Student Shines in Surgical Tech Program - FROM PIXAR TO THE O.R. MIKE ROWE SCHOLARSHIP - Blackhawk ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
THE
@BTC
WINTER 2021 EDITION
In this issue:
FROM PIXAR TO THE O.R.
MIKE ROWE SCHOLARSHIP
GOES TO BTC STUDENTS
EASING HUNGER ON CAMPUS
A NEW DAY IN
LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING
Student Shines in
Surgical Tech Program
E S S E N T I AL
TR
AI
NI
NG
FO
RS
A F E R C OM MUN I
TIE
S
PUBLIC SAFETY + TRANSPORTATION
CENTER REFERENDUM
THANK YOU
For Your Support
Follow us on our journey at:
www.blackhawk.edu/pstc
WELCOME
Contents
Thinking back to last spring, when we made the
difficult decision to move all operations online,
none of us at the College imagined we would
still be in a pandemic nine months later. From
the beginning, the College has enforced safety
protocols to slow the spread of COVID-19 so we
can continue to live out our mission of offering a
flexible education in a supportive environment.
Our students, faculty, and staff have risen to the
challenge. Blackhawk is here to provide a safe,
4-5 accessible, hands-on (and virtual) education.
I am proud of our accomplishments this semester.
7 Campaign Goal Achieved Some of those include:
• Remaining open to serve our students and community
8-9 Injury to Industry
• No community spread of COVID-19 at any Blackhawk location
10-11 Next Generation of Law • Giving students the ability to choose how they attend class through MyEdChoice
Enforcement Academy (in-person or online education)
• Transitioning many face-to-face services to virtual services
12-13 BTC Tidbits • Hosting free community-wide COVID-19 testing on our Central Campus
• Passing a $32 million referendum to enable the College to build the
15 BTC Foundation: Public Safety + Transportation Center
AG Programs Get A Boost
As a College, we continue to press on through the pandemic. While some classes might
16 Flexible Training at BTC
look a little different, we are open and continue to train our community’s essential
17 Alleviating Hunger workers. We are in the workforce development business. To that end, we continue to be
responsive to our community’s needs and available for students who want to continue
19 BTC Students Win Big their training and education to advance in their careers.
20-21 Student Makes Big Impact Students must have options to stay safe, stay connected, and stay on track.
Here at BTC, we are ready to help you get connected and get ahead.
22 Body Shop at BTC
23 Programs at BTC
Tracy Pierner, Ph.D.
President, Blackhawk Technical College
Blackhawk Technical College Magazine
Editor-in-Chief Art Director, Designer
Jennifer Thompson Angie Kablar
Writer Photo Editor
Becky Hansen Jeff Woods
17 Photographer, Designer Contributing Editors
Amanda Urish Carrie Arnold
Melissa Dix
Photographer
Gabriela Mar-Gagula
Bradley Ziegler
blackhawk.edu 3
STUDENT SHINES
in New Program at BTC
When it came time to choose a path for surgical procedures, ensure necessary school, clinicals, and keeping herself safe
higher education, Kayla Meier realized equipment is properly maintained during a time of great uncertainty. “I have
that the best choice for her was close to and available when needed, handle been fortunate enough to have excellent
home. As family, friends, and coworkers surgical specimens, maintain a sterile instructors within the program,” she said,
were encouraging her to check out local atmosphere in the operating room “especially during this pandemic. Overall,
options, Blackhawk Technical College was environment, and complete necessary I believe BTC handled it very well.”
advertising its new surgical technology paperwork related to surgical procedures.
program. One of the things that Kayla appreciates
Being involved in a healthcare program most about BTC is that students have
Kayla has always had an interest in the during a global pandemic has been the opportunity for extensive hands-on
healthcare field and surgery and said, especially challenging. Like many learning in a simulation lab that closely
students, Kayla has had to balance work, mirrors that of a hospital surgical suite.
“This program opened up at the
right time, and it has been the
perfect fit for me.” Estimated Program Costs & Potential Earnings
Kayla’s instructors agree. “Kayla is an 65 Credits Potential Careers
excellent student and a true mentor
• Surgical Technologist
to her peers and incoming program
students. You can see the drive in
Kayla to become a quality surgical
$
10,026 • Central Supply Technician
• Claims Approver
technologist,” said Jessica Donahue, BTC Average Wage
Surgical Technology instructor. • Private Scrub Technologist
Surgical technologists prepare and
sterilize instruments and surgical
$
52,062 • Scrub Surgical Technologist
• Second Assisting Technologist
supplies, assist physicians during based on EMSI Occupational Employment Statistics • Laser/Endoscopic Technician
• Tissue/Organ Procurement
4 The Buzz at BTC | Winter 2021
Blackhawk also has “Surgical Chloe” which many options. Do not be afraid to reach
is a full-body female surgical simulator. out to faculty or any of the advisors, as
She can be used with surgical instruments they are very willing to help you begin
“This program is the and reproduce surgical scenarios. She your education and guide you on your
perfect fit for me. I’m has a monitor that displays her vitals
during surgery, and those vitals fluctuate
way to your dreams.”
excited to see where depending on what is happening. This
simulator can replicate minimal and
Once finished with her BTC program,
Kayla plans to pursue work in the growing
it will take me.” invasive procedures while providing real- field of surgical technology and is “excited
time feedback to students.
-Kayla to see where it will take me.” Needless
to say, Kayla is likely to be wearing a face
Kayla encourages students to, mask for many years to come.
“Take all the opportunities that Blackhawk
has to offer. It is a small school but has
FROM PIXAR TO THE O.R.
