October 2012 - Rosedale Technical Institute
October 2012 - Rosedale Technical Institute
October 2012 - Rosedale Technical Institute
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President Dennis Wilke, with the help<br />
of Dieselzilla, revealed the “Ben Wilke<br />
Training Center” on Friday September<br />
21, <strong>2012</strong>. The student-restored truck<br />
displayed the aptitude and innovation<br />
of <strong>Rosedale</strong>’s diesel students and provided<br />
event guests a sneak peak of<br />
the impressive diesel education opportunities<br />
that will be enriched by the brand new Ben Wilke<br />
Training Center.<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> <strong>Technical</strong> <strong>Institute</strong> hosted a reception for local<br />
officials, such as County Commissioner Rich Fitzgerald and State<br />
Representative Matt Smith as well as local school officials,<br />
alumni, employers and friends of the school to see first-hand the<br />
innovative diesel facility and resources.<br />
Surrounded by the sounds of the<br />
Montour High School Drum Line,<br />
Dennis Wilke briefed the crowd on<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong>’s rich 60 year<br />
history. He highlighted<br />
the evolution of resources<br />
that have facilitated<br />
job placement<br />
rates much higher than<br />
four-year colleges. These remarkable resources available to prospective<br />
students included hands-on instruction, career development<br />
and classes, job fairs, and financial aid.<br />
“The job opportunities in Western PA for diesel technicians<br />
and truck drivers are exciting. We had 25 companies<br />
here for a career fair recently, all looking to<br />
hire our diesel grads. The new building helps us meet<br />
the industry’s needs.” -Dennis Wilke<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong>’s new facility will only augment the institute’s<br />
tradition of industry savvy. Wilke explained the need for<br />
trained, knowledgeable diesel professionals, from mechanics to<br />
drivers, and the lack of qualified individuals. He noted that businesses<br />
are actually leaving the region due to lack of excellent<br />
potential employees. Diesel students at <strong>Rosedale</strong> will graduate<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2012</strong><br />
RTI hosts unveiling ceremony of the<br />
Ben Wilke Training Center<br />
at a supreme advantage, thanks to the new 2.5 million dollar<br />
facility. New resources include a diesel truck driving simulator,<br />
classrooms with Smart Board technology, a full computer lab,<br />
hands-on education stations, housed in a space huge enough to<br />
hold a hand full of diesel trucks to study.<br />
But there was no better example of <strong>Rosedale</strong>'s diesel aptitude<br />
than Dieselzilla. The airport trolley engine students transformed<br />
was unrecognizable. The truck's complete make-over,<br />
from the homemade biodiesel fuel to the sharp exterior, is a<br />
living testament to the incredible talents of both instructors<br />
and students at <strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech.<br />
As Dieselzilla’s<br />
engine roared and<br />
spun out, it unveiled<br />
the official name, the<br />
“Ben Wilke Training<br />
Center.”<br />
Ben Wilke, a long<br />
time President of<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> and current<br />
President Dennis Wilke’s<br />
father, has a rich legacy<br />
of unfailing devotion to<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech. As the<br />
current Vice President, he continues to impact the constant<br />
evolution of <strong>Rosedale</strong>’s academic approaches.<br />
Students have already begun studying and working in the<br />
Ben Wilke Training Center, a space that will serve students for<br />
years to come.<br />
-See more Grand Opening photos on pages 6 & 7.
Senator<br />
Wayne<br />
Fontana<br />
Political Visits at RTI<br />
President Wilke showing Senator Fontana the Mechatronics<br />
Unit (Commercial Conveyor Simulator)<br />
Democratic Senator Wayne Fontana, from Pennsylvania’s 42 nd district,<br />
made a visit to <strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech in late August. His goal was to<br />
learn about <strong>Rosedale</strong>’s programs of study and the environment in<br />
which they are taught. After a brief meeting with <strong>Rosedale</strong> President<br />
Dennis Wilke, the Senator was given a tour of the newly<br />
named, Phil Chosky Training Center. Stops on the tour included<br />
the electrical labs, general educations classrooms, the new cafeteria,<br />
“Steel Toe Station”, the vast automotive shop and the HVAC<br />
lab.<br />
After visiting the previously mentioned facilities in the Phil Chosky<br />
Training Center, President Wilke and Senator Fontana moved on to<br />
the new 43,000 square foot Ben Wilke Training Center, home to<br />
the Diesel Technology Program. Here they toured multiple labs and<br />
newly constructed classrooms. Led by their instructors, Diesel<br />
Technology students shared several demonstrations for the Senator<br />
in the labs including biodiesel and hydraulics.<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> would like to extend a special thank you to Senator Fontana<br />
and his staff for taking the time to tour RTI’s facilities and for<br />
meeting with our faculty, staff and students.<br />
Congressman<br />
Critz<br />
Congressman Mark Critz (D-PA 12 th District) visited RTI to tour the<br />
Ben Wilke Training Center. The development of the Marcellus<br />
Shale Project continues to have a major effect on jobs in our area.<br />
Employers have shown no decline in their strong demand for employees<br />
with a background in Diesel Mechanics. The Congressman<br />
was interested to see how <strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech is keeping up with current<br />
trends in the job force.<br />
The tour started in the biodiesel lab, where Congressman Critz assisted<br />
instructor Rob Murphy’s class in the creation of a batch of<br />
biodiesel fuel. Continuing on, the Congressman spoke with instructor<br />
Mark Simoneau’s class on the subject of hydraulic hoses, followed<br />
by a brief tour of instructor Karl Kruger’s smartboard<br />
