funding will be used to expand current services the college provides to young parenting students, as well as to start a new Young Student Parent Support Initiative.

"Our students are going to benefit from this grant in tremendous ways," says Joan Bloemendaal-Gruett, PTC’s Dean of Academic Affairs. "Many of our students are young parents, and it can be quite overwhelming to take it all on – working, raising and managing a family, plus taking college classes and finding time to study. This grant will be used for services that will support young parents toward achieving their college goals," Bloemendaal-Gruett explains.

Staff and faculty members representing a diverse mix of college departments, along with many of the college’s regional partners including Early Childhood Family Education and HeadStart, now are working together to identify and grow resources to develop and implement programs that will assist young adults with families and pregnant and parenting teens in college. The committee has identified target populations the program will serve, including: Pine Technical College young student parents; area high school student parents; and, parents participating In PTC’s Employment and Training Center programs. Additionally, outreach efforts will ensure the college and its partners reaches fathers, single parents, and parents from diverse backgrounds within the target groups.

"We are pleased to be able to bring a program like this to fruition – not only for our students, but also for the larger Pine Area," says Nancy Mach, Dean of Student Affairs. "We couldn’t have secured this grant without our strong partners, nor would we be able to bring such rich early childhood family education sessions to campus. And, it’s such a comprehensive program with the Young Student Parent Support Initiative – that is a critical piece that will bring such value to our campus community," Mach adds.

The purpose of the Young Student Parent Support Initiative is to build the capacity of institutions of higher education to address the health and educational needs of pregnant and parenting young people and their children. Beginning in Oct. 2011, MDH will distribute two-year grant awards for approximately $2.7 million to ten institutions of higher education (including PTC) to establish, maintain or operate services for young pregnant or parenting students and their children.

Funded by the Pregnancy Assistance Fund, the Young Student Parent Support Initiative was authorized to develop and implement programs to assist pregnant and parenting teens and women. MDH applied for and received the funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Other colleges and/or universities that received like grants include: The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities; The University of St. Catherine; Century College, Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College; Leech Lake Tribal College; Metropolitan State University; Riverland Community College; St. Cloud State University; and, Winona State University.

PTC rolls out the 'Welcome Mat,' gets ready to host its 5th Annual Open House on Oct. 26

2011-09-19T09:34:00.006-05:00

Pine Technical College will host an open house, Wed. Oct. 26, 4 to 7 p.m. The event is open to current and prospective students and their families, business and industry partners, PTC Foundation donors, and the public. In its fifth year, the event is predicted to draw nearly 100 attendees.

“This is anyone and everyone’s chance to tour the college, meet instructors, talk to advisors and college administrators, and get valuable program information on the spot,” said Nancy Mach, Dean of Student Affairs. “It’s not to be missed, even if you're just curious about PTC and want to see the inside of the building!” Mach added.

PTC's Fifth Annual Open House will be held at Pine Technical College, 900 Fourth St. SE, Pine City. In addition to instructors, advisors and admissions representatives on hand, refreshments will be served, and door prizes will be awarded to several lucky winners.

“This is PTC's chance to showcase its equipped labs and classrooms, and to introduce our knowledgeable and helpful faculty and staff members to students, new students and their families and friends,” PTC President Robert Musgrove said. “We're proud of all we offer, and we want our community to know and see all that we have,” Musgrove added.

PTC and Pine City Civic Center team up to host college fair, Sept. 30

2011-09-14T14:30:00.002-05:00

Pine Technical College and the Pine City Civic Center have joined forces to bring a college fair to the Pine Area, Sept. 30. Representatives from nearly 100 colleges and universities across the U.S. and all branches of the military will be on hand with applications, financial aid information, and program and career information. The fair will be held at the civic center, 1225 Main St. S., Pine City, and will run 9 to 11 a.m.

“This is a really big deal for not just high schoolers in the area, but for anyone interested in pursuing a college education,” says Jodie Klinkhammer, event organizer and PTC Student Affairs Office Manager/Assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs. “Of course, as a result of hosting the fair combined with the fact that we are the local college and likely the most convenient choice for students, we expect to gain the most traffic at our booth; however, it’s more than that – we love that high schoolers and adults seeking formal education have the opportunity to meet with so many varied options. It’s just good for us all to bring in this wide range of public, private, liberal arts, and other technical institutions for everyone to experience,” Klinkhammer adds.

The event will give students and parents an opportunity to explore a variety of options for continued education, liberal arts studies, technical training, or military service. Students and parents are able to visit with representatives, ask questions, and obtain literature about the schools and organizations of interest to them. Admission to the fair is free.

On-campus exhibit features artworks by Jason Boldt

2011-09-06T16:28:00.024-05:00

Jason Boldt has been creating artwork since grade school and, while skilled in both sculpture and painting media, he is more well-known for his sculptures suggestive of fantastical architectural structures. Boldt typically creates his works as a hobby and only exhibits on occasion.

“I’ve shown my pieces at Minnesota State University – Mankato, a few galleries in Mankato, the Pine Center for the Arts, and now here,” Boldt says. “Showing my works is nice, but I really just enjoy the creative process, and making the works, and actually, teaching art,” he explains.

Boldt, a board member at the Pine Center for the Arts, teaches children’s basic drawing and painting classes at the center.

“It’s neat to get kids really excited about it; I like to show them how much fun it can be,” Boldt says.

Boldt studied art at Minnesota State University – Mankato and earned a BFA with emphases in both sculpture and painting. While there, he met his wife, Ann – one of PTC’s most popular instructors today. Ann also was a student at the time, working on her MFA in English.

Boldt says his works are “…based in abstract fantasy architecture – they are structures you wouldn’t find on this earth, but maybe in a fantasy landscape,” he explains. “I like taking ordinary structures from nature and recreating them so people see them in a unique and different way. Specifically, I like incorporating man-made structures into nature," Boldt adds.

Boldt hails from Mankato, Minn., where he grew up with four sisters and two brothers. Today, Boldt lives in the Pine Area, with his wife, Ann, and young son, Nick.

You can see Boldt’s artwork on display now through Dec. 2011. The exhibit features works of original art created by established and/or emerging artists from the Pine Area, embracing the talent and creativity of Pine Technical College students, staff, faculty, and the larger Pine community. The exhibit changes seasonally, and many kinds of artworks are showcased, including paintings, photographs, pottery, sculptures, sketches, wood carvings and more. If you are an artist from the Pine Area and wish to exhibit your works, see the Pine Technical College Marketing Director in Student Affairs.

Student Success workshops, going on now through Oct. 5

2011-08-29T15:24:00.034-05:00

The Academic Skills Center, Disability Services, and Counseling Services have teamed up to bring PTC students a jam-packed agenda of Student Success workshops covering a range of topics to help students get off on the right foot at the start of the semester.

"These workshops introduce students to study tips, test-taking tips, and how to use and get the most out of D2L, for example," says Gloria Baker, PTC's Director of Disability Services. "Both new and returning students will benefit from these workshops, and all the workshops are open to everyone," Baker adds.

Schedule of Workshops
• Access and Support: D2L, Logging on, and all about the ASC
(Aug. 22 through Sept. 2 / 11 a.m.)
• It’s Time: School and Life Demands, and Getting it all Done
(Aug. 31 / 11 a.m.)
• Learning Styles: What they are, and How to Use Them
(Sept. 7 / 11 a.m.)
• LRTC: Research, Writing Papers and Avoiding Plagiarism
(Sept. 21 / 11 a.m.)
• Getting Smart: Unlocking the Secrets of Study Tips
(Sept. 28 / 11 a.m.)
• Getting Smarter: Test-taking Secrets
(Oct. 5 / 11 a.m.)

For more information about the workshops, visit the workshops site, or e-mail Gloria Baker, bakerg@pinetech.edu.

PTC's Fall, 2011 semester is officially underway

2011-08-22T09:54:00.015-05:00

Opening its doors for the first day of fall semester classes, Pine Technical College is once again welcoming more than 1,000 new and returning students to the campus, as the term officially gets underway today. Students are locating their classrooms and labs, talking with academic advisors, purchasing textbooks, getting parking permits, and adding-and-dropping courses in a flurry of activity.

New and notable this fall, is PTC’s remodeled and expanded gunsmithing technology and prototyping labs. Gunsmithing technology students are returning to what looks like a different environment; the space has been significantly upgraded over the summer months.

"The gunsmithing program has been at PTC since 1980, and it has been in need of an upgrade for a while now," says Gunsmithing Technology Instructor Dave Defenbaugh. "But, this upgrade is more than just a face-lift – the space has been re-created to be more functional and usable for students. It’s not simply a cosmetic enhancement," Defenbaugh adds.

Also new this fall, PTC continues to expand educational opportunities by adding general education courses such as MUSC 1200, Music Appreciation and SPCH 1250, Intercultural Communication. By adding courses like these to its curriculum, the college is increasingly able to provide students with more general education options for students planning to later transfer and pursue a baccalaureate degree.

In addition to expanded transfer opportunities, PTC continues to increase its academic and support services by offering a series of mini-workshops with focused topics such as, "School and Life Demands, and Getting it all Done," and "Unlocking the Secrets of Study Tips," and "Test-Taking Secrets," for example. These mini-workshops, co-sponsored by the Office of Disability Services and the Academic Skills Center, are going on now through Oct. 5.

Student Affairs literally steps outside the box with student service

2011-08-16T10:26:00.014-05:00

Going on now through the first week of the fast-approaching Fall, 2011 semester, PTC's Student Affairs office is bringing student service to students -- literally! For a new student starting in the fall term, common items students might need include things like parking tags, book vouchers, and information about child care. These items and more are accessible right in front of the Student Affairs office; according to Nancy Mach, PTC's Dean of Student Affairs, it's about "bringing services students need directly to them."

Over the summer, the Student Affairs office kept busy with advising new students, administering placement testing, hosting Orientation events, and now, the department is assisting students with last-minute information they need to get their courses underway.

"These are items students need to address right away, and we will have the information in the main hall during the first few days of the semester," says Nancy Mach, Dean of Student Affairs. "To provide these items and answers students need right up front is one way we are able to provide top-notch student service," Mach explains.

The Student Affairs staff affectionately calls the setup in the hall the "One-Stop Shop" or OSS. The OSS debuted this fall term on Mon. Aug. 15 -- the week prior to the first week of classes. So far, the OSS already has served more than 100 students.

Photo at top: Mary Stachowiak, of PTC's Student Affairs office, assists automotive student Vincent Rude at the OSS.

PTC expands its curriculum to offer more liberal arts courses

2011-08-08T08:03:00.011-05:00

Providing several hands-on, hi-tech programs focused on preparing students for skilled careers, PTC is known for its popular programs like automotive, information, and business technologies; however, with new courses such as MUSC 1200, Music Appreciation and SPCH 1250, Intercultural Communication added to its curriculum, the college is increasingly able to provide students with more general education options for students planning to later transfer and pursue a baccalaureate degree.

“We’ve noticed a trend in students wanting to take more liberal arts courses, and we’re responding,” says Paula Hoffman, PTC’s Director of Academic Planning. “The result is a fall and spring schedule rich in diverse topics that give students a more well-rounded view – some would say, ‘worldly,’” Hoffman adds.

PTC’s added general education/liberal arts courses are transferable to all MnSCU upper-division universities – a common destination for many students planning to earn a bachelor’s degree on top of their PTC education.

“It will be so smooth and easy when I transfer into a bachelor's program,” says Greg Johnson, PTC business administration and accounting student. “I'll not only finish my A.S. in business and A.A.S in accounting, but also, I'll have completed all my generals and requirements for the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum right here at PTC, before I make the transition,” Johnson adds.

Historically, PTC always has offered many general education courses, but staff members have been working especially hard over the past several months to augment the college’s existing curriculum, as well as to hire instructors for the new courses. The resulting expanded lineup of courses is impressive – a sample of just a few of the courses PTC offers:

ANTH 1200, Introduction to Anthropology
AMST 1205, Significance of the Environment in Am. History
ARTS 1229, Introduction to the Visual Arts
ENGL 2276, Multicultural Literature
ENGL 2280, Introduction to Creative Writing
MUSC 1200, Music Appreciation
PHIL 1210, Foundations of Philosophy
PHIL 1230, Philosophy of Religion
POLS 1205, American Government and Politics
POLS 1210, Environmental Politics
SOCI 1225, Human Diversity
... and more!

PTC establishes new business technology degree and office technology specialist certificate

2011-08-01T11:53:00.013-05:00

Pine Technical College is offering a new associate of applied science degree in business technology that starts this fall, Aug. 22. The program is designed and offered in two parts; a student first will earn an office technology specialist certificate and continue to earn the A.A.S. degree. With just the certificate, a graduate will possess skills and knowledge related to the IT field as well as have the ability to apply project management and planning skills from a business-administrative mindset.

"With our new business technology program, PTC stands ready to provide educated, well-qualified graduates to this relatively newly-defined and unique field," says Julie Shores, PTC business and accounting instructor. "The field of business technology combines themes, concepts, and applications from office technology, IT and business administration to give a student a hybrid skill set that is very much sought after by today’s business leaders," Shores explains.

While research proves IT professionals are in high demand, they also must be capable of making strategic business decisions and coordinating IT solutions among a myriad of departments and functions within an organization. PTC’s new program in business technology is a match for students seeking an education with both a business and information technology-rich emphasis, and who have an interest in working with technology to find solutions to technical and business problems.

With an A.A.S. degree in business technology, a graduate will be able to manage technical aspects of the IT field as well as possess project budgeting, leadership, and organizational skills necessary for today’s business practitioner and leadership positions.

"We’re very proud of our new business technology program," says PTC President Robert Musgrove. "The program offers students a sound education in both the business and information systems environment with an emphasis on project and business management as well as business information management. Graduates will be an asset to any modern office," Musgrove adds.

PTC debuts new, hi-tech SimCenter

2011-07-25T12:03:00.018-05:00

Did you know about PTC's hi-tech SimCenter? With the generous support of a $4.2M Department of Labor grant* awarded in 2009 and with the HealthCare Alliance, the college built a state-of-the-art center for simulation to benefit its healthcare education programs.

The high-fidelity simulation suite boasts the best Laerdal Medical has to offer. As of 2011, the Simulation Center features a SimMan 3G, two SimMan Classic (one of which travels to local healthcare providers to assist with their on-site training), three Vital Sim Nursing Annes, two Vital Sim Nursing Kellys, a Vital Sim Nursing Kid and Nursing Kelly, and several basic manikins used by the college's CNA and nursing classes. The Healthcare Alliance Simulation Center will also contain a control room and the Laerdal Advanced Video System to facilitate the debriefing process for PTC's programs. The integration of electronic medical records is also planned.

*This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This solution is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use, by and organization and/or personal use by an individual or non-commercial purposes, is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner. PTC's SimCenter is one of many elite centers around the country. Check out this directory of like centers.

