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DATC Goes Green

KAYSVILLE, UT -- Davis Applied Technology College (DATC), a UCAT campus, has a mission to be on the cutting edge of technology, not only in training, equipment and facilities, but also in energy efficiency. In its latest effort to go “green,” DATC installed solar panels to its main building, resulting in a cost savings of $7,000-$8,000 per year. In addition, DATC began an Energy Technician program last year to develop the renewable energy workforce.

Kent Thorsted, DATC and Wasatch Sun Project Coordinators

Funding for other DATC energy efficient projects, including the solar panel project, came as a result of the President’s Stimulus Package, also known as the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This funding has allowed the institution to complete numerous projects, including modernizing the existing infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, upgrading the electrical system, as well as purchasing and installing a wind turbine generator for students to test in DATC’s Energy Technician program.

When budget cuts ensued three years ago, DATC’s Facilities Director, Kent Thorsted, became concerned the “green” projects would not be funded. He knew by postponing the projects, more problems would be created, so he quickly turned to the Division of Construction and Facilities Management (DFCM) to find creative ways to fund the energy efficient projects.

DATC Main Building Solar Panel Installation

Thorsted worked with DFCM’s Energy Program Director, Bianca Shama, in attaining ARRA funds. Shama says “we enjoy helping agencies uncover ways to fund projects and push everyone in the right direction in finding cost effective solutions.”

According to Shama, efficiency money was allocated evenly throughout the state. The agencies receiving funding were those with the most need. “We really looked at agencies that were underfunded and they were typically given a bigger piece to push some projects through without the use of state funds.”

“I am very grateful for the partnership we have with DFCM. Together we have created one of the best solar projects in the State. I appreciate their assistance in obtaining the funds and then helping DATC complete this exciting ‘green’ project on our campus,” says Brent Petersen, DATC’S Vice President of Facility Services.

Chad Hofheins, Wasatch Sun

Chad Hofheins is also pleased DATC received the funding. His company, Wasatch Sun, was contracted to install the school’s 57.6 KWH Photovoltaic Systems. He says, “Even with just five hours of good sunlight, the solar panels generate 57,600 watts per hour. An average home uses 30,000 watts per day. Energy not used up in the month is sold back to the power company, another cost saver for the institution.”

Energy Technician student, Adam Molling, has a vested interest in the green initiatives made available to students at the College. His class was able to install the Wind Turbine Generator, the sole energy sources for 12 of the 15 desktop PC computers students use to research alternative energy. He says, “As long as the wind is blowing, the turbine is generating electricity, morning and night.”

DATC Energy Technician Students

The DATC Energy Technician training certificate program started in February of last year, after the Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS) was awarded $4.6 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Labor. Training includes Green Construction, Energy Management/Efficiency, and Renewable Energy Transmission.

For more information regarding DATC’s Energy Technician program, call 801-593-2100 and/or go to jobs.utah.gov and click on the State Energy Sector Partnership Grant (SESP) link to apply for Training Money. For more information about DATC's Green Projects, call Kent Thorsted at 801-593-2430.

About Davis Applied Technology College:
Davis Applied Technology College (DATC) is one of eight campuses of the Utah College of Applied Technology, and is located just north of Salt Lake City, Utah. DATC provides training in an open-entry, open-exit environment which annually prepares over 7,400 high school and adult students with career and technical skills. DATC currently offers certificate programs in the Schools of Business, Construction, Health Professions, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Service Professions and Transportation. The College is committed to quality education and dedicated to its philosophy of "We Change Lives." For more information, visit www.datc.edu or contact James Larson at james.larson@datc.edu or 801-593-2483.

