Savannah Tech Welding Gains National Certification for Training

#1330 | December 17, 2012

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College’s Welding Department was recently designated a Level 1 and Level 2 SENSE school by the American Welding Society (AWS). SENSE or Schools Excelling through National Skill Standards Education establishes standards and guidelines for welder training.

   “We worked tirelessly with AWS through both our student chapter and our instruction curriculum to become recognized nationally for SENSE accreditation,” said William Burns, department head for STC Welding and Joining Technology. “My staff has met and exceeded the rigorous guidelines set forth by AWS for more than two years to achieve SENSE School Status.”

   SENSE training has three levels: Entry Welder (I), Advanced Welder (II) and Expert Welder (III). Upon successful completion of each level of the standards and guidelines, students may test to receive a certificate of completion. Level I is designed for entry level training. Level II is designed for two-year career and technical education programs or for those with welding experience. Level III is for those in four-year programs or those with advanced experience.

   “It’s important for our students to understand and uphold industry regulations once they enter the workforce, which is why our student chapter has been so active throughout the region,” said Burns. “We are proud of our students for engaging local industry partners through information sessions, student interaction, and internship opportunities.”

   AWS is a not-for-profit membership organization that is the world’s authority on safe, productive welding. The society publishes the major technical standards used in welding of all types, and certifies welding professionals such as inspectors, supervisors and educators. In addition, AWS publishes technical magazines in three languages and operates trade shows in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The organization currently serves nearly 70,000 members worldwide and is composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and student chapters.

   A career with unlimited potential, Welding and Joining is the backbone of manufacturing and leads the way during economic recovery. The Georgia Department of Labor notes welding and joining careers will increase by 15% or more over the next decade. The need for new welders hasn’t gone unnoticed by local employers. With proactive industry partners like JCB and Mitsubishi, STC has developed multiple internship tracks for new and current students. Advisory Board Members for the Welding and Joining department such as Pipe Fitters Union (Local 188), Iron Workers Union (Local 709), CST Coverings (formally Temcor), Savannah Tank, LMI Aerospace, and CSX – also work closely with instructors for new and updated course offerings, shaping the program to fit the needs and expectations of local businesses. Savannah Tech offers a diploma in welding and joining along with technical certificates of credit in a variety of techniques for welding. Welding and Joining Technology is offered at the Savannah campus and at a new welding lab near the Effingham campus in Rincon, Ga.

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Welding & Joining Department Head:
Williams Burns
wburns@savannahtech.edu

Media Contact:
Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512
ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Historic Preservation Department Revives Original Leopold’s Ice Cream Sign

#1329 | December 10, 2012

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College’s Historic Preservation Department recently renovated Leopold’s Ice Cream’s original building sign. It was presented to Stratton Leopold, the College’s 2012 Opportunity Award recipient, at the Opportunity Award Gala on Friday, December 7, 2012.

   “I am very proud of the way our faculty and students work with the community,” said Savannah Technical College President Dr. Kathy Love. “At Savannah Tech, we are always looking for ways to connect our instruction with things that are meaningful whether in historic preservation, culinary arts, welding or the film industry.”

   A few months ago, while meeting with Love and other college staff members to plan the Gala, Stratton told the story of the original Leopold’s sign. The circa-1920 sign fell down in a windstorm in the mid-2000s. Mary Leopold was in Savannah and received the call when the sign fell down. She made arrangements for the sign to be taken to the dump. She called Stratton, who was working in California, to let him know the sign had fallen. Imagine her surprise when he told her to have them turn the truck around and deliver the sign to the house. He has stored it in his garage ever since. At the meeting with the College, he mentioned he wanted to find a way to use it again someday.

    “It seemed like a great project for our students,” said Love. When asked if he would like the sign to be renovated by the College’s historic preservation department, Stratton beamed. Immediately following that meeting, he visited the historic preservation lab at the Savannah campus and began making plans to have the sign delivered. He was involved every step of the way to approve paint colors and sign design once it emerged during the restoration.

    The sign remained hanging even after the original shop at the corner of Gwinnett and Habersham closed. Stratton had rented the bottom floor to a laundromat called “Wash House.” According to Stratton the sign had been damaged several times during its life and had seen many changing times in Savannah including wars, celebrations and various events during the decades. He has a photo from the 1930s, which shows damage to the sign, as well as trees down on Gwinnett Street.