equipped classroom.<br />
Senator<br />
Pat Toomey<br />
Pennsylvania’s Senator, Republican Pat Toomey visited <strong>Rosedale</strong><br />
<strong>Technical</strong> <strong>Institute</strong>. Also invited were a number of local employers<br />
and representatives for educational institutions including<br />
Wright Automotive, Hunter Truck Sales and Service, American<br />
Eagle Outfitters, Lancaster School of Cosmetology and Therapeutic<br />
Body Work, Triangle Tech, Laurel Business <strong>Institute</strong>, Bradford<br />
Schools, Delta Education, Empire Education Group and Education<br />
Affiliates, PAPSA and APSCU.<br />
Senator Toomey and the participants toured RTI’s facilities with<br />
instructors Paul Danner, Lou Levine, Marc Mullin and<br />
J.R. Mangan. After the tour, the group congregated in the “Steel<br />
Toe Station” where President Wilke spoke briefly before giving<br />
the floor to Senator Toomey. The Senator fielded questions on<br />
topics such as the Pell Grant and the development of the Marcellus<br />
Shale Project. <strong>Rosedale</strong> is proud to have been host to Senator<br />
Toomey and also for creating an informative and enlightening<br />
dialogue for both employers and educators.<br />
Auto Instructor<br />
Paul Danner and<br />
Senator Pat<br />
Toomey<br />
Instructor Brandon<br />
Danser’s<br />
class gave a<br />
demonstration on<br />
a/c recovery and<br />
recycling. This<br />
procedure not<br />
only produces less<br />
waste and minimizes<br />
CFC gasses,<br />
but also lowers<br />
maintenance<br />
costs for the<br />
consumer.<br />
Diesel Students Brittany Wenk and Matthew<br />
Toro giving Congressman Critz a lesson in<br />
biodiesel fuel.<br />
The Congressman finished his tour with a lesson on the importance<br />
of air brakes and their features from instructor JR Mangan.<br />
We appreciate the Congressman sharing his time with us.<br />
Page 2 The Circuit
Matt Linko (left) with <strong>Rosedale</strong> Student Services Coordinator<br />
John Fostyk (right)<br />
The Other Side<br />
o f t h e T a b l e<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech hosted their semi-annual Career Fair in September.<br />
Over 40 employers from the automotive, diesel, electrical,<br />
and HVAC fields attended the event. These employers scheduled<br />
72 student interviews which were performed directly following<br />
the career fair.<br />
One of the employers that visited the fair was Sears Automotive<br />
Group. Matt Linko, a March <strong>2012</strong> Automotive graduate, attended<br />
the career fair recruiting for Sears. Matt stated “it feels great to<br />
come back here to sit on the other side of the table”. Matt’s<br />
secret to success was to “show up and give it everything you’ve<br />
got”. Matt’s passion and persistence in the automotive field got<br />
him to a managerial role shortly into his young career.<br />
Matt found many eligible candidates at the Career Fair and he<br />
looks forward to some follow-up interviews.<br />
If you are an employer and you are looking to hire a <strong>Rosedale</strong><br />
student please contact:<br />
John Fostyk in Students Services at 412-250-0043.<br />
ADVISORY BOARDS<br />
Keeps <strong>Rosedale</strong><br />
CURRENT<br />
Among <strong>Rosedale</strong>’s biggest priorities is the placement of its students<br />
into their desired job and/or career. In order to meet this goal, the<br />
school must stay aware of current trends within the industries of<br />
each of the four areas of study. To do so, RTI has established an<br />
advisory board each for Automotive, Diesel, HVAC and Electrical.<br />
The Inside Scoop<br />
The following students have accepted employment with<br />
the subsequent companies. RTI grads have found employment<br />
in all levels of the electrical, diesel and automotive<br />
fields within several different industries.<br />
Student Name Employer Program<br />
Jeremy Batchelor First Vehicle Services Diesel<br />
Devin Buchko Advance Auto Parts Auto<br />
Andrew Gmys Budd Baer Auto<br />
Ryan Coleman Firestone Complete Auto Care Auto<br />
Ron Foster Advance Auto Parts Auto<br />
Richard Deighan Carnegie Mellon University Electrical<br />
Peris Smith Adecco Electrical<br />
Yvain Schaffnit Duncan Land and Energy Auto<br />
Steven Batemon Metalico Diesel<br />
Clayton Cox MS Energy Services Diesel<br />
Kolby Carr Glick Fire Equipment Company Diesel<br />
Patrick Erickson First Vehicle Services Diesel<br />
Joshua Henderson Mr. Tire Auto<br />
Eric Fisher Beemac Trucking Diesel<br />
Charles Williamson Sears Auto Center Auto<br />
Kenneth Lambert Star Transportation Group Auto<br />
John Mahn Riverquest Diesel<br />
Damean Brannan Tint Plus 2 Auto<br />
Patrick Hill Sears Auto Center Auto<br />
Lindsay Moore Katko LTD Diesel<br />
Bryan Raykovics Mike’s Truck Service Diesel<br />
The advisory boards are made up of employers, community mem-<br />
bers and specialists in the industry. They meet twice a year to ex-<br />
change thoughts and ideas.<br />
The information gathered from these meetings helps to develop the<br />
educational curriculum. By doing so, RTI is able to stay ahead of the<br />
always changing trends within the trades and continue to produce<br />
attractive candidates to employers both during and after graduation.<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> realizes that staying current with technology and trends<br />
not only benefits the school, but more importantly the education of<br />
each of its students.<br />
The Circuit Page 3
The Inside Scoop<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> <strong>Technical</strong> <strong>Institute</strong> was again voted one of the best places to work by Pittsburgh<br />
Business Times for the third year in a row, as well as by the Pittsburgh Post Gazette for<br />
the first year!<br />
Employees are asked to take a brief<br />
survey detailing the working environment,<br />
management styles, and general<br />
company culture. The results determine<br />
overall employee morale.<br />
Want To Be A Part Of This Team?<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> continues to search for quality<br />
employees to add to the faculty and staff. If you are interested in applying for a position<br />
