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38 | Transportation Today Wisconsin™ Online Edition: www.transportationtodaywi.com

SDSU CIM Student Focus: Anthony “Tony” Valland

Anticipated Graduation Date: Spring 2026

decision, joining the CIM program, thanks and sales. This summer
to a little bit of recruiting from another I’ll be taking an experi-
CIM student as well as our program direc- ential work role at Knife
tor, Tim Hostettler, was a decision I’ve been River in Sioux Falls, focus-
extremely happy with ever since. Now, just ing on the sales aspects of
halfway through my CIM program, I’ve the industry. During this
become more comfortable with change and time, I’ll hone-in more on
better understand what is expected in this what I want to pursue as a
large industry and in real-world business career while doing every-
too. thing I can to continue to
The CIM program has been a great learn what my mentors at
opportunity to pursue my interests in busi- Knife River will teach. I’m
ness, construction, marketing, project excited to be able to apply
management, and this degree will make me the knowledge I’ve gained
unique when I graduate. I’m not worried in my classes, labs, and
about my long-term income, security, or my prior real-world industry
happiness. CIM is so niche, and the curricu- work experience too.
lum is so balanced, it’s a great chance to also The SDSU CIM program supporters work experiences and future career paths.
have as much fun as you can while you’re made up of industry leadership, our North All the CIM students at SDSU are extremely
in college. I lucked out, learning about this Central Region Patrons Group, not only grateful for their investment and belief in us
Leaving home to attend a college great industry and the wide variety of career donate dollars to ensure there are scholar- — We know our low-to-no debt 4-year CIM
program where I’d be learning something options available. As a CIM graduate, I ships to help reduce tuition costs, but also degree is practical and enjoyable largely
I had such little prior knowledge of was a know I won’t go unnoticed because of my make an intentional effort to build relation- because of them.
challenge. I quickly realized I had to get unique education, expertise, hands on expe- ships with us CIM students. We are fortunate
comfortable with being uncomfortable and rience, and executive connections I’ve been to have the opportunity to interact with these Access our
soak up as much as I could along the way. able to establish while in school. owners and executives at our networking Spring semester
I chose SDSu because I knew I would I have been fortunate enough to observe events, conferences, luncheons, and at our newsletter here:
be able to grow there academically as well the diverse aspects of the industry including annual CIM golf tournament. This is where
as socially. Though a bit of a last-minute aggregates, plant operation, quality control, the real connections are made for summer

Arrowhead Wins Technology Holmen Auto Service Continued from Page 36

Education Program of the Year!

Arrowhead Union High Standards for Technology education, the Wood-
School District work Career Alliance (WCA), and the nationally
The Arrowhead Technology recognized engineering program Project Lead the
and engineering departments Way (PLTW). Notably, students enrolled in PLTW
have been selected to receive the WTeA High courses can earn dual credits through a partner-
School Program of the Year Award. Arrow- ship with the local university. Juniors and seniors
head Technology and engineering teachers can earn transcripted credits at the local technical
were honored at the WTeA annual conference college Advanced Autos and Metal Fabrication I.
dinner on March 6. Additionally, juniors and seniors can
each year the Wisconsin Technology participate in an industry internship or Youth
education Association honors education and Apprenticeship, offering a valuable opportunity
industry professionals who have demonstrated for students serious about their plans to gain
outstanding service and commitment to Tech- work experience in a professional environment.
nology education. The award recognizes a “high By integrating these recognized industry bench-
school that delivers an outstanding program marks into our teaching methodologies, we aim
which provides students with rigorous training to equip students with the knowledge and skills
and skill development in the areas and concepts necessary to meet or exceed the expectations of In addition to Auto Service I, these system’s basic parts and functions.
of technology and engineering.” employers and professionals in fields ranging hands-on automotive courses are also offered • Auto Service II: Eligible for for 3 credits
The Arrowhead union High School Tech- from manufacturing and engineering to technol- at Holmen High School: at the local technical college. This course
nology and engineering Department is dedicated ogy development. This emphasis on industry • Home and Auto: Consumer-based is all about advanced systems and diag-
to aligning its curriculum and educational prac- standards enhances the quality of education pro- course focused on owning and buying nostics. They will learn about: shocks/
tices with specific industry standards, ensuring vided and positions our students for success in houses and vehicles. The students learn struts, transmissions, engine perfor-
students are well-prepared for real-world appli- careers that demand a high level of proficiency basic maintenance, finance, inspections, mance, drive train, and shop simulation.
cations. We are committed to incorporating and and relevance in today’s competitive job market. and the buying process.
surpassing standards set by industry organiza-
tions, including the International Technology and • Basic Auto: The students learn auto- www.holmen.k12.wi.us
engineering educators Association (ITeeA), DPI www.arrowheadschools.org motive terminology, basic tool, and
equipment safety, and each automotive