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OWATC Honors its Valued Partnerships at the 2008 Awards Ceremony
May 2, 2008
OGDEN-WEBER APPLIED TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE
ANNUAL PARTNERSHIP AWARDS
May 1, 2008
On behalf of the Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College Foundation Board of Trustees, I’d like to thank you for your attendance at today’s award program.
The Foundation was established 20 years ago, and its mission has remained the same--to raise and solicit funds and in-kind donations for various purposes, with a major focus on scholarships. Two thousand seven was a good year for us—we increased the amount raised for scholarships by over $25,000 from the previous year, and we couldn’t have done it without the generosity of our donors.
It gives me great pleasure to recognize the following individuals and/or organizations that have donated more than $25,000 of in-kind donations or cash to the college over the past five years.
Our first recipient is the American Dream Foundation which is a local organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals in our community. One of the American Dream Foundation’s main activities is to provide assistance to individuals to help them become financially independent through employment and career development. They have accomplished part of this goal by partnering with the college since 1992 and providing us with direct scholarship support. In addition, American Dream Foundation representatives have actively participated in the college’s golf tournaments and fund raising dinners, the proceeds of which are used for scholarships.
The American Dream Foundation also helped countless at-risk high school students when it provided several generous contributions to the college’s former School to Work program which targeted this population. The foundation’s generous donations amount to over $27,000 in support of the college and its students.
Please join me in recognizing the American Dream Foundation as we present this organization with our >Building a Foundation for the Future= award. _________ is present to accept the award.
Our second recipient is another of our major scholarship donors and is no stranger to this stage. We recognized the Stewart Education Foundation in 1999 for its contributions of $27,000 for endowed scholarships. This year, we would like to thank the Foundation for its continued support of endowed scholarships in the amount of $15,000. In addition, the Foundation realizes the importance of our Health Technology Building and provided us with a donation of $25,000 to purchase equipment for the facility. The timeliness and importance of this donation is twofold—it helps us to ensure that our labs and classrooms have the most up-to-date equipment; and more importantly, private donations help move our request up the state’s capital facilities list.
It is my pleasure to thank and recognize the Stewart Education Foundation for its continued support. Jeff Mackay, Wells Fargo relationship manager, is here to accept the award on behalf of the Foundation.
The Samuel C. and Myra G. Powell Foundation is also a familiar name and long-time friend to the college. We recognized the Foundation’s outstanding contributions in 1993, 1996, 1998, and 2006. We are expressing our appreciation to the Powells this year for many reasons—for serving as the title sponsor of our 2007 Scholarship Fund Raising Golf Tournament; for financially supporting our 2007 Annual Dinner; and for providing $65,000 for endowed scholarships in health-related fields. All told, the Powells have donated approximately $80,000 to support our students since 2006. We truly feel that they understand our role and mission, and we are fortunate that they have been partners with us since 1992.
We would like to show our gratitude by presenting the Powell Foundation with a >Building a Foundation for the Future= award. Nathan Felix, Wells Fargo trust administrator, is present to accept this recognition on behalf of the Foundation.
While the college’s Foundation focuses on scholarships, we have also been involved in helping the institution raised funds for special projects like the Lean Manufacturing Training Center. Our next few donors were also involved in the effort to bring this facility to fruition.
We would first like to recognize The Boyer Company for working with the college and Williams International to identify a location and help refurbish Building 550 for this multi-million dollar project. Steve Waldrip and his staff patiently waited while the college attempted to obtain funding for the building. They were able to secure in-kind donations from four different companies for architectural and engineering designs for the facility. The Boyer Company itself donated over $103,000 worth of facility improvements.
In addition, The Boyer Company has supported the college throughout the years by sponsoring and/or participating in the OWATC Foundation’s annual dinners and golf tournaments.
Please join me in recognizing The Boyer Company for its continued generosity and support. Steve Waldrip, Boyer Company project manager, and Blake Wahlen, BDO general manager, are present to accept this award on behalf of the company.
ATS Industrial Supply is considered the premier industrial tool supplier in the Rocky Mountain states and represents approximately 550 of the highest quality manufacturers of industrial tools and supplies in the United States. The Lean Center contains millions of dollars worth of specialized equipment, software, and tooling, and many of the items were donated by our partners. ATS provided us with a tool management system, free servicing, and cutting tool dispensing machines--all worth over $43,000. Our students now have the opportunity to train on state-of-the art equipment thanks to the generosity of ATS.
Please join me in recognizing ATS Industrial Supply for its donations. Rock Harper, ATS field sales engineer, is present to accept the award on behalf of the company.
Kennametal, Inc., is a leading global supplier of tooling, engineered components and advanced materials used in production processes. The company was very interested in the Lean Center, particularly the machining component. Kennametal seeks to increase awareness of the machinist trade, and as such, generously donated ten seats of “Tooling U” and 50 seats of “E-Learning” to the college—a $50,000 value. The packages complement our hands-on training, combining the theory of manufacturing with the practice. Representatives from Kennametal toured the Lean Center and were more than happy to support our efforts to provide skilled workers in this field.
