Highland Community College Highlights:
HCC news archives:
HCC Wind Turbine Technology program receives donation from
SPX Hydraulic Technologies
FREEPORT – Highland Community College’s Wind Turbine Technician students are using high performance hydraulic pumps, wrenches and tools thanks to a $21,000 donation from SPX Hydraulic Technologies.
The SPX Power Team equipment allows the students to train on industry specific tools as they complete the Wind Turbine Technician associate of applied science degree and certificate programs. “These tools give students first hand experience with the type of equipment they will be using when they leave the program to work in the industry,” according to wind tech instructor, David Vrtol. “We are very excited about the addition of these high quality tools to the program.”
The donation includes an electric torque wrench pump, 2 hydraulic torque wrenches, 2 hydraulic hand pumps and several associated components.
“We appreciate the generous donation,” said business and technology dean, Scott Anderson. “This is not our first partnership with industry-specific companies and I certainly don’t think it will be the last. I have been thrilled with the cooperation we have received from the wind energy industry and associated companies.”
According to Steve Jones, product application specialist for SPX Hydraulics, “We are quite impressed with the program here at HCC and wanted to do what we could to support educational efforts that are training workers for the jobs of the future.”
SPX Hydraulic Technologies is a global manufacturer of high pressure hydraulic cylinders, pumps, torque wrenches, workholding and railway track systems headquartered in Rockford, Illinois.
Highland Community College offers more than 60 programs of applied and transfer degrees, community education and business training. In addition to comprehensive academic programming, Highland provides theatre, art and music opportunities for the community. Highland Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association’s Academic Quality Improvement Program. Located in Freeport and Elizabeth, Highland is conveniently positioned in the tri-state region with access to several major metropolitan areas.
Photo: (From left to right) Steve Jones, SPX Product Application Specialist; Scott Anderson, HCC dean of Business and Technology; and David Vrtol, Wind Turbine Technician Instructor.
Photo courtesy HCC
Prairie Wind Magazine Now Accepting Submissions for 2010 Edition
FREEPORT – Submissions are now being accepted for the Prairie Wind magazine, a collection of original poetry, prose, visual art, and recorded music contributed by students, staff, alumni, and other members of the Highland Community.
Submission guidelines are available at
www.theprairiewind.org. The deadline is February 12, 2010. More information is available from any of the magazine’s faculty advisors:
The magazine is published annually under the auspices of Highland Community College, 2998 West Pearl City Road, Freeport, Illinois, 61032. It is a cooperative project of the Humanities, Graphic Design, Art, and Music departments in the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences. Each issue is created by an editorial board composed of students and volunteer community members who are guided by a team of faculty advisors.
Highland Trustees Consider Tuition Increase
FREEPORT – The Highland Community College Board of Trustees considered a recommendation to increase Highland Community College tuition by $10.00 per credit hour at their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 19. This was the first of two required readings that could make the change effective for fall 2010.
Highland’s Trustees have historically kept tuition and fees at or near the Illinois state average. If the proposed increase is approved, Highland’s tuition rate will be $94 per credit hour. Highland officials are estimating that the proposed 2010-11 tuition rate will be within the state average based on information gathered from other institutions.
“Early estimates indicate that the state average will be approximately $92.00 per credit hour,” according to Vice President of Administrative Services Jill Janssen. “However, there are a good number of Illinois community colleges that have yet to report proposed rate increases for next fiscal year.”
Community colleges were founded on a funding model of 33% state support, 33% local tax support, and 33% tuition. As state funding continues to decline, the College must rely more heavily on local taxes and tuition. Currently, state support makes up 15% of the College’s revenue while local tax support, student tuition and other sources (federal grants, Foundation support) make up the remaining 85%.
Highland President Joe Kanosky says that the Trustees, administration and Illinois Community College Board continue to bring this funding trend to the attention of state legislators and that the community also needs to understand the funding situation. “We are deeply concerned about the state funding trend, and we understand that the burden is placed more heavily on tax and tuition support. We think it is important that we share this information with our communities,” said Kanosky.