PTC updates and expands its computer programs

2011-07-20T16:46:00.009-05:00

This summer, PTC staff and faculty expanded upon its popular computer programs. Previously, PTC’s lineup of computer programs included a certificate and two associate degrees; however, beginning this fall semester, options for students will include: a networking and microcomputer technologies certificate; a network administration A.A.S. degree; a computer programming A.A.S. degree; and, a computer science A.S. degree. In addition to the expanded program offerings, nearly all individual courses within the programs underwent a careful restructuring and redesign, resulting in an impressive, up-to-date curriculum that exceeds recently-elevated industry standards.

“Technology is constantly changing, and as information technology educators, we also must change and update our curriculum to ensure our students and graduates possess the most relevant and applicable skills,” says Stephen Cody, PTC network administration instructor. “We are especially proud of our newly-redesigned programs, and we’re very excited to be able to prepare students with truly cutting-edge programming and network server administration skills that today’s employers demand,” Cody adds.

PTC’s networking and microcomputer technologies certificate, considered a student’s “first year” of the larger network administration A.A.S. degree, is a match for students who want to become effective, marketable network server administrators – whether the student has previous training or experience in the field or not.

Like the network administration program, PTC’s A.A.S. degree in computer programming also was carefully redesigned to give students high-level competence and advanced skills to meet today’s demanding expectations.

“The most important task of a computer programmer is to write code, and programming languages change constantly,” says Tony Mueller, PTC computer programming instructor. “With our updated programming curriculum, students will learn not only the basics of language and code, but also skills in areas of designing, repairing, and conserving programs. Programmers often become indispensible to the organizations they work for, and altogether, whether a graduate wants to work in small business or for a large corporation, there’s always a need for qualified programmers,” Mueller adds.

Picture this! PTC to host a special welcome event for new students

2011-07-11T16:29:00.023-05:00

PTC's Student Affairs department is gearing up to offer a new special event for newly-admitted students this fall. The event, called Picture This!, is especially designed to welcome new students and their families.

"We offer the orientation and registration session to students at the time they start, but there is simply so much information offered at Orientation, and students are so focused on registering that we fear they aren't truly absorbing all that we have to offer," explains Nancy Mach, PTC's Dean of Student Affairs. "By providing a more relaxed and fun atmosphere by way of Picture This!, new students are more likely to really get to know us, their new environment, and the wide range of student services available to them," Mach adds.

Picture This! is set for Mon. Aug. 15, 4 to 7 p.m., and the event is open to all new students and their families. Staff members from around the college will be on hand, as well as several specific services, designed around the event's theme.

Special Sessions to be featured:
• Picture Perfect: Student IDs
• Picture Involvement: Student Clubs
• Picture Connectivity: Student E-mail account
• Picture Support: Veterans Center
• Picture Books: Campus Store
• Picture Readiness: Time-Management Coaching
• Picture Success: Academic Skills Center/Tutoring
• Picture Service: Counseling & Disability Services

Additionally, students will enjoy prizes, ice cream, and fun! For more information, contact PTC Student Affairs, 320-629-5100, or e-mail: information@pinetech.edu.

PTC to bring new technology business incubator to campus

2011-07-05T09:46:00.038-05:00

Pine Technical College has announced plans to build an Entrepreneurship Center and Technology Business Incubator. PTC's current Continuing Education and Customized Training building will undergo significant construction this fall and remodeling to house the incubator.

Cuningham Group Architecture was selected in Aug. 2010 to oversee the design, and more than 10 PTC staff members, faculty members, administrators, and members of the larger Pine area comprise the committee that is working closely with the firm toward the best design. Construction/ground-breaking is tentatively set for mid-September, 2011, and the incubator’s first tenants may begin operations from the center as early as Feb. 2012.

"It is our vision the incubator will serve as a solid foundation for highly successful companies," says PTC President Robert Musgrove. "PTC can offer promising start-up companies a nurturing environment for growth as well as opportunities to tap into a rich network of business resources that are invaluable to a company’s development," Musgrove adds.

The committee plans for the new Entrepreneurship Center and Technology Business Incubator to house light manufacturing and technology-based businesses working toward producing innovative products or services. The facility will be designed to house two to three start-up companies simultaneously, as well as comfortable meeting space. Additionally, the facility will be designed in a resource-efficient manner, using renewable energy.

Image at top: An early drawing/concept depicting how PTC's Continuing Education & Customized Training building may look, from the southwest corner of Main St. and Hillside Ave. once construction is complete, incorporating the new business incubator. (Note: At this time, changes/modifications are likely.)

PTC welcomes incoming MnSCU Chancellor Rosenstone

2011-06-28T16:05:00.031-05:00

Photo above: Andy LeTourneau, JCS staff member, demonstrates the capabilities of virtual reality equipment to incoming Chancellor Rosenstone as PTC President Robert Musgrove looks on.

Incoming MnSCU Chancellor Steven Rosenstone toured PTC today and met many of PTC's administrators and staff and faculty members. Rosenstone, vice president for scholarly and cultural affairs, and professor of political science at the University of Minnesota, was selected in February as the next chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities by the Board of Trustees. Rosenstone is set to begin Aug. 1 and will succeed James H. McCormick, who is retiring as chancellor of the 32-institution system with an enrollment of more than 434,000 students in credit- and non-credit courses.

"I look forward to meeting and working with the students, faculty and staff. I also plan to connect with business leaders and other members of the public. Minnesotans are rightfully proud of their state colleges and universities, and I will work hard to make an outstanding system even better," says Rosenstone.

Rosenstone has been vice president for scholarly and cultural affairs at the University of Minnesota since 2007. He came to the university in 1996 to serve as dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Under his leadership, the college revamped the undergraduate experience, created state-of-the-art facilities and forged new partnerships with businesses, communities, cultural and civic organizations.

Over the years, Rosenstone led numerous university systemwide initiatives, including the national conference on Keeping Our Faculties of Color and task forces on scholarships, private fundraising, and long-term financial strategy. Rosenstone was awarded the McKnight Presidential Leadership Chair for his service to the university.

Before coming to the University of Minnesota, Rosenstone was an assistant, associate, and then full professor of political science at Yale University until 1986 when he became a professor of political science at the University of Michigan and program director in the Center for Political Studies. He is the author of four books and numerous scholarly articles on elections, political participation, and the challenges facing higher education. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Rosenstone received his bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Washington University and his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of California, Berkeley. He is a member of the board of directors of the Guthrie Theater.

Photo above: Terri Nelson, PTC/Healthcare Alliance staff member, demonstrates a SimMan -- a hi-tech manikin used to teach and train healthcare students -- as incoming MnSCU Chancellor Rosenstone finds the manikin's pulse.

US Bank gives $2500 to PTC’s Bridging the Dream scholarship campaign

2011-06-15T09:15:00.012-05:00

US Bank of Pine City gave $2500 to Pine Technical College’s annual Bridging the Dream scholarship campaign on Monday. The gift will support two scholarships for two full-time PTC students starting this fall.

"We are proud to support higher education in our community,” says Frank Christopherson, President of US Bank of Pine City. “Pine Technical College is a great asset to the county and region, and we are pleased to be able to assist PTC students, and in turn, the college, and the community,” Christopherson adds.

The PTC Foundation initiated the annual Bridging the Dream campaign in 2000, and each year, the campaign raises and awards nearly $30,000 to PTC students in the form of scholarships. US Bank has been a longtime supporter of PTC; the bank has given regularly to the scholarship fund since 2003. Altogether, US Bank has given $14,250 to the college and PTC students.

“The entire PTC community is grateful to US Bank,” PTC President Robert Musgrove says. “Our students directly benefit from the annual campaign, and in the long run, the community benefits by having educated graduates contributing to the economy and serving in their various, trained roles,” Musgrove adds.

Photo at top: Frank Christopherson, President of US Bank of Pine City, gives a check in the amount of $2,500 to Robert Musgrove, President of Pine Technical College. The gift represents a significant portion of PTC’s annual Bridging the Dream scholarship fund.

THE LINK now available online

2011-06-13T13:40:00.010-05:00

PTC proudly announces the 2011 issue of THE LINK, the college's annual magazine, is now available online. Click here for the interactive 2011 edition, featuring profiles of several star students and alumnae, plus many more campus highlights!

PTC to host manufacturing summer camp, Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs!

2011-06-06T09:38:00.012-05:00

Pine Technical College will host the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs® Advanced Manufacturing Summer Camp next week for high school students who have completed grades 9–11. Designed to help inspire the next generation of inventors, engineers, entrepreneurs and manufacturers, the camp is a technical, hands-on experience to introduce students to 21st-century manufacturing technology and basic entrepreneurial skills.

During the camp, there will be daily team Robotic Challenges, like maneuvering the robotic arm through an obstacle course and writing a letter with the robot. Projects will include machining parts for a paperweight/pen holder and assembling it in a robotic cell; making a keychain, a box with hinges, and a bottle via plastic injection molding and blow molding; producing a personalized medallion with a CNC router; laser engraving a carabiner; and, creating a design in CAD SolidWorks to print in 3D on a plastic disk. Lead Instructor Dave Carroll, an automation and robotics expert, is an inventor and entrepreneur who holds many patents and has built several businesses.

Just the basics about the camp...
WHO: High School Students who've completed grades 9–11
WHAT: Advanced Manufacturing Camp, with an entrepreneurial focus.
Participants will explore product design and creation, utilizing
• Entrepreneurship
• Computer Aided Design (CAD)
• Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Programming / Machining
• Automation and Robotics
• Plastic Injection and Blow Molding
• Visits to Area Manufacturers
WHEN: Monday – Friday, June 13 – 17, 2011, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm each day
WHERE: Pine Technical College in Pine City, Minnesota
COST: $60.
• includes T-shirt, daily lunch, all instruction and materials, and field trip transportation)

One college credit will be awarded to all campers successfully completing the camp. Scholarships are available for those with a demonstrated need to help cover registration and transportation to and from the camp. For more information, click here, or contact Marlene Mixa with questions, mixam@pinetech.edu or 320-629-4557.

Introducing the new associate degree in nursing mobility!

2011-06-02T11:48:00.008-05:00

PTC will offer an associate of science nursing degree beginning in the fall of 2011, when the first class will begin their studies. The new program seeks to address the growing nursing shortage in East Central Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. The program, designed for early to mid-career practical nurses who want to advance their education and careers as leaders in healthcare organizations and in community health settings, is a natural progression for LPNs who want to build on their education and work experience.

"By providing this program, first, we are helping to address workforce needs in this area," says Krista Hoekstra, PTC Director of Nursing. "The program is ideal for current LPNs who wish to gain their RN credential; it’s essentially a third year of college for them – on top of the two-year practical nursing diploma program we have in place." Hoekstra explains.

Because the program is designed for LPNs, admission is selective and requires a practical nursing diploma or its equivalent plus the license; documentation of current Health Care Provider CPR course; completion of a criminal background check; and, students will need to complete a physical and obtain certain immunizations. The program is comprised of both in-class lecture and an advanced clinical component.

"Our program is designed to do a lot!" says Hoekstra. "It will enhance retention of educated nurses in our community; it will prepare nurses for leadership roles; and, it will provide a pathway for nurses to pursue advanced credentials and degrees. Altogether, we’re very proud of our newly expanded nursing program, and we’re looking forward to educating a robust, strong cohort of nursing students this fall. We’re ready to educate the next generation of RNs," Hoekstra adds.

Classes start Aug. 22; however, applications to the new program are due by June 27. For specific program information and a list of courses, visit the program page.

Manufacturers are hiring again; what skills do they seek?

2011-05-24T11:51:00.028-05:00

Photo above: Steve Nelson, a student in the Computer Controlled Precision Machining Diploma program, works a CNC mill in PTC's machining lab.

Finding a job in the current economy is a difficult task; however, recent reports indicate an unexpected source of jobs this year within the manufacturing industry is on the rise. According to expert estimates, the manufacturing industry is expected to fill a couple hundred thousand positions before the year's end. This is welcome news for an industry accustomed to shedding jobs overseas. There's a slight catch though -- manufacturers are looking to fill highly skilled roles; therefore, these jobs will be hard obtain unless candidates have advanced training and skills.

Industry experts note a dramatic skills shift in the manufacturing industry in recent years. Jobs that rely primarily on manual labor and brute strength are either declining or being sent overseas. This is sometimes referred to as the loss of "old line" manufacturing. So, what skills are manufacturers looking to hire for these days?

Skills manufacturers seek are primarily technology-related. They center around being able to work with the high tech machinery manufacturers increasingly rely on. Sure, there are still some manual labor jobs out there, but most of those are being lost overseas or declining here. The jobs trending upward require mathematical and reasoning abilities, knowledge of computerized systems, the ability to read blueprints, and/or the ability to write machine programming code.

To capitalize on the hiring rebound, prospective employees should seek specialized training and formal education; one of the best ways to accomplish this is to enroll in a technical training program such as the ones PTC offers. PTC is prepared to meet industry needs with skilled graduates from any of its machining programs: Precision Machining Certifiate; Computer Controlled Precision Machining Diploma; Computer Controlled Precision Manufacturing A.A.S. Degree; and, Advanced Manufacturing Technology -- Prototyping/Reverse Engineering Certficate. To learn more about these programs and how to apply, come for a Campus Visit!

Photo above: Robert Flannery, a a student in the Precision Machining Certificate program, works on a milling machine in PTC's machining lab.

Article adapted from: Singleton, D. (2011, April 29). Manufacturers are hiring again; what skills are they looking for? Software Advice . Retrieved May 24, 2011 from http://www.softwareadvice.com/articles/manufacturing/manufacturers-skills-in-demand-1042911/.

New ACCUPLACER Prize Patrol program in place

2011-05-09T11:03:00.029-05:00

For PTC applicants, part of the application process is to take the ACCUPLACER assessment test. The ACCUPLACER test measures a student's level of ability in three areas: reading, writing/sentence skills, and math. Depending on the test results, applicants may be placed directly in college-level courses at the outset of their college career, or they may be required to take foundations courses to help prepare them for the required college courses they must take later.

Erin White, Director of the Academic Skills Center at PTC and a member of PTC's Retention Committee explains the ACCUPLACER Prize Patrol, a new program at PTC, is the product of an idea born from the Retention Committee to encourage applicants to study and prepare for the test; by taking the practice test and preparing for it, applicants will win PTC prizes, but what's more valuable is that they will earn higher ACCUPLACER scores and possibly bypass a few foundations courses.

"We see and understand that applicants who score lower on the test are more at risk of being discouraged from even beginning at PTC," White says. "Also, for those students who are not discouraged right away and begin coursework in the foundations classes, and depending upon how many foundations classes they have to take before they even get into their programs -- that can become discouraging as time goes on," White explains. "What it comes down to is that, what originally was a two-year plan for a student may become a three-year plan including the foundations courses, and unfortunately, that sometimes is enough to discourage a student from continuing and finishing," White adds.