When Amy DeGraw was interviewing for a job as a computer Amy has now worked in central services/sterile processing for over 18
animator with Pixar Animation Studios, she didn’t think that she would years. She started as a technician with zero experience and learned
find herself spearheading an academic program for a career field not everything on the job. She worked her way up the career ladder to be
even on her radar. a supervisor and is now a sterile processing educator for a local health
care system. Currently, she is also the lead instructor for the new
A glimpse into what her life would become in a world of impossible Central Service Technician (CST) technical diploma at BTC.
deadlines, forced creativity, and 18-hour days led her to step away
from what she always thought was her dream career to pursue a Central Service Technicians are the key persons responsible for
different craft. maintaining the quality of medical products that are processed,
packaged, and sterilized by a medical facility. These technicians clean,
“I heard about an opening in a local sterile processing department,” sterilize, and assemble surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies
Amy explained. “I knew what the job entailed because my dad was an for use in operating rooms and other medical and surgical facilities.
operating room nurse. As soon as I walked into the department for my In addition to working in a hospital setting, CSTs can work in surgical
interview, I was hooked.” centers, dental clinics, vet clinics, take travel assignments, work for
healthcare vendors and suppliers, or teach.
“As soon as I Students who enter the Blackhawk CST program can expect to gain
walked into the essential skills and knowledge to get them started in any Central
Service department. Amy’s goal is always “to teach the why behind
department for what we do, not just the how.”
my interview, I Amy currently holds certifications through the International
was hooked.” Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management
(IAHCSMM) - Certified Registered Central Service Technician
-Amy (CRCST) and Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL) – and has spoken
at the industry’s annual conference. Her passion for students
and this lesser-known healthcare career continue to drive Amy’s
desire to grow and help students do the same.
Registration is now open for the CST program.
For more information about CST, visit blackhawk.edu.
blackhawk.edu 5
got technology?
Registered BTC students can
check out laptops and hotspots
at no additional charge!
• Available at all
BTC campuses
• Check out for weekly or For more information on the
semester-long intervals loan program, call
(608) 757-7705 or email
library@blackhawk.edu
6 The Buzz at BTC | Winter 2021
6 The Buzz at BTC | Winter 2021
BTC FOUNDATION
Campaign Goal
Left to right: Tim McKevett (President and CEO, Beloit Health System), Sharon Cox (Vice
President/Chief Nursing Officer, Beloit Health System), and Tracy Pierner (President,
Blackhawk Technical College).
In 2018, George S. Parker and the Parker In partnership with the Parker Family our communities. First-year students can be
Family Foundation created the Nancy Foundation, Blackhawk Technical College eligible for a $1,000 maximum scholarship
B. Parker Nursing Scholars Program Foundation launched the Nancy B. Parker award with an opportunity for an additional
at Blackhawk Technical College. The Nursing Scholars Program in fall 2018, a $1,500 scholarship in year two.
Parker Foundation made an initial gift of scholarship to help retain skilled nurses
$250,000 to establish the program with in Rock and Green Counties. It is named
a commitment to donate an additional for Nancy B. Parker and her lifelong
$250,000 based on a challenge match contributions to, and involvement with,
to the local community. In total, this is a nursing activities, including her service to
$1,000,000 investment into students and Mercy Hospital in Janesville, where she
the community. served on the Board of Trustees for
many years.
The goal was to close out the giving
campaign within five years. The BTC The program targets high-achieving
Foundation is proud to announce it closed students admitted into the BTC nursing
the campaign and topped it off in just program. The goal is to improve nursing
over two years with a very generous gift student recruitment and retention and to
from the Theodore W. Batterman Family fill anticipated nursing shortages in Green
Foundation, Inc. and Rock Counties by retaining top talent in
Nancy B. Parker Nursing Scholars major donors:
• Hendricks Family Foundation • Geraldine Idzerda
• Mercyhealth System • Monroe Clinic and Hospital
• Janesville Foundation • Kennedy Family
• JP Cullen Foundation Foundation
• Theodore W. Batterman Family • SSM Health St. Mary’s
Foundation, Inc. Hospital – Janesville
• Beloit Health System
Emily McAllister, Parker Scholars recipient, class of 2020.
blackhawk.edu 7
Injury to Industry
Three years ago, Josh Lichtfuss didn’t so
much decide to start a new career as he
was forced into one. After nearly ten years
with his employer, he suffered a back
injury. Two surgeries, several injections, and
countless hours of physical therapy later, it
became clear that he would not be able to
return to his previous position.
“I knew the only way to get back
to work was to get additional
education,” Josh said. “Believe in yourself
After conducting significant research
and the knowledge
about where and what he wanted to study,
acutely aware that it had been 18 years
you have gained
since he last set foot in a classroom, Josh during your time
chose to pursue a Business Management
degree from Blackhawk Technical College. at BTC.”
Estimated Program Costs
Now that he’s solidly into the program, Josh -Josh & Potential Earnings
can see how his business degree will open
doors for him. A business degree isn’t just
one thing. Instead, it trains students to join a Despite the excitement of pursuing a
management team, open and operate their 62 Credits
new career path, Josh has had his share
own business, or act as a business analyst.