Highland Community College 2010 Service Award Recipients
FREEPORT –Highland Community College employees were recognized for their years of service as part of the Opening Days activities on January 8th, 2010. The 2010 Service Award Recipients include:
FIVE YEARS: Bridie Bartnicki, Project Manager, Partners for Employment; Kathy Day, Director, Partners for Employment; Paige Fritz, Case Manager, Partners for Employment; Matthew Gingrich, Case Manager, Partners for Employment; Brenda Helms, Case Manager, Partners for Employment; Cynthia Kulas, Case Manager, Partners for Employment; Annette Pace, Grant Accountant, Partners for Employment; Timothy Sciutto, Custodian; Robert Turnbow, Custodian, Stacie Waggoner, Case Manager, Partners for Employment; Virginia Ware, Director, Student Support Services; Sarah Wenger, Case Manager, Partners for Employment; Sharel Wolber, Coordinator, Partners for Employment; Shelley Zinke, Case Manager, Partners for Employment.
TEN YEARS: James Albrecht, Custodian; Terry Atz, Physical Plant Assistant; Dave Evans, ITS Technician; Glenda Pecka, Instructor, Nursing; Mary Kate Shore, Instructor, Nursing; John Sullivan, Instructor, Chemistry; Dawn Zuehlke, Coordinator, ADA Services.
FIFTEEN YEARS: David Dilworth, Custodian; Rich Eads, part-time Maintenance Mechanic;
Tony Gastel, Database Administrator/System Administrator; Deb Hayenga, Coordinator, Conference Center & Business Institute; Pete Norman, Director, Athletics & Physical Education.
TWENTY YEARS: Kim Goudreau, Instructor, Sociology; Barb Merhley, Instructor, Nursing.
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS: Eric Dietmeier, Instructor, Drafting/Mechanical Technology.
THIRTY YEARS: Leslie Herendeen, Cashier.
THIRTY-FIVE YEARS: Larry Chapman, Custodian; Randy Powell, Custodian, Alan Wenzel, Instructor, Speech and Communications/Director, Leadership Institute.
Highland Faculty and Staff Receive Excellence Awards
FREEPORT – Highland Community College employees have an opportunity each year to nominate their colleagues for an Excellence Award. The award recognizes employees for quality work, creativity, honesty, integrity, self-development and excellence in their working relationships.
A committee made up of Excellence Award recipients from the previous two years selects the winners in each category: support staff, part-time faculty, full-time faculty and administrator. This year’s recipients include Conference Center and Business Institute coordinator Deb Hayenga, Auto Body instructor Todd Vacek, Drafting/Mechanical Technology instructor Eric Dietmeier, and Nursing/Allied Health Programs coordinator Cassie Mekeel.
Deb Hayenga’s nomination recognized her strong commitment to assisting a variety of individuals on campus and in the community. She performs a great number of functions on campus, including coordinating Student/Conference Center meetings and events, as well as assisting the Business Institute and Community Education program.
Todd Vacek’s students frequently comment on the high quality of his teaching. Todd’s nomination pointed out his willingness to go above and beyond the requirements of a part-time instructor. He has recently taken on the responsibility of developing computer and web-based components of the auto body curriculum.
Eric Dietmeier has been teaching Highland students for 25 years. His nomination noted that he has undergone continuous growth in his academic and technical knowledge which has enabled him to successfully teach a variety of courses ranging from Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing to Business Writing. He is currently involved in developing curriculum in Global Information Systems. Eric consistently earns high praise from colleagues and students alike for his high-quality teaching and positive demeanor.
As the Nursing and Allied Health Professions coordinator, Cassie Mekeel has been referred to as the “glue that holds us (the nursing department) together.” Cassie assists students, faculty and staff in a variety of activities, such as program admissions, student assessment and retention. She has been successful in representing the college in endeavors such as the Critical Skills Shortage Initiative. Cassie was instrumental in the process of acquiring equipment and supplies to get the new labs in the Ray and Betty Stamm Health Science Nursing Wing up and running.
The Highland Community College Foundation also annually recognizes one employee with the Opel Award named for a Highland founder, Don Opel. The award recognizes employees who go “above and beyond” in serving or promoting the College. This year the award was presented to Information Technology instructor, Jeremy Monigold. Jeremy was recognized for his positive commitment to Highland both within the classroom and throughout the community. His nomination cited his enthusiastic support for fundraising efforts by various campus clubs and organizations.