About UCAT:
UCAT is the parent organization for Utah’s eight regional applied technology colleges (ATCs). Established by the State of Utah, UCAT provides market-drive technical education through eight ATCs that meets the needs of Utah’s employers for skilled workers. The ATCs prepare both adult and high school students to enter or advance in the workplace. Customized training is also provided to employers for their work force through UCAT’s Custom Fit program. The eight ATCs are Bridgerland, Davis, Dixie, Mountainland, Ogden/Weber, Southwest, Tooele, and Uintah Basin. For more information, visit www.ucat.edu or contact Jared Haines at 801-955-2172 or 801-361-0631.

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February Students of the Month

KAYSVILLE, UT – Each month, Davis Applied Technology College (DATC), a UCAT campus, nominates two students for their exemplary efforts at school, work and life. This month, Daelyn Clawson, from the Nursing program, and Jon Bennett, from the Welding program, were selected.

Daelyn Clawson

Daelyn Clawson graduated from BYU with a Political Science degree. She planned to go to law school, but after she graduated, she decided it wasn’t a good fit for her. Instead, she became the mother of five children, and felt very fulfilled in her life. However, when she found herself in the hospital a few years ago, a light went on as she was speaking with a nurse. “As I was talking to this nurse, I kept thinking that nursing would be such a good thing for me. I have always admired nurses, but never really pictured doing anything past raising my children.”

That day in the hospital changed her life. The nurse mentioned Davis Applied Technology College (DATC) as a school of choice for nursing, so Daelyn looked into what it would take to apply. She discovered it would be time-intensive, but decided to take prerequisite courses right away. On her third application attempt, Daelyn was accepted into DATC’s Nursing program. Daelyn says, “I was shaking the day I got the acceptance letter. I was so grateful because I realized this was really going to happen.”

Daelyn is now in her second semester of the Nursing program. Her instructor, Nancy Kuncl, says "Daelyn's test scores are the best in the class. She sits on the first row, and is completely absorbed in the class presentation. She always comes to class prepared and her attitude is positive. She is very considerate to the other students and sets a fine example of scholarship and good behavior."

By December 2012, Daelyn will complete her Registered Nurse (RN) education and then plans to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Daelyn is so grateful for the opportunity of becoming a nurse and says, “The blood, the guts, all of that really bothers me, but my desire is so strong that my stomach will just have to follow. Whatever it takes, I want to help people. I want to make a difference.”

Jon Bennett

Jon Bennett was ready to make a change. He had been in and out of rehab and the corrections system since he was 15 years old. He was tired of living that lifestyle and was ready to start a new life. With the encouragement of a counselor, Jon enrolled at Davis Applied Technology College in the Welding program in July of last year. “I had never done welding before, but my dad was a welder, and his dad was a welder, so I thought I’d try it out.”

Apparently, welding is in Jon’s blood. It has come so naturally to him that Jon has completed the entire course in half the time it takes an average person. His Welding Instructor, Nick Price, says, “Jon is one of the very best welders I have ever seen. His welds are so exact that I have to get out a magnifying glass and flashlight just to see any inaccuracies.”

With just six months of training, Jon has already obtained five welding certifications. These certifications qualify Jon to weld almost anywhere, but his preference is to work for the Chevron refinery. He also plans to open his own business and eventually acquire a truck and a welding rig to be available to work at any location.

Because of his positive experience at DATC, Jon has made other encouraging changes in his life, including staying sober. “Change can happen if you want it. I’m changing everything in my life. I didn’t like myself before and it was hard to look myself in the mirror. However, I’m starting to like the person I see now.”

Jon plans to pay it forward by helping others. “I help a lot of the students in my class. I don’t sugar coat anything for them.” He also plans to help his mother, who never gave up on him. “My mom just lost her job, so I would like to help pay off her house once I start making money. She was always there for me, so it’s the least I can do for her.”

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Notice of Re-Accreditation

NOTICE OF RE-ACCREDITATION: The Dental Assisting program at Davis Applied Technology College (DATC), a UCAT campus, is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) associated with the American Dental Association (ADA). DATC's Dental Assisting program is preparing for its re-accreditation and, as part of the process, students have the opportunity to file complaints to the Commission’s office. Complaints must be received no later than March 30, 2012.