    “I can recall damage during a hurricane when I was little,” he said. “After Wash House moved out, the sign actually fell off of the building because, I suppose, of the rotted wood on the second story. We thank goodness no one was harmed.”

    For the first step of the renovation process, students carefully removed the paint on the sign with tools like tweezers. The layers of paint included “Wash House,” which had been painted over the Leopold’s Ice Cream design.

    Then, the damaged sign’s bent arm and rust holes were repaired with help from STC welding students. While damage was being repaired, historic preservation students created a template of the original sign with help from STC Community Council Co-Chair and local architect Steven Stowers, who “exploded” letters to create the template. Historic preservation students then used a phosphoric acid for an acid wash after repairs were complete.

    “Given the amount of leftover paint from the ‘Wash House’ era, we treated the sign with a phosphoric acid wash, which also helps act as a first coat rust inhibitor,” said STC Historic Preservation Department Head Stephen Hartley. “Once we put the acid wash on, all of the original Leopold’s letter appeared, but disappeared again when the acid dried.” The letters were visible just long enough to for students to get a tracing of the “Purest” lettering. This also helped confirm there was an apostrophe on “Leopold’s.”

    Students then painted primer on the sign. The template was traced, cut, transferred onto the sign and painted by students. Finally, Doug Bean Signs installed neon lighting, prior to the sign’s reveal at the Opportunity Gala to more than 300 of Stratton’s closest friends including James Cromwell.

    Savannah Tech’s Historic Preservation Department typically only works for certified non-profits, as to not compete with local companies. “Given Stratton’s commitment to the College and his overall excitement that we could potentially bring his old sign back to life, we couldn’t turn this down,” said Hartley. Most projects the students do around town for class are structural or for interior jobs.

    Stratton plans for the sign to return to its original location. “Thanks to Historic Savannah and the staff at the Metropolitan Planning Commission, the sign will be returned to its place on Gwinnett and Habersham.” said Stratton. “We plan to add two bands of neon around the sides of the building, also from the 1930s.”

    Soon Savannah Tech students will be able to take people to the corner of Habersham and Gwinnett, point up and say, “See that? That’s my work!”

    This year, Leopold’s Ice Cream celebrated its 93rd anniversary and is recognized the world over for its delicious treats and its trademarked VeriBestTM ice cream. All flavors are made on the premises, one batch at a time, using top-secret family recipes handed down from the original Leopold brothers.

    Savannah Tech has the only public hands-on preservation program in the state. The program has gained international recognition, was recently approved for associate membership with the National Council for Preservation Education and has contributed to a number of community-based preservation projects in the surrounding communities. Historic Preservation is the cornerstone of new instructional programs in Green Building Technology, which focuses on a comprehensive view of systems and efficiencies in construction. For information about Historic Preservation events and projects, like the department’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/STCHistoricPreservation.

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Historic Preservation Department Head:
Stephen Hartley
shartley@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.5864
www.facebook.com/STCHistoricPreservation

Media Contact:
Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512
ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Historic Preservation Selected for National Council for Preservation Education membership

#1328 | December 4, 2012

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College’s Historic Preservation Department was recently accepted into associate membership with the National Council for Preservation Education (NCPE).

     “It is an honor to be voted in as a member of the NCPE,” said Stephen Hartley, instructor and founder of the College’s Historic Preservation and Restoration program. “NCPE members are some of the top schools in the nation, and the inclusion of Savannah Tech into that organization is a testament to the excellent work that the students do on a daily basis.”

     The National Council for Preservation Education has more than 50 member institutions located across the United States. These academic programs in historic preservation and allied fields have educated thousands of students, many of whom have developed professional careers as professional historic preservation leaders working for local, state, federal government agencies, non-governmental organizations and in the private sector in the US and elsewhere in the world.

     The NCPE standards evaluating associate members include the program’s mission statement, fundamental and specialized components, how coursework and studio projects are defined and the placement of graduates.

     Savannah Tech’s Historic Preservation Department welcomes three visiting artisans annually to give students the specialized training they need to enhance their coursework. Jeff and Henry Orton, a father-son traditional lime plastering team from Leicestershire, U.K. worked with students in November. Jeff has more than 40 years in the plastering business, working on a vast array of sites throughout the world. His son Henry, after pursuing his university degree, followed his father into the plastering trades and today is working for a pargetting company. Jeff and Henry taught STC students bench running and in-situ crown molding running.