with <strong>Rosedale</strong> please send your cover letter and resume to hr@rosedaletech.org.<br />
Sammy Martinez<br />
Wins Scholarship<br />
Diesel Technology student Sammy Martinez was recently<br />
awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Hispanic<br />
Chamber of Commerce. Several letters of recommendation<br />
in combination with an essay explaining why<br />
the award would most benefit him led to Mr. Martinez<br />
winning. Financial Aid Director Anna Bartolini made<br />
Sammy aware of the scholarship and encouraged him to apply.<br />
Sammy began his studies at RTI in August, 2011. Along with classwork, Martinez currently<br />
works at Lenzner Coach Lines in Sewickley, PA where he is a mechanic and mainly focuses<br />
on preventative maintenance. He enjoys working at Lenzner and upon graduation, plans<br />
to continue his career there. Everyone at RTI extends congratulations to Sammy on his<br />
impressive accomplishment.<br />
Sunday Business Page<br />
President Dennis Wilke and Diesel Technology student Kevin Rock appeared on<br />
KDKA's Sunday Business Times with John Delano to discuss the unveiling of the Ben<br />
Wilke Training Center.<br />
The group discussed the new opportunities granted to diesel students coinciding with<br />
the opening of the new facility, opportunities that facilitate <strong>Rosedale</strong>'s 96% diesel job<br />
placement. Mr. Wilke discussed the need for qualified diesel candidates, reiterated by<br />
Kevin's experience job-hunting before enrolling, and the subsequent myriad job opportunities<br />
for <strong>Rosedale</strong> grads.<br />
President Wilke and Diesel Technology student Kevin Rock on the set of<br />
KDKA’s Sunday Business Page<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech Awarded<br />
Military Friendly<br />
Schools Title<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> <strong>Technical</strong> <strong>Institute</strong> was recently<br />
named a Military Friendly School by GI Jobs<br />
Magazine. The 2013 Military Friendly<br />
Schools list honors the top 15 percent of<br />
colleges, universities and trade schools in<br />
the country that are doing the most to embrace<br />
America’s military service members,<br />
veterans, and spouses as students and ensure<br />
their success on campus.<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> provides Financial Aid assistance<br />
to Veterans who qualify, and makes every<br />
effort to ensure the transition from the<br />
Military to school is an easy one. Over 10%<br />
of the students at RTI are Veterans.<br />
“Inclusion on the 2013 list of Military<br />
Friendly Schools shows <strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech’s<br />
commitment to providing a supportive environment<br />
for military students,” said Sean<br />
Collins, Director for G.I. Jobs and Vice President<br />
at Victory Media. “As interest in education<br />
grows we’re thrilled to provide the<br />
military community with transparent,<br />
world-class resources to assist in their<br />
search for schools,” said Sean.<br />
Page 4 The Circuit
<strong>Rosedale</strong> Introduces the<br />
Phil Chosky<br />
Training Center<br />
For all of the <strong>Rosedale</strong> visitors that enter the<br />
lobby of the <strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech building located<br />
at 215 Beecham Drive you will find a sign<br />
that says “Phil Chosky Training Center”. Phil<br />
Chosky was a long time Pittsburgh resident<br />
and acknowledged philanthropist in the Pittsburgh<br />
area.<br />
In 1969 Phil Chosky purchased <strong>Rosedale</strong><br />
<strong>Technical</strong> <strong>Institute</strong> from William and James<br />
Johnston. Throughout his time as Director of<br />
ON THE ROAD<br />
Pictured are Diesel Technology<br />
graduates David Gillespie and<br />
Derek Weimer, the first two <strong>Rosedale</strong><br />
students to successfully complete the<br />
new <strong>Rosedale</strong> Class A CDL driving<br />
course in-house. Congrats guys!<br />
In an effort to meet the rising demand<br />
for truckers in the workforce, <strong>Rosedale</strong><br />
is proud to announce Truck Driving<br />
The Inside Scoop<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> he was very involved in the every<br />
day operations of the school, from Admissions<br />
to Financial Aid. In the early days of<br />
Financial Aid programs (1970’s), Mr. Chosky<br />
participated in national and state meetings<br />
to insure that Private <strong>Technical</strong> Schools were<br />
included in financial assistance programs.<br />
Mr. Chosky was very passionate about the<br />
trades, so much that he remained on the<br />
Board of Directors when Ben Wilke took over<br />
as Director of the school in the year 2000.<br />
One of Phil Chosky’s traditional phrases<br />
(which current President Dennis Wilke frequently<br />
uses in his honor) was “at <strong>Rosedale</strong><br />
Tech you don’t earn your PhD you earn a<br />
J.O.B.”<br />
Truck Driving Training and Preventative Maintenance Program NOW OFFERED!<br />
Training as its newest program of study.<br />
Students currently enrolled in the Diesel<br />
Technology program will have the<br />
ability to test and train for their class A<br />
Commercial Drivers License (CDL) in<br />
house. Previously students had to go<br />
off-site for training.<br />
New instructor Vaughn Greil<br />
brings years of experience and insight<br />
from the trucking industry into the<br />
classroom. Students will be able to<br />
take advantage of a state-of-the-art<br />
In 2004 Mr. Chosky resigned from the Board<br />
of Directors and in 2011 at the age of 85 he<br />
passed away. <strong>Rosedale</strong> is proud to name<br />
the Beecham Drive location the “Phil Chosky<br />
Training Center” in his honor.<br />
Administrative Assistant Sue Henze<br />
welcomes guests to the<br />
Phil Chosky Training Center.<br />
High School Instructors & Counselors<br />
You and your students are invited to<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech for an action<br />
packed fieldtrip.<br />
RTI fieldtrips are interactive and<br />
include stimulating educational<br />
demonstrations and competitions.<br />
We would like the opportunity<br />
to showcase our state-of-the-art<br />
