Dinner Meeting Review

April 12, 2007

Hosted by: Ivy Tech Community College

Review written by: James Teeple

First and foremost, if you missed the April dinner meeting at Ivy Tech Community College you missed a fantastic five-course meal served by the Culinary Program personnel. Awesome food, atmosphere, and service!

Presentations for the evening started with the Design Technology Program Chair, Rob Townsend, who had provided an overview of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing educational and training programs at Ivy Tech. A demonstration of the GD&T instructional resources and methodologies that Ivy Tech utilizes was quite impressive!

Faculty member Patrick McCormick from the Business Program gave us overview of the Total Quality Management course imbedded as a core requirement (as well as an elective) in many of the business degree and certification programs. Pat’s exceptional knowledge of quality philosophies (and presentation skills) held the audience’s attention captive. But, I was most impressed with the examples he shared pertaining to the integration the practical application within the course’s curriculum. That’s quality teaching!

John Christman, Welding Instructor and AWS Certification Coordinator, detailed the process for qualifying and certifying welders to the AWS (American Welding Society) standard. John also shared with us the many capabilities of Ivy Tech’s accredited welding lab and its staff members. This was a great overview of the many educational offerings, the skills enhancement training programs, and the credentialing possibilities for a highly sought after skilled trade, welding!

The presentations progressed to Deb Pitzer, Manufacturing/Industrial Program Chair. Deb’s presentation was on the subject of metrology as she detailed the Metrology course which is required for many of the technology degree programs. She went on to explain how metrology related topics have been assimilated into some of the other technology courses, and importance of doing so. Once again, I was very impressed with the emphasis on practical application as a means of learning!

Rick Willey, Program Manger for Ivy Tech’s Center of Advanced Manufacturing wrapped things up by providing an overview of the Strategic Skills Initiative program which is being launched at the NIIC. This program, in concert with the region’s manufacturing employers, is gearing up to train and develop some highly-skilled manufacturing specialists!

I wish that I could go on and on as there was a wealth of information shared amongst the five presenters. An evening well spent! If you’d like additional information on any of these programs, contact Jim Teeple, Manager of Workforce & Economic Development at (260) 480-4165.