9,809
of struggles. “I had to relearn a lot of
math, and I had to learn how to write
$
The business management program has in business format for assignments,” he
moved Josh out of his comfort zone in a said. “There were struggles with figuring
variety of ways. Managers work with and out how to structure my schedule to
Average Wage
coordinate teams, which means that many accommodate coursework.”
business classes require significant group
work. To help him increase his confidence One example Josh gave is how he started
$
83,013
and comfort with some of these projects, taking an accounting class that met once based on EMSI Occupational
Josh joined the Blackhawk chapter of the a week for several hours. It was too much Employment Statistics
Business Professionals of America (BPA). information at one time. After assessing
He enjoyed it so much that this is his why he was struggling, Josh transitioned
second year serving as the BPA president. to a class that met multiple times a week, Potential Careers
which proved to be successful for him. • Assistant Store Manager
BPA is a leading career and technical student Like many students, Josh feels he works
organization for students pursuing careers in • Branch Manager
better in a classroom setting. So, when
business management, office administration, the pandemic forced students online, that • Buying and Planning Specialist
information technology, and other related was another challenging adjustment.
career fields. BPA has 43,000 members • Customer Service Manager
in over 2,300 chapters in 23 states, “The instructors were incredibly • Department or District Manager
Puerto Rico, China, and Peru. Its mission accommodating and mindful that this was • Distribution Center Manager
is to prepare a world-class workforce by going to be a struggle for some students,”
advancing leadership, citizenship, academic, • Entrepreneur/Owner
Josh said. “They made themselves
and technological skills. available to students to make sure there
wasn’t a gap in learning for anyone.”
8 The Buzz at BTC | Winter 2021
Josh lauds business instructors Jeff Kropp, himself in student activities.” Joel also “My best advice to you,” he said, “would be to
Joel Schluesner, and Lavinia Baldivieso appreciates that, along with engaging with believe in yourself. Believe in the knowledge
for helping students through the current the BTC community, Josh donates his time you have gained while working. You will find
national crisis. Josh also appreciates how to a local homeless shelter. that you are more knowledgeable about the
these instructors allow students to take on materials discussed in class than you thought
topics and encourage classroom discussion Now Josh is planning for life after Blackhawk. you were.”
to facilitate understanding. He and his fiancée are planning to move to
South Carolina, get married, and purchase Anyone interested in learning more about
The admiration is mutual. Joel Schluesner their first home closer to family. Josh the Business Management program
attributes much of Josh’s success to the encourages students who are considering options, contact Joel Schluesner at
way he has shown initiative by “immersing going back to school after a long time away. jschluesner@blackhawk.edu.
New Student Government Association
EAGER TO CONNECT WITH STUDENTS
The latest Blackhawk Technical College Student Government
Association (SGA) officers are hard at work. Despite a pandemic, this
new group of leaders is eager to connect with students and improve
student life at BTC.
The mission of SGA is to represent the current and future student
needs and wants for the greater benefit of the student body. The
group is part of the Wisconsin Student Government Association
where students represent Blackhawk at statewide meetings and
conferences as well as meet with Wisconsin state legislators
on important issues. SGA’s goal is to provide opportunities for
fellowship, networking, and professional growth among students.
(pictured top left to right) Josh and Ryan (pictured bottom left to right) Dana and Sarah
This year’s SGA board includes: “To help with this goal, the Student Union Current groups include:
at central campus remains open with • Board Gaming and eSports League
Ryan Lewis, President (Janesville)
plenty of options for entertainment,” • Bowling Team
Area of study: Information Technology
said Megan Wisnowski BTC Student • Business Professionals of America
Josh Lichtfuss, Executive Vice President Engagement Specialist. • Epicurean Club
(Janesville)
• Future Law Enforcement Women
Area of study: Business Management “We have to do things a little • Health Occupations
Sarah Potter, Parliamentarian (Beloit) differently this year, so we have Students of America
Area of study: Network Specialist lined up small group activities and • Medical Imaging Student Organization
• Multi-Cultural Alliance
Dana Pierce, Event Liaison (Janesville) virtual events throughout the year,”
• Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Area of study: Human Services said Megan Wisnowski. • Professional Agricultural Students
• Student Government Association
SGA’s goal this year is to improve unity and The pandemic challenges mean that some
• Student Nurses Association
communication for Blackhawk students activities are not able to meet as planned
• Veterans Club
during this challenging time. They hope this year. Many organizations and sports
to do this by enhancing the ways in which have become creative in how they get
students are reached and providing diverse, together during a pandemic, and they are
engaging events in a safe manner for all still looking for students to participate.
BTC students.
blackhawk.edu 9
“We want to build
relationships and
change the community’s
perspective of officers.”
-Troy
(pictured to the left)
Troy Egger, Law Enforcement
Academy Coordinator
10 The Buzz at BTC | Summer 2020TRAINING THE
Next Generation of Law Enforcement
“To recognize always that the test competency, emotional intelligence, and their new departments and positions where
of police efficiency is the absence understand their own implicit biases by they are typically immersed in four months
connecting students with community of field training with a senior officer. This in-
of crime and disorder and not the
activists and other experts. depth field training helps recruits apply what
visible evidence of police action in they have learned in the Academy at BTC.
dealing with them.”-Troy Egger “We want to build relationships and change
the community’s perspective of officers,” The enhanced training standards of the state
Sir Robert Peel wrote these words in 1892. said Troy Egger. require recruits to engage in an increasing
Peel, known as the father of modern policing, amount of scenario training during their
is one reason why Troy Egger, Blackhawk It is currently a challenging time for anyone 18 weeks at the Academy. The new Public
Technical College’s Law Enforcement in the field of law enforcement. Highly Safety + Transportation Center on the
Academy Coordinator, considers himself publicized civil unrest is making the public as College’s Central Campus will allow students
both a progressive officer and, to a certain a whole take a look at what policing should to train in more realistic and appropriate
extent, a regressive one. and should not be. “With what is happening settings to practice the skills they are learning.
now in the world, I am worried more,” said
When Troy took over in December of 2019, academy student Cody Oudinot (pictured Sir Robert Peel could never have imagined
he knew the first thing he needed to do below). “But at the same time, it makes me of what modern policing would become.
