What's Happening at Ranken Technical College

Distinguished Alumni Awards Presented

Distinguished Alumnus Award

David G. Roeder, a Mechanical Drafting graduate from 1964 received the Distinguished Alumni Award at a ceremony of Ranken alumni held on May 11. Dave attended St. Mary's High School in south St. Louis for freshman and sophomore years and spent his final two years at Maryhurst, a private boarding school run by the Brothers of Mary in Kirkwood, Mo., graduating in 1962. He enrolled at Ranken immediately and graduated from the mechanical drafting/tool & die design program under the instruction of Clarence Lane in 1964. David later received formal certification as a manufacturing engineer.

David was first employed at Ridgewood Steel Fabrication, where he worked in the machine shop. He then moved to Stile-Craft Manufacturers, Inc., a screw machine job shop that also specialized in medical/hospital equipment where he worked as a designer for 15 years. Over the years at Stile-Craft, he advanced from designing screw machine tooling and press tools to designing special machines for the mass production of everything from 60mm mortar shell bases to brazed copper/brass medical fittings. Coming in on the ground floor in numerical control machining, he learned to write programs that were converted to paper tapes that actually controlled the machine functions.

Beginning in 1980, Dave spent the next 22 years at Sunnen Products Company as a manufacturing engineer and worked on tooling, machine design and plant layouts. Eventually, Dave was supervising seven people in the Process Engineering Department. In 1989 he was offered a position in International Sales and began traveling for Sunnen, working first with the distributors in England, Germany, France and other European countries, then in Canada, Mexico, Central America and South America. He traveled extensively, and in one year he traveled to Asia visiting Japan, Korea, Taiwan & Singapore.  In the mid 1990s, he was traveling to South America (Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Chile), Central America and the Caribbean. David retired in 2002, earning over one million frequent flier miles on American Airlines.

Dave bought a sports car in 1970 which led him to serve as an officer in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) St. Louis region. He spent 25 years in various volunteer positions in the SCCA as well as in the Porsche Club. He has held positions as board member (SCCA), regional president (Porsche Club, 1984-1986), announcer of SCCA events, and driving instructor for the Porsche and BMW clubs.

In 1987 Dave joined a group of volunteers who were restoring the 1926 Ballwin steam locomotive 1522 to operation. Because of this project (a 15-year involvement), Dave found himself serving on the Board of the Transport Museum Association as well as on the board of the St. Louis Steam Train Association. He served as the service crew supervisor for the 1522, overseeing the maintenance of the steam locomotive during trips to Omaha, Nebraska; Atlanta, Georgia; Galesburg, Illinois, and many others for railroad activities.

Dave's most vivid memory of Ranken is sitting in a class with Mr. Lane as the instructor when it was announced that President John F. Kennedy had been shot. He also remembers being taught how to do calculations using a slide rule. Under Mr. Lane he was required to communicate designs verbally by standing up in front of class and giving presentations-something that he really enjoyed. "The confidence I gained by learning to speak and communicate clearly has helped me achieve many career goals. I have fond memories of working on maintenance projects at Ranken during the summer months. We scraped and painted the iron fence and helped to remove the large steam engine generator that was in the main lobby where the Dining Hall is now."

Dave has been married to his wife Judy for 44 years. His hobbies include model railroading, contest modeling for local shows and for the National Model Railroad Association's Divisional and Regional events, and model car building. Dave enters his 1988 Porsche in local car shows including the Ranken Car Show. He recently participated in an eight-year restoration of a 1918 Dodge Brothers touring car and had an article on that restoration published in the Dodge Brothers Club magazine. Dave and Judy are members of the Ranken Legacy Society, have supported the Capital Campaign at the Museum of Transportation in St. Louis County, the YMCA of the Ozarks, YMCA of Greater St. Louis, and are annual donors to Ranken Technical College's Fund for Ranken.

Distinguished Young Alumnus Award

Kynal (Von) Hester, a Computer Technology graduate from 1993 received the Distinguished Young Alumni Award at a ceremony of Ranken alumni held on May 11. Upon receiving an associate degree from Ranken in the spring of 1993, Von applied to several local colleges to continue his education. To help with additional tuition costs, Von worked nights at UPS and enjoyed a partial scholarship for the performing arts playing the viola, which he still plays today to pass some time.