The ACCUPLACER Prize Patrol program rewards applicants for preparing for the ACCUPLACER. "When applicants report for the ACCUPLACER, they just have to bring in a printout of their practice results, and we will give them a prize -- a PTC bumper sticker. Plus, if they specifically practice the math portion, they will be entered into a drawing for a second, more valuable bonus prize," White explains.

Applicants should visit these sites to practice the ACCUPLACER:
• http://demo-test.accuplacer-test.com
• www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer/
• http://algebrahelp.com/

Early childhood development program instructor recognized by MnSCU as "Outstanding Educator"

2011-05-06T16:25:00.012-05:00

Pine Technical College early childhood development program instructor and advisor Melissa Felland recently was honored at the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees Luncheon at the annual Excellence in Teaching awards event. Felland was among 33 MnSCU faculty members, pared down from a pool of more than 8,000, recognized at the event for their contributions to student learning and success. Felland received an Outstanding Educator award; her award is the first for PTC in the program’s five-year history.

“Melissa is a truly great instructor, and we feel lucky to have her. We are all very proud of her and thrilled she was recognized today for her dedication and commitment to students and their success,” says Robert Musgrove, Ph.D., President of Pine Technical College. “It’s well-known at PTC that Melissa is admired and greatly respected by not only her students, but staff, faculty, and everyone on campus,” Musgrove adds.

Felland has been teaching at PTC since Aug. 2002 in the college’s early childhood development program, where she also serves as the department chair. The program draws upon the latest research in child development and education and provides students with knowledge and skills necessary to work successfully with children and their families in a variety of settings and roles.

“I feel so honored to be a part of this,” Felland says. “While I’m proud to represent PTC in this way, to share the stage with so many of the state’s top educators is humbling,” Felland adds.

The awards program further pared down the system’s 33 outstanding educators and named four Educators of the Year from that pool. The Educator of the Year award is the system’s highest academic honor, and the 2011 winners are: Elizabeth Picciano of Central Lakes College; David I. Page of Inver Hills Community College; Pamela Anne Tranby of Riverland Community College; and Catherine Egenberger of Rochester Community and Technical College.

“I am proud we can highlight the depth of excellence of our faculty with these awards,” says MnSCU system Chancellor James H. McCormick, Ph.D. “The honorees exemplify what we value most in this system – high-quality teaching, service to students and community, and scholarship and professional expertise," McCormick adds.

Photo at top: Melissa Felland receives her Outstanding Educator award at the annual Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees Excellence in Teaching awards ceremony. Pictured left to right: MnSCU Chancellor James H. HcCormick, PTC Instructor Melissa Felland, MnSCU Trustee Duane Benson.

Congressman Chip Cravaack visits PTC

2011-05-03T09:16:00.014-05:00

Last Fri., April 28, the state’s newest congressman, U.S. Rep. Chip Cravaack (R-8), visited PTC for a tour of the campus and to gain firsthand knowledge about PTC, its programs, its hi-tech facilities and how the college continues to provide access and serve East Central Minnesotans’ need for higher education. PTC President Robert Musgrove, Ph.D., led Cravaack and District Director Sheldon Anderson on a tour of the campus, highlighting PTC’s hi-tech labs and fully-equipped classrooms. The tour included a hands-on demonstration with simulation manikins in the college’s nursing department, a rapid prototyping demonstration in the college’s precision manufacturing department, and a virtual reality demonstration in PTC’s Johnson Center for Simulation.

During his visit, Cravaack was briefed by Musgrove on recent activities and achievements by PTC faculty and staff members, including Early Childhood Development Instructor Melissa Felland’s recent recognition by MnSCU as an “Outstanding Educator,” as well as Director of Facilities Steve Lange’s recent recognition by MnSCU, "Outstanding Service in Facilities Management." While visiting, Cravaack also learned about PTC's many strong partnerships with other institutions, including its vital role in the Healthcare Alliance, an organization comprised of several East Central Minnesota healthcare organizations and higher education institutions that work together to train and fill the state's healthcare workforce shortage with high-quality healthcare workers.

Photo at top: Guided by PTC staff member Terri Nelson, Congressman Cravaack takes the pulse of a simulation manikin in the nursing department. (L to R: PTC Director of Strategic Initiatives Stefanie Schroeder; District Director Sheldon Anderson; Healthcare Technology and Simulation Lab Coordinator Terri Nelson; Congressman Cravaack; President Robert Musgrove.)

Two PTC staff members selected to participate in prestigious Luoma Leadership Academy Program

2011-04-25T16:46:00.009-05:00

Photos above: Paula Hoffman, left; Shawn Reynolds, right

Two Pine Technical College staff members, Paula Hoffman and Shawn Reynolds, were selected to participate in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities prestigious Luoma Leadership Academy Program. Hoffman, Curriculum Development Coordinator, and Reynolds, Director of Financial Aid, were selected from a pool of applicants across the MnSCU system to be a part of the 2011-2012 cohort, which is limited to 54 enrollees.

"I feel so lucky to be a part of this program," Hoffman says. "I’m so proud to be a part of the MnSCU system already, and I plan to stay with PTC for many years. This training and development will enhance my ability to contribute even more," Hoffman adds.

“I'm very excited about this opportunity," Reynolds says. "The program will give me a better understanding of the MnSCU system and allow us to better meet the needs of our students," Reynolds adds.

Named for Trustee Emeritus Jim Luoma, who was a great proponent of providing leadership development opportunities for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities employees, the Luoma Leadership Academy is an 18-month leadership development program designed to nurture leadership talent within the MnSCU system. Eligible participants may include department and faculty deans, human resource directors, business managers, chief financial officers, as well as faculty and staff who aspire to future leadership positions.

The Luoma Leadership Academy is supported and sponsored by the MnSCU system in cooperation with The Academy for Leadership and Development in Mesa, Arizona.

Artwork by Joy Zasadny on display in Pine Art Gallery

2011-04-19T15:44:00.015-05:00

Images above: Artworks by Dr. Joy Zasadny as seen through the exhibit glass.

You may know Joy Zasadny, D.C., from BIOL 1250 - General Biology I, BIOL 1260 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I, or BIOL 1270 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II. Dr. Zasadny is known for her teaching role at PTC in the sciences, but not many know about her artistic streak.

Zasadny was raised in the western suburbs of Minneapolis and has been creating art for many years. Zasadny says she considers it her passion as well as her form of healing relaxation.

"I have all kinds of hobbies and interests including hiking, fishing, drawing, painting and pottery, but I draw most of my inspiration, as well as my materials, from my love for the outdoors," Zasadny says.

In 2007, Zasadny graduated from Northwestern Health Science University as a Doctor of Chiropractic and now works at a private practice in St. Croix Falls, Wis. in addition to teaching at PTC. Zasadny completed her undergraduate work in Dubuque, Iowa; Melbourne, Fla.; and she finished her B.S. in exercise science at Milligan College in Johnson City, Tenn.

Following her graduation from Milligan College, she completed a six month thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, hiking from Georgia to Maine. Rock climbing, hiking, skiing, fishing and canoeing are among her interests, though surfing on Lake Superior is her newest sporting challenge.

"I'm motivated and awed by the wonders God has created, and this can be seen in my art form," Zasadny says. "It was my interest in fly fishing that led me to take a fly-tying class, and just one day while choosing materials for tying, I considered the variety of the feathers and thought they should be displayed for their very own beauty," Zasadny adds.

Since then, Zasadny has been creating what is affectionately called "Art on the Fly." You can see Zasadny's artwork on display now through Sept., 2011. The exhibit features works of original art created by established and/or emerging artists from the Pine Area, embracing the talent and creativity of Pine Technical College students, staff, faculty and the larger Pine community. The exhibit changes seasonally, and many kinds of artworks are showcased, including paintings, photographs, pottery, sculptures, sketches, wood carvings and more. If you are an artist from the Pine Area and wish to exhibit your works in the Pine Art Gallery, see the Pine Technical College Marketing Director in Student Affairs.

Branding: A strategy to use on yourself

2011-04-11T11:04:00.021-05:00

For all the time we spend in class learning our programs, building our reputations for accomplishment, and being au courant on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter — the attention many of us direct toward how we present our physical selves in the classroom and workplace may be less than impressive. And simply put, those who make the effort climb the ladder faster and farther.

"People aren’t hired in the first 30 seconds of an interview, but many of them eliminate themselves based on something they say or the way they appear," says Tim McLafferty, president of Minneapolis-based Focus Executive Search.

According to a 2008 CareerBuilder.com study, 41 percent of employers say employees who dress more professionally are more likely to be promoted. Other polls report as many as 93 percent of managers factor in how a person dresses when considering their advancement potential.

Julie Haltom remembers finding what seemed on paper to be the perfect vice president candidate for a previous employer. That is, until she brought him in for an interview. Now a team member at Wayzata-based recruitment firm Andcor Companies, Haltom has 15 years' experience in human resources leadership.

"He was meeting with the senior leadership team of an extremely successful company and he wore corduroys, a button-down shirt, and a sport coat," Haltom recalls. "Nothing matched, the clothing looked a little bit worn. He was shabby."

The leadership team took the candidate’s casual appearance as a sign of disrespect, and he didn’t go any further in the interview process. It's a concern for anyone in the business world to make sure to present yourself as strongly as you're selling your ideas; style is an essential part of the preparation process. Looking good helps you exude confidence, which in turn gives your audience confidence in you, whether your audience is your boss, your clients, or your colleagues.

Adapted from:
Wiley, M. & Eliason, K. (March, 2011). How's your brand? Style matters more than you may know. Twin Cities Business, 32-33.

PTC debuts new "Campus Visit Experience"

2011-04-04T16:24:00.014-05:00

Pine Technical College's Student Affairs office is implementing a new way to introduce prospective students and applicants to the college. The new program, affectionately called the "Campus Visit Experience," includes an informative presentation delivered by a PTC Admissions staff member and a walking tour of the campus. The presentation provides an overview of PTC, the application process, the financial aid process, plus an explanation of college programs and degrees. The walking tour highlights the college’s Learning Resource and Technology Center, the student lounge, PTC’s hi-tech labs, and more.

“Attending the Campus Visit Experience is the best way for anyone considering PTC to learn about our programs, how to go about applying, and to gain an overview of how financial aid works,” says Dani Chandonnet, PTC’s Director of Marketing and Admissions. “We started offering the Campus Visit Experience as an organized event since nearly everyone inquiring about PTC has the same set of questions. This is an approach where all the information an applicant would like is given in a no-pressure, fun format with a tour,” Chandonnet adds.

The Campus Visit Experience is offered twice a week – a morning option and an afternoon option – Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and Fridays at 2 p.m. The presentation portion lasts one hour, and the tour lasts about 20 minutes. There is no need to R.S.V.P. – attendees are encouraged to simply show up.

“While some applicants simply apply online and never set foot on the campus until they come to Orientation, we’re responding more and more to applicants who want to try us on before applying,” Chandonnet says. “The Campus Visit Experience makes that easy, and we proactively answer pretty much all their questions during the experience. Even if they end up not choosing to apply to PTC, everyone leaves the Campus Visit with valuable information about college, in general.”

To attend a Campus Visit at PTC, guests are encouraged to plan ahead and allow enough time for parking and to locate the Campus Visit classroom before the session begins. For more information about the Campus Visit Experience, click here or call 320-629-5100.

PTC's Diversity Committee wins $3800 grant

2011-03-30T13:11:00.020-05:00

PTC's Diversity Committee received confirmation today from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Office of the Chancellor that the committee is the winner of a $3800 grant they applied for in Jan.

"This is excellent news for our committee!" says Penny Hudlow, Diversity Committee Co-Chair. "While we're proud of all that we have accomplished so far on such a small and tight budget, we are all so excited with all the possibilities this new money will bring," Hudlow says.

Diversity Committee members Joan Bloemendaal-Gruett, Nancy Mach and Marlene Mixa co-wrote the grant, and the committee plans to use it, in part, to sponsor and host a "career night" tailored toward people in the community who have never attended college before and are either unemployed or underemployed, as well as ethnic groups underrepresented in postsecondary education. The event will be held in early fall, and activities will include a motivational speaker, break-out sessions for career planning, financial aid information, how to prepare for the college assessment test, employment outlooks for PTC programs, plus the opportunity to meet PTC instructors and staff who are able to provide support services.

"The Diversity Committee has so many ideas for valuable programming, but without funding, it's difficult to implement such programming," explains Marlene Mixa, Diversity Committee member. "With this grant, we're looking forward to hosting this valuable community event this fall, plus offer more programming throughout the next academic year," Mixa adds.

Photo above: Thomasina Petrus, with the Mixed Blood Theatre Company, performs a scene from the play, Daughters of Africa, programming PTC's Diversity Committee was able to sponsor and bring to the PTC campus in Feb. 2011.

Get your copy of StrengthsFinder 2.0 -- free!

2011-03-22T13:57:00.018-05:00

Tom Rath, author of StrengthsFinder and StrengthsFinder 2.0 asks, "Do you do what you do best every day?" Rath answers -- chances are, you don't. According to Rath, from the cradle to the cubicle, people devote more time to fixing shortcomings than to developing strengths.

To help people uncover their talents, Gallup introduced StrengthsFinder in 2001, and today, StrengthsFinder 2.0: Now, Discover Your Strengths, is available. The book is intended to help people discover their top five talents, and with hundreds of strategies for applying your strengths, StrengthsFinder 2.0 is meant to change the way people look at themselves and the world.

Normally, the book sells for $24.95; however, it's available free to current and prospective students considering a career in healthcare, courtesy of PTC's Healthcare Alliance office/HOPES grant.

"There are many students who end up in programs and careers that are not ideal for them. Eventually, since the coursework and career may not be fulfilling, they are at risk for dropping out, or they just suffer in undesirable careers," says Stefanie Schroeder, Director of Strategic Initiatives at PTC. "We want students to use this valuable tool to identify their strengths at the start of their college careers and pursue programs and careers that are the best fit for them. That's why we've made this resource available, free of charge, to all current and prospective PTC students considering a career in healthcare," Schroeder explains.

What's more, is that StrengthsFinder 2.0, provides a free, one-to-one, online coaching session available for students to gain further insight into their results. Students will get a personalized Strengths Discovery and Action-Planning Guide. For more information about getting your copy of the book, contact the Healthcare Alliance office by calling 320-629-4570 or e-mail fridstromk@pinetech.edu.

Practical nursing students, staff and faculty to host Sixth Annual Health Fair, April 18

2011-03-15T13:07:00.012-05:00

Photo above: A PTC practical nursing student helps interpret an X-ray image at the Fifth Annual Health Fair in 2010.

