What's Happening at Ranken Technical College

Ranken Dedicates Walker Residence Hall

On Tuesday, November 18, the old Raskas Dairy building that is being transformed into student housing, was officially dedicated The Myrtle and Earl Walker Residence Hall.

The day began with a private dedication ceremony where Myrtle and Earl cut a ceremonial red ribbon to officially dedicate the new dorms.

The events continued that evening with a cocktail reception held in the lobby of Walker Hall. Those in attendance included Earl Walker, Board members, donors, Ranken employees and students and community leaders.

During the evening a public dedication was held led by Tim Willard, vice president of development. Ben Ernst spoke to offer his thanks to the Walkers and relived the story of how the dorms came to be a reality for Ranken.

"During a board meeting, we were discussing the idea of purchasing this property. Earl said, ‘If it will help Ranken, I will buy it for you,’

"The Walkers purchase of this property and the construction of these new dorms has led Ranken down an exciting new path and is sure to change the culture that we have known," Ernst said.

Bob Staley also spoke to offer thanks and to read the dedication plaque that was presented to the couple.

After a second ribbon-cutting, Earl Walker spoke to the audience. He talked about his days at Ranken and how the training he received always helped him provide for his family and now he can help return the favor.

2008 Food Drive and RankCan Sculptures

This week the 2008 Food Drive and RankCan competition was held and the winners were announced on Wednesday, November 19.

Results:

>> Food Drive

- The Industrial Technology department donated the most total food (4,659 items) and also had the highest student-to-food ratio (82 items per student).

>> RankCan Sculpture Competition

- First Place - Student Government Association (SGA) for their "Willy’s Jeep" display

- Second Place- Information Technology division for their "Nintendo/Mario Brothers" display

 

- Third Place- Industrial Technology (INT) department for their "INT Shop" display

The total amount of food items collected was 8,853! INT and SGA will receive a pizza party. Thank you to all of the Ranken students that participated in helping our community.

The purpose of this annual food drive and sculpture competition is to help feed the hungry in the St. Louis area during the holiday season and to exhibit the technical skills of our students. The food is donated to two local church food panties (Pleasant Green & Lane Tabernacle), to Ranken students in need, and other local organizations.

Ranken Announces New Partnership with St. Louis Public Schools

“Fresh Start” Program Participants to receive Scholarships

(St. Louis, MO) Ranken Technical College announced today a new partnership with the St. Louis Public Schools, (SLPS) offering scholarships to participants their “Fresh Start/In It 2 Win” program. In cooperation with Missouri State Representative Jamilah Nasheed, Ranken has been meeting with representatives of the program, and recently pledged to offer scholarships to as many as 50 qualifying public school students.

Fresh Start/In It 2 Win allows students who have dropped out of school to complete the requirements for a high school diploma in one year. To qualify for the new scholarships at Ranken, students must complete the program and earn their GED, then pass Ranken’s admissions tests. Students must then apply for all applicable federal and state financial aid. When those resources are exhausted, Ranken will step in to make up the difference, removing the price barrier for those students who otherwise qualify to attend the College.

Ranken President Ben Ernst said “These are hard-working students who demonstrate a clear desire to succeed, and the aptitude to do well at Ranken. By removing the last remaining financial barriers to their success, we hope to encourage many more of these students to seek degrees from our highly-successful technical programs. We know that with the right support, these students will go on to have successful careers in technical fields.” Ranken hopes to have the first eligible students begin classes for the spring semester in January of 2009.

Since 1907,Ranken Technical College has served the St. Louis region by providing skilled labor through hands-on, state-of-the-art training in a variety of technical disciplines.Ranken prepares students for successful careers in their chosen technical fields by placing emphasis on technical training, general education and professionalism. The College offers Associate of Technology and Science degrees in five core divisions—Automotive, Construction, Electrical, Information Technology and Manufacturing, as well as Bachelor of Science degrees in Architectural Technology and Applied Management. Ranken is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information about Ranken Technical College visit www.ranken.edu or call 1-866.4RANKEN.

Ranken Alumni November Birthdays

Join us in celebrating all of our alumni with birthdays in November. Names and dates are listed after the jump.

Ranken Technical College Expects 154 Companies to Attend Career Fair

(St. Louis, MO) Ranken Technical College will hold its fall career fair on Thursday, November 6th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The College expects more than 150 employers and 1500 students and alumni to participate in the event.  Participating local companies include Anheuser-Busch, Ameren Corporation, ConocoPhillips, Laclede Gas and Boeing. In addition to the many Missouri companies that will attend, there will be recruiters attending from Chicago, Ill., Houston, Texas and Springfield, Ohio companies.

Ranken President Ben Ernst said “Ranken Technical College refuses to participate in today’s recessionary times. 98 percent of our graduates find positions in their chosen technical fields within six months of graduation. In fact, we are averaging five job opportunities per graduate. This event helps create job opportunities for students and alumni. These events are proven winners!”

The bi-annual career fair events have been held on Ranken’s campus for the past 15 years and attract a steadily-increasing number of potential employers.

NOTE: Reporters, photographers and camera operators are welcome to cover the event.
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Since 1907, Ranken Technical College has served the St. Louis region by providing skilled labor through hands-on, state-of-the-art training in a variety of technical disciplines.  Ranken prepares students for successful careers in their chosen technical fields by placing emphasis on technical training, general education and professionalism.  The College offers Associate of Technology and Science degrees in five core divisions—Automotive, Construction, Electrical, Information Technology and Manufacturing, as well as Bachelor of Science degrees in Architectural Technology and Applied Management. Ranken is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.  For more information about Ranken Technical College, visit www.ranken.edu or call 1-866.4RANKEN.