     Visiting Artisan visits are managed by Hartley, who was recently selected to join the Boards of Emergent Structures and the Georgia Green Building Council. Earlier this year, he led a session at the Association for Preservation Technology International/Preservation Trades Network parallel conferences in Charleston, S.C.

      Savannah Tech has the only public hands-on preservation program in the state. The program has gained international recognition and has contributed to a number of community-based preservation projects in the surrounding communities. Historic Preservation is the cornerstone of new instructional programs in Green Building Technology, which focuses on a comprehensive view of systems and efficiencies in construction. For information about Historic Preservation events and projects, like the department’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/STCHistoricPreservation.

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Historic Preservation Department Head:
Stephen Hartley
shartley@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.5864
www.facebook.com/STCHistoricPreservation

Media Contact:
Amy Shaffer, APR
ashaffer@savannahtech.edu
912.443.5512

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Bistro Savoir Sales Support Culinary Arts

#1327 | November 28, 2012

SAVANNAH – The Savannah Technical College Foundation Community Council raised just under $5,000 in the first Bistro Savoir pre-Thanksgiving sale of artisan breads and desserts made by students in the College’s Culinary Arts baking and pastry program.

      “We really weren’t sure what to expect, so to sell out nearly everything we offered is tremendous,” said Gail Eubanks, STC executive director of institutional advancement and communications. “More than 150 people ordered and were delighted with their purchase, many even asked to be notified when we do this again.” Proceeds from the sale will go toward the purchase of a $16,000 commercial wood-fired oven that will be used in the College’s new baking and pastry program. “We knew we wouldn’t be able to fund the purchase of the oven this time. The response was so terrific, we are already planning our next sale in the spring.”

      The Community Council is a volunteer group of up and coming young professionals who advocate for the College in our community. For the Bistro Savoir sale, Council members hosted tastings in a variety of public and private venues. One tasting, sponsored by National Office Systems, directly resulted in $800 in orders, according to Eubanks.

     The baking and pastry program, begun in Fall 2102, is the only specialty program of its kind in the Technical College System of Georgia. The curriculum focuses on the art of creating tasty baked goods, pastries, and confections, from traditional bread baking to beautiful showpieces. Students learn a variety of international and classical pastries and desserts using basic and advanced techniques, which meet industry quality standards. Nearly 30 students are currently enrolled in the program. Many students complete the traditional Culinary Arts curriculum and then continue their studies in baking and pastry.

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Media Contact:
Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512
ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Professional Continuing Education to Offer Heat Pump Course

#1326 | November 21, 2012

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College’s Professional Continuing Education will offer a new course, “Understanding Heat Pumps” from 8 a.m. until noon on December 8 at the STC Savannah Campus (5717 White Bluff Road, Savannah, 31405).

     The four-hour course will include basic heat pump operation, system components and defrost cycle along with specifics for air source, dual fuel and geothermal heat pumps.

     The $250 registration is non-refundable. To register for the course and for payment, contact Reeshemah Johnson 912.443.5808. Credit and/or debit card payments may be made via telephone. Money order, personal or cashier’s checks made payable to Savannah Technical College will only be accepted at the Crossroads Campus.

     Air conditioning technicians are in high demand. According to the U.S. Department of Labor during the next decade, job growth in the industry is expected to soar at 34 percent – faster than most other industries. With an average wage of nearly $43K per year, there’s no wonder why HVAC is in such high demand.

     Savannah Tech offers an associate degree, diploma and technical certificates of credit in air conditioning that prepare students for careers in the air conditioning industry. Program graduates are trained in everything from heating and air conditioning to refrigeration, ventilation, and humidity control for all types of buildings – often referred to throughout industry as HVACR. These courses are offered through the Industrial Technology division at the Savannah and Liberty campuses.

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For questions about the course:
Bob Barringer (Industrial Technology)
912.443.5866 or rbarringer@savannahtech.edu

For registration and payment information:
Reeshemah Johnson 912.443.5808 or rjohnson@savannahtech.edu

Media Contact:
Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512
ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Savannah Tech offers First Friday Health and Wellness Symposium

#1325 | November 14, 2012

Savannah Tech offers First Friday Health and Wellness Symposium

December 7 – Diabetes Risk and Prevention

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College’s Professional Continuing Education and the College’s Health Sciences Division will host a series of community lectures entitled, “First Friday Health and Wellness Symposium.” This free series is open to the public and will be held in Academic Commons Room 7126 at the College’s Savannah Campus (5717 White Bluff Road, Savannah, 31405).

