Story #3 Snowflake fundraiser

  

The welding students are currently making snowflakes as a fundraiser to help pay for their certifications.

Each student needs four certifications, which cost $30 each and is not covered by financial aid.  This is a fun and creative way for them to raise this money.

Maybe you’ve seen the snowflake on display in the window of the welding shop.  The painted white metal in the shape of a snowflake with all of the white rope lights attached to it is absolutely stunning.  It was brought to my attention by Dean Dowless, a member of the faculty.  It's a great way to raise funds and decided to attend one of the ITS (Industrial Technology Society) meetings to find out more.

The meeting was conducted by Jon Rambousek, President; accompanied by James Robinson, Vice President; Fred Stuewe, Coordinator; and Mike McCreary, Secretary.


The snowflakes are made from quarter inch round stock steel left over from last year.  After being welded together with a mig welder, a type of wire welder, they are ready to be painted white.  The last step is to string rope lights through the fabricated snowflake and attached with zip ties.  The snowflakes are being sold for $50 each.

Trish Moorehouse with
 Jumbo Snowflake

Welding student, Trish Moorehouse, fabricated a jumbo version of the snowflake as suggested by her instructor.  The department was thinking about possibly selling these jumbo snowflakes for $75.  This is the only one of it's size that has been fabricated so far.

Pendulum

Cap for fountain

The welding department is involved in other projects around campus, as well.  Maybe you’ve seen the swinging pendulum on the ground floor in White Oak Hall.  There is now a protective barrier around the base of the pendulum platform, installed by welding student, Brian Gerow. 

One of the other exciting projects the department is currently working on is a cap for the water fountain in the courtyard.  This is currently being fabricated by welding student, Andrew Gastafson.  Gastafson was one of the students that went to the KC Skills USA competition last year. 

All of the details of the fundraiser were discussed during the ITS meeting. Surprisingly, there’s another part to this fundraiser that many may not be aware of.  Developed years ago by Dave Ketler, a member of the faculty, the pumpkin turkey is also being fabricated and sold by the welding students. 

Pumpkin turkey

To create a pumpkin turkey pieces are cut freehand with a plasma cutter from sheets of 18 gauge steel.  The pieces of steel, which consist of a head, tail and two wings, are inserted into the pumpkin of your choice.  This kit is being sold for $15.

Both of these items will be available in the Courtyard weekdays at lunch time, or in the welding shop from now until the last day of fall term.

Links:

http://www.linnbenton.edu
  

http://cf.linnbenton.edu/eit/weld/dowlesd/web.cfm?pgID=2270 

http://cf.linnbenton.edu/eit/weld/stuewef/web.cfm?pgID=4706

At a glance:

Who:  Welding Students


What:  Snowflake Fundraiser


When:  Now until the last day of Fall term


Why:  To raise money for welding certifications


Where:  The snowflakes can be purchased in the courtyard at lunchtime or in the Welding Department, located at IA 105