The Highland Community College Servant-Leaders need your help. Each student and adult mentor in the program; representing 15 high schools in our district has committed to raise a minimum of $25/per person to help feed the children in Haiti. We currently have 170 participants in the program, which would put our minimum goal at $4250.00. This amount would purchase 17,000 meal packages and feed 102,000 people.
On Saturday, January 23, 2010 from 9:00 am - 11:00 am, Kids Around the World will be coming to Highland Community College (Building H-201) with enough supplies to package the first 10,000 meals with another packing time TBA. We are looking for additional donors and volunteers to get involved in this project.
If you would like to join with students from our area by donating or volunteering to help package meals, please call Kim Pool, Director of Servant-Leadership, Highland Community College @ (815) 599-3574 or (815) 232-4889 or e-mail: kim.pool@highland.edu
HCC Foundation Presents Distinguished Alumni Awards
FREEPORT—The Highland Community College Foundation presented its Fifteenth Annual “Distinguished Alumni Awards” during the Foundation’s Annual Board Meeting this past fall. The 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are Ken Eichholz, of Freeport and Rhiannon Groom, a graduate of Warren High School and currently in residence in Washington, D.C.
“The HCC Foundation received many responses from the community and the Highland faculty in its search for this year’s recipients. These individuals have shown to be true community leaders who made their start at HCC and still believe in the College mission,” said Highland Community College Foundation Executive Director Susan Atherton.
A total of 77 individuals have earned the honor as a Highland Community College Distinguished Alumni since the awards program was started in 1995.
For additional information about the Highland Community College Foundation “Distinguished Alumni Awards,” go to www.highland.edu or contact the HCC Foundation at 815.599.3413.
Ken Eichholz and Rhiannon Groom have kept the “community” in Highland Community College:
Ken Eichholz graduated from Freeport High School in 1986 and then made the seamless transition to Highland where he pursued his career as an engineer. After attending Highland he spent one year at the University of Illinois and then finished his degree at Northern Illinois University earning a degree in engineering. From here, Ken worked at Honeywell for 10 years, while taking more classes at Highland.
Ken also pursued another passion of his, music. Even though this wasn’t done at Highland he played as part of the orchestra for several years during music productions at HCC. This is where Ken got to know one of the instructors and became part of a band called “The Usual Suspects”. He also helps teach a few students the art of drumming.
It was during his time at Honeywell that Ken decided it was time to change his profession and time to take that step toward becoming a dentist. Ken felt as though owning a business was part of his destiny and he wanted to control that just as his family had done; his grandfather owned a small business and his father was a farmer. He made another smooth transition to the University of Illinois, where he earned his Doctoral of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
Rhianon Groom graduated valedictorian from Warren High School in 1999 and went on to Highland where she graduated in 2001 with highest honors. She then went on to Loyola University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.
Rhianon worked for two years in various fields such as a park ranger, an intern for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife where she conducted a population study on Chinook salmon, and worked as an analytical chemist.
Rhianon recently graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in medicine. Upon her graduation she was commissioned to the rank of Captain in the United States Army. Rhianon has been reported to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. where she is currently serving as a first year resident. Rhianon plans to pursue a career in psychiatry.
Highland to Hold Express Registration for Spring Semester
FREEPORT – Highland is holding Express Registration on Tuesday, December 15. Students can conveniently get ready for the semester in a single visit. Students can take a placement test, meet with an advisor, and register for classes.
Classes fill up quickly, so students are encouraged to register now for the best class selection.
• Placement Tests will be administered between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Advisors and admissions staff will be assisting students from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• The Bookstore will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Placement testing is also available the evening of Monday, December 14th by appointment. Call 815.599.3678 to schedule an appointment.
For a complete listing of spring semester classes visit
www.highland.edu. For additional information about fall classes or the registration process, please contact the Highland Community College at 815.599.3612.
Truck Driving Classes return to HCC
FREEPORT— Start a new career in as little as four weeks with Highland Community College’s Truck Driver Training Course. This course will prepare you for an entry-level position in the trucking industry.
