Alumni Spotlight Archive

Dale Ruhoff - Welding and Fabrication, class of 2018

Role Today

Dale Ruhoff is a welding instructor at Oelrichs High School where he teaches three classes, Intro to Manufacturing for middle school students, Welding I, and Welding II.

Story

My WDT story begins when I am a sophomore at Hot Springs High School, where I just transferred back from South Beauregard High School in Louisiana. I visited with the school counselor to go over my schedule and was asked if I would like to take Welding I. Before this point, I had never taken welding before, but I was willing to learn something new. Little did I know that I would grow to love welding and make a career out of it. I would later take some sort of welding class throughout high school because it was a place for me to relax and focus. 

It was my senior year of high school, and I did not have a clue as to which college or vocational school I should go to. My welding instructor (Jonas Weiss) encouraged me to apply at Western Dakota Tech for Welding and Fabrication and to apply for the Build Dakota Scholarship - and that is exactly what I did. WDT accepted my application and I later found out that I was a recipient of the Build Dakota Scholarship and was set to begin classes in the fall of 2016. 

In the two years that I was at WDT, I remained on the Dean's List every semester. I tried so hard because I was in classes I loved taking. I do not know how Michael Prugh and Troy Barry teach so well, but I learned as much as I could from them and they made it a memorable experience. After graduation, I was offered a job from Oelrichs High School to be a welding instructor. At first, I wanted to say no and continue looking for a full-time welding career, but it took me a couple of weeks to accept the job. I went through the SD Department of Education to obtain my alternative teaching certification and now in my third year of teaching, I have my CTE teaching certification as a welding instructor.  

Paying it Forward

I feel that I am giving back to WDT and the community by teaching the next generations of welders. The knowledge I gained from WDT is helping me teach young adults a life skill they can take anywhere. When I prepare my students for post-secondary schooling, I try to encourage students into going into trade schools instead of a traditional four-year college.

Encouragement

If you can, apply for the Build Dakota Scholarship, after that, apply for every scholarship you can. Take things one step at a time, focus on yourself, and most importantly always drink water. 

Jeremy Anderson - Electronic Technology & Industrial Electronics, class of 1998

Role Today

Jeremy Anderson is a Technology Advisor with Marco Technologies.  In his role, he helps organizations navigate the complex world of Information Technology to determine the right technology solutions with a focus on IT security that contributes to their success.

Story

Jeremy grew up in Rapid City South Dakota and has always had an interest in anything technology. He received two degrees from Western Dakota Tech, one in Electronic Technology and the other in Industrial Electronics.  Jeremy had a great start with technology from an early age focusing on computer programming when he was in middle school and was “self- taught” in basic computer      programming on a Commodore 64.

Anything electronics – Jeremy’s love for technology and electronics grew as he would disassemble, repair and re-assemble any electronic devices that he could get his hands on.  In his teen years he began configuring and installing car audio systems for himself and friends. This naturally progressed into moving to higher education in the electronics arena.

WDT Experience

Western Dakota Tech was a natural transition for Jeremy from High School to higher learning.  “The atmosphere at WDT is one that facilitates a great learning experience. The instructors have a sincere interest in student success, have a strong drive in sharing their knowledge to help create a gainful and effective learning environment.  Throughout my journey with WDT, I was always met with encouragement and had the feeling that I had complete support the whole way through.”

“I would say my experience can be summed up in the following sentence: Tell me and I may forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I will understand... a true understanding is what I gained from Western Dakota Tech.

Paying it Forward

Jeremy believes that it is important to “pay it forward” and has been giving back to our community in a variety of different ways.  He has been a mentor for the Rapid Acceleration High School robotics team for 3 years, is a Leadership Rapid City Class of 2019 graduate, serves on the Alumni Committee for the WDT Foundation, participates in various events such as food drives and other volunteer opportunities when needed.

Encouragement

“I believe, the foundation for future prosperity is built on the bedrock of good jobs and great schools... building a strong foundation one job at a time and one educated South Dakotan at a time.”

“Pursue your passion and you will never work a day in your life!”