Wayne Bridges named 2013 NISOD Excellence in Teaching award recipient

Wayne Bridges, an instructor in the Automotive Technology programs at Clover Park Technical College, has been named the college's recipient of the National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development Excellence in Teaching award.

Wayne is a longtime, respected instructor, so it comes as no surprise that he was chosen by his peers for this significant honor.  Wayne does an excellent job responding to individual student’s needs.

According to his nominator, Wayne stimulates growth and learning through his instructional methods and regularly goes beyond expectations to meet them at their level without compromising the rigor demanded in the field.  Wayne integrates innovation and technology in his teaching to provide cutting-edge training and to further facilitate learning.  He continues to be proactive in learning and introducing new technologies (hybrid vehicles, mobile technology) that allow generations of students to become highly employable in an industry that continues to evolve.

The Automotive Technician Program's recent recognition by Tomorrow’s Technician magazine as Automotive Technician Program of the Year was received as a direct result of Wayne’s leadership and assistance after learning that his students had nominated the program.  He also provides oversight and leadership regarding the program’s National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation certification and the Automotive Service Excellence certificates held by instructors.

Wayne is a leader within the college community, as well, and is supportive of the college’s efforts to grow and change.  Wayne’s work ethic and commitment to his students’ success are admirable, serving as an example to the college community.

As the college’s award winner, Wayne will be attending the NISOD 35th Annual International Conference of Teaching and Leadership Excellence in May 2013 in Austin, Texas to accept his award.

Please join me in congratulating Wayne for this esteemed recognition!
Lori Banaszak
Vice President for Instruction

CPTC will start on time today

Good Morning,

After monitoring the weather and roads this morning around Pierce County, we have made the decision to open the College on time.

With that said, if you live in the outlying areas of Pierce or Thurston County please drive safely and take extra time if needed this morning to ensure a safe commute. Please work with your supervisor directly if you need any flexibility this morning due to snowy conditions in your area.

Thank you and drive safely.
Amy

Amy Goings, MPA
Vice President for Operations and College Relations
Clover Park Technical College

Winter Weather Reminders

**In anticipation of the weather this week, we are reposting this information. Please be safe and exercise caution if the weather gets worse.**

It’s hard to believe, but winter weather is just around the corner. Some of the best defenses to hazards are a well-prepared plan and preventive action. At CPTC we use a variety of communication methods in emergencies and now is a great time to review those methods, including our primary tool, WENS (Wireless Emergency Notification System).

If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to sign-up for WENS so that when the weather rolls in you will be notified of any campus issues or changes.

WENS is only used at Clover Park Technical College for emergency announcements. We will not share your information or inundate you with texts, emails or voicemails. It’s a system designed to provide you with instant notification to any emergency issue on campus.

Sign-up now by visiting: www.cptc.edu/prepare. If you have previously signed up you can update your contact information at that site by removing old phone numbers (Report Mobile Error Number) and submitting a new one. Staff and faculty who are having issues can work with Kendra Fitch who expertly manages our WENS system to resolve issues.

As a reminder, the college communicates inclement weather announcements through WENS, a website notification (www.cptc.edu), our social media site posts, and through the local media (radio and TV broadcast only). In addition, you can call into the weather reporting line which is (253) 589-5707. Please ensure you prepare for the coming months by familiarizing yourself with these communication tools.

Is the next Steve Jobs at CPTC?

Armando Ramirez presents the work he completed on a Clover Park Technical College mobile application during the Fall Quarter of 2012 in the Computer Information Technology Program. Ramirez was one of the CIT students who presented their work Dec. 7 to celebrate their progress in their courses.

CPTC and Chinese University's Aviation Technician Program strengthened

(From L to R) Mr. Tang Qingru, dean of the Aviation Engineering College at CAFUC, Dr. John Walstrum, president of Clover Park Technical College, Mr. Xiaoyong Zheng, president of the Civil Aviation Flight University of China, and Bruce Lachney, chairman of the CPTC Board of Trustees exchange gifts after signing a memorandum of agreement Dec. 6 between the two universities to continue their collaboration in aviation technician training.

CPTC, Chinese University solidify partnership

LAKEWOOD, Wash. – A relationship between two schools, miles apart, but working toward a similar goal was strengthened Dec. 6 when two presidents signed an agreement to continue their partnership to train aviation engineers for China.

Dr. John Walstrum, president of Clover Park Technical College, and Zheng Xiaoyong, president of the Civil Aviation Flight University of China, signed an agreement to continue to collaborate on aviation technician training.

The two schools have created a pathway where Chinese students can attend CPTC’s Aviation Maintenance Technician program, acquiring an associate of applied science degree, and then go on to complete their bachelor of engineering degree in aviation at CAFUC.

During the delegation from CAFUC’s visit to CPTC, they were treated to a comprehensive tour of the South Hill campus of CPTC located just outside Puyallup. The group also spent time speaking with their students who are currently attending CPTC and spoke with administrators and staff in the Aviation Maintenance Technician program.

“The presence of these students on our campuses enriches Clover Park Technical College in many ways. They provide us with a new appreciation of their culture and expand both staff and students’ appreciation of diversity,” said Walstrum. “We have a strong relationship with CAFUC and are pleased to continue this beneficial program to provide quality U.S.-based training to these students that will enrich their education when they return to China.”