The Truck Driver Training course can be completed in four weeks by attending classes on Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The course is also offered part-time with evening classes that are scheduled for Monday through Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Part-time training can be completed in eight weeks. The program includes the Illinois Secretary of State administered Class A road test.
Students may register at any time by calling 815-599-3418. New full-time training courses start every four weeks and the part-time evening program will be offered soon.
The course fee is $3795.00. There are no additional charges for books or supplies. The Illinois class A permit fee is an additional charge of $50.00. Cost for the Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug screen may vary. This course is worth seven hours of college credit.
A high school diploma or GED is not required. However, individuals must be over 21 years of age, able to read and write the English language, be able to meet the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) physical requirements, and have a valid driver’s license at the time of registration. The program may train individuals 18 years of age, but has limited job placement assistance for individuals under the age of 21.
To schedule a registration appointment, or for additional information about this program, call 815-232-3418 or visit
www.highland.edu.
HCC and Partners for Employment to hold Information Sessions for Adults
FREEPORT – Highland Community College and Partners for Employment, a member of Workforce Employment Solutions, are conducting joint information sessions for adults and displaced and unemployed workers.
Partners for Employment staff will provide information about tuition-assistance and free career and employment services. Representatives from Highland Community College will present training and educational programs available at HCC. Participants will be able to find out if they qualify for tuition assistance, free books and help with childcare and transportation costs to assist in getting the training needed to gain lasting employment.
The session will take place Monday, December 14th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Student/Conference Center on the campus of Highland Community College. Refreshments will be provided. Call 815-599-3612 for more information or visit www.highland.edu.
For more information regarding Partners for Employment, a member of Workforce Employment Solutions, call or visit one of the following offices in your area:
Carroll County
301 N. Main Street
Mount Carroll, IL 61053
815-244-2522
Jo Daviess County
300 West Ave.
Elizabeth, IL 61028
815-858-3630
Ogle County
803 W. Lincoln Avenue
Rochelle, IL 61068
815-562-3478
Stephenson County
Stephenson Workforce Employment Solutions Center
1826 S. West Ave.
Freeport, IL 61032
815-235-1801
Whiteside County
Whiteside Workforce Employment Solutions Center
2323 E. Lincolnway
Sterling, IL 61081
815-625-9648
The Highland Chorale Music Department Presents Handel's Messiah
The Highland Community College Choral Music Department is proud to present its annual concert of George F. Handel's "Messiah" at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 5 at First Presbyterian Church, 302 West Stephenson, Freeport. The department’s performance of Handel’s Messiah has become a holiday tradition.
“This magnificent composition provides us with the opportunity to present a diverse range of talent from Northwest Illinois and Southern Wisconsin,” according to Allen Redford, HCC’s director of Choral Music. “Performed in the beautiful surrounding and majestic acoustics of the First Presbyterian Church this concert is a wonderful way for families and friends to celebrate the Holidays.”
The Chorale is a 60-voice mixed choir that performs a variety of sacred and secular music from the 16th century to the present. The Chamber Singers is a 16 voice auditioned choir comprised of Highland music students.
Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $6 for students. Tickets may be reserved online at www.highland.edu and may also be reserved by calling the Highland Community College Box Office weekdays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 815.235.6127.
HCC Alumni Association to Hold Tip Off Party
FREEPORT – The Highland Community College Alumni Association, in partnership with the HCC Student Senate, will hold a Tip-Off Party before the HCC Men’s Basketball home opener vs. Moberly CC on Saturday, November 21st from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the auxiliary gym of the YMCA/HCC Sports Complex. The event is open to the public.
Pizza and soda will be served. The event will feature introductions of both the men’s and women’s basketball teams and coaches; a silent and live auction with proceeds benefiting Cougar Athletics and the HCC Alumni Association; and face painting by the Highland Dance Team.
Tickets are $10 which includes admission to the game at 7:00 p.m. and will be available at the door. Advanced tickets are available by contacting one of the following:
Cal Wescott 815-235-4922
Cindy Carter 815-275-9174
Jeff Cowman 815-275-4560
HCC Athletics 815-599-3415
HCC Foundation Board holds Annual Meeting
FREEPORT — The Highland Community College Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) Not-For-Profit Corporation, held its Annual Board Meeting on Thursday, October 22, 2009 at the Freeport Country Club.