The Commission on Dental Accreditation will review complaints that relate to a program’s compliance with the accreditation standards. The Commission is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dental and dental-related education programs but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for treatment received by patients or individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff or students.

A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the Commission’s policy and procedure for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678 or by calling 1-800-621-8099 extension 4653.

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DATC Open House January 19th

KAYSVILLE, UT – Davis Applied Technology College (DATC), a UCAT campus, will be hosting an Open House on Thursday, January 19th from 5-7 p.m. at our Kaysville campus, 550 E. 300 S. Discover how easy education can be by exploring over 37 career options, getting answers to questions about financial aid, learning how to enroll, taking a tour of our programs, plus entering to win a scholarship and other prizes. For more information, call 801-988-5365 or to schedule a tour, visit www.datc.edu/change.

open_house_web.

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January Students of the Month

KAYSVILLE, UT – Each month, Davis Applied Technology College (DATC), a UCAT campus, nominates two students for their exemplary efforts at school, work and life. This month, Laurine Watts, from the Composite Materials Technology program, and Shawna Burgon, from the Cosmetology program, were selected.

Laurine Watts

Laurine Watts has immense passion for the Composite Materials Technology program at DATC. Having only been in the program since November, Laurine has dived right in and is learning everything possible. She says, “It’s amazing how many things you can do in composites. We don’t realize how many objects are made with this material. It really is the future.”

Watts enrolled in the program after being tired of working two full-time jobs. She was ready for a new career and one where she could have insurance and pay her bills. “I’ve worked 80 hours a week for the past four years and have been killing myself for nothing because I don’t have any benefits.”

Even though Watts quit one of her jobs, she has replaced that time with school. Starting at 5:45 a.m., Watts doesn’t stop until 11 p.m. However, her motivation is strong. She is almost halfway through the program after just beginning a couple months ago. She is excited about the prospects of finding a job in her chosen career field. “I would like to work for one of the aerospace or aircraft companies.”

Watts is already excited about her final project of making a piano stand for her keyboard. She says, “My instructors are impressed I have come up with my own final project. I want to show that I really know what I’m doing.” Wesley Hobbs, Watts’ Instructors, says, “We are amazed at how she has excelled above and beyond our expectations.”

“Each step in the process of coming back to school has been positive and has encouraged me to work harder and to continue on. I have found confidence in myself that I did not realize was possible and look forward to a successful career in composites. I feel like I can help make a difference as new methods and applications of composites are introduced and applied to the world around us,” says Watts.

Shawna Burgon

Shawna Burgon had wanted to be a cosmetologist ever since she was a little girl. She did hair for everyone, including herself. However, when she got married, it was necessary to put her husband through school, so she wasn’t able to focus on her own educational pursuits.

When Burgon’s 16-year-old daughter went through Cosmetology school, Burgon felt inspired to finally get her own Cosmetology license. However, she wasn’t sure how she would juggle school, work, and three children. Burgon soon discovered how flexible the Cosmetology program at DATC would be with her schedule, so she decided to enroll. That was two years ago and now Burgon is almost ready to graduate.

Burgon says, “Going to Cosmetology school is a lot harder than I thought it would be. A lot of people think it is the easy way out, but there is so much chemistry and math to it. However, the instructors make it possible to reach your goals. They are all so talented and patient. It’s a great education here. Why go to the expense of another program when you can get the same quality or better at DATC?”

While Burgon has been impressed by her instructors, her instructors have been impressed by her. One of her lead instructors, Angela Tanner, says, “Shawna Burgon is a great student who consistently instigates good behavior with other students. She is always positive and upbeat. Her clients love her and she exemplifies excellent customer service. She is punctual, reliable, and shows an exceptional desire to learn.”

Once Burgon graduates from the Cosmetology program, she would like to work in a salon to gain experience. She would also like to continue her education and obtain a Master Esthetics license. Eventually, Burgon plans to open a salon in her home and work with her daughter.