was shift the Academy’s mindset away want to be out there more. I think I’m a Officers today branch out from jails, courts,
from paramilitary order-following. “Before I better fit for that role versus officers who and street patrols to work with K-9 units,
got here,” Troy said, “students had to stand don’t have the right motivation.” DARE SWAT teams, and lake and field
at attention when the instructor walked patrols. Many also serve as DARE and
in, if they made a mistake, they had to do Experience is invaluable when keeping the school resource officers. Sir Peel would be
pushups, they had to park farthest away and peace, but Troy encourages his students to proud to see our modern officers, striving
run into the classroom.” Respect is invaluable, be ready to speak up for what is right from to be community problem solvers and
Troy acknowledges, but so is critical thinking day one on the job, whether that’s when keeping the peace, going far beyond simply
and problem-solving. encountering an issue while on patrol or enforcing the law.
working with veteran officers
Officers that patrol neighborhoods and on the force.
cities must think on their feet and make
decisions that will help solve community “Because of the rigorous
problems without having immediate access standards set by the
to a commander who could approve Department of Justice and
or reject any given course of action as the access they have had
soldiers do. This is one of the significant to exceptional instructors, I
educational philosophies that Troy has always tell my students that
learned by pursuing his two master’s degrees they are the most trained
– one in criminal justice to understand law they will ever be the day
enforcement aspects, and one in training and they graduate from the
development to know how to train officers academy,” he said.
most effectively to do that enforcing.
This is not to say that
“We encourage our students to fail veteran officers are not
forward,” he explained of the Academy’s trained; on the contrary.
new education model. “In other words, However, new officers have
to make mistakes and to then learn from extensively studied their
them. Indecision is the worst thing you can craft when they finish the
engage in as an officer.” He’s also worked Academy, and it is fresh
to implement training to help officers in their minds. After the
improve their problem-solving skills, cultural Academy, they transition to
blackhawk.edu 11#funatBTC
SOUP WARS WINNERS
The Culinary Arts Program students
take part in Soup Wars every year
where staff and students get to
vote on their soups. This year
winners were: 1st place-
Noah Gunnink (above
left), 2nd place-Kristin
Boltz (below) and 3rd
place-Ben Cawkins
(above right)
TURKEYS FOR ECHO
In its 28th year, the BTC
Culinary Program prepared
turkeys for ECHO Christmas
dinner. This year, the faculty
and students prepared 525
pounds of turkey. ECHO is
a non-profit in Janesville
NSLS AMONG TOP CHAPTERS dedicated to meeting
housing, food and other
One year ago, Blackhawk inducted its basic human needs in our
community.
first class of 46 students into a brand
new chapter of the National Society for #BTCinthecommunity
Leadership and Success (NSLS) honor
society. Out of more than 715 NSLS
chapters across the country, Blackhawk
achieved one of the 100 best induction
rates for the 2019-20 academic year.
Because of this, BTC was able to award one
student a scholarship. Dixie McKee was
selected to receive the $250 scholarship
PAS STUDENT ELECTED
due to her leadership, hard work, and AS STATE PRESIDENT
advocacy of NSLS. She is currently
pursuing her second Associate’s Congratulations to BTC
Degree at BTC in Substance Use Agribusiness student Brianna
Disorder Counseling (SUDC). Sheehan! She was elected
to serve as the 2020-21
Wisconsin Professional
#BTCproud Agricultural Students (PAS)
Organization President at
the virtual Fall Leadership
Conference! Congratulations
Brianna, we are proud of
your accomplishments. We
look forward to your year of
leadership.
#BlackhawkStrong
12 The Buzz at BTC | Winter 2021WORKFORCE ADVANCEMENT
TRAINING GRANT AWARDED
BTC is delighted to report that $268,357
in Workforce Advancement Training
(WAT) grants have been secured and
will impact 15 companies in Rock and
Green counties.
#BTCinthecommunity
BTC EMPLOYEE EARNS GLOBAL RECOGNITION
Kristy Crocker, Health Simulation Lab Coordinator
at Blackhawk Technical College, recently earned the
Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE)
NEW ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP designation. According to the Society for Simulation in
Healthcare, there are only 2,000 certified professionals
Dr. Karen Schmitt became BTC’s Vice
globally. This formal professional recognition is a
President of Academic Affairs on July
testament to the knowledge, skills, and accomplishments
13, 2020. Her professional journey has
in simulation education that Kristy offers at Blackhawk.
taken her from Antarctica to the west
coast and even to Alaska, but she proudly
calls Wisconsin home. Her energy, focus
on students, experience, and belief in the
College mission made her an easy choice to
lead our College’s academic unit.
NEW HR LEADERSHIP
With over 20 years of human resource
experience in the Wisconsin Technical
College System, Kathy Broske assumed
the role of Executive Director of Human
Resources at BTC on July 20, 2020. Her BRAD SMITH FEATURED IN
expertise, engaging communication style, WORLD CONFERENCE
focus on fostering a collaborative culture,
and passion for developing people and Congrats to our very own Brad Smith – Manager of
organizations are an excellent fit for BTC. Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness, for his
recent inclusion in the 9th Annual World Conference
of the Society for Industrial and Systems Engineering
(SISE). His paper entitled Risk, Reward and Analysis of
Workers’ Compensation Data in a Technical College
System: A Pilot Study was featured in the 2020 SISE
Virtual Conference.
