A DCTC Alumni Newsletter
DCTC Alumni,
I remember starting classes in August of 2013 feeling excited, nervous, and wondering what lies ahead. Many of you might remember similar feelings when you first started, but 
today you join the ranks of proud, driven Dakota County Technical College graduates.
You’ve experienced all that the college and its tremendous faculty and staff have to offer. It’s my honor, as a member of the Alumni Advisory Board, to congratulate each of our 2018 graduates on their accomplishments and welcome you to the Alumni Association!
Whether you continue your education, are just joining the workforce, or are a long-time member of industry, we want to keep in touch, be of service, and invite you to remain a connected member of the community. Because DCTC’s faculty encouraged me, nurtured my talents, and helped me reach my personal and academic goals, I chose to participate on the Alumni Advisory Board.
LIKE DCTC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ON FACEBOOK
In the long-term, the board will focus on establishing an extensive alumni base sup-porting each other and students alike. Networking remains incredibly important in today’s business world and we’d like to work together sharing expertise, opportunities, and experiences.
In the short-term, we’re supporting DCTC students at events, through financial support in conjunction with the Foundation Office, and by recruiting support from fellow alumni going forward.
Again, welcome 2018 graduates to the alumni ranks and I encourage you to stay involved with the DCTC community.
— Dale Ryan Grayson, Class of 2014, Alumni Advisory Board
Follow the link below and be sure to register:
DCTC Alumni
It’s easy and free to do. Enjoy the first issue of our annual Alum Knights Newsletter.
Alumnus spotlight update: Tracy Borchardt
Ten years later: Architectural tech graduate loves his job as associate VP at CMA
Tracy Borchardt, Class of 2003
Tracy Borchardt, 45, a 2003 graduate of Dakota County Technical College, was spotlighted in an alumni success story on DCTC News in January 2008. At the time, Tracy was working as a project manager at CMA, an architecture, planning and interior design firm with primary offices in Minneapolis, Dallas and Fort Worth.
In 2016, after 12 years with CMA, he was promoted to 
associate vice president at the firm’s location in the TractorWorks Building in Minneapolis.
In his associate VP role, Tracy leads teams working on the dozen or more international, national and local accounts he oversees at any given time. His primary area of expertise is managing accounts in the firm’s retail as well as food & beverage sectors. He also takes on leadership and mentorship roles in daily office operations, including hiring, quality control and strategic planning.
“One of my major focus areas is business development,” Tracy said. “I meet with prospective clients to explain how CMA is the best firm for their project. One of the highlights of my job is bringing new business to the firm.”
Learn more by reading:
“Alumnus Spotlight Update: Tracy Borchardt” on DCTC News
Alumna hosts Design Connections event
Ann Fritz, Class of 2004
Prospective and current Interior Design students, alumni, design professionals and DCTC employees were invited to the Design Connections event July 13, 2017, at the Hewing Hotel in Minneapolis.
Ann Fritz, CID, IIDA, LEED®AP, hosted guided tours of the award-winning Minneapolis hotel and shared her insights. Ann serves as the director of interiors and a partner at ESG Architecture & Design. She is Class of 2014 and a previous DCTC Alumni of the Year.
Design Connection Hewing Hotel event gallery
For more event photos, including full-size, downloadable images, visit:
Design Connection on DCTC Flickr.
Learn more and view a photo gallery by reading:
Design Connections Event on DCTC Alumni Events.
TKDA provides DCTC commons with new look
Central Commons
The summer of 2017 brought a major upgrade to the DCTC Central Commons area. The project represents Phase IIB of the 2014 Transportation and Emerging Technologies $7.6 million Phase II capital bonding request.
“At the end of the day, our goal is creating a modern, engaging student community space both current and prospective students will remember,” said Brian Kelley, TKDA project manager.
TKDA is a full-service engineering, architecture and planning firm committed to improving communities, helping business and industry grow and building long-term relationships with our clients. TKDA has been serving clients across the country for more than 105 years.
Before PhaseIIB project
After Phase IIB project
Learn more by reading:
“Phase IIB: Central Commons” on DCTC News
DCTC launches two new programs for fall 2018
Construction Management A.S.
Construction Management prepares students for supervisory and management positions in the construction industry. The curriculum combines basic fundamentals with applied management, engineering, design and business courses. The new degree is a natural pairing with the following DCTC programs:
The Associate of Science (A.S.) in Construction Management is designed to transfer to the University of Minnesota’s B.A.S. in Construction Management.
Learn more by visiting:
Construction Management
Transportation Management B.A.
Dakota County Technical College is partnering with Metropolitan State University to offer a new Individualized Studies Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a focus on Transportation Management. The new bachelor’s degree is offered through Metro State and delivered on the DCTC main campus in Rosemount, Minnesota.
More about the B.A. program…
- Emphasizes real-world, hands-on training experiences
- Perfect for technical college graduates who earned a transportation degree or diploma
- Designed for working adults with technical field experience
- Class delivery on campus, hybrid or online
The program’s accelerated, part-time schedule allows students to finish in as little as 18 months while balancing work, family and coursework.
Learn more by visiting:
Transportation ManagementOr by reading:
“New Transportation Management B.A.” on DCTC News.
Industry partnerships
The Heavy Construction Equipment Technology (HCET) program at DCTC recently purchased a brand-new John Deere 310SL HL backhoe loader from the RDO Equipment Co. at the company’s location in Burnsville, Minnesota.
A training boon for students in the HCET program, the back-hoe loader represents a strong partnership between DCTC and RDO as well as a successful application of the Minnesota State Leveraged Equipment program.
Leveraged Equipment program funds provide resources to acquire state-of-the-art equipment for students training in fields crucial to economic growth. The program helps colleges and universities build long-term partner-ships with local communities as well as employers in high-demand sectors.
“RDO is committed to training operators and technicians who will be the workforce of the future,” said Scott Weness, RDO Burnsville sales manager. “We value our longstanding partnership with DCTC. We’ve hired a lot of the college’s graduates.”
Learn more by reading:
“HCET Buys John Deere Backhoe Loader from RDO” on DCTC News
HCET RDO gallery
Interested in making an equipment donation?
Contact the DCTC Foundation at 651-423-8265.
Alumni Kick-Off Fundraiser: Time for $10
Last fall, the DCTC Foundation Office and Alumni Association embarked on the first alumni fundraising campaign—Time for $10. The kick-off coincided with Give to the Max Day, a 24-hour period highlighting the work of nonprofits and schools all throughout Minnesota.
That day alone, our generous alumni contributed $650 online. In total, $2,615 was collected.
Thanks to each and every contributor—the success of our programs and students is heavily dependent on outside support.
DONATE NOW:
DCTC Foundation Donation Form
To learn more about the Alumni Association at DCTC, contact:
Amy Eppen
Foundation Development Director
651-423-8265