Practical nursing students, staff and faculty members are in the midst of planning the Sixth Annual Health Fair for April 18, as part of the nursing department’s ongoing effort to inform, educate and empower the community to adapt healthier lifestyle behaviors. The fair, which will include information exhibits on a variety of health-related topics such as “Acupuncture,” “Blood Pressure and Heart Disease Risk,” “Breastfeeding,” “Diabetes,” “Emergency Preparedness,” “Family Planning and STDs,” “Homeopathy,” “Low Back Pain,” “Migraine Management,” and much more, is free and open to the public. The fair will run 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pine Technical College.

“We hope this event will bring families together for health and safety information and resources in a fun atmosphere,” says Jody Perkel, nursing faculty member at PTC. “Our students work very hard on this project each year to bring the most relevant and timely health issues to the community. We are creating an environment that supports health,” Perkel adds.

26 health fair exhibits will be created and staffed by 80 second-year practical nursing students and a mix of nursing program faculty and staff members. Exhibits will be located throughout the halls of PTC and in classrooms 250 and 260. Last year’s fair drew more than 300 attendees, and this year’s event is predicted to draw upward of 350.

“In addition to the exhibits and information-rich event, free car seat safety checks will be offered in the parking lot,” Perkel says. “Altogether, it’s just a great event, whether or not you’re concerned about anything health-related. Even for those folks out there who are very health-conscious and may know all the health rules to live by – I bet that even they will learn something valuable from this fair. It’s just not to be missed!”

Photo above: A PTC practical nursing student takes Carleen Kendall's blood pressure at the Fifth Annual Health Fair in 2010. Kendall is a PTC faculty member in the nursing department.

PTC hosts 11th Annual Women in Technology event

2011-03-08T15:15:00.019-06:00

Photo above: Sixth-grade girls gather around a SimMan (Simulation Manikin) for a hands-on workshop introducing them to healthcare careers.

Photo above: Kathy Wallace, Principal, Cuningham Group Architecture, presents and leads a workshop, "Green Architecture."

Pine Technical College is in the midst of hosting the Eleventh Annual Women in Technology (WIT) two-day event. Over the course of two days, PTC will host more than 260 sixth-grade girls from six area schools. The event began today and wraps tomorrow and is organized by PTC faculty and staff members. It features hands-on demonstrations, a tour of the college and guest presentations such as “Fun with Robotics,” “Making Silver Metal,” “The Energy Industry,” “Virtual Reality,” “What’s in My Lipstick?” and more.

“Research has shown girls at this age begin to formulate ideas regarding what careers they may see themselves pursuing in the future,” says PTC Dean of Student Affairs Nancy Mach. “We’ve designed this event to help young girls see and imagine themselves in roles where they are contributing to advanced, hi-tech industries. Many girls at this impressionable age are forming thoughts about what they want to do when they grow up, and this kind of field trip makes a lasting, positive impression,” Mach adds.

By the time WIT concludes on Mar. 9, nearly every sixth-grade girl from Braham, Grantsburg, Wisc., Mora, Pine City and Rush City will have experienced WIT. Sixth-grade girls from Braham Area Elementary School in Braham, C.E. Jacobson Elementary School in Rush City, Grantsburg Middle School in Grantsburg, Wisc., Pine City Elementary in Pine City, St. Mary’s School in Pine City and Trailview Elementary School in Mora are participating in this year’s WIT event.

“Every year, we look forward to sending our sixth-grade girls to this event,” says Wendy Wall, Counselor at Grantsburg Middle School. “They come back with such enthusiasm for careers in technology and science they may not have considered yet,” Wall adds.

Photo above: Representatives from AVEDA, Inc. present and lead a workshop, "What's in my Lipstick?"

PTC alumni give back, volunteer as literacy tutors

2011-03-02T10:40:00.007-06:00

Two Pine Technical College alumni, Echo Yerke and Sarah Kepschull, currently are serving in the Minnesota Reading Corps, a statewide program with an ambitious goal of getting every Minnesota child to become a successful reader by the end of third grade. Yerke and Kepschull are serving for a full year as MRC literacy tutors, providing free in-school literacy tutoring to children ages three through third grade across Minnesota who are struggling to read.

“I love being a literacy tutor with the Minnesota Reading Corps. I’ve been fortunate to go to college and polish my reading, writing and speaking skill set, and now it’s time for me to contribute and give back,” says Yerke. “I’m just proud to be able to provide this service, and it’s so fulfilling to be working with children and families. It’s especially rewarding to see the kids’ excitement when they know they are really making progress,” Yerke adds.

Yerke earned a certificate from PTC’s legal secretary program in 1992 and also was recognized as Legal Secretary Student of the Year that same year. (The legal secretary program is no longer offered at PTC.) Today, Yerke lives in Rock Creek, Minn. and serves as a Minnesota Reading Corps tutor at Jacobson Elementary School in Rush City, Minn. Kepschull is currently working toward completing an A.A.S. degree in early childhood development and plans to transfer to a bachelor-degree-granting institution to earn a teaching degree; Kepschull currently is serving as a Minnesota Reading Corps tutor for preschool-age children at Hinckley Elementary School in Hinckley, Minn.

The Minnesota Reading Corps, one of the largest AmeriCorps programs in the country, places tutors in preschool and elementary schools to implement researched-based, early-literacy instruction efforts to help struggling readers. MRC research shows one of every four Minnesota third-graders does not read at grade level, and in response, the MRC is in the midst of an aggressive recruitment campaign to attract more than 800 tutors for the 2011-2012 school year, up from 670 this year.

Tutors work either full-time or part-time in locations around the state, including elementary schools, Head Start programs, community preschools, and Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classrooms. The program matches trained AmeriCorps tutors and community volunteers with children from age 3 to grade 3 who are at risk for not reading at grade level. Since 2003, the program has worked with more than 25,000 children.

PTC student Angela Filler lands management position; opens gallery

2011-02-28T12:02:00.003-06:00

Photo: Angela Filler showcases Rapid Press Printing's newest location, set to open in Pine City on Mar. 15.

PTC student Angela Filler is a real go-getter! Filler, a quadruple-major, is working toward an A.S. in business administration, a certificate and A.A.S. in accounting, and a certificate in entrepreneurship. Already an entrepreneur, Filler exhibits and sells her own original artwork at various locations in and around Pine City. Now, Filler has teamed up with Stev Stegner, owner of Rapid Press Printing and Copy Center, Inc., and is set to open and manage the print shop's newest location in Pine City.

"The new location opens Mar. 15 in downtown Pine City," Filler says. "I am so proud to be the store's manager and represent Rapid Press Printing in Pine City. I'm just so excited and eager to open our doors," Filler adds.

Rapid Press Printing has locations in Forest Lake and North Branch, and some products and services the shop offers are: business printing, envelopes, stamps, black and white printing, color printing, binding, laminating, graphic design, business cards, and more.

"I think Rapid Press will prove to be an asset to the Pine City community," Filler says. "For example, I'm sure PTC students will find us useful for binding papers, reports, and maybe for graphics for displays. Plus, I grew up in the Pine City area -- I'm familiar with the business community here, and I’m glad to be part of the business landscape in the Pine Area," Filler adds.

Filler already holds a degree in graphic design from Brown College and is combining her experience and training in business management and the arts; Filler also is opening her own gallery, MIFGAP Gallery, at the new Rapid Press Printing location. MIFGAP (Mural Art, Illustration, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Advertising, Photography) Gallery will feature Filler's own creative works including sculptures, custom greeting cards, prints, and more. MIFGAP Gallery will operate as a gift shop at the Rapid Press Printing site.

"I love the saying, 'If there's a will, there's a way.' It's my favorite quote, because it's true!" says Filler. "Right now, I am just so excited to be in a position where I can apply my skills and training in business, accounting, management, and the arts, and that I am providing a service in my own community," Filler adds.

Goals + Plans = Success, a.k.a. "GPS!"

2011-02-22T18:18:00.013-06:00

Many MnSCU campuses are using a new online resource, known as GPS LifePlan, to provide all kinds of career, personal, and academic services for students. PTC is no exception; GPS LifePlan is available to PTC students straight from the PTC website.

The comprehensive resource helps students set goals and design plans that will lead them to the success they desire. Through a variety of campuswide events such as PTC’s free Student Success workshops and GPS LifePlan workshops, students are encouraged to set personal, professional and career-related goals with the assistance of campus staff and faculty. PTC's Counseling Services keeps up the site with relevant, current information that helps students work toward their goals.

PTC invites you to explore the GPS LifePlan site to learn more about the Five Plans (Career, Education, Finance, Leadership and Personal), and discover how they may help you. Visit PTC’s website, and select the GPS LifePlan link in the toolbar at the top of the page.

"A man's life only has meaning if he is reaching out and striving for his goals."
- Aristotle

PTC wins grant to offer manufacturing day camp this summer

2011-02-14T10:16:00.013-06:00

Nine grants of $2,500 each were awarded by Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs® to community and technical colleges that offer day camp experiences that introduce young people (ages 12-18) to careers in manufacturing and engineering.

According to Gerald Shankel, President and CEO of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl., the purpose of the manufacturing camp grants is to provide a positive, hands-on experience so young people will consider manufacturing as a career option.

The 2011 grant winners (listed alphabetically by state) are:
o Rock Valley College, Rockford, Ill.
o Triton College, River Forest, Ill.
o Anoka Technical College, Anoka, Minn.
o Pine Technical College, Pine City, Minn.
o Itawamba Community College, Tupelo, Miss.
o Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College, Ogden, Utah
o Thomas Nelson Community College, Hampton, Va.
o Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wis.
o Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Green Bay, Wis.

"There is an ever-increasing demand for highly skilled professionals who can design, program and operate technology," said Traci Tapani, NBT board member and co-owner of Wyoming Machine Inc., a metal fabrication services company in Stacy, Minn. "Thousands of manufacturing companies like mine, located across North America, already see the impact of a manufacturing skilled labor shortage despite the recent recession and high unemployment statistics. Creating a skilled workforce in the trades is vital to the future of America, and it all starts with introducing young people to the career potential in this sector and providing an engaging hands-on experience," Tapani adds.

The camps target youth at the critical level of middle school and secondary education, exposing them to math, science and engineering principles, while providing them with an opportunity to see and work with technology being used in industry and learn about the high level of skills that will be required from the workforce.

"The purpose of the manufacturing camp grants is to provide a positive, hands-on experience so young people will consider manufacturing as a career option," said Gerald Shankel, president & CEO of FMA and NBT. "We need to increase the pool of available, highly skilled workers to avoid an otherwise inevitable skilled labor crisis as Baby Boomers retire. This will definitely improve future prospects for our economy," Shankel adds.

Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs: The Foundation of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl., also issues scholarships to students attending community colleges and trade schools pursuing careers in manufacturing. More information on NBT is available by visiting www.NutsAndBoltsFoundation.org.

Based in Rockford, Ill., the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International, is a professional organization with more than 2,100 members working together to improve the metal forming and fabricating industry.

Blood drive draws students, staff and faculty to give

2011-02-09T16:23:00.015-06:00

Photo above: President Musgrove signs in to give blood.

The American Red Cross was on campus today collecting blood from PTC students, staff and faculty from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. With an excellent turnout, from open to close, the event consistently had at least three people in line waiting to give. That's good news for the Red Cross, since last week, the organization issued a nationwide appeal for blood donors to boost a dwindling supply. Severe winter weather across the country has caused more blood drive cancellations this winter season than any previous winter season since 2001. Because of blood drive cancellations, the Red Cross estimates they have lost the opportunity to collect about 16,400 blood and platelet donations over the last several weeks. The Red Cross has not seen its blood supply drop this dramatically at this time of year over the past ten years.

"People who are able to give blood and who live in unaffected areas need to step up to the plate and give," says PTC President Robert Musgrove. "It's a way to help others and save lives," adds Musgrove.

To find out how to donate, visit the Red Cross website, and click "Giving and Getting Involved."

Photo above: Gunsmithing student Mat Peters gets ready for the needle.

Secrets of the aces: Test-taking tips from the pros

2011-02-03T09:50:00.007-06:00

You've read the text, you've taken notes, you've attended class regularly, but you're still suffering from test anxiety -- so, now what? Dr. Frank Lawlis, American Mensa's Supervisory Psychologist, best-selling author and two-discipline American Psychological Association Fellow, offers these testing tips:

• Breathing patterns are critical for higher achievement because of the need for oxygen fuel to the brain. Increase your brain's fuel by breathing in long breaths.

• Research has shown that a high-protein breakfast is essential to high performance; the best specific research used boiled eggs, but other high-protein foods are cheese, peanut butter and fish.

• The research is clear the act of chewing actually improves your memory and lowers your anxiety, so chew sugarless gum during the test or study session — if it's allowed, of course.

Lawlis says the biggest foe to smart thinking is anxiety; people tend to worry too much about the results of performance, and doubts and fears simply cut thinking power in half. Instead, focus on the process of problem-solving and not on the outcome. Also, according to Lawlis, intellectual performance is based on allowing your brain to do what it does best — solve problems; remember you are truly capable of doing anything you set out to do, if you enjoy the act of participating.

Instructor Jackie Lakin wins "Name the Sims" contest

2011-01-28T10:12:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to Jackie Lakin, winner of last week’s “Name the Sims” contest! Lakin, an instructor, often uses the Sims in her courses and has become familiar with the entire Sim family. Lakin submitted the following winning names for the members of the Sim family:

• SimMan (the “mom”) – Gyneco (Gynny) Sim
• SimMan 3G (the “dad”) – Manuel (Manny) Sim
• SimMan Mobile – Travis (Trav) Sim
• SimBaby – Neona (Neo) Sim

Lakin’s creative names are based in the health sciences; for example, “gyneco” is used in the formation of compound words relating to “woman” or “female,” such as gynecology. “Gynny” is the winning nickname. Also, “neona” is a creative invention relating to “neonatal” or “neo,” meaning “new.” For her winning contribution, Lakin takes home a PTC sweatshirt. Staff members in PTC’s Healthcare Alliance department narrowed down the results to the “Top 4” nominees, which included submissions from Lakin, nursing student Katie Cooper, business administration student James Hinrichs, and nursing student Katie Holmstrom.

The new, high-tech SimMen (simulation manikins) are being used for students enrolled in healthcare programs that allow students to experience realistic patient scenarios in the classroom. The Sims talk, have heartbeats, bleed, and more! During the contest, the Sims were on display, and students and staff were encouraged to stop by the display, meet the Sims, and submit names for each.

Photo: Lakin poses with "Mr. Bones," a model skeleton.

PTC students are wired with D2L

2011-01-24T09:18:00.010-06:00

"What's D2L?"
D2L is short for Desire2Learn, the course management software that PTC and all other schools in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System use. D2L allows instructors to create course web sites to supplement face-to-face courses or to provide instruction for distance learning online courses.

