Heermann retires from fhtc foundation
Flint Hills Technical College
Friday, July 17, 2009
Flint Hills Technical College
As Jodi Heermann, executive director of advancement for the Flint Hills Technical College Foundation, packed boxes, organized her office and made final “to do” lists for co-workers on her last day at FHTC, she reminisced about many fond memories and accomplishments over the last seven and a half years.
Heermann became the executive director of advancement at FHTC in March, 2002 and is leaving the college to take a position at Newman Regional Health as their Foundation Manager.
“I will miss all of the great relationships that I have made with staff, faculty and donors,” Heermann said.
Heermann has seen a significant change in FHTC during her tenure. As the college has grown in enrollment, donations and support for the FHTC Foundation has also grown.
“I have watched the college grow in enrollment and programs that we offer and how we have impacted the students,” Heermann said. “I want the college to continue to grow and want the community to continue to support the FHTC Foundation.”
Some of Heermann’s accomplishments include:
• The implementation and organization of the first annual Foundation Benefit Auction to raise money for student scholarships in February, 2003. There have been seven auctions since Heermann started as director and the last four auctions have netted $20,000 to $25,000 each year.
• The organization of the first annual Poker Run in October, 2008. A second Poker Run is being planned for October, 2009.
• Development of annual phone-a-thons to raise money and a stronger connection with FHTC alumni.
• Secured funding for the Reeble-Trusler Education Center, which was dedicated in November, 2007. The FHTC auditorium was renovated and renamed the Reeble- Trusler Education Center and is now a SMART classroom with wireless Internet access, a state-of-the-art audio-visual system and theater-style classroom seating.
• Assisted in the development of the FHTC Foundation Web site.
• Secured funding for 33 new scholarships.
• Secured funding to assist in the remodeling of the college and dedication of the Reeble Student Commons area.
• Developed the Annual Recognition Dinner to help scholarship recipients meet and connect with the donors of scholarships.
• Assisted the Foundation in awarding over $81,000 in scholarships during the 2008-2009 academic year—the most scholarships given in the history of the Foundation.
“My fondest memory and biggest accomplishment was the dedication of the Reeble- Trusler Education Center,” said Heermann. “I also think about all of the fun that we have had with the auctions and raising the awareness of the college in the community.
Dean Hollenbeck, president of FHTC, said that Heermann has had a very positive impact on the FHTC Foundation and has helped the college grow and change.
“Over the last seven and a half years Jodi has done a lot for Flint Hills Technical College and building the Foundation,” Hollenbeck said. “We wish her a lot of luck and good fortune in her endeavors. We will miss her at FHTC.”