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DATC Campus President Named COE Commission Member

KAYSVILLE, UT – In November, Michael J. Bouwhuis, Davis Applied Technology College’s (DATC) Campus President, was voted in as one of 20 Commission Members for the Council on Occupational Education (COE), a national technical education accrediting body. The Commission Membership is made up of technical education administrative officers and industry representatives of COE Commission-accredited institutions throughout the United States.

Paul Hacking, former Uintah Basin Applied Technology College Campus President, nominated Bouwhuis to take his place as a Commission Member after accepting a new position outside of a COE Commission-accredited institution. Hacking says, “Mike has been very active in charting the direction of occupational training in Utah. Since the Council was introduced to the state in 2000, Mike has advocated that Utah’s public technical colleges be accredited by COE. Upon accreditation, Mike has served in many capacities to fully understand COE standards.”

President Bouwhuis’ experience makes him an ideal candidate for this position. He has been instrumental in promoting and developing technical education in the state, developing state technical education strategic direction, creating industrial partnerships and developing programs, which place completers in related employment. He has also collaborated in providing statewide solutions to occupational training challenges, and providing regional leadership for occupational training programs in Northern Utah.

Bouwhuis states, “This is a real honor. I can’t think of a time when I haven’t worked with an accrediting body at the approval level, but now my capacity will reach the governance level. This will give me the opportunity to understand and convey to the State of Utah changes, trends, and patterns occurring throughout the country. I will also be able to share best practices with other UCAT campuses.”

In 2011, the Council celebrated its 40th year of assuring quality and integrity in technical education. The Council’s accreditation process is conducted on behalf of more than 360,000 students across the nation who pursue careers in a variety of technical fields. Accreditation focuses on institutional quality, integrity, accountability, and continuous quality improvement.

The Council has Federal status as a National Accrediting Agency with the U.S. Department of Education as a reliable authority in determining institutional quality that meets the eligibility requirements for Title IV funds that provide Federal student financial assistance. Commissioners manage the affairs of the Council and are responsible for making recommendations to the Council regarding standards, conditions and criteria which govern the election to and the termination of institutions with the Council.

“Mike will be directly involved with developing national standards for technical education and for ensuring that member institutions are in compliance with every standard of quality and will help ensure that regulations established for institutional compliance by the council, as measures of quality and accountability, are just and achievable,” says Kimberly Ziebarth, DATC’s Director of Instructional Effectiveness and Institutional Quality.

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DATC Students Create Energy Efficiency

KAYSVILLE, UT – Students in the new Energy Technician program at Davis Applied Technology College (DATC), a UCAT campus, are learning innovative ways to be more energy efficient. Just recently, students installed a 48-volt Wind Turbine Generator that was raised 29 feet in the air next to a Photovoltaic Solar Panel (PV) System installed earlier this year. The cost of the generator was just under $1,000, but will pay itself off in less than 18 months ($0.09/kWh).

Adam Molling, a student in the program, says he was excited when the first electrical output reading from wind turbine was 424 watts. “Although every wind power generator is capable of generating only half of the wind power into electricity, they’re still four times more efficient than installing PV Solar Panels to get the same electrical output. As long as the wind is blowing, the turbine is generating electricity, morning and night.”

The Energy Technician training certificate program was started at DATC in February of this year, after the Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS) was awarded $4.6 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Labor. The grant, State Energy Sector Partnership (SESP), will be used to develop the workforce and create jobs.

The wind turbine and the PV system are now the sole energy sources for 12 of the 15 desktop PC computers students use to research Alternative Energy. DATC Energy Technician students Jared Lindsay, Fred van Hemert, and Mike Conaster, who all have an emphasis in Energy Construction, assembled the wind turbine in four hours. They were assisted by Ted Duke and Sami Tapa, who are new students in the program. Supervising the work was Stacy Hatch, DATC Energy Technician Lead Instructor. Pleased with the student’s work, Hatch began testing how well the wind turbine would keep the classroom’s battery bank fully charged. The turbine also has a sensory system for power-shut-off when the battery bank is fully charged or wind velocity is too strong for the generator, which makes for low maintenance cost.