Upon receiving a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, Von acquired his first job in the information technology field. By getting word that a friend who worked for Station Casinos in the IT division was leaving in the fall of 1998 to work for Boeing, Von applied and was hired. By first working as a valet from the spring of 1998 through the fall, he was able to transfer to the IT department as a junior operations specialist. Five years later he was promoted to systems analyst and three years later to senior systems analyst, a position he holds today with Ameristar Casinos. Since Ranken and SLU, Von has increased his skillset to include SQL/Database Administration, Cisco Routing and Switching, AS400, "Block" Phone Switches/IP Telephony, and recently, Virtualization.

Von has found himself on several internal and external committees within Ameristar which is active in the communities of its employees. Von has been part of several active committees including Habitat for Humanity as a member of the committee that funds and assists in building housing for residents unable to afford accommodations;  Ameristar Cares, an internal committee that coordinates various events around St. Louis and St. Charles Counties;  Charitable Giving which determines where to allocate company funds to assist with programs around St. Louis and St. Charles Counties (i.e. Angel Wings, Our Little Haven, Youth in Need, etc.); Ameristar Green which promotes ways to encourage team members to recycle and run the company operations more efficiently; and member of Ameristar's Peer Review designed to give team members a mediated option to settle grievances within the organization.

"The expression says 'if you love what you do, then you'll never work a day in your life'. It's been 15 years now, and I still enjoy coming to work. I love the people around me. I love my eternally-evolving job. I knew exactly what I would become since I was a preteen playing missile command on an Atari 2600. Attending Ranken was the catalyst in my life that helped me obtain that goal. To the institution, instructors and staff, I am eternally grateful. It's well known that a building is only as strong as the weakest point of its foundation, and Ranken has put underneath me a foundation bred on a hard work ethic, personal maturity (remember the shaving and uniforms?) and skillset which has allowed me to sustain and grow year after year, all while continuing to be successful within such a broad field. Every person has several 'turning points' in their lives, where a decision is made that plays an immeasurable part on where their lives lead. The day I showed up for orientation at Ranken was one of those 'turning points' what I believe to be a right turn in my life."

To try and balance his professional life with the life of a single parent with a teenage daughter, Von follows her school activities, participating in the Parents of Student Athletes board, assisting as a statistician and scorekeeper at school sporting events, as well as volunteering for transportation assistance to and from extracurricular activities. During his down time, Von recently enrolled in Spanish classes to start this summer, discovering new places to eat around St. Louis/St. Charles, and (as the weather gets warmer) riding his motorcycle.
 
Taken from his nomination form, "Von demonstrates every core value that a great trade school like Ranken Technical College instills in an individual that makes them successful. Von demonstrates characteristics of a professional in all his daily tasks. Leading by example, Von will do everything possible to make sure each issue is resolved. Von is well respected in the company and looked upon favorably by fellow team members as noted by the compliments, positive feedback from surveys and job completion ratings he receives after each task is completed. Von is very hands-on and has no issues showing others how to do the task at hand, thus being a great role model and teacher guiding the next generation of IT professionals to the high standards that Ameristar Casinos, Inc. looks for in all their employees. Ranken Technical College has graduated another fine individual that will leave an everlasting impression of excellence in the community."

Nominations are being accepted for the 2014 awards that will be presented in May 2014.

Next Entrepreur Workshop Scheduled

Bill Fennewald, Ranken INEET 1965 graduate is the next guest speaker for the Alumni Entrepreneur Workshop series scheduled for February 27 at 11:00 a.m. in the Staley Auditorium. Recognized as the 2012 Distinguished Alumnus, Bill started working with his father at Fennewald Pump LLC, became president/CEO and now, 50+ years later, is still an integral part of the business plan's success. 

Join Bill as he shares his work ethic, work skills and tips for building a successful business with family and for family.

Ranken Classmates, 50 Years Later

by Ed Collier, Graduate of Mechanical Drafting 1962

(L-R) 1962 Classmates Jim Thornhill, Phil Freeman, Larry Leuck, Ed Collier and Delmer Williams in St. Genevieve, Mo.