D2L lets instructors enhance their courses using the web as well as offer distance learning options by the creation and distribution of course elements online. It provides a variety of online options including uploading assignments, taking quizzes and listening to course lectures, all through a standard web browser. Instructors can set up their D2L courses to include a variety of materials such as communication tools, course files, evaluation tools and feedback. Some examples:

• A home page for each course
• Course calendar (schedule)
• Quizzes and surveys
• Chat and discussions
• News
• Drop box
• Grades
• Pager system to let others in class know you’re online
• Course file uploads and links by modules or topics.

D2L technology is developed by Desire2Learn, Inc., a company that specializes in creating e-learning solutions for on-campus students, distance education, continuing education and other programs.

Name the Sims and win!

2011-01-18T10:02:00.029-06:00

Photo above: The Sim family on display in PTC's main hall.

PTC nursing students have undoubtedly met the SimMan, who is actually part of an entire family including "SimMom" and "SimBaby." The new, high-tech SimMen (simulation manikins) are being used for students enrolled in healthcare programs that allow students to experience realistic patient scenarios in the classroom. The Sims talk, have heartbeats, bleed, and more! If you haven’t met the Sims yet, stop by the exhibit in the main hall, where they are on display now through Mon. Jan. 24.

At this time, all Sims are nameless, and your help is needed in naming them -- after all, they do talk back! Health Care Alliance staff members at PTC are in the midst of a "Name the Sims" contest, whereby you have a chance to name each Sim family member and win a prize! Stop by the display in the main hall, meet the Sims, and dream up names for each. Once you have names for all the Sims, stop by the Student Affairs Office, pick up a "Name the Sims" ballot, and fill in the names -- be sure to specify what name you intend for each Sim. Final names will be determined after 5 p.m. on Mon. Jan. 24.

The Sim family is comprised of:
-- SimMan (Mom)
-- SimMan 3G (Dad)
-- SimBaby (Baby)
-- SimMobile (SimMan used for "loaning" to hospitals and other locations for training)

For more information about the Health Care Alliance, click here, or call 320-629-4566. Also, be a fan of the Health Care Alliance on Facebook!

Mixed Blood Theatre to present Daughters of Africa at PTC

2011-01-11T15:17:00.012-06:00

On Feb. 16, the Mixed Blood Theatre company brings Daughters of Africa to PTC. Daughters of Africa is a high-energy, music-driven performance/play showcasing African American women’s triumphs and accomplishments with profiles of both the famous and the forgotten. The performance will take place in PTC’s auditorium (room 20) at 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. and is free and open to PTC students, staff and faculty members.

"We are so excited to host Mixed Blood Theatre and to bring this performance to our campus," says Erin White, Director of the Academic Skills Center and member of the college’s Diversity Committee, the group who worked to bring the production to PTC. "This production is a rich and touching celebration of humanity, and it’s simply not to be missed," White adds.

The historical piece was written specifically for Mixed Blood Theatre by award-winning playwright Syl Jones and is fueled by the songs of Aretha Franklin, Lena Home, Queen Latifah and more. The one-woman show, directed by Warren C. Bowles, features Thomasina Petrus, whose dazzling solo performance in the touring production has entertained audiences for nearly 20 years. The show is one of many culturally-specific productions the theatre company offers; Mixed Blood Theatre is a multi-racial theatre company that promotes cultural pluralism and individual equality through performance art.

PTC’s Diversity Committee recognizes that diversity and inclusion are essential to educational excellence, and the college’s administration and faculty are committed to ensuring the needs of a diverse student body and growing, diverse community are supported. The college’s Diversity Committee is responsible for organizing this event.

Exhibit showcases artwork by PTC student Amanda Hanson

2011-01-05T12:21:00.009-06:00

Image above: Artworks by Amanda Hanson as seen through the exhibit glass.

Amanda Hanson, a PTC student pursuing an A.A.S. in Early Childhood Development and a certificate in American Sign Language, has been creating art since grade school and works in many different mediums including clay, charcoal, and acrylic and oil paints. Hanson creates artworks as a hobby, and until now, she has never exhibited her visual artwork in a public forum.

While Hanson says creating visual art has always been her primary artistic pursuit, she also writes poetry and was featured in a poetry magazine at just 16 years old; she also placed 5th in a regional poetry competition.

Hanson’s long-term goals include earning her A.A.S. and certificate and gaining a position as a preschool assistant teacher. Hanson says she would prefer to work with young children and teach signing. She is tentatively planning for a May, 2012 graduation.

You can see Hanson's artwork on display now through May, 2011. The exhibit features works of original art created by established and/or emerging artists from the Pine Area, embracing the talent and creativity of Pine Technical College students and the larger Pine community. The exhibit changes seasonally, and many kinds of artworks are showcased, including paintings, photographs, pottery, sculptures, sketches, wood carvings and more. If you are an artist from the Pine Area and wish to exhibit your works in the Pine Art Gallery, see the Pine Technical College Marketing Director in Student Affairs.

The PTC mace: A campus tradition

2010-12-29T10:58:00.011-06:00

In 2002, the college's faculty requested the creation of a mace, a ceremonial staff used by many institutions of higher learning to show the right of academic and technical institutions to grant degrees. PTC's mace was created by the college's precision manufacturing faculty and students and includes the college logo that was in use at the time, as well as eight sparkling gems that represent brilliance and light.

The ornamental staff is carried at the lead of the commencement procession and also would be used during the installation of a new college president. When not in use, the mace is on display in the President's office.

Tracing its history back far enough, the mace was originally a weapon of war. Traditionally used by horsemen and warriors to unseat battle opponents and smash heavy armor during tournaments, it was typically made entirely of metal and was crafted to include a grooved head with lethally sharp spikes. After abandoning its barbaric roots for more genteel pursuits in the Middle Ages, the mace became associated with high-level state occasions and eventually gained prominence as a modern-day symbol of power, authority and dignity.

Register for Star Alert and get PTC weather alerts on your phone

2010-12-16T13:39:00.006-06:00

Star Alert Emergency Notification System
In the interest of promoting the safety of our campus community, Pine Technical College is implementing a new wireless emergency notification system, Star Alert™, for students, faculty and staff.

What Is Star Alert?
Star Alert emergency messages are sent through text mail and e-mail during emergencies that threaten life or safety and/or severely impact standard campus operations. The Star Alert system will only be used in emergency situations.

Who Can Register?
All members of the Pine Technical College community are encouraged to register for this valuable service. Star Alerts provide immediate emergency communication, and as a wireless notification system, they provide critical information if computers and telephones are compromised.

More Details
Notifications are brief and clearly identified as Star Alerts. They include information on the situation at hand, action to take and where to find additional information.

Register Now
Registration is free, quick and easy. Participants must be able to receive text or e-mail messages on their cell phones. The process also can be reversed if the service is no longer desired. Information submitted through the registration process will only be used for the Star Alert system.

Are you a PTC student wishing to subscribe to Star Alert?
Click here: Student Star Alert Registration

Are you a PTC faculty or staff member wishing to subscribe to Star Alert?
Click here: Faculty/Staff Star Alert Registration

Happy holidays from PTC!

2010-12-15T11:33:00.003-06:00

PTC sends holiday wishes to all students, staff members, faculty members and our business and industry partners for a happy holiday season and a very successful 2011. Enjoy our slideshow, here, and turn up the volume -- celebrate a very successful "year in review" with us! Cheers, from PTC!

Pine Technical College honors faculty in Educator of the Year awards

2010-12-10T18:14:00.012-06:00

Pine Technical College, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system (MnSCU), will participate in this year’s Educator of the Year awards program – an esteemed award, which is the system’s highest academic honor. The MnSCU Board of Trustees launched the awards program in 2007, and while many MnSCU system institutions have nominated faculty members over the years, this is PTC’s first year to participate.

“Winning an Educator of the Year award is to honor and recognize teachers who have given distinguished service and who exemplify excellence in their profession,” says Dean of Academic Affairs Joan Bloemendaal-Gruett. “And, Pine Technical College is fortunate to have numerous dedicated and highly skilled faculty members capable of inspiring and teaching students of all backgrounds and abilities. The award recognizes their personal achievements and makes them more visible and will strengthen public support of our programs. It will bring acclaim to the winners, PTC, and the Pine community,” Bloemendaal Gruett explains.

The Board of Trustees Educator of the Year Award for Excellence in Teaching is an honor bestowed upon MnSCU faculty to acknowledge and reward exceptional individual professional accomplishment and to encourage ongoing excellence in teaching. The award is intended to recognize superior teaching at MnSCU colleges and universities.

MnSCU Chancellor James H. McCormick says, “I am proud we highlight the excellence of our faculty with these awards. The honorees exemplify what we value most in this system – high-quality teaching, learning and service.”

Winners of the award are recognized at a gala state event, and their programs and institutions are given broad exposure, informing the public about the fields in which they teach and also about what makes for exceptional teaching in public colleges and universities. By applauding winners and nominees, institutions have an opportunity to celebrate the core importance of teaching and provide models for faculty and students.

All currently full-time and unlimited, tenured, or tenure-track faculty who have at least three years of full-time teaching service at their home institution are eligible for the award. Nominators may be members of the college or university community such as faculty members, staff members, administrators, students and/or community members. Faculty designated as Outstanding Educators by their campus president must prepare a teaching portfolio which will be reviewed by a systemwide review committee which will recommend the Educator of the Year winners.

To nominate an outstanding Pine Technical College educator who exemplifies excellence in teaching, please complete the Award for Excellence in Teaching Nomination Form by Dec. 26, 2010; return the completed form(s) to Joan Bloemendaal-Gruett via e-mail: bloemendaalj@pinetech.edu or on campus, Room 44 in the Administrative Offices suite. For more information about Pine Technical College’s participation in the Educator of the Year awards program, call 320-629-5116.

Image above: An Educator of the Year medallion, hand-crafted in the jewelry design and manufacturing program at Minneapolis Community and Technical College.

Toy Drive extended through Dec. 17

2010-12-09T16:45:00.009-06:00

The Pine Technical College Student Senate is in the midst of hosting a toy drive benefitting Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, a nonprofit agency (a part of the Minnesota National Guard) that provides assistance to families of military service personnel.

The drive originally was set to end Dec. 3, but after such a successful run, student senate leaders decided to extend the drive through the end of Finals Week, Dec. 17.

"On Monday, we delivered 55 toys collected from the drive to the 194th Calvary National Guard Unit here in Pine City," says James Hinrichs, Student Senate Vice President. "Because the toy drive initially was so successful, we want to keep it going right up until the winter break. Plus, we're going to incorporate it into the Holiday Party, which is taking place at Chubby's on Dec. 16. For example, for each toy a student gives at the Holiday Party, they will receive an additional raffle ticket for prizes," Hinrichs explains.

Through Friday, Dec. 17, students, staff members, faculty members and anyone in the community may drop off unwrapped, new toys at PTC. People should look for the blue shopping cart at the college's main entrance. Gifts should be valued at no more than $10, and all items are locked during non-business hours. For more information, contact Amanda Spencer, PTC Student Senate Advisor, 320-629-5127.

Photo above: Members of the 194th Calvary National Guard Unit accept toy donations from PTC student senate leaders and Pine City Mayor Jane Robbins.

PTC floats with "Holiday Madness"

2010-12-06T15:10:00.014-06:00

Photo above: Students decorate the PTC float in the Automotive Technology lab just prior to the start of the parade.

Photo above: Parade participants line up with the float.

On Fri. Dec. 3, led by Student Senate leaders and President Musgrove, Pine Technical College students entered a float in the Pine City Area Chamber of Commerce's annual "Holiday Madness" parade. The float, decorated to the tune of "Deck the Halls of PTC," was driven by Pres. Musgrove and featured a giant, wooden cut-out of the PTC logo, lit with green and orange (college colors) holiday lights. Students participated and walked along with the float handing out PTC-imprinted pencils and candy canes.

"It was so much fun to participate in the parade," says James Hinrichs, PTC Student Senate Vice President. "This is an event where the college can showcase itself to the community, plus it's a chance for students to get involved in an event outside the college walls. It's socializing and community and college pride all wrapped up together," Hinrichs adds.

The college especially thanks the following parade participants -- a mix of PTC students, faculty members and administrators -- for making the PTC float the success it was (in alphabetical order): Christina Allred, Torfi Arnarson, Dave Defenbaugh, Doug Gregerson, Heather Hansen-Mead, Joe Haselbauer, James Hinrichs, Addison Koniar, Casey Leao, Robert Musgrove, Randy Nowling, Colin Roskos, and Seth Siladke.

Lions donate electric scooter to PTC

2010-11-29T12:06:00.011-06:00

Three local Lions service organizations collaborated to donate a scooter valued at $1800 to Pine Technical College. The generous Rock Creek Lions, Pine City Lions, and Pine Area Lions worked together to raise funds and purchase the electric scooter now used by PTC student Steven Hintz.

"I'm so grateful to the Lions; it was generous of them to come together to give such a gift as this to the college," Hintz says. "And, now that PTC has this scooter on hand, when my need for the scooter has been met, it will the there for other PTC students or staff in need," Hintz adds.

It is not by accident that Hintz is able to take advantage of the scooter. Hintz suffers from a medical condition that resulted in the amputation of all his toes on one foot and ulcers on the other, and without the aid of the scooter, Hintz may not be attending classes and working toward his practical nursing diploma. Hintz has been advised by his physicians to walk on his feet as little as possible for several months; however, until the Lions donated the scooter and he was able to use it, he was attending classes and walking on the balls of his feet.

"He is so dedicated to learning and his career plan that he was risking his health," explains Gloria Baker, PTC's Director of Disability Services. "I met with Hintz on a few occasions, but he took the initiative to ask a number of statewide companies and organizations if there was a scooter on hand to simply borrow, rent or lease. Just a week later, he informed me of the Lions' generosity and that they collaboratively purchased the scooter as a donation to the college," Baker explains.

The scooter is a gift to PTC, and Hintz is its sole user. After Hintz no longer needs the scooter or upon his graduation, the scooter will be made available to another student who has a need for it.

"He is so upbeat and positive, and he's a terrific student," Baker says. "Now, with the scooter, if it's possible, he's even more excited about his classes and learning!"

Inspired by his own medical condition, Hintz began his coursework in the nursing program in Aug. 2010 and is tentatively planning on a May, 2012 graduation.

Photo at top: Steve Hintz browses medical books in the PTC Learning Resource and Technology Center.

Student Senate launches toy drive to benefit servicemembers' families

2010-11-23T09:10:00.014-06:00

The Pine Technical College Student Senate is in the midst of hosting a toy drive benefitting Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, a nonprofit agency (a part of the Minnesota National Guard) that provides assistance to families of military service personnel.

Through Friday, Dec. 3, students, staff members, faculty members and anyone in the community may drop off unwrapped, new toys at PTC. People should look for the blue shopping cart at the college's main entrance.

"Teaming up with Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is such a worthy cause," says Torfi Arnarson, PTC Student Senate President. "This is one way we can say 'thanks' to servicemembers and add to a child's holiday -- it's part of being a community," Arnarson adds.