    The seminar at 10 a.m., on Friday, December 7, 2012, is “Who’s at Risk for Diabetes and How to Prevent it.” The seminar will be led by Bonnie Hutchison, a diabetes education specialist at the Diabetes Management Center at St. Joseph’s/Candler, who has been a certified diabetes educator for the past 15 years.

    The lecture will help those that are at high risk for diabetes or are pre-diabetic learn how to lower their risk for the onset of diabetes through better nutrition, exercise, stress management and medication, if needed. Topics include: what is diabetes vs. pre-diabetes; Risk factors; Signs and symptoms; the role of exercise; making healthy food choices (portion sizes, reading a food label, meal planning); and Healthy weight and tips for reaching and maintaining. Reservations are recommended by calling 912.443.5808.

   Savannah Technical College’s Professional Continuing Education pledges to provide professional short-term job training and community interest classes for the College’s four-county service area and offers many paths to high-wage, high-performance careers. No previous college experience, entrance exams or high school diploma/GED are required to participate in Professional Continuing Education classes.

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Seminar Information/Registration:
Reeshemah Johnson
912.443.5808
rjohnson@savannahtech.edu

Media Contact:
Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512
ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Savannah Technical College Board of Directors Welcomes New Members

#1324 | November 6, 2012

SAVANNAH – Mr. Terry Lemmons and Ms. Mary Warnell were sworn in as members of the Savannah Technical College Board of Directors at a recent meeting by Judge Steven Scheer. Both were appointed to serve on the STC board of directors by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) state board.

     Terry Lemmons is vice president of Willis Insurance Services. Previously, he was vice president and market growth and development consultant for Wells Fargo Insurance Services and was responsible for the Southeast Georgia/Southeast SC/North Florida region’s new client sales of employee benefits and property and casualty insurance.

     Mary Warnell is the mayor for the City of Pembroke, Ga., and treasurer for Groveland Farms. She served as a board member of the Bryan County Board of Education from 2003 through 2010.

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For More Information Contact:
Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512
ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

TCSG Honors Program Performance for STC Adult Education

#1323 | November 5, 2012

TCSG Honors Program Performance for STC Adult Education

SAVANNAH – Recently, the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Office of Adult Education recognized Savannah Technical College’s Adult Education Program for exceeding educational gain benchmarks in fiscal year 2012 (July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012). These goals were set for Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Adult Secondary Education (ASE).

     This award recognizes the program’s performance in improving student academic performance. Across the two categories, there were six goals that the program met.ABE and ASE students currently make up 89% of the Savannah Tech’s Adult Education Program.

     Adult Education is considered a public educational benefit, so classes are free to U.S. citizens and individuals with appropriate immigration paperwork. Students are placed into classes at one of six levels based on their Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) results. Each subject: reading, math and language has its own level. Each student has a personal plan, and instructors counsel students on their next step(s) toward reaching their personal, academic or career goal(s).

      To be eligible for the Adult Education program, applicants must meet all of the following requirements: 16 years of age or older, withdrawn or otherwise not enrolled in school, a U.S. citizen or legal residency status, appropriate Adult Education program documentation – completed and submitted, and complete the Adult Education program admission process.

     Savannah Technical College teaches adult education classes in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties with multiple locations in each community including College’s campuses in Savannah, Rincon and Hinesville. For information, contact Adult Education at 912.443.5446 or visit http://www.savannahtech.edu/cwo/GED_Adult_Education and look for the GED Computer-Based Testing Registration Information link.

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Media Contact:
Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512
ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Webel honored for 20 years as Emergency Medical Technician

#1322 | November 5, 2012

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College Department Head for Emergency Medical Services and Paramedicine Walter Webel was recently recognized by the Board of Directors of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) for achieving 20 consecutive years as a nationally recognized EMT.

     To maintain his status as a nationally registered EMT, Webel completed, on a biennial basis, the most comprehensive recertification program for EMTs in America. He not only completed courses to refresh his fundamental knowledge and skills, but also attended a minimum of two hours per month of additional continuing education courses to advance his knowledge on new lifesaving skills.

      By maintaining his nationally registered status and completing regular continuing education course, Webel is among the few elite EMTs with the most training in pre-hospital emergency medical care in the nation. Webel was nationally registered as a Paramedic in 1990 and has been serving in the Coastal Empire since 1991.