#staffatBTC
COMING OUT OF RETIREMENT TO LEAD THE RANKS
Community-wide COVID-19 testing was launched at Blackhawk Technical
College on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Since that time, the Wisconsin National Guard
has administered over 5,000 tests. The person behind that operation was Mike
Swartz, a retired police and corrections officer from Pennsylvania. A member of
the College’s safety and security team, Mike served as the Incident Commander
#BTCproud for the testing site. Join us in thanking Mike for his service to our community.
blackhawk.edu 13BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE | FOUNDATION
2019 - 2020
Your Impact in Action
TOTAL TOTAL
FUNDS NUMBER OF AWARDED DONORS
81 GIFTS SCHOLARSHIPS 201
1,115 177
ASSETS UNDER COLLEGE
MANAGEMENT TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS SUPPORT
$4.1M GIFTS AWARDED $22,392
$494,745 $104,512
Proceeds from the lunch will
support scholarships for
minority students.
Limited Tickets
Available
Adults $12
i c k-up Students/+Seniors $10
e P Tuesday,
sid
urb
C
February 23 Reservation
Deadline: Feb. 16
11am-1pm efrazier@blackhawk.edu
EVENT SPONSOR: www.tinyurl.com/BTCSoulFood
CENTRAL CAMPUS
K
FACEBOO +
Senior pricing for 55 and older.
SILENT
N FEBRUARY 8-22
AUCTIO
BTC is an EO/AA educator/employer.
For more information, go to blackhawk.edu
14 The Buzz at BTC | Winter 2021COLONY BRANDS FOUNDATION
Donates $40K to Fund for the
Future of Agriculture
Colony Brands Foundation of Monroe, Headquartered in Monroe, Colony education possible for students in our
Wisconsin presented Blackhawk Technical Brands believes in generously supporting region. Further, the fund will help train
College officials with a $40,000 donation their local communities; it is a part of and retain professionals for the agriculture
to the Fund for the Future of Agriculture. their core values. Each year, Colony industry in south central Wisconsin.
The fund, created by Jim and Therese Brands, Inc. partners with over 350
Gratz and Fran and Sandy Donny, aims to different organizations to help build “This generous donation is just one
provide scholarship and program funding our communities through monetary example of Colony Brands’ commitment
for BTC agriculture programs. The goal of donations and growth challenges. They to our community,” said Dr. Tracy Pierner,
the initiative is to attract young people to proudly support worthy causes – from President of Blackhawk Technical College.
agricultural professions and retain them the arts to education, youth activities, and “They clearly understand the importance
locally. community needs. of a technical college education, and how
our graduates fill essential positions in the
“At Colony Brands Foundation, we want “This life-changing gift to the BTC workforce and contribute to the economic
to do everything we can to create really Foundation will go directly to help students growth of our region.”
transformative, positive initiatives on a pursue an agricultural degree at Blackhawk.
local basis,” explained John Baumann, The generosity of Colony Brands will For more information about scholarship
Colony Brands Foundation President. impact students for years to come,” said opportunities or to make a financial gift
“The Fund for the Future of Agriculture BTC Foundation Director Lisa Hurda. to the Fund for the Future of Agriculture at
is very forward thinking and creates a lot Blackhawk Technical College, contact the
of opportunities for local farmers and The Fund for the Future of Agriculture Blackhawk Foundation at (608) 757-7704
agriculture as a whole in this area.” was founded to help make agriculture or Lhurda@blackhawk.edu.
(pictured left to right) Tracy Pierner, Dustin Williams, John Baumann (Colony Brands Foundation President), Lisa Hurda blackhawk.edu 15at Blackhawk Technical College
FLEXIBLE, CUSTOMIZED
Prepare Your
Workforce.
TRAINING AT BTC
We need flexible, customized education to meet our specific needs.
Empower Your Team.
That’s what Blackhawk’s Workforce and “BTC is a wonderful education
Community Development (WCD) team
We provide flexible training options partner, offering flexible, hands-on
regularly hears when it comes to local
to help you keep pace with the businesses and training their employees. training options for our employees,
changing workforce and provide your Fortunately, that is precisely where the building the specific skills we
employees with the skills and tools Blackhawk WCD team excels. need to develop our workforce at
they need to succeed. Hormel,” praised Hunter Pagel,
When WCD learns of a workforce
development need, they leap into HR Manager/Manager of Safety,
action to pose creative solutions. For Security and Medical.
Contact us today to learn more about example, WCD teamed up with the
our training/coaching solutions. College’s Manufacturing, Apprenticeship,
Technology & Transportation (MATT) Flexibility becomes a driver for these
(608) 757-7623 division to rethink how some credit employers. Employees no longer have
BusinessDevelopment@blackhawk.edu courses were offered. The result was to choose between employment
creating one credit, competency-based and education. Blackhawk is able to
training modules. These courses are accommodate student work schedules,
grounded in specific principles and lab- without requiring them to take a full
based training while allowing organizations load. Training is delivered in a flex-lab
to provide input into the class’s specific environment. Meaning, students don’t have
outcomes. to wait for a new semester to get started,
and open lab times help students complete
Several manufacturers in Rock and Green hands-on coursework.
Counties are now taking advantage of this
unique training opportunity. Companies BTC is continuously exploring new
identify staff who need specific skills opportunities to engage with local
development in electro-mechanical, employers and meet their employee
welding, diesel repair, and machine tools. development needs. “BTC is proud to be a
REGISTER NOW These companies send these employees
to Blackhawk’s Advanced Manufacturing
one-stop workforce and education partner
for Industry, offering flexible training
For Community & Professional Training Center in Milton. These options that build a skilled workforce today
Development Classes at: employees become BTC students and and moving forward into the future,” said
complete specialized training needed by Colleen Koerth, WCD Workforce Manager.
blackhawk.edu their employers.
