The History of Western Technical College

In March 1963, the Commercial team was the basketball champion of the Vocational School league. Players were Dave
Bussian, Henry Hoier, Dennis Lenth, Jerry Hoch, Jon Leveraus, Bernie Schwarzhoff and Bob Self. Team manager was Milt
Tyler.
In 1963, there were 146 persons enrolled in the evening high school course, an increase of 25 more students than the
previous year. The increase was attributed to the public’s realization that a high school diploma is necessary in the work
world—“there are very few jobs available to those who don’t have a high school diploma,” said Director Jordan.
1963 Auditorium functions included . . .
February 10 Richard Cross, a tenor, appeared in concert with the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra.
Peter J. Michelsen was the conductor.
February 23 The 60-voice St. Olaf College Choir sang in the Auditorium under the sponsorship of St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church, 420 West Avenue South, La Crosse. The choir was conducted by Dr. Olaf C.
Christiansen, carrying on the a cappella choral tradition of his father, Dr. F. Mellitus Christiansen,
who founded the choir in 1903. This was the choir’s only appearance in Wisconsin during its 1963
tour of 12 states.
March 24 The La Crosse Vocational Civic Choir sang its 25 th annual concert under the direction of Elvin
Saterbak. Parts I and II of the program the choir sang sacred music, and Parts III and IV were
semi-classical. The program featured two local artists, Mrs. James Klund and Ms. Betty Mielke.
“With this concert, the Civic Choir completes its twenty-fifth season under the sponsorship of the
Vocational School. Selections . . . are favorites chosen from the repertoire of the past twenty-five
years. We wish to extend our appreciation to Mr. John B. Coleman for his interest and
encouragement during these years . . .”
November 3 James Mathis was guest soloist with the combined La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, conducted by
Peter J. Michelson, and the La Crosse State College Choir, conducted by William V. Estes. The
program included a flute solo by Cynthia Foss.
December 8 The La Crosse Community Chorus, in cooperation with the Wisconsin State College of
La Crosse and the Vocational School presented “The Messiah.” Elvin Saterbak directed the
105-voice combined choir.
Coleman Recognition
John B. Coleman retired on January 31, 1963 after 47 years of service. On March 18, 1963, a resolution was adopted by
the Vocational Board which read: “In appreciation of the effective and efficient educational leadership that John B.
Coleman has provided for over 50 years, 47 of them as director of the La Crosse Vocational and Adult Schools; be it
resolved by the La Crosse Vocational and Adult School Board that the school be named in his honor and from this date be
known as the Coleman Vocational and Adult Schools.”
May 20 marked the day to pay tribute to John B. Coleman. There was an Open House was from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.,
followed by a civic recognition banquet at the Mary E. Sawyer Auditorium. More than 600 representatives of
government, labor, industry, business, religion, welfare agencies, school alumni, faculty and citizens of the community
paid tribute to him. The Open House showed the latest addition to the school. The Room Directory for the Open House
included the following for the 1961-62 Addition – First Floor: three classrooms, a General Shop, Assembly, Welding,
General Metals, Auto Mechanics and an Auto Body Shop. In addition, Floor 1 space was occupied by 4 Classrooms, the
Auditorium, the Director’s and other offices, two Printing and Allied Subject rooms, Cabinet Shop, the Gymnasium,
Drafting, and Machine Shop. Floor 2 space was occupied by: The Gymnasium Balcony, seven Classrooms, Electronics
Supply, 3 Electronics rooms, a Shop, Business Machines, Commercial Office, Typing, Auditorium Balcony, and Typing.
Floor 3 space was occupied by: 2 Classrooms, an Apartment Living room, Clothing, Foods, Cafeteria, and an Apartment
Kitchen.
Among those present was 98-year-old Warren Hicks, of Madison, who was responsible for Coleman taking the La Crosse
school position in 1916. Hicks, state director of industrial education, recommended Coleman for the La Crosse job and
urged him to accept it. Coleman and Hicks had met earlier when Coleman was teaching at the Milwaukee Vocational
School.