An indicator that technical education continues to anticipate and fulfill workforce needs, Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical announced today that 91 percent of the Class of 2011 has found employment in their field of study.

“Southeast Technical's mission, in short, is to educate for employment,” noted Southeast Technical President Jim Johnson. “And despite the recent economic downturn, the latest college-wide placement rate of 91 percent demonstrates that our commitment to that mission is as strong as ever.”

Each year, Southeast Technical staff makes contact with the previous year’s graduates and inquires about their employment status. For the Class of 2011, staff connected with 93 percent of graduates. Of those graduates seeking employment within their field of study, 91 percent reported either full-time or part-time employment within one year or less of graduating.

“I cannot give you a better example of how the state’s investment in public higher education returns huge rewards for taxpayers,” President Johnson said. “Southeast Technical is educating the future workforce and graduating students who immediately make a positive impact on the regional economy.”

New this fall, Southeast Technical will be offering an Introduction to Gaming certification for blackjack dealing through the Continuing Education department. Students will not only learn the proper procedures in which to deal the game, but also how to best manage the casino environment, both mentally and physically. Upon completion of the course, students will have the certification that Treasure Island Resort and Casino requires for applicants. Find Introduction to Gaming classes.

Students will be instructed in the proper procedures of dealing at a level suitable to obtain the correct speed, accuracy and game protection in order to be a desired employee in the gaming industry. Casual gamblers are also welcome to enroll in the class to gain a behind-the-scenes understanding of the profession.

The Introduction to Gaming certification course meets for 80 hours and costs $329. Classes will be available on Southeast Technical’s Red Wing campus (308 Pioneer Road) with sessions starting in September, October and November. Call 877-853-8324, ext. 6320 or find courses online for more details.

This summer, faculty, staff, college alumni and community partners hit the links for a good cause: Southeast Technical students! Each year, the Southeast Technical Foundation hosts golf tournaments in Red Wing and Winona. Proceeds from these events help fund the Foundation’s programming, which includes student scholarships and financial support of the college’s ongoing needs.

In Red Wing, the 7^th Annual Community Connections Golf Tournament and Dinner was held May 24 at the Mississippi National Golf Links. Despite severe storms that cut the tournament short, 107 golfers plus numerous dinner guests and auction bidders helped the college raise a net total of $13,000 to support students.

In Winona, golfers enjoyed sunnier conditions August 6 at Cedar Valley Golf Course for the 4^th Annual Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament. Event participants, including 84 golfers, helped the college raise a net total of $8,000 to support students.

For both events, the college would like to offer its hearty thanks to all participants, sponsors and volunteers. Funds raised during both events will go a long way in supporting student success.

Red Wing Sponsors

Eagle Sponsors

• Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical College
• Sylvander Heating

Birdie Sponsors

• Capital Safety
• Merchants Bank
• Owen Warneke & Associates
• Riester Refrigeration
• Smith Schafer & Associates, Ltd.
• Treasure Island Resort & Casino

Hole-In-One Sponsor

• Xcel Energy

Par Sponsors

• Associated Bank
• EPA Audio Visual
• Harvest Moon
• Hiawatha Broadband Communications Inc.
• Dan Mjolsness
• St. Brigid’s at HiPark
• Steak Shop Catering

Winona Sponsors

Eagle Sponsors

• Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical
• Owen Warneke & Associates Architects

Birdie Sponsors

• Cars-n-Credit
• Winona National Bank
• Modern Ready Mix, Inc.
• Authenticom
• Merchants Bank

Hole-in-One Sponsor

• Walz Chevrolet-Buick-GMC

Par Sponsors

• Altra Federal Credit Union
• Motor Parts & Equipment, Inc.
• Nick & Maria Lundquist
• Steak Shop Catering
• Dan & Natalie Matejka
• Winona Health
• Market & Johnson
• Winona Radio
• Miller Scrap