     The NREMT serves as the national EMS certification organization by providing a valid, uniform process to assess the knowledge and skills required for competent practice by EMS professionals throughout their careers and by maintaining a registry of certification status.

      With America’s aging population, the demand for EMS professionals is expected to grow steadily in the coming years. And, their skills are becoming more critical as many area hospitals and trauma centers offer specialized treatments requiring ambulance transport from community hospitals to specialty providers. Savannah Tech offers programs for Emergency Medical Services and Paramedicine Technology through its Health Sciences Division. Offered at the Savannah campus and on post at the Fort Stewart Army Education Center, the EMS faculty members are practitioners as well as teachers. Like Webel, they’ve been there, done that and want to help students learn. For information, contact Webel at wwebel@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.5818.

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Walter Webel
Paramedicine/Emergency Medical Services Dept. Head
912.443.5818
wwebel@savannahtech.edu

Media Contact:
Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512
ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Historic Preservation Visiting Artisan Series features Master Plasterers

#1321 | October 25, 2012

Historic Preservation Visiting Artisan Series features Master Plasterers

Father-Son team to teach traditional lime plastering techniques

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College will host its Historic Preservation Visiting Artisan series featuring Jeff and Henry Orton, traditional lime plasterers from Leicestershire, U.K., the week of November 12 – 17, 2012.

   The Ortons are a father-son plastering team. Jeff has more than 40 years in the plastering business, working on a vast array of sites throughout the world. His son Henry, after pursuing his university degree, followed his father into the plastering trades and today is working for a pargetting company. Jeff and Henry will teach students bench running and in-situ crown molding running throughout the week in the STC Historic Preservation lab (5717 White Bluff Road, Savannah, 31405).

   The Ortons will instruct and work with the students to repair damaged plaster at St. John’s Episcopal Church (1 West Macon Street, Savannah) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 17. This event is free and open to the public.

   Through a full plastering apprenticeship, Jeff Orton gained a “First Class” in the Craft level City and Guilds, followed by a “Distinction” in the Advanced Craft City and Guilds Final Examination in Plasterwork. He is registered with the Worshipful Company of Plaisterer’s (CRP) of which he is a freeman, and is also an Associate of the Plaisterer’s Company (APC) who now publishes a directory of skilled Plasterer’s. In 1981 he attended the San Servolo Architectural Conservation Course for Craftsmen in Venice, achieving the grade “Excellent” in the final examination. He is a member and past chairman of the Plasterers Craft Guild, which was established 60 years ago, to pursue the ideal of craft excellence within the plastering trade; through education and the ongoing development of skills in the industry. He is also a member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), who towards the end of 2010 awarded him The William Morris Craft Fellowship ‘Queen Mother Memorial Medal’ For Conspicuous Service To The Crafts. In addition he is a committee member of the Building Limes Forum.

   Henry Orton studied fine art at Birmingham School of Art. During his summer breaks from studies he worked as a Plasterer’s Labourer for Trumpers Ltd with his father, Jeff Orton. During these summer months Henry worked at Hardwick hall, Derbyshire repairing the plaster floors in the attic rooms and the Cut Velvet Room. Also, at Stoke Rochford Hall, Lincolnshire he helped save and record surviving fragments of the early Victorian Jacobean plaster ceilings damaged by a severe fire. For his final examination Henry drew from these experiences, reflecting on craftsmanship focusing on plasterwork. Taught by his father, Henry learned how to replicate the cornice work in the art school using fibrous plaster. Displaying the casts in the corridors gained him a first class honors degree.

   The Visiting Artisan series is the first effort of its kind at any of Georgia’s technical colleges, bringing three world-class craftsmen to campus each for a week throughout the year. Savannah Tech has the only hands-on preservation program in the state. The program has gained international recognition and has contributed to a number of community-based preservation projects in the surrounding communities. The program is the cornerstone of new instructional programs in Green Building Technology, which focuses on a comprehensive view of systems and efficiencies in construction.

   For information about the Visiting Artisan series and Historic Preservation at Savannah Technical College, contact Steve Hartley at shartley@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.5864.

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Savannah Technical College Media Contact:
Amy Shaffer, APR,
912.443.5512
ashaffer@savannahtech.edu
Savannah Technical College Historic Preservation
Steve Hartley, Department Head
912.443.5864
shartley@savannahtech.edu

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).