BTC has served over 60 students
This approach to training is growing in representing 14 companies through its
popularity. Hormel foods recently engaged flexible education programs in the MATT
with BTC for maintenance training and they division. For more information, contact:
BTC is an EO/AA educator/employer. For more information, go to blackhawk.edu appreciate the flexible, supportive approach businessdevelopment@blackhawk.edu.
to workforce development.
16 The Buzz at BTC | Winter 2021ALLEVIATING HUNGER ON CAMPUS
In 2015, the report Hunger to Learn: To provide additional food security among Cupboard function with no-contact
Addressing Food and Housing Insecurity Blackhawk Tech students, the BTC Student pickups only. Registered students can
Among Undergraduates surveyed 4,000 Cupboard launched in October of 2018. email requests, which are typically filled
students at ten community colleges The mission of the Cupboard is to provide within 1-2 business days.
across the country and determined that supplemental food and other necessities
more than half of all community college to Blackhawk students and their families Since opening two years ago, the
students struggle with food insecurity. who are in need, and to ensure no BTC Cupboard has served close to 300
Unlike hunger, food insecurity is being student goes hungry because of a lack of families at BTC, demonstrating the
unable to access enough affordable and income or access to food. continued need for such a service.
nutritious food regularly. Once knowledge
of this research reached the BTC Any BTC student can use the Student If you find yourself in a position of being
community, a committee assembled to Cupboard; to do so, they must first fill out able to share with others, donations of
assess our students’ needs. the Cupboard application found under non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies,
Student Resources on Blackhawk’s and hygiene items are welcome in the
Of the more than 500 website. Shopping lists are donation bins located on each campus.
Blackhawk students available describing what “The Student Cupboard can purchase
surveyed, 33% said that students can take depending some bulk food items through Second
at some point while on the size of their family. Harvest/Caritas using student activity
they were a student, fees,” explained Megan Wisnowski,
there was a time they Under normal Student Engagement Specialist.
did not have enough circumstances, students “However, we cannot order hygiene items
food for themselves would be allowed to visit through this partnership, so most of the
or their household, the Cupboard weekly hygiene and cleaning supplies that we
while 84% to obtain supplemental give out are obtained through
confirmed that food and hygiene donations – of items and
they would make items. Currently, money.”
use of a food the pandemic is
pantry if such a requiring that the
facility existed
on campus.
Monetary donations to support BTC
students and the Cupboard can be made
via cash/check, sent to the attention of
Student Cupboard or through the BTC
Foundation at www.tinyurl.com/BTCgift
Additional support for Blackhawk students
is available through the BTC Student
Cupboard and the newly formed Care
Center located on Central Campus.
Pictured: Victoria Bailey, Criminal Justice student,
BTC Student Cupboard volunteer.IDEAL SCHOLARSHIP
A INING THE IDEAL OPPORTUNIT
SUST Y PROG
RA M
Blackhawk Technical College Foundation seeks to partner with alumni,
businesses, and friends to sustain the IDEAL Opportunity scholarship program by providing
an enduring legacy while also being a part of transformational change for our Blackhawk students.
What is the Purpose of this Scholarship?
IDEAL Opportunity Scholarships are designed to remove financial barriers for persons of
color who are low income, and who may be first generation college students. These
scholarships will increase access to education and make a two-year associates degree
from BTC possible as a Blackhawk Scholar graduate.
What is the Impact of my Gift?
· Diversity within the workforce
· Access to education for students
· Financial barriers removed for students
· Mentorship opportunities
Want to Build a Bridge Together?
Join us in creating opportunities that have not existed before!
Make a financial gift to “Sustain the IDEAL Opportunity” for
underrepresented students as part of our goal to promote racial
equity and develop a diverse talent pipeline for our communities
for years to come.
To donate, please visit
tinyurl.com/btcgift
or connect with
Lisa Hurda, Foundation Director
Blackhawk Technical College
LHurda@blackhawk.edu • (608) 757-7704
18 The Buzz at BTC | Winter 2021MIKE ROWE
Scholarship
Congratulations to Nicholas Miller and
Casey Bennett who are among 223 “Nicholas has
national winners of the 2020 taken challenges
Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation
Work Ethic Scholarship.
head-on with
confidence and
determination.”
The Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation Work Ethic Scholarship -Steve Jones
requires applicants to answer questions, write an essay, and record Diesel Instructor
a video of themselves. The foundation has granted more than $5
million in funding for trade schools across the country since its
inception.
Casey Bennett (Monroe, Wisconsin) is a student in the
According to the Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation, “the Work Agribusiness Specialist program housed at Blackhawk’s Monroe
Ethic Scholarship Program is about recognizing the people who Campus. When he finishes that program in May 2021, he plans
understand the importance of personal responsibility, delayed to transition into the Agribusiness/Science Technology degree.
gratification, a positive attitude, and, of course, work ethic.” The He currently serves the Wisconsin Technical College System as a
Foundation goes on to explain, “The hardworking men and student District Ambassador.
women who keep the lights on, water running, and air flowing—the
next generation of skilled workers who will work smart and hard. “Casey is excelling academically and is taking full advantage
These are the folks we consider rock stars, and we want to reward of his education and other related opportunities at BTC,” said
them.” Agribusiness and Farm Management Instructor Dustin Williams.
“Casey has a great work ethic and can-do attitude, and is a great
Nicholas Miller (of Roscoe, Illinois) is a student in the Diesel and representative of a role model student.”
Heavy Equipment Technician program. He anticipates completing
the program in the spring of 2021. Upon graduation, he is hoping The rigorous application process for the scholarship allows
to work on agricultural equipment – a pressing need here in applicants to demonstrate their work ethic. “The Mike Rowe Work
Wisconsin and across the Midwest. Ethic scholarship is very competitive and the application process is
designed to make you prove you want a spot,” explained Casey.