facilities and equipment.<br />
If you would like to schedule a tour<br />
or have one of our high school<br />
representatives present to your class, please<br />
contact :<br />
Ben Martin<br />
412-855-4365 (cell) or 412-521-6200 (office).<br />
McKeesport high school students<br />
pose with DieselZilla.<br />
truck driving simulator that mimics<br />
thousands of real life driving circumstances.<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> has acquired two<br />
Freightliner 53’ van trailers, a 45’<br />
spread axle, a 45’ flatbed, a 26’ van<br />
trailer and a 40’ low bay trailer on<br />
which students will be trained. Hours<br />
of actual on the road training will now<br />
be conducted on premises and beyond.<br />
Students will be prepped on the three<br />
major facets of the driving Class A CDL<br />
exam; pre-trip, skills and actual driving.<br />
The Circuit Page 5
SEEN at Ben Wilke Training Center<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> President Dennis Wilke and Vice President Ben Wilke with the<br />
Montour High School Drum Line<br />
State Representative Matt Smith signs<br />
the RTI Truck in the Ben Wilke Training<br />
Center<br />
AVI Chef Ryan Murphy, Director of<br />
Financial Aid Anna Bartolini, and<br />
Student Services Assistant Joni Curl<br />
make sure guests have plenty of<br />
refreshments.<br />
L-R: Fran Panza, Jeanne Panza, Bernie Wilke,<br />
Ben Wilke, Dennis Wilke, Chris Wilke, and<br />
David Wilke<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> Administrative Assistant<br />
Sue Henze and Executive Assistant<br />
Jen Cox sign in guests at the grand<br />
opening event<br />
Team Hoffman Murtaugh – Melissa<br />
Wilson, Jessica Anselmio, and Dorine<br />
Tucci<br />
RTI Retiree<br />
Donna Drudy<br />
& <strong>Rosedale</strong><br />
Grad Eric Cook<br />
“EricTheCarGuy”<br />
State Representative<br />
Matt Smith and Tim<br />
Dillon with Allegiance<br />
Staffing<br />
Andy<br />
Wisniewski,<br />
and Howard<br />
Boughter<br />
from Kenny<br />
Ross<br />
Chevrolet<br />
(L to R) Lisa Neil (Southwest Training Svcs.),<br />
Lisa Fulton (PA CareerLink), Kathy Stein<br />
(Financial Aid Officer), and Cindy Derrico<br />
(Southwest Tr. Svcs.)<br />
The <strong>Rosedale</strong> Staff gets together for a photo following the event<br />
Page 6 The Circuit
SEEN at Ben Wilke Training Center<br />
Pennzoil’s Al Saldamarco and Larry<br />
Tamburri tour the Ben Wilke Training<br />
Center<br />
President Dennis Wilke, State<br />
Representative Matt Smith, and County<br />
Commissioner Rich Fitzgerald<br />
Director of Education Jim Shore, and Allstate<br />
Career College’s Mary Louisa Benny, and Jim<br />
Papariella from Vandalia Consulting<br />
Michelle Kreutzer,<br />
Pittsburgh Chamber<br />
of Commerce and<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> Financial<br />
Aid Rep Kathy Stein<br />
Lamar ’s<br />
Bruce<br />
Pompeani<br />
and PA<br />
CareerLink’s<br />
Vince Booker<br />
Diesel Instructor Brian Mullen, Maintenance<br />
Supervisor Tim Weleski, Diesel Instructor Rob<br />
Murphy, and IT Specialist Tony Capriotti<br />
Joe Orlich of Valley Waste Services<br />
with President Dennis Wilke<br />
Student Ambassadors for the Grand Opening included:<br />
(L to R) Robert King, Ryan Wissinger, Jordan Myers, Kevin Rock, Patrick<br />
Metcalfe, and Manuel Vinas Missing from the picture: Logan Cypher, Elmer<br />
Bittinger, Derek Weimer, Steven Neal and Brian Henze<br />
The Hite<br />
Company’s<br />
Gene Guiliani<br />
and Joe<br />
Wesolowski<br />
County Commissioner Rich Fitzgerald,<br />
Ben Wilke, Dennis Wilke<br />
Parkway CTC representatives Jack<br />
Highfield, David Kania, and Liz Lanshcak<br />
Marketing Coordinator Suzie McGugin,<br />
Director of Education Ed Petrunak, and<br />
Director of Admissions Debbie Bier sign the<br />
RTI Truck<br />
USA<br />
Special<br />
Services<br />
team Zach<br />
Smith and<br />
Rich Smith<br />
Snap On executives (L to R): Bob Rose, Doug Liprando,<br />
Bob Lafredo, and Greg Rintala, with President Dennis<br />
Wilke (center)<br />
The Circuit Page 7
Steel Toe Station recently<br />
launched the<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> Refill Cup.<br />
The <strong>October</strong> cup is<br />
$8.00 and allows students<br />
to receive drink<br />
refills on hot or cold<br />
beverages for $.50 per<br />
refill.<br />
Evening Auto student<br />
Chris Whiddon enjoys<br />
his $.50 refills with<br />
dinner.<br />
What’s NEW ?<br />
Steel Toe Station ...OPEN FOR BUSINESS!<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech recently opened its doors to the new state-of-the-art cafeteria, Steel Toe Station.<br />
Steel Toe Station is a fully equipped cafeteria with multiple breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.<br />
The deli offers customers fresh wraps, salads, sandwiches, pitas, and Panini. The pizzeria offers freshly<br />
baked pizzas, including deep dish and flatbread style with a variety of toppings. The entrée/hot<br />
food station provides a wide variety of meats and comfort foods with three daily specials per week.<br />
The grill offers fresh burgers and chicken sandwiches, with a variety of foods still to come.<br />
Steel Toe Station is operated by manager Ed Pockl, who has been in the food<br />
service industry for three years. He has always had a passion for customer<br />
service, and the food service industry is as customer friendly as it gets.<br />
Ed is originally from the Pittsburgh area, so he is a huge Pirates, Penguins,<br />
and Steelers fan. He gained his food service knowledge working at<br />
Seton La Salle and Cal U. Ed states “I am here to meet the needs of my customers.<br />
If there are any recommendations, questions, or concerns I would<br />
love to hear them.”<br />
He encourages everyone to stop by and visit Steel Toe Station, whether it’s to<br />
talk about sports, grab lunch, or fill out a comment card.<br />
New Way to Shop<br />
Redwing Shoes of Leetsdale, PA is the new<br />
shoe vendor for <strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech. Their shoe<br />
showroom visits our facility on the first day<br />
of each new start.<br />
Redwing will provide students<br />
and faculty a true<br />
shopping convenience.<br />
