Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical announces the naming of this new state-of-the-art facility for a man who laid the foundation 53 years ago for the college’s transportation programs, Norris P. Abts.

President James Johnson recognizes that Abts' footprint is seen across the college today, "The continuing legacy of always looking for another niche or program is embodied in Norris Abts.  The most lasting legacy of the Norris Abts tenure at Southeast Technical was his empathy, support and understanding of student challenges and our commitment to their success."  Abts' 29 year career at the college was dedicated to educating students in the transportation industry.

This 38,000 square foot building now houses the Truck Driving, Auto Body Collision Technology and Automotive Technology programs.  This shift has allowed programs previously housed on the Airport campus to come home to the main campus.  Filling the space on the main campus previously utilized by these transportation programs are the Welding, Carpentry, CNC and Industrial Technology programs.  A dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. on Sunday was followed with campus tours through all of these facilities and program areas.

Southeast Technical's Variety Showcase

Performers from across the college will share their talents at the annual Southeast Technical Variety Showcase on Saturday, April 13 at the historic Sheldon Theatre in Red Wing. This annual talent show – which showcases the great and varied talents of Southeast Technical students, faculty and staff – began in 1995. This year's event will feature students and faculty performing poetry and a variety of musical genres. Tickets are on sale now.

Southeast Technical's Variety Showcase
Red Wing's Historical Sheldon Theatre
April 13, 2013 at 7 p.m.
Tickets available online from the Sheldon Theatre or by calling  651-388-8700 
General admission: $14.50
Students: $9.50

Performers:
• Matt Faust, viola
• Willow Creek: Sarah Bystrom, violin & vocals; Anna Vincent, mandolin & vocals; Katryn Conlin, guitar & vocals
• Horn Quartet: Melanie Ditter, Brit Robberts, Matt Alton, Ben Bruemmer, horns
• Blake Early, guitar
• Stormy Weather: Aaron Welch, guitar & vocals; David Kriesel, guitar & vocals
• The Brass Choir: Ryan Booth, conductor; Brit Roberts, trumpet; Brandon Riggle, trumpet; Michael Schiermann, trumpet; Melanie Ditter, horn; Ben Bruemmer, horn; Matt Alton, horn; Brandon Holley, trombone; Robert Osborne, bass trombone; Chris Herrmann, tuba; Jennifer Murphy, percussion ; Sandy Osborne, percussion ; Anna Brake, percussion
• Saxophone Quartet: Jennifer Murphy, soprano saxophone; Ryan Booth, alto saxophone; Angela Lang, tenor saxophone; Jeff Massa, baritone saxophone
• Ethan Walton, guitar & vocal
• Jonathan, David, Go, & Danny: Jonathan Harned, saxophone; David Coyle, saxophone; Go Chi, saxophone; Danny Ozsvath, piano
• Carrie Allen, poetry readings

download the flyer

Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical Welding student Dirk Dannhoff makes the beautiful 30 minute drive from La Crosse to the Winona campus each day. Already having a degree in Commercial Arts and Visual Communications, Dannhoff is studying welding at Southeast Technical not only for future career prospects in manufacturing, but he also plans to take these skills into the art studio.

As an artist, Dannhoff enjoys working with his hands. "To see a finished product is rewarding – or even fixing something. My grandpa used to say, 'If a person built it, a person can fix it,'" Dannhoff shares. "Dirk is a good student with a really good attitude," said welding instructor Keith (Casey) Mann. Students, like Dannhoff, who have at least a B average and spotless attendance will be assigned an internship this semester. Mann says that often these internships lead directly to employment; most companies will hire the student following completion of the internship.

"Casey has spent 27 years in the welding field and he knows what the workforce is looking for," says Dannhoff, "He's getting us ready for employment by treating us like employees." In the program students learn five different welding processes, two cutting processes and other basic skills to help them prepare for the workforce.

Dannhoff’s advice to others, "Don't let your background hinder you. I wasn’t sure at first what I had gotten into. I was the only one in the class who hadn't ever welded before. I stuck with it and really like it. I would recommend Southeast Technical. It's a good school, great program and beautiful drive!"

Join Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical for an open house of the state-of-the-art Transportation Center. In addition to providing top of the line equipment for students to learn on, this brand new 25,000 square foot facility has helped the college cut operating costs.  In addition, students in the CNC, Welding, Carpentry and Industrial Technology programs are now back on the main campus, allowing them to more readily access student services and learning resources.

There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony, short program and tours.

Transportation Center Open House

Sunday, March 24, 2013
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
1250 Homer Road
Winona, MN

more information

Girls Understanding and Exploring STEM Science (GUESS)

Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical hosted Girls Understanding and Exploring STEM Science for the first time today. Fifteen area 8th and 9th grade girls converged on the Winona campus to explore a variety of topics, including Nanotechnology, Computer Aided Drafting, Robotics, Soldering and Automotive Technology. Eighth grader, Leah Brosig from Lewiston Middle School said, "I liked it; it was fun!"

According to Electronics Technology Instructor Marc Kalis the GUESS program is something the college hopes to put on regularly so that more area girls can take advantage. 

See the story in the Winona Daily News and on News8000.