According to diesel instructor Steve Jones, “It’s an honor having
Nicholas within the diesel program courses. He strives to perform “To go through the process and be selected is a huge confidence
his best every day within the class or diesel lab, and he has taken
boost that I’m doing the right thing for me and my family; that I’m
challenges head-on with confidence and determination. I have full
confidence he will succeed in obtaining his future goals, no matter on the right path and have a supportive network that believes in my
what they may be.” potential for success.”-Casey
This scholarship is also a big help to Nicholas in meeting his career
goals. “Being a nontraditional student, the scholarship helps out
financially,” he said. “It can be tough leaving a full-time job
to go back to school and this scholarship helps make that
“Casey has a great possible.”
work ethic and
can-do attitude.”
-Dustin Williams
Agribusiness Instructor
blackhawk.edu 19EMT STUDENT
Makes
BIG IMPACT
When Heidi Ganshert (pictured left) says that small-
town life involves wearing many hats, she knows what
that means first hand.
Heidi is not only an Emergency Medical Technician
(EMT) student at Blackhawk Tech, she helps her
husband run their dairy farm, is a mom to three kids,
teaches high school science, coaches softball, and
serves as the Argyle School District’s athletic director.
All of those different hats have one thing in common
- the risk of injury. Sports, large animals, and science
experiments all carry significant risks for the people who
interact with them. So being able to provide emergency
care is a handy skill to have.
“I’ve wanted to be an EMT since I was very young,” Heidi
said. “Two times in my life, I witnessed EMS at work
with both the loss of my brother and grandfather in
farming accidents. I knew that I wanted to be one of the
people there to respond and help those in need -- just
like what was done for my family in our time of need.”
She acknowledged the reward and the challenge of
being an EMT in a small community. “It’s commonly
said that any day on the job for an EMT is likely
someone else’s worst day of their life.” Meaning, as they
provide life-saving measures while transporting patients
to medical facilities, EMTs need to be calming, caring,
and efficient, even when they are friends, neighbors, or
coworkers. “I know it means a lot to people when they
see a familiar face show up to help them. I am happy
that I get to be the face that they see.”
Heidi started by dipping her toe into the basic
Emergency Medical Technician program. She enjoyed it
and her work with her town’s local Emergency Medical
Services so much that she came back to finish her
advanced EMT training.
“I chose Blackhawk
Tech because I knew
they have an excellent
EMT program.”
20 TheBuzz
20 The Buzz at BTC
at BTC | Winter
| Winter 2021 2021
-Heidi“Why not spend time from an EMT. Paramedics can provide Estimated Program Costs
and money investing more extensive care like starting IVs, & Potential Earnings
administering medication, and applying
in ourselves? pacemakers, making it even more likely
that their patients will have a positive
There is no better outcome. 5 Credits
investment.” Heidi also serves as the president of the $
1,282
Argyle EMS. This position tasks her with
-Heidi ensuring the ambulances remain stocked
and that the entire team is up-to-date on Average Wage
their training so they can continue to serve
“I chose Blackhawk Tech because
I know they have an excellent EMT
the Argyle community. $
33,134
Despite wearing so many hats, Heidi
program that has prepared EMT based on EMSI Occupational
doesn’t get stressed about her many
students well for the National responsibilities. She considers her EMT
Employment Statistics
Registry Exam,” she said. “It is education an investment in herself. “Many
also the school I took my basic adults think that they will not have enough Potential Careers
EMT class at, and I had such an time to dedicate to the work that goes • Emergency Medical Technician
amazing experience I wanted to into school,” she said. “I thought the same
• Emergency Department
thing, but somehow, someway I found
return.” -Heidi Technician
the time. We spend time and money on
so many other things; why not spend
Heidi has no plans to give up her day jobs
time and money investing in ourselves?”
to be an EMT full time. Instead, she plans
And there is no better investment than
to pursue a master’s degree in biology or
one that saves lives and improves the
administration to advance her teaching
community.
position. However, that doesn’t mean
Heidi is not going to continue training in
the medical field. She is still considering
paramedic school, the next step up
SIMULATION CENTER AT BTC
Kristy Crocker, a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator,
oversees the operations of the BTC Simulation Center. The
center, located on BTC’s Central Campus, allows health
sciences and public safety students to learn, practice and
become proficient in a hands-on, simulation-based setting.
Students can experience several patient care or emergency
situations, such as live births, emergency birth scenarios,
treatment of gunshot wounds, patient overdose, and much
more.
In addition to providing simulations for students, the
Simulation Center is committed to partnering with area health
care agencies to offer continuing education and professional
development to practitioners. Through all of its activities, the
Simulation Center strives to teach and advance healthcare
education, promote excellence in patient care, and provide top
quality training through realistic simulations.
For more information about simulation education at
21
Blackhawk, contact Kristy Crocker at kcrocker@blackhawk.eduOne-Stop Body Shop
New Anatomy Learning Center Now Open at BTC
When Tiffany Garrison-Stanley center came out of a vision to collect all Local M.D.s, chiropractors, as well as
interviewed at Blackhawk Tech three years of the tools that instructors use to teach college instructors are available daily.
ago, she wanted to get her hands on the human anatomy in one place, such as: Student Tiffany Wade appreciates all the
college’s Anatomage table. This $80,000 • plastic models of every body system, lab has to offer. “I am currently in General
piece of equipment is the crown jewel of • a bank of computers loaded with Anatomy and Physiology,” she said, “and I
the newly launched Anatomy Learning anatomy apps, attend lab to help me go over any material
Center (ALC), located in room 1303 on • a virtual reality station where students from the class that I may not understand.