A GIFT that KEEPS ON<br />
GIVING!<br />
Bridgestone Trust Fund donated $10,000<br />
to <strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech to assist with the pur-<br />
chase of the tables and chairs for the<br />
dining area at Steel Toe Station.<br />
This generous contribution is greatly<br />
appreciated and will serve our students<br />
and staff well for many years to come.<br />
Pictured are Renee Petros and Sherif Kamel from Bridgestone/Firestone with RTI<br />
President, Dennis Wilke.<br />
The 30 foot Redwing truck is fully equipped with displays of safety shoes in various<br />
sizes. Hours of the truck will be posted on classroom doors prior to<br />
Red Wing’s visit.<br />
Page 8 The Circuit
What’s Going On with GRADS ?<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech Diesel graduate Josh Roe<br />
was featured on the Discovery Channel<br />
special “Life Changing Medicine”. This<br />
program was produced to highlight all of<br />
the innovative medical procedures UPMC<br />
is practicing to save and enhance the lives<br />
of their patients.<br />
Josh Roe and his son Justin<br />
Prior to attending RTI, Josh was involved in<br />
a near fatal car accident. Josh was in a<br />
coma and doctors predicted he would not<br />
resume brain function.<br />
An advanced medical procedure was performed<br />
where the doctors cooled Josh’s<br />
body temperature down to a hypothermic<br />
state. This relieved some of the pressure<br />
on Josh’s brain, and allowed him to recover<br />
from the coma. Josh was told by doctors<br />
he would not be able to walk, and he<br />
would have a very difficult time performing<br />
everyday tasks. As a military Vet, Josh<br />
was not accustomed to giving up. “They<br />
told me I couldn’t do it. No one tells me I<br />
can’t do something.”<br />
Josh thrived in his rehabilitation facility,<br />
and was soon walking, eating, and performing<br />
all of the everyday tasks that he<br />
was told he wouldn’t be able to do. Much<br />
of Josh’s motivation was his 12 year old<br />
son, Justin.<br />
When asked what advice Josh would give<br />
to others facing severe challenges like he<br />
did, Josh simply said “Don’t give up, just<br />
don’t give up.”<br />
Staying<br />
Connected . . .<br />
Like Father<br />
Like Son<br />
Ed Mancini graduated from<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech in 1976 from the<br />
Auto/Diesel program. He went on<br />
to work in the field for 13 years,<br />
found his passion was engines &<br />
transmissions, and opened<br />
Mancini’s Transmission in 1989 in<br />
Pittsburgh’s Brighton Heights area.<br />
Ed enjoys his job so much he<br />
states “even on vacation, I can’t<br />
wait to get back to work.”<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> automotive graduate<br />
Larry Martin not only has a passion for<br />
working on and driving cars, his hobby is<br />
photographing cars.<br />
Editor of the Flashlight Drags program,<br />
Michael Schindel, Schindel got word of this and<br />
offered Larry a press pass for the August<br />
26th Flashlight Drags event.<br />
Larry accepted the offer, and got some<br />
great shots of the cars. Pictured is one of<br />
the photos Larry took right before the<br />
races began.<br />
Ed’s son, Ed Jr., graduated from<br />
Northgate High School in May<br />
2011, and Ed Sr. was sure he was going into a sports medicine or nutrition program, as he<br />
had never shown any interest in the automotive field. Ed Jr. approached his father one<br />
day, said he had changed his mind and he wanted to work at the transmission shop.<br />
Ed Sr. brought him in for a day, gave him some of the dirtiest jobs, and decided if he could<br />
handle it he would bring him on board. Ed Jr. did a wonderful job and was excited about<br />
all of the tasks his father had him completing. There was one more requirement Ed Sr. had<br />
– Ed Jr. must complete his education and receive hands-on training in the automotive field,<br />
like he had.<br />
Ed Sr. attributes much of his success to his education from <strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech. He said it gave<br />
him a good start, and he would never have been able to “jump right in and start working”<br />
if not for his training at <strong>Rosedale</strong>. Ed Jr. decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and<br />
currently attends <strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech.<br />
Ed Jr. is enjoying his hands-on training in the automotive technician program and is scheduled<br />
to graduate in June 2013. Upon graduation, Ed Jr. plans to work full-time for Mancini’s<br />
Transmission.<br />
The Circuit Page 9
Getting To Know YOU!<br />
A Hands Hands-On Hands On<br />
S U M M E R<br />
This year, due to the school<br />
schedule, students received<br />
a three week break in late<br />
July/early August.<br />
While their fellow students<br />
were relaxing, work study<br />
students James McClinton<br />
and Ryan Butterworth were working from 6:00am – 2:00pm. Over<br />
the summer break RTI was given a “face lift” that included deep<br />
cleaning, painting, moving of classrooms, and the biggest project –<br />
the installation of the cafeteria.<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech hires students for the work study program in the areas<br />
of Financial Aid, Maintenance, Education, and for Propel Schools<br />
(community service). Positions vary based on department needs<br />
and are posted throughout the school when available. To qualify,<br />
students must complete an application process which includes an<br />
interview with Director of Financial Aid Anna Bartolini. The most<br />
qualified students are selected for these positions.<br />
This same hard work and dedication is the reason they have been<br />
successful and will continue to be successful in their fields of study.<br />
(Above L-R) Auto Tech student James McClinton, Maintenance Supervisor<br />
Tim Weleski and Auto Tech student Ryan Butterworth.<br />
Nick Hoovler is a Mudgician<br />
Not unlike many beginning here at <strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech,<br />
newly enrolled Diesel Technology student Nick<br />
Hoovler has been a gearhead for quite some time.<br />
Beginning in his hometown in Mercer County as a<br />