Fifty years after graduating from David Ranken Jr. School of Mechanical Trades, I stood on the street corner on November 16, 2012 in St. Genevieve, Missouri, awaiting the arrival of four of my 1962 Mechanical Drafting classmates. I hadn't seen these guys for almost 50 years and was anxious to see them again after so long.

Jim Thornhill, one of my classmates, had contacted me to see if I could attend a reunion he was planning. Out of a class of thirty-two students enrolled in 1960, eleven graduated in 1962. He was trying to get as many classmates together as possible. Living in Amarillo, Texas, since 1974, I saw this 800 mile trip as a great opportunity to see my classmates and exchange stories of how all of our lives had unfolded. One by one, vehicles drove up with familiar faces but with a bit more maturity than I had remembered in the past. Five of us out of the eleven graduates travelling from Illinois and from all over Missouri were able to meet and spend some time together. I was happy to see Jim, Phil Freeman, Larry Leuck and Delmer Williams again.

We fell in conversation together again just like we had only left for the weekend. After a couple of hours swapping student life stories, memories of campus and our drafting instructor, Mr. Lane and lots of other stories of our everyday experiences, we began discussing our post-Ranken lives. It seems we all had similar experiences before and after Ranken. But what brought us together was that we had realized that we would need more than a high school education for a successful career. Each of us chose Ranken at a time in our lives when we were beginning to mature and take life seriously. It was this commonality of needs and similar interests that created our close student friendships. From the stories that were told, we learned that most of us had successful careers stemming from a broad range of academic courses, maturity, self-esteem and confidence we had all gained during our time at Ranken.

Larry Leuck attributes his career opportunities and flexibility to his Ranken training. He says, "The respect that local industry has for Ranken afforded me the flexibility to make job changes, and my Ranken trade skills extended in some fashion or another across my entire career." Larry retired from Shell Oil in Hartford, Illinois.

Delmer Williams noted that his education had opened doors for his first assignment as he moved through areas of tool design, plumbing design and fire protection work. Del continued use of his mechanical skills to build a successful career in engineering consulting. 

Phil Freeman got his start working as a draftsman advancing to project manager/designer at National Vendors where he worked for seventeen years. Moving to another company in Missouri, he took a position as Chief Engineer. Phil commented, "I feel that not only the education, but the philosophy we received from our schooling at Ranken taught us that knowing just enough to get by on whatever we were doing wasn't enough. We should want to know more and acquire a greater knowledge. The David Ranken School of Mechanical Trades and faculty were no-nonsense educators, you were there to get an education and a job in your chosen field and they wouldn't put up with anything else."
  
Jim Thornhill started his career working with Phil Freeman at National Vendors where he also had a long successful career in drafting and tool design before moving on to other areas of opportunity. 

My post-graduate career began as a technical illustrator at McDonnell Aircraft drawing for air and spacecraft parts catalogs and maintenance manuals. I moved to Emerson Electric in their Air and Space Division illustrating weapons systems. I retired as a systems analyst from Bell Helicopter Textron in Texas. I can also say that "The first fifteen years of my fifty-year career was worked in fields directly related to my Ranken training and the educational experience itself continued helping me throughout my long and interesting career."
 
Ranken training helped each of us find entry level jobs which we turned into long successful and varied careers. We all benefited from an improved sense of confidence and skills used to face our uncertain future, and as this reunion has shown us, helped us form some long lasting friendships. We are planning to meet again as time permits continuing our Ranken friendships but won't lose touch with each other again.

 

75 + Years as Ranken Material

Lucian C. Haney, on record as Ranken's oldest living alumnus, passed away at the age of 97. Lu, a 1936 graduate of the Refrigeration program, participated in a 75-year Diamond anniversary celebration of his graduation in 2011. When he attended Ranken, Lu lived in one of the boarding houses surrounding campus at that time, and paid $2 a week and $.25 a meal. He was one of the first graduates of the first refrigeration class started in 1934.

