Brenda Jochum
Department of Industrial Technology internship director, 308.865.8122
A highlight of the annual Industrial Distribution Fall 2009 Career Event, which takes place Monday – Wednesday (Oct. 12-14) at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, will be an early morning ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Branch Simulation Lab.
The ribbon cutting ceremony is set for 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, in Otto Olsen, Rooms 133 and 135, on the campus.
According to Dr. Jim Toppen, UNK associate professor of industrial technology, the new lab simulates everything that happens in an industrial distribution branch, providing experiential learning opportunities.
“This lab will give our students an advantage over other programs, putting them above the competition and giving them the knowledge base to be successful,” Dr. Toppen said.
According to Brenda Jochum, UNK industrial technology internship director, Dr. Don Envick, UNK emeritus professor of industrial technology and founder of the Industrial Distribution Program, had seen a need for such a lab for a number of years.
“Dr. Toppen, who joined UNK last year, had the vision to make the lab possible,” Jochum said.
“Students and companies alike have been seeking more role playing, increased industry exposure and product awareness,” Dr. Toppen said. “This is the mission of the lab. In addition, we now have the opportunity to showcase our program partners, who are companies that financially support UNK Industrial Distribution.”
The lab was made possible through the Industrial Distribution Program Partners and a $50,000 grant from the University of Nebraska Foundation. Program Partners include ABC Supply Co., Actuant, Consolidated Electrical Distributors, Crescent Electric Supply Co., Nebraska Machinery Co., WinWholesale and Womack Machine Supply.
The three-day event opens at 5 p.m. on Monday (Oct. 12) at The Great Platte River Road Archway, with an industrial distribution program overview and orientation. The opening reception and dinner takes place from 6-9 p.m. that same evening.
On Tuesday, the Fall 2009 Industrial Distribution Career Fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second floor of the Nebraskan Student Union on the campus. The career fair will include 84 representatives from 22 companies. Representatives from 17 different states, including CEOs, vice presidents and sale managers, will participate. Company conducted interviews will take place 2:30 – 5 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Members of the ID Advisory Council will meet on Wednesday, and departmental tours will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