DATC’s administration and faculty allocated funds to purchase the wind turbine to give practical experience to students for installation and maintenance on the wind turbine and battery bank. The objective was not only to understand the theory of installation, but working through a learning curve to give students a winning edge in their job search. The additional advantage of the project was to give DATC a Clean Energy source for years to come.

Utah’s Energy Academy Trainees can obtain practical skills in the following areas at DATC: Green Construction, Energy Management/Efficiency, and Renewable Energy Transmission. Denise Iverson, DWS Energy Career Development Specialist, has been instrumental in working with Misty Dangel, DATC’s Job Placement Specialist, to find career paths for graduates of the program.

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December Students of the Month

KAYSVILLE, UT – Each month, Davis Applied Technology College (DATC), a UCAT campus, nominates two students for their exemplary efforts at school, work and life. This month, Tevita Fonokalafi, from the Automotive Technology program, and Kim Scholtec, from the ASL-Interpreting program, were selected.

Tevita Fonokalafi

Many trials have taken place for Tevita Fonokalafi. After becoming unemployed last year, Tevita enrolled in the Automotive Technology program at Davis Applied Technology College to begin training for what he had always wanted to do. He was in the program for only a few short months when his wife became ill. Soon after, his wife passed away, and Tevita was left alone to raise three young daughters.

Having to put his life back in order, Tevita took a Leave of Absence and did not return to DATC until later this year. “I stayed home for six months, remarried, and then came back to the Automotive program in August 2011.”

Tevita has worked tirelessly since coming back to the program. His instructor, Dee Rawson, says, “Since returning in August of this year Tevita’s progress is 97.6% and attendance is 95.1%. He comes to school each morning driven to work hard. He goes the extra mile in everything he does. Not only has he exceled at his shop work, but he is very humble and wants to provide the very best for his family. With all he has gone through, I never have seen him down.”

Once Tevita completes the program within the next couple of months, he plans to find a job as an Automotive Technician. He would then like to continue going to school and earn all eight ASE certifications to become a Master Mechanic.

Kim Scholtec

Specific people and events kept cropping up in Kim Scholtec’s life. Starting at an early age, Kim has been affected by the Deaf community in one way or another. She started signing in the 6th grade with a friend’s parents who were deaf, and then other deaf people came into her life, making Kim realize she needed a way to communicate.

Two years ago, Kim decided it was time to start learning American Sign Language (ASL). Her interpreting friend encouraged her to enroll into the program at Davis Applied Technology College (DATC). “It was really overwhelming at first, but the teachers are so wonderful. My instructor told me he would teach me and I would learn, and I have,” says Kim.

Kim has already taken ASL 1, 2, and 3, and is near the end of the Introduction to Interpreting and Linguistics. Once she finishes those courses, she will be required to take a written test to be accepted into the ASL-Interpreting program. She devotes her entire week to learning the language. She says, “It is a lot more challenging than I had expected. It really is another language and also another culture, but I love it and I am where I am supposed to be.”

Dan Mathis, one of Kim’s ASL Instructors, is impressed with her passion for learning ASL and her understanding of Deaf people and Deaf culture. “Kim continuously improves her skills and knowledge and has an engaging personality that is a great asset in the interpreting field.” Another ASL instructor, Summer Bennett, says, “Kim is very focused and immediately demonstrates the skills she learns as she progresses. She has excellent interpersonal skills, which are very important as an interpreter.”

Once she completes her education within the next year, Kim would like to work in an educational setting interpreting in an elementary school. She says, “I just want to really learn the Deaf culture and go out into the world and put it to use.”