Prior to attending Ranken, Lu worked in a shoe factory nailing heels to women's shoes. After his graduation in 1936, he took his first refrigeration job at Quality Dairy in 1937 paying $14 a week. He was referred to the dairy by his Ranken instructor and all of his classmates were also able to go to work after graduation. He later moved to Pevely Dairy in 1938 making $21 a week with every other Sunday off. He worked on milk boxes and ice cream cabinets. He paid $10 to join the Steamfitter's Union, which later became the Pipefitter's Union and became a service technician. After becoming a union fitter, he received $6 a day but had to work around the clock and rotate call on weekends. He remained a member of the Plumbing and Pipefitter's Union Local #562 and retired after 40 years. Lu continued his membership in Local #562 after his retirement for a total of 75 years in the union.

Surviving Lu is his wife, Eileen, four children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Steven Ule, Lu's son-in-law, is a 1992 Electrical alumnus and his grandson, Zach Ule, Steve's son, is a student in automotive set to graduate in 2013.

IT Reunion Attracts Graduates

The Information Technology reunion held on campus during the fall Open House brought a diverse group of graduates back to campus. Graduates from several departments within the division and and varied career backgrounds in IT attended. Kynal Hester (Computer Technology 1993) made his first visit back since graduation. Kynal is currently an IT Technician at Ameristar Casino in St. Charles. 

Other career updates from a few of our guests:
Robert Hamm (IWT 2010) gave this update, "I work as a web developer at Scott Air Force Base for the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC), a branch of the Army. I single handedly operate and develop the Defense Table of Official Distances (DTOD), which is the website used by all of the US government and military to calculate distance between locations. In addition, I am a contractor working from home doing web development for numerous companies in the St. Louis area."

Kyle Kinder (IT 2007) emailed these remarks, "I'm glad I came to the event. It was great to see all the changes and progress being made in the department. I'm excited for all the new things you have going on! I know the president mentioned that you are looking into starting a healthcare information path. I'm currently working at BJC, and although I'm no expert, I'd be happy to share some of the technologies I'm using and some of the things I see at BJC. My project is very closely related to the transition in healthcare from paper to digital."

Robert (Bobby) Chapman (IT 2007) is an engineer in data modeling for MasterCard and is responsible for designing conceptual, logical, and physical relational data models for applications and performs data analysis to ensure the integrity of Enterprise data.  Chapman remarked, "Thanks for inviting me to the alumni IT reunion. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed being back at Ranken and seeing everyone again. I'd be interested in attending a Ranken homecoming if you offered one."

Other updates received from IT grads who were unable to attend:

Andrew Fouse (IT 2007) in a recent email exchange with the Alumni Office sent this career update, "After graduating Ranken, I found a job with a local consulting company and quickly started taking on wireless projects. I began traveling the nation assisting in the design and roll out of multiple large scale wireless deployments. In 2008, I'd heard that a company named FusionStorm was opening an office in St. Louis and needed a wireless expert. I soon found myself building out FusionStorm's wireless practice and growing the wireless opportunities with enterprise level customers, most notably Apple. For the past 4 years I have been designing and deploying wireless networks for Apple, around the world. Just over a year ago, I was promoted to engineering management. I now manage a team of about 25 engineers who all travel globally to support all of our enterprise customers. I am proud to say that I have been able to hire three other Ranken graduates, who have all proven to be amazing additions to the team and am I working diligently to increase that number."

Alumni reunions are held throughout the year. The next alumni reunion is scheduled from 12:00 to 1:00 during the April 21, 2013 campus car show that runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All graduates are invited to attend. This is a great day to meet up with old friends, enjoy family time and check out the classic cars on display.

Instructor Leaves Lasting Impression

 
Robert Raymond Ruth always had a knack for fixing things and started his career as an airplane mechanic. After discharge from the military, he enrolled in the (at that time) David Ranken Jr. School of Mechanical Trades' automotive classes. Upon his graduation as an automotive mechanic in 1942, he went to work for local auto dealerships before joining Ranken as a full-time instructor in the automotive division. Ruth was remembered by former student Mike Hecht (AMT 1975-1977), "Mr. Ruth always asked us why. It wasn't enough that the motor was broke or not running right and we were trying to fix it. He always challenged us to think about why it broke. I have a great respect for him. He will always be Mr. Ruth to me."