We appreciate Kennametal, Inc., and would like to show our gratitude by presenting it with a >Building a Foundation for the Future= award. Brad Bailey, Kennametal applications engineer, metalworking solutions and service group, is here to accept the award on behalf of the company.
Blaser Swisslube, Inc., is a premier supplier of world-class, metalworking fluids. For over 30 years, the company has helped machine shops--both large and small--increase productivity, improve surface finish, and increase tool life. Because of its focus on the machining field, Blaser was very anxious to partner with the college on the Lean Center and donated over 1,000 gallons of Blaser Swisslube coolant—a value of $25,000.
It is my pleasure to present Blaser Swisslube with our >Building a Foundation for the Future= award. Brett Reynolds, Blaser Swisslube area manager, will accept the award on behalf of the company.
Williams International is our last recipient—but by no means the least. We recognized Williams for its contributions in 1990, and it gives me great pleasure to do so again in 2008. Though it was the driving force in the development of the Lean Center, today we are recognizing the company for its support of the college in general.
Throughout the years, Williams has provided donations to many of our programs. It supported our weld-off competition in 1992 and has provided equipment to our quality assurance, machinist programs, and information technology programs. Even more importantly, Williams has supported our fund raising efforts by participating in our golf tournaments as a scholarship sponsor and attending the OWATC Foundation’s annual dinners. They have provided approximately $27,000 in donations to the college.
In addition, company representatives have been more than happy to speak on the college’s behalf at legislative sessions and with community leaders. Williams’ generosity has been felt across campus.
Please join me in recognizing the outstanding contributions of Williams International. Cal Schalk, vice president, manufacturing sales; Celeste Bush, vice president, supply chain management; and Lloyd McCaffrey, director, Williams International Lean Manufacturing Training Center, will accept the award on behalf of the company.
We have recognized eight major donors today, but we have many partners who have supported the institution and students with donations of cash, equipment, and their time. Their names can be seen on the ABuilding A Foundation for the Future Wall@ in the Student Services Building. We are appreciative of them all.
That concludes our awards program this afternoon. Many thanks again to all our donors and supporters and to you for attending this event.
Agency Award
LDS Employment Resource Services
Many people attending the College’s annual career fair over the past three years have asked who those kindly people are that have greeted, shook hands, handed out cookies, and directed visitors with warmth, humor, and kindness through each of our buildings--and we could truthfully reply that they were “Angels” disguised as LDS volunteers, brought to us through the incredible partnership we have with LDS Employment Resource Services. This would certainly sum up the fact that this agency has gone the extra mile to help, not only through the volunteer efforts of their service, but by contacting hundreds of employers and job-seekers for this event. The College’s marketing department truly appreciates and therefore nominated Art Kline and Rich Vunder for their attendance at every career fair planning meeting from start to finish. This fine agency and these two gentlemen have helped to promote the College and its programs in their own special way and for that we would like to recognize the LDS Employment Resource Services as recipient of this award.
Agency Award
Weber Economic Development Corporation
In response to the very real shortage of skilled technical workers which has-- and will continue--to impact the economic growth of our state and local businesses, the Weber Economic Development Corporation has become the torch-bearer, prepared and ready to sound the call for support from local leadership in education and employment as well as to legislature and beyond, including leading the first re-branding effort of skilled machining. The crusader in chief for this College is none other than Mr. Ron Kusina and it’s hard to put into words (or into such a brief script) the incredible, indelible advocacy he has shown and demonstrated from press conferences, to press releases…white papers to writing checks—yet, always with a smile and a strong conviction, a shared vision, and charisma that cannot be duplicated. The College owes much to our partnership with the Weber Economic Development Corporation and to our friendship with Mr. Ron Kusina. For these reasons, we are proud and happy to recognize the efforts of this agency.
Company Award
Kennametal Knowledge Center – Kevin Farr
Bret Holmes teaches Machining at the College and when he nominates a company for recognition, you know it’s for a darn good reason! For those who have not been involved with the College’s Lean Manufacturing Training Center, the name “Kennametal” might not mean much, but to Williams International, the State of Utah and the instructors at Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College, the name is synonymous with “support” and “quality”. This company has outdone themselves and everyone else with their donation of training and tooling to the OWATC machinist program. Personnel from their Knowledge Center (Chiefly Kevin Farr) from as far away as Latrobe, Pennysylvania have traveled to Northern Utah to provide an intensive 3-day training to our machinist students and instructors, not to mention their donation of over $50,000 in training materials and tools to our program. Really…what more can you say about such a sharing, caring, and innovating company---except THANKS!-- For your continued partnership and presence in our community.