Business conducted at the meeting consisted of an amendment to the by-laws; a presentation of the fiscal year 2009 Financial Report by Neal Richardson of Lindgren, Callihan & Van Osdel; and renewal of terms for Class III board members Delbert Scheider, Roger Hulsebus, James Schneiderman, Steve Kneubuehl, Richard Ames, Doug Cross and Steve Cox.
The nominating committee co-chairs, Dick Ames and Marjorie Phillips introduced three new individuals to the board and were unanimously approved. Those individuals are Virginia Ames of Cedarville, Julia (Judy) Kaney of Forreston and Janey Morse of Freeport.
The nominating committee also introduced a new slate of officers and the board unanimously approved the following: President, R.Todd Weegens; Vice President, Steve Kneubuehl; Treasurer, Jim Schneiderman; Secretary, Robin Wilhelms Saar; Past President, James Berberet; and Executive Director (Ex-Officio), Susan Atherton.
Mr. Berberet and HCC President, Joe Kanosky, presented Distinguished Alumni Awards to Rhianon Groom, of Washington D.C. and Ken Eicholz, of Forreston.
Berberet presented a recap of his very rewarding thirty years service to the Foundation Board – twenty of which he served as president. He has been instrumental in leading the Foundation through many successful endeavors, such as the 1992 – 1995 Building for the Communities campaign which raised $375,000 dollars to furnish and equip the college’s Student/Conference Center.
More recently, Berberet serves as the co-chair for the current Growing for tomorrow…Changing lives Today campaign in support of the Ray and Betty Stamm Health Science Nursing Wing. The five-year project is the most extensive fund raising campaign in the Foundation’s history.
During the meeting, Berberet presented Todd Weegens with the Foundation gavel and expressed his thanks to Todd for taking on the challenge of leading the Foundation as its next president. Because of Jim Berberet’s dedication, leadership and service to the Foundation for nearly 30 years, Weegens presented him with a beautiful glass sculpture.
A Lena native and Principal at Fehr-Graham & Associates in Freeport, Weegens has served on the Foundation Board since 1993 and has been active as a member of the executive committee and as Stephenson County co-chair for the Growing for Tomorrow…Changing lives Today campaign.
“I am very thrilled to have the honor of serving as the Foundation Board president,” said Weegens. “These are exciting and challenging times for us. The Growing for tomorrow…Changing lives Today campaign which has helped to make the new state of the art health science facility a reality is in full swing. I look forward to continuing to work with Jim (Berberet), the College and the Foundation Board on this worthwhile and meaningful endeavor.”
For more information about the Highland Community College Foundation, or to find out how you can contribute to the Growing for tomorrow…Changing lives Today campaign, contact executive director, Susan Atherton at 815.599.3406 or visit www.highlandgift.org.
The Highland Chorale Music Department Presents Handel's Messiah
The Highland Choral Music Department is proud to present its annual concert of George F. Handel's "Messiah" at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 5 at First Presbyterian Church, 302 West Stephenson, Freeport. The department’s performance of Handel’s Messiah has become a holiday tradition.
“This magnificent composition provides us with the opportunity to present a diverse range of talent from Northwest Illinois and Southern Wisconsin,” according to Allen Redford, HCC’s director of Choral Music. “Performed in the beautiful surrounding and majestic acoustics of the First Presbyterian Church this concert is a wonderful way for families and friends to celebrate the Holidays.”
The Chorale is a 60-voice mixed choir that performs a variety of sacred and secular music from the 16th century to the present. The Chamber Singers is a 16 voice auditioned choir comprised of Highland music students.
Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $6 for students. Tickets may be reserved online at
www.highland.edu and may also be reserved by calling the Highland Community College Box Office weekdays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 815.235.6127. Tickets go on sale November 16.
Holiday Concert featuring the HCC Concert Band and Children’s Choir
FREEPORT—The Highland Community College Concert Band, directed by Scott Stich, and the Highland Community College Children’s Choir, directed by Diane Dietmeire, will perform the Annual Holiday Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 20 at the Lena Performing Arts Center in Lena, Illinois.