Listening to Reverand Bill Myers give Bob's eulogy it was obvious that he was a spiritual and kind man. He had a thorough knowledge and recall of the Bible and could quote for any encounter. Stories were told of the many strangers Bob had helped who were stranded on the road with car problems. How he always carried his tool boxes, how they were organized and how his lab coat weighed more than he did with pockets filled with tools.

It was noted by many that Bob had a knack for automotive repair. Ruth could look at exhaust smoke from a car and diagnose a problem or he could hear the sound of an engine and diagnose its misfire. Bob had a great gift for mechanics and shared that gift and love of automobiles with each one of his many automotive students. Even though Mr. Ruth has passed now, his generous spirit and automotive aptitude lives on with many students whose lives he touched from 1964 to 1990. Mr. Ruth was honored with an award in 2007 as one of Ranken's Top 100 alumni in celebration of the school's centennial year, and he was also honored with a 50-year Ranken service award from President Ben Ernst. Long after his retirement, he could be found on campus, giving an invocation at an alumni meeting or graduation ceremony. Reverand Myers referred to Ruth as a "Ranken Jedi Knight" for his automotive aptitude since he went far beyond being "Ranken Material."

A Robert R. Ruth Memorial Scholarship has been created for a student enrolled in the automotive maintenance program for the 2012-1013 term who demonstrates financial need. Anyone interested in donating to this fund in honor of Mr. Ruth may send their checks to Rose Crawford, Development Office, 4431 Finney Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63113.

Mr. Ruth's wife, Jean, preceded him in death. Surviving are his two sons, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. 

Distinguished Alumni Awards

Distinguished Alumni honorees for 2012 were announced and recognized at the Golden Graduate ceremony on May 12 at the Chaifetz Arena. Congrats to Missy Borchardt (1995 ART) and Bill Fennewald (1965 INEET)! Nominations are made based on character, leadership, service and financial support thereby 'sustaining the reputation of David Ranken, Jr.'

Recipients of these peer nominated awards are selected by the Alumni Leadership Council.

Nominations for the 2013 Distinguished Young Alumni Award (graduates 2013 back 20 years to 1993) and the Distinguished Alumni Award (graduates from more than 20 years from 1993 and earlier) will be taken until January 31, 2013. Winners will be acknowledged in May 2013. In addition to receiving a plaque, these alumni will have their names included on a perpetual plaque joining others who have earned the title since its inception in 2010. 

Email Kathy Fern at ktfern@ranken.edu for more information. 

Ranken Honors Two With Distinguished Awards

Distinguished Alumni Award
William R. Fennewald, Industrial Electricity/Electronics 1965

Bill Fennewald is currently the Vice President of N. Fennewald Pump Service, Inc. in Martinsburg, Mo. Bill graduated from Ranken in 1965 and served in the Missouri Army National Guard until 1971. Bill taking over the helm from his father, Norbert in 1992, began as an employee at Fennewald Pump under his dad, served as Vice President, then President until February 2011. His son-in-law Brad Hoyt now runs the four-person company with $350,000 in gross sales.

In 2003 Fennewald graduated from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo. with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Bill is active politically as well serving as a member of the Missouri Democratic party and past president of the Audrain County Democratic Club. Both he and his wife are on the Audrain County Democratic Central Committee.

Bill is a volunteer with the Martinsburg Community Betterment organization. He is active with the Knights of Columbus and has achieved both 3rd and 4th degree status. He is also a past Grand Knight of the Council 1270 of the Knights of Columbus having served on the Tootsie Roll drive since its inception and serves as a 4th degree member of the Honor Guard. Bill is a member and has served on the board of the Missouri Water Well Association and a member of the National Ground Water Association. Bill continues to serve on the board of the Audrain Medical Center as he has for the past 10 years, including serving as Chairman and a member of the Audrain Medical Center Foundation Board. He is a member of St. Joseph Church and the Audrain County Historical Society serving on that organization?s Board of Directors and the Miss Missouri Pageant. In addition, Bill is a charter member of the Montgomery County Historical Society. 