child years ago under the guidance of his uncle, Nick<br />
has been tinkering with a variety of engines. While<br />
there was work to be done on tractors and beyond for<br />
the farm, real excitement came when working on a<br />
mud racer that his uncle had hoped to enter in competitions.<br />
During the school year, he would stay as late as he could<br />
on weeknights hoping to learn as much as possible. In the summers,<br />
when he wasn’t bailing hay or attending to other various chores on<br />
the farm, the majority of his free time was again spent in the garage.<br />
Eventually the work on the racer became more serious and the opportunity<br />
to compete became a reality.<br />
Nick’s uncle and their team began with a 545 cubic inch engine,<br />
eventually upgrading to a 712. In 2006, they held the world mud<br />
drag record on the 180 ft. track with a time of 2.416 seconds using a<br />
712 cubic inch displacement. They have competed all over the<br />
country including races in Lima, OH, Bloomsburg, IN, Transfer, PA<br />
and even as far away as Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, the Carolinas<br />
and Missouri. Their team, under the name Mudgician, is a 6 time<br />
National MRA points champion with wins coming in 2004, 2005,<br />
2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011.<br />
Bus Race UPDATE<br />
In the last issue of The Circuit we featured Diesel student Jordan<br />
Myers and his 007 school bus which RTI students were helping him<br />
prep for the “Back to School Bus Races” in September. Jordan successfully<br />
completed the qualifying race at the Lernerville Speedway<br />
in Sarver PA, and then handed the driver’s seat over to RTI Diesel<br />
instructor Rob Murphy to complete the main race.<br />
The main race consisted of 6 buses which had to complete 15 laps<br />
each. Rob Murphy (driver of RTI’s drag truck DieselZilla) easily<br />
took the first place spot. All those years driving DieselZilla really<br />
paid off. Congrats to Rob and Jordan for a job well done!<br />
RTI Instructor Rob Murphy (far left) and diesel student Jordan<br />
Myers (holding trophy) accept the first place award.<br />
While diesel engines are a bit different than to what he has become<br />
accustomed, much of his experience prior to <strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech has<br />
proven extremely beneficial.“I love it here, everything has been<br />
great. Diesel engines are really pretty similar to the ones we use in<br />
racing. Spark plugs are the major difference,” Nick said.<br />
Mudgician, which most recently competed in Transfer, PA in August<br />
in the Modified class, has again received some upgrades. Here is<br />
what is currently under the hood:<br />
� 744 Cubic Inch Displacement V8 Long Block<br />
� Nitrous Oxide 600-800 psi<br />
� ’81 Pontiac Back Axle<br />
� Independent Chevy Front Axle<br />
� King XLR Suspension<br />
� Racing Shocks<br />
Continued success to Nick and the Mudgician on the mud drag race<br />
circuit!<br />
Page 10 The Circuit
Electrical Students Help<br />
With Construction of<br />
HVAC Lab<br />
Getting To Know YOU!<br />
Students in <strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech’s HVAC program have begun training<br />
in a new lab. HVAC jobs are expected to rise at an astounding<br />
rate over the next ten years namely because of the country’s<br />
building boom in the last decade. Heating and Air Conditioning<br />
units need to be serviced or replaced every ten years causing a<br />
major rise in the demand for those in the field. <strong>Rosedale</strong> wants<br />
to ensure its students are prepared for the many upcoming opportunities.<br />
To help in the construction of the new lab, Mike Breskovich and<br />
Chuck Henderson’s classes teamed up to install much of what<br />
was needed. Among other things, Breskovich’s students put in<br />
over 1,000 feet of metal sheet cable, 500 feet of conduit and<br />
over 80 outlets. Henderson’s students continued by installing<br />
the lighting, power runs and emergency lighting circuitry.<br />
Additionly, Wayne Walker’s HVAC students ran gas piping in the<br />
HVAC space for the new furnace lab. For the students this is a<br />
real life application of their trade.<br />
Nice work everyone, the results look great!<br />
Mullin’s Marketing Class<br />
Greg Davis and his mother Bonnie Davis were searching for a fresh<br />
marketing perspective for Greg’s business, Davis Mobile Repair LLC,<br />
located in Berryville, VA.<br />
Bonnie decided to put in a call to Greg’s alma mater, <strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech,<br />
to see if they could lend a hand. After speaking with <strong>Rosedale</strong> President<br />
Dennis Wilke, Bonnie was referred to General Education Instructor<br />
Marc Mullin.<br />
Mr. Mullin teaches business management, entrepreneurship, and<br />
shop management in his general education class. Marc thought the<br />
project of building a marketing plan for a business was similar to the<br />
hands on instruction that students have in the auto program.<br />
The class immediately began working on an Integrated Marketing<br />
Plan, including a SWOT analysis (identifying strengths, weaknesses,<br />
opportunities, and threats in the organization), demographic<br />
Hyundai Motor America<br />
Donates Vehicle To <strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech<br />
Thanks to a generous donation from Hyundai Motor America, automotive<br />
students will notice an addition to <strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech’s fleet<br />
of cars on which they receive training. Hyundai, whose corporate<br />
office is located in Costa Mesa, California, has offered a 2007 Azera<br />
for the school’s use. Former <strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech graduate, Rich<br />
Palahunik, who now works at Hyundai helped to facilitate the<br />
deal. The car, being one of the newest models in the garage, will<br />
broaden students’ knowledge base on a number of levels.<br />
Automotive computer diagnostics have rapidly evolved over the<br />
last decade. On top of the traditional troubleshooting issues associated<br />
with other vehicles, the car’s recent technology will offer<br />