The Concert Band, directed by Scott Stich, consists of Highland students and musicians throughout the district. The Children’s Choir consists of children from the community and is directed by Diane Dietmeier. Originated in the early 1980s, the Children’s Choir is credited for encouraging musical talent and for being an opportunity to perform on stage for hundreds of pre-teens and teens. During the past quarter century, the Children’s Choir has evolved into a tradition on the Highland campus.
Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Children’s Choir Director Diane Dietmeier at 815.990.2303.
Registration for Spring 2010 Classes Begins October 26
FREEPORT— Highland Community College will begin registering students for the Spring 2010 Semester. Students are encouraged to register early for the best class selection. Students can utilize Highland’s Web site, www.highland.edu, to search through class offerings, get additional information, and to register online.
The Highland Chorale to hold first rehearsal for Handel’s Messiah
FREEPORT — The Highland Chorale is welcoming all interested singers to join us for the annual "Handel's Messiah" concert. Rehearsals will begin on Tuesday, November 3rd at 7:00 p.m. in room FA 10 of the Ferguson Fine Arts building. The concert will be presented with orchestra, soloists and chorus on Saturday, December 5th the First Presbyterian Church in Freeport.
Star Search Comedy Champion Horace H.B. Sanders Comes to Highland
FREEPORT- Highland Community College student activities group is proud to present a one show only performance by nationally known comedian Horace H.B. Sanders, at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30th, 2009 in the Ferguson Fine Arts Center Theatre. The show will be suitable for students of all ages. Tickets are $4 for students and $6 for the general public. Tickets are available in the at the HCC box office, Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
From Horace H. B. Sanders' bio:
Refreshingly funny, Arsenio Hall stated it best, "Horace is like Sarah Lee,... nobody doesn't like him." CBS crowned this Detroit native as the new Star Search Comedy Champion and awarded Horace $100,000.00 and a development deal for his own show. Horace has the distinction of holding the highest score in the show's history, a perfect 20 stars from the celebrity judges and 19 stars from the live home audience.
Horace's television appearances include "The CBS Early Show", "CTN- Live", "Comcast Comedy Hour", "BET Comic View", "BET Jazz" and the Host of "Robert Townsends Partner's-In-Crime, The Next Generation". In 2004, Horace delighted over 28,000 people inside Phillips Arena, at Bishop T.D. Jakes' Mega Fest, in Atlanta, GA. In 2005, Horace was nominated for Best New Artist in The National Association of Campus Activities (NACA).
For more information about Horace H.B. Sanders, visit www.hbsanders.com. Students activities coordinator.815.291.3874
It's that time of year again - our Highland Community College United Way Campaign will kick off on October 21st.
To start off our campaign, we will be serving Culver's ice cream in the cafeteria on Wednesday, October 21 from 11:00 a.m - 1:30 p.m.
Try one scoop of Oreo Overload; or maybe two scoops of Carmel Fudge Cookie Dough. $2.00 for one scoop; $3.00 for two scoops.
All proceeds will go to our Highland Community College United Way Campaign. Thank you.
Your 2009/2010 United Way Committee:
Ashley Fernstaedt, Tana Gundry, Deb Hayenga, Sandy Johnson, Rhonda Perry, Sharon Schultz, Renee Welch, Teresa Williams, Tracey Williams
Rhonda Perry
Executive Assistant
HCC AUTOMOTIVE PROGRAMS GO GREENThanks to donations from Anzko Nobel Coatings, Inc. and State Farm Insurance
FREEPORT, IL – The Highland Community College automotive programs are undergoing efforts to become more environmentally friendly through the use of new technologies thanks to donations from Anzko Nobel Coatings, Inc. and State Farm Insurance. The result is a restored 2007 Toyota Prius hybrid finished in environmentally friendly waterborne paint.
Highland’s auto body repair program has recently begun using the new paint technology in large part due to an in kind donation of $21,800 from Anzko Nobel Coatings, Inc. The HCC Auto Body shop is near completion of hosting a state of the art waterborne paint mixer, spray booth, Sikkens Autowave tones and associated components. With the use of this new technology, harmful solvent emissions can be reduced by 85% when compared to the use of standard solvent based paint systems.