Company Award
Pacificorp – Steve Rush
Paciforp and it’s foundations have been partners with the College since 1992, providing our institution with one of its first donations—a Ford tractor truck—which helped establish our successful truck driving program. The company has continued to support our efforts to provide high quality technical education. As a testament to their partnership, this company has also donated over $18,000 of scholarship funding and at least $13,000 of in-kind donations in the past 15 years. In addition, their subsidiary--Rocky Mountain Power Foundation, recently contributed $5,000 for the College’s machinist marketing campaign towards building a technically-skilled workforce to meet the variety of needs from our local manufacturing economy. The financial contributions and the corporate support demonstrated through PaciCorp, and Steve Rush’s personal relationship with the College, have supported our Foundation’s efforts to raise monies for scholarships, which allows more students to enter training for these critically-necessary occupations. Many thanks to Pacificorp and Steve Rush for this well-deserved recognition!
Company Award
Waterfall Canyon Academy
If you search for the Waterfall Canyon Academy on the Internet, you’ll find that it is “a licensed private home for adolescent males, ages 12 to 17, with cognitive disabilities--offering a nurturing environment with an emphasis on social skill development, individualized therapeutic treatment and academic achievement, and offering opportunities to participate in recreational activities and community service projects, which further complement the youth's treatment, prepare them for life's challenges and improve their overall sense of well-being”. What you won’t find on the web site are the “less-than-fun” chores these young men have willingly donated to our College. Chores such as shoveling snow, setting up and taking down tables and chairs for events, sweeping, weeding, and learning how to follow directions. We really couldn’t have the quality events that we’ve had in the past year without the help of Waterfall Canyon Academy. For your willing partnership, we offer kudos and recognition to the students of the Waterfall Canyon Academy!
Individual Award
Dr. Donald Carpenter,
Ogden-Weber Community Action Partnership
For many, many years, Dr. Donald R. Carpenter has been a supporter of the vital role that Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College plays in the education of individuals for the ultimate betterment of our local economy. He has collaborated with OWATC and promoted programs to assist low-income families access resources and become more self-sufficient through developing their skills and marketability. Dr. Carpenter’s participation in events and programs sponsored by the College is unparalleled. He has also fostered the development of our nationally recognized Head Start Program as well as the Community Services Block Grant programs at the Ogden-Weber Community Action Partnership. As the administrator of OWCAP for the past four years, Donald Carpenter has been a true champion for those less fortunate and he continues to see the potential in everyone. Overall, he has played a vital role in the education of hundreds, if not thousands, of our local students entering the field of social work and community service. Thank you for your years of dedicated service Dr. Carpenter!
Individual Award
Scott James, Intermountain Health Care
With qualified health care workers in such great demand here and throughout the country, the College is blessed to have a partner and supporter Like Scott James from the Intermountain Health Care at McKay Dee Hospital. In the past year, Mr. James, has donated several pieces of Biomedical equipment to the OWATC and has provided technical manuals and program guidance to our health occupation instructors, not to mention being the center of all activity supporting the BMET program here. As supervisor for the biomedical equipment at McKay-Dee Hospital, Scott James exhibits professionalism above and beyond the norm. He continues to ensure that patients receive reliable equipment during their visit or stay at the hospital and he is an important part of McKay’s professional team. Mr. Scott served two years as the chair for our biomedical equipment tech program employer team, providing guidance and spearheading the donation of major equipment to get the program off the ground and running. For this and many other contributions, we recognize Scott James.
Individual Award
Charlie Nelson – Bonneville High School
When you walk the halls of Bonneville High School, you can’t miss this friendly, professional, student-loving man. Charlie Nielsen has been an integral part of student life in Weber School District for many years. During his tenure at Bonneville High, Charlie has help to develop, launch and fine-tune the OWATC’s successful machinist marketing campaign and more-importantly, has strongly promoted skilled technical training for scores of students who otherwise might have slipped through the cracks. He has arranged for hundreds to tour our campus, and participate in activities at the new Lean Manufacturing Training Center. SkillsUSA competitions wouldn’t have the level of expertise and discipline without Charlie’s personal attention to detail and perfection. Not only is Charlie Nielsen an all-around great guy—he is does things for the right reasons—for the students and for their success. But for HIS success in all those endeavors, we recognize him today!
Individual Award
Representative LaWanna Shurtliff
Representative LaWanna Shurtliff, affectionately known as “Lu”—has worked tirelessly at the Utah State Legislature since 1999, ensuring that the needs of her constituents (namely, the OWATC) are being met. LaWanna never gives up as she has demonstrated by continuing the fight for funding to build and support the College’s new Health Technology Building. Because of her convictions, “Lu” accepted an invitation to serve on the College’s Foundation Board of Trustees and has been a member and official “partner” since 2003. This has given her a much better understanding of the college’s and especially the students’ needs—which could not fail to inspire and motivate her to rally the legislature for more support on our behalf! Representative Shurtliff is a life-long supporter of education, technical education and the local economy. She is well-known in the community for being an advocate on behalf of students, whether she’s acting as legislator or board member—her first allegiance is to the student. Words cannot adequately express how grateful we are to Representative Shurtliff for her efforts on behalf of all of us.