real life experience normally learned on the job postgraduation.“..For<br />
example, with this car, I’m now able to teach<br />
the students about more modern issues that they used to have<br />
to learn at the dealership where they worked,” Automotive Instructor<br />
Dave Sladky said. He went on to say that students will<br />
now be able to study the function of the car’s diagnostic system<br />
and sensors that relay information on bi-directional controls,<br />
wheel speed, mass airflow, ECT, crank and scope among others.<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech is pleased to expand the student learning experience<br />
and thankful for Hyundai’s generosity and commitment to<br />
enhancing automotive education.<br />
research, competitive research, website suggestions, and even<br />
sample ads and flyers.<br />
This was such a successful project that Mr. Mullin already has<br />
another graduate requesting assistance with his shop in Carnegie.<br />
The Circuit Page 11
On The<br />
Road<br />
with<br />
VAUGHN<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech’s new instructor,<br />
Vaughn Greil , is no<br />
stranger to being behind the<br />
wheel of a big rig. A 17 year<br />
veteran of the road and with<br />
over 2 million miles logged, Mr. Greil brings an incredible amount of experience and<br />
knowledge to those in his CDL class.<br />
Vaughn got his CDL in January of 1995 from Canterbury Career School. In fact, one of his<br />
teachers there was current <strong>Rosedale</strong> Electrical instructor, Lou Levine. Upon graduation, he<br />
drove ‘over the road’, meaning longer overnight hauls, for 2.5 months. After that, Vaughn<br />
transitioned into ‘local’ or ‘short haul’ trucking. These trips were for the most part 450-<br />
600 miles, out and back in the same day. He worked for a number of companies in the<br />
Pittsburgh area including Estes, Overnight Transport and UPS Freight among others.<br />
Vaughn’s passion for trucking developed early on. Raised mostly by his grandparents,<br />
Vaughn’s grandfather drove trucks for the old Gimbels department store in the North<br />
Side. “He’s the one who instilled my work ethic. He taught me if you’re not 5 or 10<br />
minutes early, you’re late,” he said. To this day he carries two photos in his wallet, one of<br />
his son and another of his grandfather. Both serve as a constant reminder of why he does<br />
what he does.<br />
Mr. Greil’s addition to <strong>Rosedale</strong> will be extremely beneficial to students within the<br />
CDL and Diesel programs. His real life experience has already added to the curriculum and<br />
will offer invaluable training to his students.<br />
The Incredible<br />
HALL<br />
As a graduate of <strong>Rosedale</strong><br />
Tech and over 17 years of<br />
experience teaching here, no<br />
one overlooks transmissions<br />
instructor Jim Hall. Not just<br />
because of his amazing<br />
knowledge of transmissions,<br />
but also because of his size.<br />
Faculty & Staff<br />
Jim says he was never a skinny<br />
guy, but he started getting into lifting about 15 years ago. He says it helps relieve<br />
stress, keeps you healthy, and it also gives you an edge in the automotive field (being able<br />
to maneuver heavy equipment with ease).<br />
When he first started he was struggling to lift 225lbs, but he could do it. Jim says “now I<br />
warm up with that”. Jim has lifted over 400lbs, but prefers to stay around the 315lb mark.<br />
He enjoys the feeling of being healthy and in shape and he is proud to say he is still wearing<br />
the same size jeans he was when he was 18 years old.<br />
What A Catch!<br />
After twenty minutes of struggling with<br />
his line and the waves, Director of Education<br />
Jim Shore was eye to eye with a<br />
40lb sting ray this summer in Myrtle<br />
Beach, SC. He was all smiles until he<br />
realized he had to put the fish back into<br />
the water without getting stung.<br />
DAN’S The MAN!<br />
Automotive Instructor Dan Svitko celebrated<br />
his 30 th year at <strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech last<br />
month. Dan is not only a long time instructor<br />
of <strong>Rosedale</strong>, but is also a graduate of the<br />
automotive program. Congrats Dan!<br />
Page 12 The Circuit
RTI<br />
WELCOMES<br />
Sean Barrett<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> Tech has made a new addition to<br />
its admissions staff. Sean Barrett, of Lawrenceville,<br />
was recently brought on as a<br />
High School Speaker. He moved back to<br />
the Pittsburgh area in 2009 after living in<br />
the Phoenix area for roughly seven years.<br />
A graduate of Arizona State University, he<br />
received a degree in Creative Writing and<br />
Business. Upon graduation, he decided to<br />
take on a bit of a passion project where he<br />
toured the country for nearly three months<br />
documenting the expansive Pittsburgh<br />
Steelers fan culture. Along with a photographer,<br />
he spent nearly every day in a new<br />
city interviewing and photographing Steelers<br />
fans of all walks of life and backgrounds<br />
in hopes of creating an all-encompassing<br />
book on the subject. He also worked as a<br />
freelance writer for the Pittsburgh Post-<br />
Gazette during his travels.<br />
His writing skills are a welcome addition to<br />
The Circuit staff. Sean contributed by interviewing<br />
and writing many of the articles<br />
in this edition.<br />
Sean hopes to add to RTI’s growing population,<br />
focusing mostly on students coming<br />
out of high school. Sean states: “The faculty,<br />
students and staff have been very welcoming.<br />
Working with everyone has been a<br />
pleasure, especially Ben Martin and John<br />
Fostyk, my two childhood friends.”<br />
Welcome to RTI Sean.<br />
Faculty & Staff<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong><br />
Adds<br />
Instructor to<br />
Truck Driving<br />
Fleet<br />
David Wadlow, has joined<br />
the Educational Depart-<br />
ment as an instructor for the Truck Driving Program. He formerly worked for Swift Trans-<br />
portation company of Harrisburg, PA. While working for Swift, David hauled loads all over<br />
the United States. In 2005, he became a mentor for newly hired truck drivers .<br />