“Our auto body instructor, Tom Bergstrom, has been looking into this move for some time,” said Highland dean of business and technology, Scott Anderson. “We whole-heartedly endorse the new system for environmental reasons, but it is also part of our commitment to employ the latest technology in our training processes. Waterborne paint applications are the wave of the future.”
Bergstrom and instructor Todd Vacek received training in Akzo Nobel’s waterborne technology hosted by Highland in March of this year. According to Bergstrom, “We had nearly 60 individuals participate in the training which included equipment needs, cycle times, better paint coverage, improved efficiency, higher profitability and the ‘green’ element of less pollution due to lower volatile organic compounds released by the new system.”
The process of fully converting the shop’s solvent based paint booth and mixer over to the new system should be completed in the next few weeks.
With the assistance of Anzko Nobel Coatings, the new waterborne paint has already been applied to another “green” donation to the automotive program – a salvaged 2009 Toyota Prius hybrid supplied by State Farm Insurance. The automotive technology students repaired the damaged mechanical and electrical components using diagnostic tools designed for use on hybrid vehicles.
“Our students underwent some real world experience in repairing a modern hybrid vehicle,” according to HCC automotive technology instructor, Jim Palmer. “This level of work is significant in that it gives our students an edge when they enter a field that will likely see significant growth in hybrid vehicles.”
The car was then turned over to the auto body students to restore and finish with the new paint system.
“We feel very fortunate to have been selected for these donations,” Anderson concluded, “They have been, and will continue to be, useful in providing our students with the latest in automotive repair technology.”
Highland Community College offers programs in Auto Body Repair (AAS), Basic Automotive Service Level I and II (Certificates), and Automotive Technology (AAS).
Photo of the 2007 Prius and HCC automotive staff (from left to right): William “Jeff” Robertson, Todd Vacek, Jim Palmer and Tom Bergstrom.
Photo and story courtesy HCC
HCC Theatre Department Presents “Dearly Departed”
by David Bottrell and Jessie Jones
Tickets are on sale now and may be reserved by calling the Box Office at 815.235.6127 on Monday through Friday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. or reserve your
FREEPORT— The Highland Community College theatre department will present “Dearly Departed” at 7:30 p.m. on October 15, 16 and 17. These performances, directed by John Webb, will be held in the Highland Community College Ferguson Fine Arts Theatre.
In the Baptist backwoods of the Bible Belt, the beleaguered Turpin family proves that living and dying in the South are seldom tidy and always hilarious. Despite their earnest efforts to pull themselves together for their father's funeral, the Turpin's other problems keep overshadowing the solemn occasion: Firstborn Ray-Bud drinks himself silly as the funeral bills mount; Junior, the younger son, is juggling financial ruin, a pack of no-neck monster kids, and a wife who suspects him of infidelity in the family car; their spinster sister, Delightful, copes with death as she does life, by devouring junk food; and all the neighbors add more than two cents.
As the situation becomes fraught with mishap, Ray-Bud says to his long-suffering wife, "When I die, don't tell nobody. Just bury me in the backyard and tell everybody I left you." Amidst the chaos, the Turpins turn for comfort to their friends and neighbors, an eccentric community of misfits who just manage to pull together and help each other through their hours of need, and finally, the funeral.
The cast members:
Raynelle Turpin: Rebeccah Foust (Freeport)
Bud Turpin: Steven DeMeester (Freeport)
Ray-Bud Turpin: Andy Balbac (Savanna)
Lucille Turpin: Grace Wagner (Freeport)
Junior Turpin: Evan Bruce (Stockton)
Suzanne turpin: Corina Klein (Freeport)
Marguerite (Bud’s sister): Emily Chappell (Freeport)
Royce (Marguerite’s Son): Chad Sabin (Freeport)
Rev. Hooker: Adam Murley (Freeport)
Delightful Turpin: Joe Schemel (Freeport)
Veda: Grace Wagner (Freeport)
Norval: Steven DeMeester (Freeport)
Nadine: Corina Klein (Freeport)
Clyde: Joe Schemel (Freeport)
Juanita: Lissa Heidenreich (Warren)
Radio Announcer: Joe Schemel (Freeport)
Tickets online at
www.highland.edu. Tickets are $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $6 for students.
