Distinguished Alumni Archive
2016 - Jennifer Bunge
Jennifer stands at the forefront of the fastest, much sought after medical careers. She has spend the past five years as a cardiovascular surgical technologist at Rapid City Regional Hospital, one of the highest-rated performing hospitals in the nation.
Throughout her five-year tenure with Rapid City Regional, Jennifer has built a reputation for handling surgical procedures with efficiency and accuracy and under sterile conditions. Her ability to work long hours and handle pressure situations with sound judgement has made Jennifer a good team member among the cardiovascular surgeons.
Jennifer is a 2011 graduate of Western Dakota Tech’s Surgical Technology program and gained her clinical experience at the Billings Montana Clinic.
Jennifer plans to fast track her medical career by attending Meridian Medical School to obtain her First Assistant degree this summer.
Jennifer is a lifelong resident of Rapid City and is married with one substitute child, her dog Maisy. Jennifer enjoys travel and all outdoor activities.
2015 - Julie Jones - Whitcher
Julie Jones-Whitcher holds an A.A.S. in Business Management and Marketing from Western Dakota Tech and a B.S. in Business Administration and Marketing from National American University. She has been employed at the Rapid City Convention an Visitors Bureau since September 2002 and currently holds the position of Director of Tourism. Here, she is charged with marketing and promoting Rapid City s a leisure destination to visitors, travel professionals, and members of the media all over the world.
Julie is a continuing recipient of the South Dakota Governor’s “Great Service Award” for delivery Outstanding Hospitality and Customer Service and a graduate of Leadership Rapid City (Class of 2009). She is also selected as the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce 2008 Young Professional of the Year and named to the top 40 Under 40 by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives in 2010 and Prairie Business Magazine in 2015.
Demonstrating her leadership and love for her community, Julie currently serves on the Board of Directors for Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons, the Business Management & Marketing Advisory Board for Western Dakota Tech, and the Marketing Committee for Day of Excellence, Inc. Past service includes Rapid City Young Professionals Group Board of Directors and Civic Awareness Committee, Day of Excellence Board of Directors, and Rapid City Area Hospitality Association Board of Directors. Whitcher has also volunteered for various organizations throughout Rapid City including Junior Achievement and United Way.
Julie resides in Rapid City and spends weekends with her husband, Jeremiah, and son, Walt, on the family ranch located on the Cheyenne River, 50 miles southeast of Rapid City. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, running, and traveling.
2013 - Mr. David Bruce
Mr. Bruce graduated, with honors, from Western Dakota Tech with an Associated of Applied Science Degree in Automotive Technician in 1993. After graduation, he began his career at James Motors where he became an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certified Technician and Chrysler Master Certified Technician. After Sever years there, he then moved to Dodge Town. In 1998, he was recognized by Chrysler as a “Top 20 Technician” in his district.
He spent over 18 years in the automotive industry and was a team member for the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation for WDT in 2004 and 2009. Mr. Bruce has also served as an adjunct teacher, substitute teacher, and Advisory Board member for the WDT Transportation Technology program. He has also been featured in WDT ad campaigns.
Prior to attending WDT, he served in the Army for six years where he received a three achievement medals for good conduct and his service overseas. He was stationed at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, and Bad Hersfeld, Germany. He was a heavy track vehicle mechanic and, in 1988, served as a HUM-V Instructor. During his service, he met Loretta Lyn, General Patton Jr., and saw the “Today Show” filmed in Germany. He was also involved in an Army “Be All You Can Be” commercial in 1987. When he returned, he became a member of the American Legion and has maintained that membership for 23 years.
Mr. Bruce grew up on a rural ranch in central South Dakota and graduated from Ft. Pierre High School in 1984. He married his wife, Robin, in 1985, and after Mr. Bruce’s military service, they settled in the Rapid City area. She is also a graduate of WDT in the Nursing program in 2001. They currently live in Box Elder, SD.
It is with pride that we recognize WDT Alumnus, Mr. David Bruce, as our 2013 Distinguished Alumni recipient.
2012 - Ms. Elizabeth Hall
Ms. Elizabeth Hall graduated, with honors, from Western Dakota Tech with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Law Enforcement Technology in 1998. In July 1998, she began her career with the National Park Service as a Seasonal Park Ranger. In 2000 she began a permanent full-time Park Ranger for the South Unit District of Badlands National Park. In 2004, Mr. Hall moved to Lake Meredith National Recreation Areas, located in Texas, and in 2006 became the Law Enforcement Specialist for the park. During that time, Ms. Hall created a case management system and warrants system that is now used in over 40 parks throughout the United States.
In 2007, Ms. Hall accepted the position of Assistant Special in Charge (ASAC) for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Office of Justice Services. In this position, Ms. Hall oversaw operations, administration, and technical assistance for more than 45 law enforcement programs on Indian reservations in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and more than 200 Alaska villages. She was the first female to hold this position. From 2010 to 2011, she was assigned to Acting Special Agent in Charge of District V.
As a park service ranger, Ms. Hall performed a variety of duties including traffic, criminal, and other investigations, and was trained as an emergency medical technician. She has received military tactical training and became certified to dismantle drug labs. During her career she has worked undercover numerous times, including during the Sturgis Rally.