BTC’s Central Campus. can manipulate artist renderings of The instructors are great; they do a great
body systems, and job simplifying the material, so it’s easier to
The table contains four virtual cadavers; • two large Wacom stations (large understand.”
actual people who, upon their death, graphics tablets) where students
allowed their entire body to be can work on specific projects. For The center’s original vision was to be
photographed in thin slices and then example, they can upload slides of “a giant room packed with students
computer-animated by the Visible Human the bones, write in the labels for each touching everything.” That vision had to
Project. The virtual table enables students and save their work. When they go be adjusted due to the current COVID-19
to see the whole body inside and out, home to study, they have the blank crisis. However, as a part of Blackhawk’s
isolate body systems, and highlight and slides and then a key they’ve made for philosophy of allowing students to access
label individual elements. The table can themselves to use as a learning tool. their education through multiple avenues,
even let students isolate the heart, make it the ALC has continued to offer virtual lab
beat, and dissect it while it’s beating. The lab is also eagerly anticipating the sessions. “Since I am unable to attend the
arrival of biotech packs that will allow ALC in person,” Tiffany Wade said, “I use
While the Anatomage table is effective students to take blood pressure, measure videos from Professor Tiffany. The videos
as a lecture tool, Tiffany is thrilled that lung capacity, and do a live EEG on are great and easy to follow.” Of course,
students can learn to use the table in themselves. both Tiffanies, like so many of us, are
just a few minutes and then use it to looking forward to being able to have more
explore independently. “They can record Currently, Blackhawk offers 18 courses hands-on experience once the pandemic
while they’re working,” she said, “or take that contain some elements of anatomy. crisis passes.
snapshots and then take those with them “The lab is a critical tool for students
to continue studying on their own.” taking General Education Anatomy and The Anatomy Learning Center is more than
Physiology courses,” Tiffany said. “Any BTC just a lab. It is an educational ecosystem
The Anatomage table is just one tool student, however, is welcome to use the where entry level students can interact
that any BTC student can come in and space. Health Occupation students will find with advanced students and professionals.
experience at the new ALC. This learning the instruction in the ALC to help review These opportunities can help newer
the anatomy presented in their program students gain first-hand knowledge of
courses. Or, maybe, they are just interested both the human body and the human
in the human body and how it works; the experience as they consider and explore
lab is an exciting place to learn more!” future career options.
Since instructors staff the ALC,
they are readily available to help
students interact with the lab
equipment, answer questions,
and provide real-time
instruction.
“The instructors are great;
they do a great job
simplifying the material, so
it’s easier to understand.”
-Tiffany WadePROGRAM OFFERINGS
Associate Degrees Technical Diplomas
•
•
Accounting
Administrative Professional
• Accounting Assistant
• Administrative Support Professional
COMING
•
•
Agribusiness/Science Technology
Automation Systems Technology
• Advanced Emergency
Medical Technician FALL 2021
• Behavior Technician • Agribusiness Specialist • Dental Hygienist
• Business Management • Automotive Technician
• Air Conditioning, Heating &
• Criminal Justice Studies • Business Management Specialist
• Central Service Technician Refrigeration Technology
• Culinary Arts
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography • Computer Numeric Control (CNC) • Manufacturing Engineering
&Vascular Technology Technician Technology
• Digital Marketing • Computer Service Technician
• Early Childhood Education • Culinary Production Specialist
• Electro-Mechanical Technology • Dental Assistant
• Fire Protection Technician • Diesel &Heavy Equipment Technician
• Foundations of Teacher Education • Electric Power Distribution Certificates
• Funeral Service • Emergency Medical Technician • Computed Tomography
• Human Resources • Entry Maintenance Technician • Human Resource Generalist
• Farm Business &Production • Law Enforcement -
• Human Services Associate
Management Basic Jail (Corrections) Academy
• Individualized Technical Studies
• Flux Core Arc Welding • Patient Service Specialist
• IT-Network Specialist
• Gas Metal Arc Welding • Project Management
• Web Software Developer
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding • Secure Juvenile Detention Academy
• Laboratory Food Science Technician
• Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, • Supply Chain Management
• Leadership Development
and Refrigeration Technology
• Medical Administrative Coder
• Industrial Maintenance Mechanic
•
•
Medical Administrative Specialist
Medical Laboratory Technician
• Laboratory Science Technician Assistant Apprenticeships
• Law Enforcement Basic Recruit • Electrical Apprenticeship
• Nuclear Technology
Academy • Industrial Electrical Apprenticeship
• Nursing
• Manufacturing Information Technology • Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship
• Physical Therapist Assistant
Specialist • Mechatronics Apprenticeship
• Radiography
• Medical Assistant
• Sales Management
• Nursing Assistant
• Substance Use Disorder Counseling • Phlebotomy Technician
• Supply Chain Management • Residential HVAC
• Surgical Technology • Shielded Metal Arc Welding
• Technical Studies - Journeyworker • Substance Abuse Education
• Truck Driving
• Welding
FLEXIBLE EDUCATION.
SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT.NONPROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Janesville, WI
PERMIT NO. 402
6004 S County Road G • P.O. Box 5009
Janesville, WI 53547-5009
TAKE YOUR LIFE OFF MUTE
Transferability • Scholarships/Financial Aid
Close to Home • Unbeatable Value
REGISTER FOR SPRING CLASSES TODAY!
For more info., contact
info@blackhawk.edu
blackhawk.edu
BTC is an EO/AA educator/employer. For more information, go to blackhawk.eduYou can also read
