Reeble-Trusler education center dedicated at technical college
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Friday, November 16, 2007
From Flint Hills Technical College
Students, faculty and staff at Flint Hills Technical College now have a state-of-the-art learning environment that opens up endless educational opportunities. Because of increasing demands of technology and changing delivery options for education, updating the auditorium to technological and educational standards was vital.
In appreciation of their generous support of the auditorium renovation project, the college Board of Trustees and the Flint Hills Technical College Foundation recognize the Jane and Bernard Reeble Foundation and the Trusler Foundation by naming the auditorium the Reeble-Trusler Education Center. Significant resources have been donated by both entities over the years for scholarship and childcare support, computer upgrades, support for the Paramedic program, and building projects. Without the support of these two extraordinary local foundations, this project would not have happened.
The newly named Reeble-Trusler Education Center is now a smart classroom with wireless internet access, a state-of-the-art audio-visual system and theater-style classroom seating. Video conferencing capability is also planned in the future. The space is available to business and industry for customized training and continuing education.
The renovation project was a group effort. Students and instructors from the Construction Technology and Network Technology assisted in the renovation project. The project was incorporated into the curriculum of each program, providing the students with valuable hands-on experience.
A grant secured from Kan-ed provided the funds for the purchase of the electronic equipment. Kan-ed is a program created by the Kansas Legislature and administered through the Kansas Board of Regents. The mission of Kan-ed is to “be the leader in facilitating statewide technology solutions for K-12 schools, higher education institutions, hospitals and libraries. Kan-ed will provide resources that enable its members to collaborate, educate and enhance their information delivery services to ensure our members become part of the global technology environment.”
“The new Reeble-Trusler Education Center will provide a multitude of opportunities for our faculty to instruct using different methodologies and state-of-the-art technology. At the same time our students will learn by working with the same technology. It is with the help and support of these two foundations that Flint Hills Technical College is able to provide these different learning experiences to our students,” said Dean Hollenbeck, president of the technical college.
“I am so excited about this project and the possibilities that it holds for our students. The Reeble-Trusler Education Center will benefit our students and the business and industry community for many years to come. We are so grateful for the generosity of the Jane and Bernard Reeble Foundation and the Trusler Foundation,” added Jodi Heermann, Executive Director of Advancement at the technical college.