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DATC November Students of the Month

KAYSVILLE, UT – Each month, Davis Applied Technology College (DATC), a UCAT campus, nominates two students for their exemplary efforts at school, work and life. This month, Adam Molling, from the Energy Technician program, and David Green, from the Heavy Duty Diesel program, were selected.

Adam Molling

Adam Molling graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management at BYU-Hawaii, where he started an investment club with the concept of financing and operating a wind turbine. “I saw all the energy consumption in Hawaii and wondered why we couldn’t have more wind and solar energy available.”

When Adam moved back to Utah, he found out about an Energy Technician training program at Davis Applied Technology College and became fascinated with the prospects of making a difference in Utah. He says, “I wonder what the gas prices are going to be when my 8-month-old daughter starts driving. All of the technology we have takes energy. We need to be leaders in the global industry.”

Being a leader is exactly what Adam is doing. He is currently talking to the Governor’s Office on Economic Development to see what jobs are available in renewable energy and what employers are looking to relocate to Utah. To compliment this effort, he is leading his Energy Technician class at DATC in creating an Energy Technician website that will include internships and jobs, a member list, a discussion board, and Utah companies by category and county.

His instructor, Stacy Hatch, has been highly impressed with the leadership Adam has brought to the Energy Technician course. He says, “Adam has a dedication and desire to help the Energy Technician program grow. He has made numerous contacts to employers in the industry. Through his efforts, we have added employers to our Advisory Team and now we have a substantial list of employers in the area. This has helped the program receive some recognition through the industry.”

Once Adam completes his Energy Technician Certification, he would like to work for General Electric to help with management and logistics in renewable energy and consumption. He would also like to study human habits in regards to saving energy. He says, “Just three weeks ago, I weatherized my apartment for less than $25. It has decreased our energy bill and now I watch our electricity and gas meter bill go down as well. People just need to have the knowledge to make it happen.”

David Green

David Green didn’t know what he was going to do with his life, so he joined the military after he graduated from Weber High School. He chose to work in the army as a diesel mechanic because he had a strong aptitude for that type of work. However, after being discharged from the army, he ran into problems finding employment because he did not have the proper certifications as a civilian.

Just a few months ago, David decided to enroll in Davis Applied Technology College’s Heavy Duty Diesel program to get the certifications he needed to find a job in his chosen career field. He says, “The program has been really helpful. I am learning a lot of things that I didn’t in the military, so I feel that when I am done, I will be able to find a job.”

David’s instructors have enjoyed having him in the class. He has been helpful at showing new students the ropes. His instructor, Neil Cheney, says, “David is an excellent student who is also willing to help others. He is very knowledgeable about diesel engines and trucks. He works hard while in class and is always willing to learn whatever he can to be successful.”

In not too much time, David will complete the requirements of the Heavy Duty Diesel course at DATC and then continue his education at Weber State University in the Diesel Associate Degree program. “I really enjoy working on engines and I would like to get back into working in the field.” In the next five years, David may consider going back into the military or even starting his own business.

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CORRECTION - PSA: Henry Marsh at DATC Gobbler Gallop

KAYSVILLE - On Saturday, November 12, 2011, Henry Marsh, 4-time Olympian and Steeplechase world-record holder, will be firing the start gun at the DATC Gobbler Gallop. Runners can meet Henry, at the starting line, as they run to raise funds for DATC scholarships. The race is being held at DATC's Kaysville campus, located at 550 East 300 South.

Henry Marsh is the most prolific distance runner in USA history. In 1988 he became the second male runner to make four US Olympic Teams. He culminated his career with 13 straight years as one of the top ten 3,000 meter steeplechase runners in the world, including 3 years as number one. Henry won ten national titles and set four American records including the American record of 8:09:17 which he held for an unprecedented 27 years.

DATC is excited to have Henry be a part of a fun day to raise scholarships for DATC students in need. For more information, call 801-593-2310 or go to www.davisgobblergallop.com to register.

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