Gifts should be valued at no more than $10, and all items are locked during non-business hours. For more information, contact Amanda Spencer, PTC Student Senate Advisor, 320-629-5127.

Photo at top: PTC Student Senate President Torfi Arnarson showcases the first items collected from the toy drive.

Ace the Accuplacer with "Accuplacer Prep" course

2010-11-15T11:25:00.022-06:00

"What's the Accuplacer?"

The Accuplacer exam is a placement test for students who wish to study at technical colleges, community colleges and universities in the United States. Accuplacer testing includes general assessments in sentence skills, reading comprehension, arithmetic, elementary algebra and college-level mathematics.

The testing assessment measures whether incoming freshman students have the necessary skills for college or university study, or whether they would benefit from taking developmental courses designed to improve key academic skills. The exam is a computer-adaptive placement test and is delivered online, and its questions on each part of the test generally get more difficult as the test progresses. Pine Technical College uses the Accuplacer test to check student skill levels and place new students in either college-level classes or foundations classes.

Lucky for PTC applicants, Sally Seville of the St. Croix River Education District (SCRED), teaches "Accuplacer Prep" courses -- all right at home, on campus at PTC. Seville also teaches Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes for students preparing to gain their high school general equivalency diplomas (GEDs). All courses are funded by the state and free to students.

"Many older students have been away from coursework for a number of years and need to brush up on basic skills before taking the test," Seville says. "And, anyone can benefit from going online and taking an Accuplacer pretest, which shows them what will be on the test. Plus, it will show them where they need to improve their academic skills before attempting the Accuplacer," Seville explains.

The Accuplacer Prep class is a two-hour weekly class. For more information about Seville's class, call 320-629-5100 (PTC's main number), and PTC's helpful Student Affairs staff will provide you with a brochure. To contact Seville directly, e-mail sseville@scred.k12.mn.us.

PTC Veterans Center Liaison Doug Davis celebrates Veterans Day

2010-11-10T10:01:00.003-06:00

Besides its long-standing association with the clans and districts of Scotland, tartans have been associated with the military, namely the Scottish regiments of the British Army and other Commonwealth Nations such as Canada, Australia and South Africa. The United States military also has such associations, albeit a much younger one. During the American Civil War, the 79th New York Regiment based their uniforms on the 79th Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, including the adoption of the Cameron of Erracht tartan. While historians debate the use of kilts or tartan trews by the New Yorkers, the popular image of "kilted Yankees" has been documented in Civil War folklore.

During and after the Second World War, American military personnel began to form pipe bands after witnessing the pipes and drums of British and Commonwealth forces in that conflict. A U.S. Marine Pipe Band was formed in Londonderry, Northern Ireland during the war, but ironically, band members did not wear traditional Highland attire. Since the Second World War, a number of U.S. military branches and individual units, such as the famed 7th U.S. Cavalry (Custer’s command), the U.S. Marines, the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis) and the U.S. Coast Guard have organized pipe bands and have "adopted" tartans.

Today, military tartans are often worn at social and formal functions by serving and retired military servicemen and women. In the image below, four examples of tartans adopted and worn by branches of the U.S. military are featured. These U.S. military tartans are often made into kilts, ties, scarves and more.

Doug Davis, PTC's Veterans Center Liaison, is a Vietnam War Veteran and served in the Marine Corps from 1964 to ’68. Today, Nov. 10, is the birthday of the Marine Corps, and Davis, in the photo below, proudly wears his kilt in honor of both Veterans Day and the 235th birthday of the Marine Corps -- organized and formed in 1775.

PTC students take part in Election Day

2010-11-03T10:16:00.017-05:00

The Pine Technical College Student Senate initiated a "Get Out the Vote" campaign in early October, and the results are impressive. PTC student leaders registered 102 voters just in time for yesterday's election.

"Our goal was to register 25 voters, and we ended up registering more than 100," explains PTC Student Senate Treasurer Heather Hansen Mead. "As student leaders, we think it's important for everyone to have a voice and take part in the democratic process," Hansen Mead adds.

The campaign was part of a larger effort led by the Minnesota State College Student Association (MSCSA). MSCSA held a "Voter Cup" contest among Minnesota State College and Universities system institutions -- a friendly competition whereby the winning institution would take home a Cup for registering the most voters. Although PTC did not win the Cup, PTC student leaders and administration are proud of the results, considering ten percent of PTC's total student population are newly-minted voters. (For more information about the "Voter Cup," go here.)

Photo: Student Tina Selix proudly showcases her "I Voted" sticker.

"Ask here" feature on PTC website offers on-demand student service

2010-10-26T14:11:00.004-05:00

The Pine Technical College website employs a feature called ask here, an efficient and comprehensive always-available vault of information and answers to students' most need-to-know questions about PTC. By using ask here, students are empowered to privately research and resolve issues without needing to reach someone or ask for assistance; it's always "on" and always available.

PTC students have always had high expectations — to be heard, supported and valued. With ask here, students have an arsenal of tools at hand -- information delivered with just a few keystrokes in an efficient, fast, private and thorough manner. The feature is supported by RightNow Technologies, a software company that many MnSCU system campuses use for just the same purpose. Visit the PTC website, look for the orange ask here button, and try it!

PTC proudly flies new banners

2010-10-19T10:07:00.022-05:00

Photo above: New banners installed in PTC's main parking lot.

Pine Technical College just finished installing 30 new banners on its property to enhance the appearance of the campus and spark more school pride. The new banners fly 20 feet above ground and are installed on the college's existing light poles, two-to-a-pole. The long-lasting vinyl banners measure 30" x 60" and feature the college logo on green, orange and brown -- the college colors.

"The new banners contribute to a more campus-like, collegiate atmosphere and inspire a heightened level of school spirit and pride," says PTC President Robert Musgrove. "All the banners have been up for just one week, and we've already received numerous compliments. I like seeing and hearing this added school spirit," Musgrove adds.

The idea of installing banners was born from an Oct. 2009 visit by Gov. Pawlenty's Design Team. The team conducted a comprehensive visit and study of Pine City and recommended several courses of action regarding how city leaders might improve the city for residents, businesses and visitors. The team invested much of its time studying the college and its vital role in the community, and one important finding and resounding recommendation the team discussed confirmed what PTC college administration had long suspected: the college must gain more visibility, gain "a stronger presence," and find ways to strengthen the link between the college and the community it serves. The new banners proudly flying are one way the college is working toward the design team's recommendation.

"Plus, from an advertising perspective, it just makes sense to fully utilize campus property to advertise the college," says PTC Director of Marketing and Admissions Dani Chandonnet. "While we advertise in newspapers, on the radio and on billboards, we should be looking at property and media we already own and maximize that," Chandonnet adds.

Photo above: Dave Pixley of PTC's Facilities Department installs the last banner along Fourth Street and trims tree branches so passers-by gain the best view.

PTC enrollment reaches, surpasses milestone figure of 1,000

2010-10-15T10:43:00.001-05:00

With a fall enrollment headcount of 1,022, Pine Technical College now is serving its largest enrollment in college history. While the economy has factored into PTC’s higher enrollment, President Robert Musgrove notes there’s more to it.

“In addition to current economic conditions, more people are recognizing we offer quality instruction, transferability, accreditation and MnSCU affiliation – and we’re affordable. Altogether, PTC just makes sense for Pine Area students,” Musgrove says.

PTC responded to the enrollment surge by hiring additional full-time and part-time instructors, which allowed the college to offer more course sections. Plus, more evening and weekend courses were offered this fall semester to accommodate classroom and lab availability.

“We’re working hard to meet the needs of our region and be an engine of workforce development,” says Nancy Mach, PTC’s Dean of Student Affairs. “One focus of our mission is to be a community resource for quality education that improves and empowers learners, and by the numbers, we’re doing that – we broke 1,000!” Mach exclaims.

Along these same lines, the financial aid department has seen and processed a record number of FAFSAs (Free Applications for Federal Student Aid). At the fall start, the college received 1,107 financial aid applications compared to 944 received at last year’s fall start – a 12 percent increase.

In addition to more instructors, more courses, more financial aid processing, the college also has grown physically to accommodate the surge. In July, the campus landscape underwent a major change with the addition of 80 new parking spaces. And, in anticipation of future growth and services, PTC has plans to add a hi-tech business incubator to the campus. Groundbreaking for this new 20,000 square-foot facility is planned for July, 2011.

PTC offers certificates, diplomas and associate degrees and currently is accepting applications for its spring, 2011 semester, which starts Jan. 10, 2011. For more information, call 320-629-5100, or visit www.pinetech.edu.

Disc golf comes to Pine City

2010-10-12T12:21:00.010-05:00

On top of everything else PTC offers, now students have a new way to kick back and have fun -- you might call it "recess!" Now debuting in Pine City is disc golf, brought to you by City of Pine City adminstrators and the Parks and Recreation department.

"The sport is growing in popularity, and I am sure PTC students will enjoy playing," says Nathan Johnson, City of Pine City Planner.

Discs are available at Lee's Pro Shop, and soon, SuperAmerica will make them available as well. Disc golf is played much like traditional golf; the object is to throw the disc from the tee area to the target "basket" in the fewest number of throws.

Located on the Snake River at Voyageur Park, the new Pine City disc golf course is challenging and scenic, and best of all -- free! For a map of the course, see the image below. For more information, call the City of Pine City, 320-629-2575.

PTC biology and composition students embrace Food Literacy Week

2010-10-11T14:30:00.009-05:00

Students in biology instructor Alexis Grinde’s courses and students in Stacey Foster’s college composition courses are collaborating in a unique project during Food Literacy Week, Oct. 11 through Oct. 15.

Inspired at the annual PTC fall inservice held in August, Grinde and Foster participated in a learning communities workshop facilitated by Emily Lardner of the Washington Center for Improving the Quality of Undergraduate Education. Lardner discussed the importance of establishing learning communities -- a way of organizing groups of students and their teachers across the boundaries of traditional courses, making learning more integrated, more engaging and more meaningful. As a result, Grinde and Foster are bringing biology and composition students together in a collaborative project, and the results are on display in PTC's main hall this week.

Students in Foster’s classes created brochures and/or newsletters reviewing the importance of avoiding plagiarism and discussing ways to analyze and discover credible sources for research. These brochures were shared with Grinde’s biology students who then researched topics related to food and used their new lessons from the composition students regarding finding credible sources. Guided by both Grinde and Foster, the different groups of biology students researched the following topics: genetically modified food; energy drinks; the process milk takes from cow to store; breastfeeding and formula feeding; sugars -- natural, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial; and organic and inorganic food and farming.

Based on the research they discovered, the biology students prepared posters and brochures now on display during Food Literacy Week. The next phase in the collaborative project will see Foster’s students using the research and presentations prepared by the biology students to find supporting evidence as they prepare either a process essay or a comparison/contrast essay.

"The intent is to get students to think harder about real-world dilemmas and to learn what their places in the dilemmas are," explains Foster. With this project, Grinde and Foster are optimistic this will take place.

PTC rolls out Safe Zone program

2010-10-08T12:37:00.005-05:00

Pine Technical College is serving its largest enrollment in college history, and in recognition of an increasingly diverse student population and National Coming Out Day, Oct. 11, the college is implementing Safe Zone. The Safe Zone program is designed to support to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) students and employees.

"While it’s easier for other minority individuals to identify role models and mentors, the invisibility of sexual orientation makes it very difficult for GLBT students to find support and information," explains Nancy Mach, Dean of Student Affairs. "One goal of the Safe Zone program is to make it easier for GLBT students to identify people and offices on campus where they can safely turn – where they will be welcome and not judged," Mach explains.

Two major components of the Safe Zone program are symbols that participating PTC staff and faculty members will post visibly in their workspaces and a scheduled "Ally Training" they will undergo Oct. 27. The symbol allows the campus community to easily identify participating program members and know they can speak freely with these individuals about issues, including sexual orientation and gender identity, which may affect their academic success or job satisfaction. The symbol also indicates staff or faculty members who have participated in Ally Training and have an understanding and sensitivity toward GLBT issues.

The Safe Zone program at PTC and its components were developed by PTC’s Diversity Committee. Penny Hudlow, PTC Director of Human Resources and Diversity Committee Co-Chair says participating in the Safe Zone program is voluntary.

"Since an outcome of the Safe Zone program is to improve the campus climate for GLBT individuals, participants should be willing to challenge homophobic and heterosexist comments or behaviors in an educational and informative manner," Hudlow explains.
PTC administrators say they are proud of its increasingly culturally diverse population and support cultural diversity in every way possible.

"Safe Zone is one way to say all sexual orientations and gender representations are part of the campus culture, and they are acknowledged and supported," says Joan Bloemendaal-Gruett, Dean of Academic Affairs. "It provides a visible network of volunteers for students. Plus, our Safe Zone volunteers portray a campus committed to providing an environment in which every student is free to thrive on an academic, professional and personal level within a community based on respect and dignity," Bloemendaal-Gruett adds.

Display features artwork by Peg Skalicky

2010-09-30T10:07:00.016-05:00

Images above: Two examples of original artwork by Peg Skalicky.

On display now through January, 2011 in the Pine Art Gallery are original works of art created by Peg Skalicky, a native of Beroun, Minn. Skalicky began her artistic career while still in high school. While at Pine City High School, Skalicky worked at Helen’s Gallery and learned the art of custom framing. Just five years later, she opened her own business, Picture This… and has been busy ever since.

Skalicky considers herself a copy artist since she hasn’t had any formal training in painting, but she employs techniques learned from watching TV shows featuring famed artists such as Bob Ross and William Alexander. Skalicky’s specialty, painting on leaves, is a unique skill, and her talents have earned her the coveted People’s Choice award at the Five County Art Show.

The Pine Art Gallery features works of original art created by established and/or emerging artists from the Pine Area, embracing the talent and creativity of Pine Technical College students and the larger Pine community. The exhibit changes seasonally, and many kinds of artworks are showcased, including paintings, photography, pottery, sculptures, sketches, wood carvings and more. If you are an artist from the Pine Area and wish to exhibit your works in the Pine Art Gallery, see the Pine Technical College Marketing Director in Student Affairs.

Photo: Artist Peg Skalicky.

PTC to open doors for Fourth Annual Open House

2010-09-24T11:44:00.006-05:00

Pine Technical College will host an open house, Wed. Oct. 27, 5 to 7 p.m. with a sneak preview starting at 4 p.m. The event is open to current and prospective students and their families, business and industry partners, PTC Foundation donors and the public. In its fourth year, the event is predicted to draw about 110 attendees.

"This is anyone and everyone’s chance to tour the college, meet instructors, talk to advisors and college administrators, and get valuable program information on the spot," said Nancy Mach, Dean of Student Affairs. "It’s not to be missed, even if you're just curious about PTC and want to see the inside of the building!" Mach added.