Bill remembers Robert Garrett speaking at a college fair on Senior Day in Vandalia, Mo., and that presentation made up his mind to go to Ranken. His goal was one year at Ranken and then he made it to two. He believes there are opportunities out there for everyone but they are disguised differently for each of us. "If you are willing to work you can do anything," stated Fennewald.

Bill has been married to Sue, a GED instructor, for 42 years and they have one daughter, Becky Hoyt and three grandchildren. Bill likes to play golf when he has time. He is an annual donor to Ranken and has been a member of Ranken's Legacy Society since 2002. Bill's list of other charities include Children's Therapy and Early Education School, J.B. & Groota B. Arthur Cancer Center and the Audrain County Red Cross.

Distinguished Young Alumni Award
Missy A. Borchardt, Architectural Technology 1995

Missy began teaching at Ranken in July of 1997 as a part-time teaching assistant while working in industry full time in small firms including Suntide Homes Development and ArcTectonics. Missy's skills grew in residential architecture and transitioned to Ranken as faculty in the architecture department. In 2008 to complete her formal training, she became an architectural historian with a Bachelor of Art History with a focus on architecture expanding her skill set to include architectural history, residential architecture, and AutoCAD. She currently teaches full time in the Architectural Technology program and was recently promoted to the assistant department chairperson. During her summer downtime from Ranken, she enjoys working part-time at Schei Homebuilding.

In addition to teaching at Ranken, Missy is also the Project Investigator on a National Science Foundation S-STEM scholarship program. This program not only helps students financially meet their needs but builds professional character towards contribution to the industry through leadership and teamwork. A part of this is matching students with industry professionals inside and outside of the classroom.

In her words, "I enjoy teaching at Ranken because I wake up every day wanting to make the world a better place. Teaching at Ranken allows me to pursue that dream every single day. One of the most wonderful experiences is when you see a young adult become curious about learning for the first time. Once that happens a student?s life has changed for the better for the rest of their life. Also, Ranken as a company allows me to grow professionally and personally. When I need a challenge they give me one, when I need flexibility they work with me. I have been working at Ranken for 15 years and plan on working here for another 15."

In her mission to make the world a better place and pay it forward whenever she can, she has worked with Bolivar Downs; a fundraising company helping many people raises thousands of dollars towards their cause. She helped the not-for-profit, STL Renaissance Faire in Wentzville, Mo. become a reality; volunteered at the Irish Fest in St. Charles; a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity STL; has been active on her children's PTO committee and is a parent representative on her children's gym board. She also coaches gymnastics at GT Performance in St. Charles, Mo. 

Missy has been married to Marc Borchardt, a Ranken Industrial Technology alumnus, for 13 years and they have three daughters; Brooke (10), Riley (8) and Natalie (6). They are residents of St. Charles and are active in their girls' schools and sports. Missy shares, "I owe much of my drive and motivation to my mother who raised my sister and me as a single mother for 14 years. My mother, Debbie Pedroli, never attended college but instilled in us at a young age that education is one of the best gifts we could give ourselves." Missy is an annual donor to Ranken through the Every Employee Counts campaign and to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 

HVACR Campus Workshop

Mike Edwards, Jr. a 1990 HVAC alumnus will be featured in the next Alumni Entrepreneur Workshop on campus in the Gray 108/109 room Wednesday, February 8 at 11:30 a.m.  Mike is the owner of King Air Conditioning and Bush Refrigeration in Godfrey, Ill. 

Along with his wife, Karen, Mike started King Air after years as a service technician. Hear how Mike made decisions to move on, start his own business, and add a second.  Mike's son, Bret, works in the family business and is a student in HVACR.

This session is open to all students, faculty and alumni.  Join us!

From Prairietown to Ranken

Dennis Gusewelle (Mechanical Drafting 1965) from Prairietown, Ill. visited campus last week and was having a hard time finding his way until he reached the anchor of campus, the Finney Building. A frequent visitor at car shows and owner of a '57 Chevy, Dennis had not had a full campus tour in years and was amazed at all the growth and change. Dennis, a project manager in the oil industry in Wood River, went to work before he graduated and had opportunities as a Ranken graduate that he wouldn't have had otherwise. Dennis is also a family hero. Read more about Dennis and how he continues to be Ranken Material in an Alumni Spotlight section of upcoming newsletter.