"Collage Concert" features Highland's Music Department
FREEPORT—The diverse vocal and instrumental talents of Highland Community College district residents will be showcased in a “Collage Concert” featuring the Highland Chorale, Chamber Singers, Royal Scots, Concert Band, HCC Children’s Choir, and the Big Band on Saturday, October 24, at 7:30 p.m. The concert will be held at the Ferguson Fine Arts Theatre on Highland’s campus.
Tickets are on sale now, and may be reserved online at www.highland.edu or by calling the Highland Community College Box Office weekdays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 815.235.6127. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $6 for students.
This is the third annual Collage Concert in which Highland College showcases its entire music department at one time. Allen Redford, Highland’s director of vocal music, explains “we take pride in presenting all of Highland’s musical groups in an entertaining one-evening performance.” In addition to highlighting Highland’s instrumental and vocal groups, this concert will also recognize Highland’s talented music majors. Highland offers several scholarships to students who are pursuing the music field. According to Redford, the Collage Concert presents a “unique opportunity to showcase the talents of our music scholarship recipients”.
Directors
Allen Redford is the director of the HCC Chorale, Chamber singers and the Royal Scots.
Scott Stich is the director of the Highland Concert Band.
Diane Dietmeier is the director of the HCC Children’s Choir.
Bill Petersen is the director of the Highland Big Band.
All of these musical groups have been long-lasting traditions on the Highland campus. This new concert experience will showcase the many talents of residents throughout northwest Illinois. Redford notes that, “it makes for a richly diverse program with participants ranging from elementary school children, to traditional college students, to community members and retired faculty.”
For more information about Highland Community College Fine Arts performances, vocal or instrumental groups, please contact the Fine Arts Department at 815.599.3490
Coach Norman Stepping Down
FREEPORT – Longtime Highland Community College coach, Pete Norman, is stepping down from his role as the head coach for men’s basketball. Norman has led Cougar basketball since 1994, accumulating a career total 395 wins and 5 berths to the National Tournament in the last 6 years. Norman cited personal and family reasons for his decision to step down and confirmed that he will remain the athletic director and an instructor at Highland Community College.
In a letter to his fans published on the Highland Community College web site, Norman stated, “I’ve been thinking about this for the past couple of years. My mind knew it was time, but my heart wouldn’t let me make the announcement until now. It is difficult and emotional to let go of something we have worked so hard to build the last 15 years. It takes a lot of energy to coach a championship basketball team. At the end of last season I hoped to recharge for one more run. But as the season practices got ready to kick-off this year, I knew it was time.”
Highland President Dr. Joe Kanosky pointed to Pete Norman’s leadership as the reason for the Cougars’ success. Among his outstanding accomplishments, the Cougars finished third in National tournament in 2006 and were recently named the fifth best program in Basketball Times’ listing of the best Junior College programs in the 2000’s.
Reflecting on Norman’s tenure as head coach, Joe Kanosky said, “While we are sad that Pete is stepping down from men's basketball coaching, we also want to thank and honor him for his 15 seasons as coach. Pete came to Highland at a time when the program was in need of revitalization and Pete surely has accomplished that goal. Most importantly, Pete set a precedent that academics matter. He is most respected by the College community for his commitment to helping his players be good students and good citizens as well as good athletes. Over the years, he cultivated an outstanding graduation record in addition to good game stats. More than 90% of his players have graduated from Highland Community College or transferred on to another college or university.”
Joe Kanosky appointed Assistant Coach Ronnie Dean as interim head coach for the 2009 – 2010 season. Dean joined the Cougars last year and worked alongside Norman leading the Cougars to another berth to the National tournament.
“I am excited about this season,” said Dean. “I already feel a part of Cougar Nation. For years I have attended Highland games as a recruiter. Pete Norman is a great friend. He has had a tremendous influence on me and my coaching career.”
Dean joined Highland after a four year stint at Southeast Missouri State where he served as assistant coach. He held similar positions at Jacksonville University, University of Montana, Long Beach State and Cal State Fullerton. He also served as head coach at Lamar Community College in Colorado. In 2007, Dean was selected as the fourth best Junior College recruiter in the nation by Basketball Times.