PTC's Fourth Annual Open House will be held at Pine Technical College, 900 Fourth St. SE, Pine City. In addition to instructors, advisors and admissions representatives on hand, refreshments will be served, and door prizes will be awarded to several lucky winners. Doors will open at 4 p.m. for self-guided tours, and the main event with faculty on hand gets underway at 5 p.m.

"This is the PTC's chance to showcase its equipped labs and classrooms, and to introduce our knowledgeable and helpful faculty and staff members to students, new students and their families and friends," PTC President Robert Musgrove said. "We're proud of all we offer, and we want our community to know and see all that we have," Musgrove added.

For more information about PTC's Fourth Annual Open House, call 320-629-5114.

Introducing new tutors in the Academic Skills Center

2010-09-15T21:49:00.002-05:00

The Pine Technical College Academic Skills Center (ASC) empowers students by helping them master concepts and skills presented in the classroom. The ASC ensures students are truly understanding content and developing skills to help them succeed in their coursework, in their labs, and even after graduation.

The ASC is located in the Learning Resource and Technology Center (and its extension office in Room 94) and offers tutoring services at no charge to students with academic and/or technical needs. All tutoring is provided by peer tutors -- students who have completed coursework in the designated academic area and come recommended to the ASC directly by their instructors. Peer tutors are familiar with course content as well as instructors' styles of delivery.

Students also are invited to use Room 94, located in the central part of the building. Room 94 is the ASC's extension office, and students may use it for tutoring, studying, and as a computer lab. Staff affectionately refer to Room 94 as "ASC overflow," as the ASC's services are popular and often, more space is needed. Also new to tutoring services this year is the Open Nursing Lab, Room 150, created just for nursing students.

Meet the tutors! Pictured -- Top row (L ro R): Kristy Olson, Eric Grubb, Angie Lucht, Bill Morris, Amber Fortier. Bottom row (L to R): Joe Haselbauer, Tina Zimmermann, Chuck Peterson, Jessica Jorgenson, John Nelson.

About the Tutors

Kristy Olson tutors biology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology courses; she is a second-year practical nursing student.

Eric Grubb tutors English courses and is a gunsmithing student.

Angie Lucht tutors English and is a practical nursing student.

Bill Morris tutors in all accounting courses; he is a second-year accounting student.

Amber Fortier tutors in all general requirements for registered nursing courses and is an alumnus of the practical nursing program. She was awarded the prestigious President's Award -- the highest honor given for academic work.

Joe Haselbauer tutors in math courses and is a manufacturing/machining student.

Tina Zimmermann tutors in math and accounting courses and is an accounting student.

Chuck Peterson tutors biology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology courses; he is enrolled in the PTC + LSC A.A. degree program.

Jessica Jorgenson is a student enrolled in the public welfare financial worker program and tutors in PWFW introductory courses.

John Nelson tutors in Microsoft Operating Systems Basics (MS/OS) and is a computer networking student.

Student Senate seeks officers

2010-09-07T10:30:00.010-05:00

The Pine Technical College Student Senate seeks officers. Currently, the Student Senate is operating with President Torfi Arnarson (second-year gunsmithing) and Treasurer Heather Hansen Mead (second-year computer programming). The student-elected governing body seeks to fill the positions of Vice President, Secretary and Parliamentarian.

Do you want to make a difference in the student community at PTC? Are you looking for an opportunity to make professional contacts and build your resume? If you are a part-time or full-time student in good academic standing, you may apply to run for any available Student Senate office.

Vice President
The vice president is responsible for assuming the duties of the president in the president’s absence, overseeing all committee activities, and organizing all fund-raising activities.

Secretary
The secretary is responsible for recording meeting minutes, handling all correspondences, organizing bulletin board displays, and decorating needs for the Senate.

Parliamentarian
The parliamentarian is responsible for maintaining awareness of all legislative action relevant to the Senate, MSCSA, MnSCU, and PTC. The officer also maintains contacts with elected officials at the local, state, and national level.

Applications are available in the Student Affairs Office. The deadline for applying is 4 p.m. Fri. Sept. 10. Candidates should be prepared to self-promote and campaign the week of Sept. 13. Elections will be held Sept. 21 and 22. For more information about Student Senate, contact Amanda Spencer, Student Senate Advisor, (spencera@pinetech.edu, 320-629-5127) or click here. Good luck!

Photos: (L to R) Torfi Arnarson, Heather Hansen Mead -- current Student Senate officers.

SimMen land at Pine Technical College

2010-09-03T09:13:00.004-05:00

Photo: PTC President Robert Musgrove (in blue, center) examines a new SimMan acquired by the Health Care Alliance.

New SimMen (simulation manikins) have arrived at Pine Technical College and Anoka-Ramsey Community College - Cambridge. The high-tech SimMen will be used for students enrolled in healthcare programs (such as nursing), allowing them to experience realistic patient scenarios in the classroom. A 3G SimMan was purchased for each college, and a traditional SimMan will be loanable to all Health Care Alliance partners, and a SimBaby also will be housed at PTC.

The Health Care Alliance is an organization born when a $4.2 million grant project was awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The project, called Health Occupations Providing Economic Stimulus (HOPES) is working to recruit, train and employ almost 1,200 registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, home health aides and medical laboratory technologists in east central Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The project's aim is to offset a predicted dire shortage of health care workers. Health Care Alliance partners working together include Pine Technical College, Anoka-Ramsey Community College - Cambridge, Kanabec Hospital, and more.

One practical nursing student at PTC, a lucky recipient of a HOPES/Health Care Alliance-backed scholarship, is blogging her way through the program. For a first-person account and student viewpoint of the program, follow Tara Irwin's blog as she records her journey -- complete with inspiring anecdotes and often comical highlights.

For more information about the HOPES grant and the Health Care Alliance, click here, or call 320-629-4566. Also, be a fan of the Health Care Alliance on Facebook!

Students now using new, upgraded student e-mail system

2010-08-31T11:39:00.018-05:00

Just last week, the PTC Information Technology department moved all student e-mail service to a Microsoft-hosted provider that now allows students to do much more with their student e-mail accounts than ever before. New services include document sharing, calendaring, secure online storage, the ability to send and recieve large (20 MB) attachments, improved spam and virus filtering, folders to organize messages and more.

"Microsoft offers colleges this service at no additional cost, and the service includes hosted exchange e-mail, 25 gigabytes of file storage through Skydrive and an online version of Microsoft office," says Ken Ries, Director of Information Technology. "This hosted solution provides students with more storage and additional tools that were not available with our previous e-mail system. We aren't able to offer the same level of service locally, and certainly not for free," Ries adds.

The new PTC student e-mail address format is: user@go.pinetech.edu. Existing mail has been migrated to the hosted solution for all returning students, and mailing lists, address books and other services continue to function. To activate the new format, students should log in on campus and initiate their newly formatted "go" acounts. Try it -- log in!

Student Affairs staff committed to "top-notch" student service

2010-08-23T12:49:00.021-05:00

Photo above: Student Affairs staff members gather for a group photo. Back row (L to R) -- Amanda Spencer, Erin White, Robert Baker, Dani Chandonnet. Middle row (L to R) -- Shawn Reynolds, Nancy Johnson, Gloria Baker, Jodie Klinkhammer. Front row (L to R) -- Kathy Arola, Nancy Mach, Dawn DeRocker.

In the first week of the Fall, 2010 semester and in the weeks leading up to it, the Student Affairs office has been busier than ever! The department administered 16 sessions of placement testing, hosted six more-than-full sessions of Orientation, and now the department is assigning lockers, parking passes and book vouchers. The last three items are being made available in the main hall at the college's front entrance.

"These are items students need to address right away, and we will have the information in the main hall during the first few days of the semester," says Nancy Mach, Dean of Student Affairs. "To provide these items and answers students need right up front is one way we are able to provide top-notch student service," Mach explains.

The Student Affairs staff affectionately calls the setup in the hall the "One-Stop Shop" or OSS. The OSS was set up Mon. Aug. 16, the week prior to the first week of classes, and in its first week served about 125 students.

Photo above: Student Affairs staff member Jodie Klinkhammer assists a student at the One-Stop Shop.

Photo above: Student Affairs staff member Dawn DeRocker assists a student at the One-Stop Shop.

PTC welcomes new staff and faculty members

2010-08-17T15:54:00.018-05:00

With the start of another academic year (Fall 2010 officially kicks off Aug. 23!), and with a remarkable increase in enrollment, PTC has added many new sections of courses, instructors and support staff. Among the many new faces on campus are these newest Pines (in alphabetical order):

• Melissa Bruce, Child Care Resource and Referral Assistant
• Sandra Carlisle, Executive Assistant to the President
• Steve Cody, Microcomputer Support Specialist
• Roberta Cummings, College Lab Assistant
• Mary Beth Frandsen, English instructor
• Tony Gantenbein, Employment and Training Center Director
• Patricia Gerhardson, College Lab Assistant
• Darla Hoaglund McCann, Reading instructor
• Krista Hoekstra, Director of Nursing
• Tony Mueller, Computer Science Instructor
• Valerie Raiter, Employment and Training Center Media Coordinator
• Keven Wanless, College Lab Assistant
• Joy Zasadny, Biology Instructor

Photo above, clockwise from top left: Melissa Bruce, Tony Gantenbein, Roberta Cummings, Sandra Carlisle.

PTC Mercedes Excalibur gains mileage

2010-08-09T16:19:00.013-05:00

In 2008, David Christensen of Pine City donated a pearl white Mercedes Excalibur, a "kit car," to the Pine Technical College Foundation. The car, actually a 1979 Chevrolet Camaro under its flashy exterior, is used in parades to promote the college. Most recently, it was seen in the July 17 Chisago County Fair parade and again in the Aug. 7 Pine County Fair parade.

"It was very generous of the Christensen family to give this kind of gift to the college," PTC President Robert Musgrove said. "It certainly draws a lot of attention to the college at public events, and that is precisely our intent!" Musgrove added.

Photo: The PTC car makes an appearance in the Pine County Fair parade.

Congressman Oberstar to visit PTC for Small Business Day

2010-08-02T10:13:00.006-05:00

On Mon. Aug. 9, Pine Technical College will host Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District Small Business Day: Connecting Businesses with Opportunities. The event begins with registration at 8 a.m., and Congressman James Oberstar (D-Minn) will speak at 8:30 a.m.

Presented by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Oberstar, the event’s purpose is to connect small businesses with federal, state and local government contracting opportunities while educating small business owners regarding resources available to help their businesses grow. Following Oberstar’s opening remarks, event attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives from the federal government, various state agencies and small business resource centers. In addition to informational exhibits, DOT and the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) will present two bonus workshops, Access to Capital and How to Contract with the Government.

“PTC is happy to host this event with a focus on improving the health of local business and industry,” said PTC President Robert Musgrove. “As a technical college, we understand our role in providing skilled graduates to Pine Area businesses and industries. This event is all about supporting the local economy and industries, and therefore closely aligned with PTC’s mission,” Musgrove added.

PTC is working alongside the DOT in organizing the event. In addition to Oberstar, speakers will include representatives from the DOT’s federal and state offices and the Small Business Administration. Event attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of the speakers and participate in a networking session with federal and state agencies.

Agencies invited to participate:

• U.S. Department of Transportation
• U.S. Small Business Administration
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Minnesota Department of Transportation (HDOT)
• Minnesota Procurement Technical Assistance Center
• Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
• The Chamber of Commerce of Minnesota
• Minnesota Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• The Associated General Contractors of Minnesota (AGC)
• The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
• The Women’s Business Development Center – Minnesota (WBDC-MN)
• Association of Women Contractors
• Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity
• Minnesota American Indian Chamber of Commerce
• St. Paul Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity
• Spring Board Economic Development Corporation
• Turtle Island PTAC

For more information, call 320-629-5100.

Free Focus on College seminars prepare students for success

2010-07-27T15:56:00.019-05:00

Periodically, PTC staff and faculty hold Focus on College seminars -- free seminars/workshops that teach tips about time management, stress management, studying, test-taking, the college environment overall and much more. Additionally, a valuable 68-page bound guide, Making Your Mark, is given away at the seminars.

Navigating Your Future!
The Focus on College seminars offered in Fall, 2010 will carry a Navigating Your Future theme! Plan to attend any and/or all seminars offered this fall, and learn to navigate:
-- online tools such as D2L
-- with GPS LifePlan
-- communication with other PTC students
-- with your unique Learning Style, and learn how to use it to your advantage
-- PTC clubs and organizations

Schedule of Focus on College seminars
-- Aug. 4 2010: 9 a.m. to 12 noon
-- Aug. 9 2010: 5 to 8 p.m.

Specialized Focus on College workshops:

Week 1: Navigating my Online Class Using D2L
-- Aug. 30 2010: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
-- Aug. 31 2010: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
-- Sept. 1 2010: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
-- Sept. 2 2010: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
-- Sept. 3 2010: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Week 2: Why is my Syllabus so Important?
-- Aug. 30 2010: 10 a.m.
-- Aug. 31 2010: 1 p.m.

Week 3: Finding Time for Course Work
-- Sept. 7 2010: 1 p.m.
-- Sept. 8 2010: 11 a.m.

Week 4: Tools for a Successful Research Paper
-- Sept. 15 2010: 11 a.m.

Pre-Registration is required. For more information, call 800-521-7463 to reserve your spot at one (or many) of these valuable seminars!

Medical Laboratory Technician program poised to fill dire workforce shortage

2010-07-20T08:31:00.009-05:00

The health care industry is facing worker shortages due to an increase in retirees, fewer workers and a growing demand for services. According to Healthcare Labor Shortages: Get the Facts, Minnesota will likely experience vacancies in registered nursing -- the largest employment group in health care -- of over 9,200 by 2015. This type of news report often focuses on nurses, but the nursing shortage isn’t the only alarming part of the story. Similar forecasts are anticipated in almost all health care programs including laboratory, radiology, pharmacy, home health aide, respiratory therapy and nursing assistants.

Jon Linnell, CEO of North Valley Health Center, Warren, says, "If we lose just one X-ray or laboratory tech, we may have to close our doors. The supply and demand problem is especially severe in Greater Minnesota where there is a very limited supply of professionals in the face of an increasing demand."

To help offset such healthcare worker shortages in East Central Minnesota, Pine Technical College has partnered with Lake Superior College to bring a Medical Laboratory Technician A.A.S. degree to the Pine Area and starts in the Fall semester, 2010. A Medical Laboratory Technician performs routine tests in all areas of the clinical laboratory and searches for the presence, absence, extent and cause of diseases. Qualifications of this highly skilled individual include a dedication and commitment to accuracy and precision to ensure quality patient outcomes. Interested students should apply now; the program will not accept new students next year. Classes start Aug. 23.

For more information about PTC's new Medical Laboratory Technician degree, call 320-629-5100.

More students choosing ASL

2010-07-12T13:58:00.008-05:00

The Pine Technical College American Sign Language (ASL) program, an 18-credit certificate, is a rapidly-growing program. While the program is not often one students choose to take alone, it is a popular ‘side-dish’ program.