CPTC is currently hosting the seventh group of students from CAFUC during the Fall 2012 Quarter. Those students, once complete with their training, will return to China to complete their bachelor’s degree.

“In China, there have been significant and rapid changes in the civil aviation industry and the demand for aircraft maintenance technicians that are qualified to work on foreign airplanes is dramatically increasing,” said Yuko Chartraw, a specialist in CPTC’s International Education Program. “So far, 14 students have graduated from our AMT program.”

About Clover Park Technical College:

Clover Park Technical College offers more than 45 career training degree and certificate programs in the areas of business, computer information and technology, health sciences, manufacturing, construction and trades, multimedia design, and personal care services.  The college also offers certification, online and distance learning, as well as continuing education courses. 

For more information call 253-589-5800, or visit www.cptc.edu/careers.

CPTC Cosmetology Program to host fashion show Dec. 11

CPTC Students participate in Project Homeless

The Dental, Cosmetology and Human Services programs participated in Project Homeless Connect during the Fall Quarter.  They served more than 900 homeless individuals and families with medical, dental, haircuts, and a variety of other community resources.  There were 55 Clover Park Technical College students who participated in providing 305 volunteer service learning hours.  This is the sixth year that the CPTC programs have participated in this community event.

We are looking forward to participating in the next Project Homeless Connect event scheduled for January 2013.

Thank you to all the students and faculty who participated in helping to make this event possible.  If you are interested in learning more about service learning on our campus, please contact Kay.porter@cptc.edu.

CPTC signs agreement with Chinese aviation university to continue aviation engineer training

Dr. John Walstrum, president of Clover Park Technical College, and Mr. Xiaoyong Zheng, president of the Civil Aviation Flight University of China, sign a memorandum of agreement Dec. 6 between the two universities to continue their collaboration in aviation engineer training. Behind the two presidents is Mr. Tang Qingru, dean of the Aviation Engineering College at CAFUC, and at the end of the table is Bruce Lachney, chairman of the CPTC Board of Trustees.

(From L to R) Mr. Tang Qingru, dean of the Aviation Engineering College at the Civil Aviation Flight University of China, Dr. Walstrum, Zheng, and Bruce Lachney, chair of the Clover Park Technical College Board of Trustees exchanged gifts after the signing.

Zheng speaks after receiving a gift from Dr. Walstrum.

Zheng and Bruce Lachney pose after Lachney received a tie from Xiaoyong.

CPTC Students visit SBCTC Board Meeting

(From L to R) Jim Newton, Carolyn Blevins, Rachel Harrington, Nehemiah Barrett, Sharon Fairchild, chair of the SBCTC Board, Robert Jarvis, Dr. John Walstrum, CPTC President, and Oscar Wright pose during a break at the State Board for Community and Technical College's Dec. 6 meeting.

Employees and friends of CPTC add merriment to students' holidays

Ray Zeck delivers a load of gifts for student families adopted during the Holiday House event at Clover Park Technical College Dec. 6.

The mental and fiscal challenges of pursuing higher education can be difficult for college students. Those challenges can be even more difficult for students who are supporting families in addition to attending class. Today more than 47 groups and individual staff, faculty, students and friends of Clover Park Technical College contributed to a very merry holiday season for 75 student families.

In an annual event entitled Holiday House, the CPTC community adopted student families and provided them with gifts, food, gift cards and a chance to meet Santa.

“Lots of students come through and say their families would not have had a Christmas if they didn’t have this,” said Debbie Gurner, who works at the Northwest Career and Technical High School at CPTC and has been involved in the Holiday House event for more than 25 years.

In addition to being a planner of the event Gurner was once a recipient of assistance from the Holiday House.

“My involvement is personal. Once when I was a single mom the Holiday House gave me $15 and you would have thought they had given me a hundred,” said Gurner. “Each of my kids and I got $5 toward Christmas and it was great.”

Gurner is one of many CPTC employees who volunteer their time each year to put on the college-wide event. A committee of volunteers plans fundraisers, manages the application and family adoption process and plans a sophisticated gift pick-up event featuring Santa, cookies and punch, and activities for children.

Heather Ervin, administrative assistant at the CPTC Foundation, has been working and donating to the Holiday House event for 8 years.

“Students self identify that they would like assistance and are screened to ensure they meet the guidelines of the Holiday House program,” said Ervin. “In addition to the many presents, food and gift cards donated, just over $600 was raised in an on-campus fundraiser and another $3,000 was donated from other sources.”

The contributions to the event extend beyond the campus boundaries as well.

“A local group, Lakewood Families in Business, holds a chocolate auction among their members and has donated the proceeds for the last several years,” said Ervin. “This is usually a few thousand dollars.”

 Debbie Gurner places donations for families in the room being readied for the Holiday House event at CPTC Dec. 6. 

A room full of gifts awaits the 75 student families adopted during the Holiday House event at Clover Park Technical College Dec. 6.

During the pick-up event, held at the McGavick Center on the Lakewood Campus of CPTC, smiles were plentiful. In fact, it was hard to tell who was smiling more, the families receiving the presents or the volunteers who donated them. One thing is certain; this campus is dedicated to providing more than just help achieving educational goals. They are coming together to ensure the students are successful members of the CPTC community.