It was his role as a mentor in combination with 20 years of management experience that<br />
led him to realize how much he enjoyed teaching. “I recently discovered that teaching is<br />
what I most like to do; really it’s what I’m supposed to do,” he said.<br />
“I really like it here. Everyone has been nice, welcoming and it definitely is a great learning<br />
environment,” he went on to say.<br />
Welcome to RTI, David.<br />
Take me out to the BALL GAME!<br />
RTI’s Admissions staff attended<br />
the Pirates vs. Reds game on<br />
Friday, September 28.<br />
While they suffered through yet<br />
another Pirates loss, they were<br />
also fortunate enough to witness<br />
history as Cincinnati pitcher<br />
Homer Bailey threw the 279 th no-<br />
hitter in baseball history.<br />
The Circuit wants to hear from YOU.<br />
If you have announcements, photographs, or any news that you would<br />
like to share for publication in The Circuit, Circuit please contact us. THANK YOU!<br />
Debbie Bier debbie.bier@rosedaletech.org<br />
Suzie McGugin suzie.mcgugin@rosedaletech.org<br />
Sean Barrett sean.barrett@rosedaletech.org<br />
The Circuit Page 13
Achievements & Awards<br />
The following individuals received awards for being exceptional students while attending RTI:<br />
August <strong>2012</strong> Awards<br />
Instructors’ Choice- Cumulative perfect attendance after one full semester.<br />
Automotive: Guy Hutchinson, Ryan Butterworh, Gary Dunworth ,Brandon Greening, Seth Homison, Ryan Allen, Jeffrey<br />
Anderson, Anthony Rumsey, Raymond Sanders.<br />
Diesel: Samson Blose, Steven Neal, Elmer Bittinger, Richard Young, Luther Coe, Brian Henze, Manuel Vinas.<br />
Electrical: Michael Henry, Dominic Pulcini, James Yotz, Thomas Ralston, Gary Lowden, Jeremy Martin, Eric Rodgers.<br />
HVAC: Glenn Kady<br />
President’s List- Cumulative GPA of 3.4 or Higher after at least one full semester.<br />
Automotive: Joel Carmody, Maria Lucjak, Darran Miller, James Moore, Joshua Walker, Bertram Burrell, Devin Crispin, Michael Farrell Jr.,<br />
Luke Walton, John Ziegler, Charles Braham, Chad Camp, Gary Dunworth, Robert Green, Brandon Greening, Alexander Mattoon, Adam<br />
Smith, Jared Syska, Gavin Veney, Dalton Zottola, Edward Gonzales, Francis Mason, Daniel Moffett, Timothy Ralston, Nicholas Carter, Aaron<br />
Crable, Scott Platek, Stephen Sikora, Aaron Winters.<br />
Diesel: Derek Weimer, Samson Blose, Jordan Myers, Steven Neal, Ryan Smith, Nicholas Zalepa, Elmer Bittinger, Matthew Whetshell, Richard<br />
Young, Dalton Kim, Matthew Nelson, Kevin Rock.<br />
Electrical: Robert Rollins, Gunnar Roser, Angelic Smith, Mark Streily, Paul Wright, Logan Chappell, Robert Seaton.<br />
<strong>Rosedale</strong> Ace-Cumulative GPA of 4.0 after at least one full semester.<br />
Automotive: Joshua Flick, Archie Loughrey, David Roseneck, Marc Tatton, Ryan Butterworth, Meleik Carry, Charles Martin, Scott Dengler,<br />
Brian Bakke, Seth Homison, Erik Johnson, Nathaniel Johnson, Perry Law, Justin Smith, Daniel Wolfe, Ryan Allen, Eric Benton, Joshua Johnson,<br />
Lucas Jones, John Niederriter, Anthony Rumsey, Raymond Sanders.<br />
Diesel: Luther Coe, Darren Forbes, Raymond Gegick, Brian Henze, Kurt Lavsa, Patrick Metcalfe, Lamont Moorer, David Smith, Manuel Vinas.<br />
Electrical: Michael Henry, Codi Russell, Matthew Komaniak, Bradley Whitfield, James Yotz, John Brown, Thomas Ralston, Christopher<br />
Baker, Gary Lowden, Jeremy Martin, Eric Rodgers, Wayne Valocik.<br />
HVAC: Brandon Garvey, Glenn Kady, Raymond Baburich.<br />
Student of the Month: Auto: Heath Knox, Diesel: Manuel Vinas, Electrical: James Yotz<br />
Helping Hand Award: Justin Smith, John Brown, Dave Gillespie .<br />
Extra Effort Award: Elmer Bittinger, Tim Ralston, Thomas Ralston, Luke Walton<br />
Most Improved Award: Devin Crispin, Bob Seaton, Charles Casey<br />
Community Service Award: Kevin Rock<br />
New Students<br />
August New Students:<br />
Automotive Technology: Timothy Bell, Walter Clarit Sr., Andrew Detrick, Jacob Donovan, Robert Ferri, Bradley Frank, Matthew Fredley,<br />
Shawn Greer, Cameron Ireland, Montere Johnson, Matthew King, Cole Koontz, Dennis Kopelic, Kamron Krull, Justin Logan, Matthew Majors,<br />
Joshua McCool, Clayton Neel , Than Oo, Matthew Patton, Mikel Phillips, Michael Piemme, Shane Potetz, Adam Rodgers, Emilio Rodriguez,<br />
Steven Schrecengost, Domenic Stanziano, Joshua Stevens, Christopher Stewart, Joseph Thiem, Wesley Thomas, Jerome Tria, Jonathan<br />
Webb, Andrew Wilson, James Wolfe, Jonathan Yoho<br />
Diesel Technology: Kyle Habedank, Nicholas Hoovler, Joshua Huff, Patrick Kelly, Krystal Knauff, Joshua Pachis, Giovanni Piergallini, Ryan<br />
Popp, Anthony Rich, Joseph Sawinski, Ryan Scott, Kody Seiders, Ian Shearer, John Smith III, Zachary Teagarden, Jonathan Vanderhoof, Eric<br />
Watterson<br />
HVAC Technology: Peyton Harr, Shawn Hunter II, Justin Wilson<br />
Automotive Technician: William Herndon Jr., Christopher Rosado, Lemuel Woodson III<br />
Diesel Technician: Mark Hayes, Christopher Kulow, Jeremy Notzen, Thomas Spano Jr.<br />
<strong>October</strong> New Students:<br />
Automotive Technology: Daniel Agosh, Joshua Alford, Derius Curges, Christopher Hubbard, John Letavec, Lewis McDonald, Daniel Mormur,<br />
Daniil Novitchi, Karl Polonoli, Raymond Seligman, Gregory Steinberger, Brandon Stumpf, Troy Trudeau, Melissa Wickline, Nicholas Homer,<br />
Delores Johnson, Jeremy Sickler<br />
Diesel Technology: Mark Acre, Christopher Barnes, Raymond Berry, David Ciafardone, Scott Dengler, Michael Farrell, Jordan Frank, William<br />
Goerl, Dondre Gordon-Hale, Benjamin Hertweck, Brandon Iofido, Mark Lindsay, Patrick Malsch, Jared Meyer, Steven Mitchell, Ryan<br />
Mueller, Patrick Smith, Brandon Zak<br />
Electrical Technology: James Baker, Cody Boyde, John Calcara, Jesse Casto, Michael Dieteman, Jessica Lynn Jones, Matthew Jones, Gary<br />
Martin, Nicholas Matotek, Matthew Meyers, John Mottiqua, Joshua Pershing, Matthew Porto, Samantha Rathbun, Cody Rossi, Bryer<br />
Schrock, Frederick Smith, Ketih Starling, Frank Teamor, Shane Thompson, Cory Waigand<br />
HVAC Technology: Brian Deroner, Patrick Reap<br />
Automotive Technician: Darren Bane, Anthony Houk, Matthew Houk, Matthew Love, Brandon Lueckert<br />
Diesel Technician: James Shoup, Sean Wilson<br />
Page 14 The Circuit