“To take the ASL program in addition to another program is a smart choice,” explains Nancy Mach, PTC Dean of Student Affairs. “Especially students graduating from early childhood, nursing, accounting and business programs with the ASL certificate on top are more attractive to prospective employers in the job market. It’s an excellent side-dish program,” Mach adds.

PTC’s ASL courses are not only popular with students since they meet requirements within the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and help students when transferring to state universities with world language requirements, but also since there is a growing demand for graduates with the skill.

“ASL is estimated to be the fourth most commonly used language in the country,” says Kathryn Krier, PTC ASL instructor. “ASL courses fit well with nearly any student’s major or program and always makes the student more appealing to hire since they graduate with an extra skill. For example, nursing students will not only have the ability carry out healthcare services, but also the ability to communicate with deaf or hard-of-hearing patients, and that makes those graduates more appealing than students graduating with just the nursing diploma,” Krier explains.

The number of students enrolled in the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program taking ASL courses also is on the rise. In addition to Krier’s regularly-scheduled courses at the PTC campus, Krier teaches ASL via interactive television (ITV) to many rural area high schools including Isle, Holdingford, Lac qui Parle Valley, North Branch and BOLD Senior High School in Olivia, Minn. To take ASL courses via the PSEO program gives high school students the opportunity to earn credit that satisfies high school and college requirements simultaneously while gaining a skill in ASL as well as getting an early start on college.

“American Sign Language is the language of the Deaf community in the United States, and the Deaf population in Minnesota’s East Central Area has grown in the past few years,” Krier says. “Our community needs more people fluent in ASL, and we’re proud to contribute to meeting the need in the community,” Krier adds.

The ASL program at PTC is a language and culture program, which approaches the study of signed languages from both a linguistic and scientific perspective.

“ASL is a full, natural language. It uses a gestural-visual modality in which manual signs, facial expressions and body movements all convey complex, linguistic information,” Krier explains. “Once a student completes the certificate, he or she will have gained a full understanding of the language and be able to apply it in nearly any professional or social setting,” Krier adds.

Courses start Aug. 23, and PTC is accepting applications now. For more information about the ASL program, call 320-629-5100.

PTC expands parking lot

2010-06-25T14:57:00.006-05:00

Pine Technical College's parking lot is under construction and will be expanded to accommodate the college's record growth in student enrollment. The expanded parking area is replacing the tennis courts currently located on the campus’ north end.

"We have experienced record-breaking growth over the last few years, and one unfortunate side effect of that growth is that our students have had some frustration with finding adequate parking," explains President Robert Musgrove. "While it’s hard to say goodbye to our beloved tennis courts, we must take full advantage of our resources and property to provide the best experience for our students," Musgrove adds.

Construction is underway, and the tennis courts are no longer available for use. Construction will continue through mid-June, and the project is scheduled for completion by July 5.

Photos: Workers remove the tennis courts to make way for additional student parking.

New staff members join PTC's Strategic Initiatives department

2010-06-09T14:01:00.015-05:00

PTC extends a hearty "welcome" to four staff members, new to the Strategic Initiatives Department -- a department created after the college won a $4.2M healthcare grant from the Department of Labor in Feb. 2010. The money is being used in expanding existing degree programs and acquiring new degree programs in healthcare.

"I am very excited and pleased to have such a strong team," says Stefanie Schroeder, Director of Strategic Initiatives. "This department, grant and programming will bring so much opportunity to the region -- opportunity for students and opportunity for healthcare employers. It's just simply very important," Schroeder adds.

Photo (L to R): Stefanie Schroeder, Kerry Fridstrom, Alison Holland, Jessica Ayub, Mari Ringness.

Kerry Fridstrom,
Education and Employment Administrative Specialist
Fridstrom, a PTC alumnus,earned the Public Welfare Financial Worker A.A.S. in May, 2006. Since 2003, Fridstrom worked in the insurance industry and has been licensed as an Insurance Producer for Life, Accident/Health, Property, Casualty and Variable Annuities. As a former CNA, Health Unit Coordinator/Clinical Assistant and Staffing Coordinator, Fridstrom also has previous work experience in the medical field.

Jessica Ayub, Education and Employment Counselor
Ayub formerly worked in Pine Technical College's Employment and Training Center as an employment counselor serving Chisago County. Prior to joining PTC, Ayub provided vocational rehabilitation case management to injured workers within the State of Minnesota Workers’ Compensation system. Ayub's background includes experience in recruitment and career services with the Talent Acquisition team at Fairview Health Services and a host of volunteer work. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and is looking forward to gaining her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology -- both degrees from Bethel University.

Mari Ringness, Education and Employment Counselor
Since 2006, Ringness served as a College and Career Advisor at Cambridge-Isanti High School and worked with students and their parents, advising them regarding college admissions, financial aid, scholarships and more. Ringness also taught career units in classrooms and coordinated special events including a college fair and Senior Scholarship Night. Ringness, also a freelance writer, has a background in business and previously owned a conference planning company and has experience in marketing.

Alison Holland, Outreach Coordinator
Holland has served as the Executive Assistant to the President at Pine Technical College since July, 2009. In that role, Holland worked with the Healthcare Alliance and now looks forward to serving as the Outreach Coordinator for the Alliance’s HOPES grant. Prior to coming to PTC, Holland cultivated her skills in a variety of education and communication organizations including Mora High School, the University of Minnesota Extension, The Rake magazine, and The Sportsman’s Guide. Holland holds a B.A. from Gustavus Adolphus College and a master’s degree from Hamline University.

PTC supports local LGBT community

2010-06-07T14:41:00.021-05:00

Each year since 2005, hundreds of LGBT community members and their allies from around Minnesota's East Central area meet to network, learn and celebrate with pride at the East Central Pride in the Park event. This Sunday, it was Pine Technical College's first year attending the event, and members of PTC's Diversity Committee staffed a booth to showcase its support.

"Our booth got so much positive feedback; it was wonderful," said Theresa Fish, Sociology Instructor and Diversity Committee member. "We had the chance to connect with prospective and current students, alumni, community members, politicians and other MnSCU employees and demonstrate the school's commitment to being inclusive," Fish added.

Other vendors/booths at the event included Anoka-Ramsey Community College, East Central Minnesota Men's Circle, PFLAG, Rural Action Aids Network and more. Hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn and desserts were served along with a lineup of entertainment including a comedy act and live music.

Photo: Members of PTC's Diversity Committee staff the booth at the 2010 Pride in the Park event.

PTC students to help define Pine City's brand

2010-06-04T12:52:00.011-05:00

As part of the City of Pine City's Comprehensive Plan, a committee of local citizens has come together to discover, define and brand Pine City. The results will be reflected in the city's logo, tagline, signage, communications materials and more.

To help define the city's brand, the committee's first step is to gain input from Pine Citians and visitors to Pine City -- a move that gives PTC students the chance to tell Pine City leaders their thoughts on what makes Pine City.

Watch the City of Pine City website or the Pine City Chamber of Commerce website between June 15 and July 1. Click the survey link, and let your voice be heard!

2010 graduation ceremony largest ever, plus two Teacher of the Year awards

2010-05-17T15:04:00.018-05:00

Photos above: Graduates gather in the common area prior to the ceremony.

Photo above: Graduates line up on the stairs just before the processional.

Pine Technical College held its 43rd spring commencement ceremony last Friday, and with 141 graduates participating, the event was the most-attended in the college’s history.

"This year’s graduating class topped out at 175, and we were so proud to see a full house at the ceremony," says Joan Bloemendaal-Gruett, Pine Technical College Dean of Academic Affairs. "Graduation is an exciting time for our students, staff and faculty. We all are very proud of them as they take the next step to serve the community in their fields of choice," Gruett adds.

PTC’s Teacher of the Year award, an annual honor presented at the commencement ceremony, was special this year since the student-nominated award resulted in a tie. The two winners – Alexis Grinde and Wayne Helmbrecht, graciously accepted their awards Friday. Grinde teaches BIOL 1255, Microbiology, and BIOL 1260, Human Anatomy and Physiology. Helmbrecht, a Lab Assistant, supports manufacturing/machining and gunsmithing students in the Machine Technology lab.

Grinde, a repeat winner, first won the honor in 2007. Writes one student of Grinde on the nomination form, "Alexis goes out of her way to make sure we understand the information. Also, she has a way to put it all in laymen’s terms. She makes it fun, and it shows that she puts a lot of hard work into the material."

A student writes of Helmbrecht, "Wayne is full of wisdom and real world experience, and he shares it with anyone who needs help – super nice guy!" Another student wrote of Helmbrecht, "Wayne is approachable and very knowledgeable in the machine shop. He always goes the extra mile to help any student."

James Koppen, CEO of Pine Medical Center, gave the ceremony’s commencement address. Previously, Koppen worked as the Director of Pharmacy for the hospital for nearly 15 years and owned a retail drug store in Pine City for 22 years, and in 2009, Koppen was appointed to the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy by Governor Tim Pawlenty. Koppen also is the CEO of His Way Ministries, a tax-exempt organization which works with men and women in addiction. Koppen recently traveled for his tenth consecutive year to Guatemala with HELPS International on the organization’s annual surgical mission trip. Koppen has written two novels and is working to master watercolor painting, a theme he wove into his inspiring speech, "Life as a Journey." In his address, Koppen encouraged graduates to "...paint your canvasses with color and zest."

PTC continues to grow each year in terms of enrollment and programs offered. 142 students comprised the graduating class of 2009, and 125 students rounded out the class of 2008.

Photo above: Pine Technical College President Robert Musgrove addresses the graduates.

Photo above: Commencement ceremony speaker James Koppen addresses the graduates.

PTC and LSC partner to offer two degree programs

2010-05-14T09:02:00.022-05:00

Pine Technical College and Lake Superior College make a great pair! Together, the colleges are offering two degree programs -- an Associate of Arts degree and an Associate of Applied Science degree -- and each program is entirely available at the PTC campus and via online courses.

The A.A. degree is designed and offered for students planning to transfer to a university or four-year degree granting institution to pursue a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree with emphasis on a major concentration. The program enables graduates to seamlessly transfer into a B.A. and/or B.S. programs within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system and beyond. The program covers the core materials and courses needed to fulfill the goal areas of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and is rich in general education courses such as Social Science, Math, Computers, English, Humanities and more.

The new Medical Laboratory Technician A.A.S. degree is designed as a three-year program, and graduates will work with physicians and other health care professionals as they communicate test results and work to resolve diagnostic/testing discrepancies. Medical laboratory technicians conduct tests using samples of body fluids, cells or tissues to help detect, diagnose and treat diseases. Lab Technicians test a variety of specimens as they check for abnormalities or diseases, and work in four main medical lab departments: hematology, chemistry, microbiology and/or transfusion services.

While students in both programs will call PTC their "home campus," graduates will have earned a degree awarded by Lake Superior College.

"We are proud to partner with LSC to offer these programs," says Nancy Mach, Pine Technical College Dean of Student Affairs. "Designed especially for students in our area, these unique partnerships bring all program courses to our campus and are delivered in a convenient and flexible format," Mach adds.

To apply to either program, call 320-629-5100 or apply online.

Get the all-new 2010 issue of THE LINK!

2010-05-11T11:24:00.006-05:00

Did you know Pine Technical College publishes an annual magazine, THE LINK? Grab your copy, available in the Student Affairs office. The 2010 issue highlights several outstanding PTC students, and it features articles showcasing PTC's excellent services and departments. Read all about it!

Gunsmithing students aim high at Range Day

2010-04-28T14:19:00.019-05:00

Photo above: President Musgrove is about to take aim.

Pine Technical College gunsmithing students and Shooters Association members hosted and sponsored Range Day this afternoon at the Grantsburg, Wisc. Rod and Gun Club. The annual event was open to all students, students' families, prospective students, and staff and faculty members. More than 50 attended the event and participated in trap and skeet shooting, plus enjoyed grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, prepared by Shooters Association members.

"Range Day" is the event where anyone in the PTC community -- whether they're students or parents or donors or alumni or admissions staff -- can experience first-hand and up front firearms and shooting and learn to shoot if they don't already know how!" says Doug Pieper, PTC gunsmithing instructor. "Plus, it's just fun to get together outdoors over hamburgers and hot dogs and have a casual, fun event with our excellent students," Pieper adds.

Photo above: Gunsmithing students prepare the burgers.

Photo above: Dean of Student Affairs Nancy Mach takes her best shot with gunsmithing student Torfi Arnarson assisting.

Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs, "Oh my!"

2010-04-21T14:09:00.009-05:00

Pine Technical College will offer two sessions of Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs® manufacturing summer camp this year for high school students who have completed grades 9 – 11. Designed to help inspire the next generation of inventors, engineers, entrepreneurs and manufacturers, the camp is a technical, hands-on experience to introduce students to 21st century manufacturing technology and basic entrepreneurial skills. Two week-long sessions will be offered in June – one June 7 through June 11, and one June 14 through June 18. The first (June 7) session is open to both boys and girls. The second (June 14) session will have priority registration for girls only through May 21; boys will be accepted on a space-available basis after this date.

"Participants use technology to create a product from start to finish, providing them practical experience to build their confidence and set a foundation if they choose a career in one of the trades," said Dr. Robert Musgrove, Pine Technical College President. "There is an ever-increasing demand for highly skilled professionals who can design, program and operate technology, and this camp allows students to learn about these opportunities."

Meeting from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday at Pine Technical College, participants will explore entrepreneurship, computer aided design (CAD), computer numerical control (CNC) programming and machining, automation, robotics and more, while emphasizing product creation, problem solving and team building. Visits to area manufacturers will provide an up-close look at products being made as well as career advice and inspiration from the entrepreneurs who run the companies.

For parents/guardians interested in having their child participate in the local camp, the registration fee is $50, which includes daily lunch, a camp T-shirt, instruction and materials, and transportation for all field trips to local manufacturers. One college credit will be awarded for successful completion of the camp. Scholarships are available for those with demonstrated need to help cover the registration fee and transportation to and from the camp. Because of the hands-on nature of the program, space is limited. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The priority application deadline is May 21, 2010.

Don't miss Information and Financial Aid Night, May 5

2010-04-16T10:29:00.008-05:00

Out of work? Want to re-train? Need to upgrade your skills? Want to change careers or start a career? Attend this valuable event full of information, and get the facts about going to college. Meet instructors and advisors, get career counseling and tour the campus!

Representatives from the Employment and Training Center, Central Minnesota Jobs and Training, Adult Basic Education and more also will be on hand to round out this information-packed night! Get ALL your questions about financial aid and enrollment at one stop!

What: Information and Financial Aid Night!
Who: Open to the public
When: May 5, 2010
Where: PTC campus in the Student Lounge area.
Time: 5 to 7 p.m.

For more information, call 320-629-5100 or e-mail: information@pinetech.edu. See you there!