Ms. Hall is married to Scott L. Hall, a Park Ranger with the National Park Service. She has two daughters, Sheyanne Kolb, a Computer Systems Technology student, and Shoshoni Kolb, a Junior Manager for Bed, Bath, and Beyond. She also has one five-year-old granddaughter, Tegyn. Ms. Hall is a registered member of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. She resides with her family in Billings, MT.
It is with pride that we recognize WDT Alumnus, Ms. Elizabeth A. Hall, as our 2012 distinguished Alumni recipient.
2012 - Ms. Elizabeth Hall
Ms. Elizabeth Hall graduated, with honors, from Western Dakota Tech with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Law Enforcement Technology in 1998. In July 1998, she began her career with the National Park Service as a Seasonal Park Ranger. In 2000 she began a permanent full-time Park Ranger for the South Unit District of Badlands National Park. In 2004, Mr. Hall moved to Lake Meredith National Recreation Areas, located in Texas, and in 2006 became the Law Enforcement Specialist for the park. During that time, Ms. Hall created a case management system and warrants system that is now used in over 40 parks throughout the United States.
In 2007, Ms. Hall accepted the position of Assistant Special in Charge (ASAC) for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Office of Justice Services. In this position, Ms. Hall over saw operations, administration, and technical assistance for than 45 law enforcement programs on Indian reservations in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and more that 200 Alaska villages. She was the first femail to hold this position. From 2010 to 2011, she was assigned to Acting Special Agent in Charge of District V.
As a park service ranger, Ms. Hall performed a variety of duties including traffic, criminal, and other investigations and was trained as an emergency medical technician. She has received military tactical training and became certified to dismantle drug labs. During her career she has worked undercover numerous times, including during the Sturgis Rally.
Ms. Hall is married to Scott L. Hall, a Park Ranger with the National Park Service. She has two daughters, Sheyanne Kolb, a Computer Systems Technology student, and Shoshoni Kolb, a Junior Manager for Bed, Bath, and Beyond. She also has one five-year-old granddaughter, Tegyn. Ms. Hall is a registered member of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. She resides with her family in Billings, MT.
It is with pride that we recognize WDT Alumnus, Ms. Elizabeth A. Hall, as our 2012 distinguished Alumni recipient.
2011 - Dr. Cathy Anderson
Dr. Cathy Anderson graduated form Western Dakota Tech with a certificate in Secretarial and Office Careers in 1980. In 1992, she earned her Associate of Science Degree from Western Wyoming Community College. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Wyoming in 1993. After completing her degrees, she, worked for the Department of Family Services in Gillette, WY, as a Case Manager until returning to the classroom to pursue her Master’s and Ph.D. She graduated in 1998 with a Master’s in Public Administration and earned her Ph.D. in Business Administration from Trident University in 2005.
Dr. Anderson has a strong connection to education, both in her own training and in her career. She has served higher education in a variety of settings, including her work for ten years at Northwestern Community College District, in Gillette, WY. Her expertise in online education was utilized during her tenured with the South Dakota Board of Regents as the Electronic University Consortium Coordinator of Online Education for the six South Dakota Public Universities.
Dr. Anderson returned to her alma mater, Western Dakota Tech, in April 2010, to assume the duties of Vice President. Her responsibilities include serving as the Chief Academic Officer and supervising the numerous departments on campus.
Dr. Anderson is from Northwestern South Dakota and attended high school in Bison, SD. She is married to Mr. Lonnie Anderson and has two children, Heather and Jason. Heather live in Gillette, WHY is married, has two children, works as an office manager, runs an online business, and operates an interior design business. Jason lives in Baltimore, Maryland, is a graduate of University of Wyoming, and works as an engineer.
Dr. Anderson’s personal interests include writing, social networking, reading, photography, and travel. She recently returned from a trip to China with the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce.
It is with great pride that we recognize WDT Alumnus, Dr. Cathy Anderson, as our 2011 Distinguished Alumni recipient.
2010 - Jeff Larus
Mr. Jeff Larus graduated from Western Dakota Tech in the Industrial Electrician program in 1983 and from the Electronic Technician program in 1985. He went on to earn his Rapid City Masters License and his South Dakota Inspectors License. He is also nationally certified as an electrical and mechanical plans examiner and combination inspector in electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and building by the International Code Council.
Upon completion of his formal training at Western Dakota Tech, Jeff worked in private industry, both for his father’s electrical business and at a lumber mill. He also worked for the State of South Dakota. Since 1990, he has been an Electrical Inspector for the City of Raid City. In 2002, he became the lead inspector for mechanical inspections. Jeff’s entire career has been a result of earning his diplomas at Western Dakota Tech. In addition, he has continued his education by earning numerous licenses and certificates.
Jeff has continued his relationship with WDT by serving as a member of the Industrial Electronics Advisory Board Committee during the past 20 years and by teaching within the program and as a trainer in WDT’s Corporate Education Center. In addition, he is a member of the Western Dakota Tech Alumni group and is an outstanding supporter of various Western Dakota Tech events.
Jeff and his wife, Kae, are active community members. They are involved in a variety of activities that benefit the youth of our community. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Black Hills, they were a Big Couple from November 1995 to December 2000 and were named the Big Couple of the Year at the 2000 volunteer banquet. His service to Big Brothers Big Sisters also included serving as a member of the Board of Directors. In addition, he and Kae have served as foster parents for a number of years in the Rapid City community for the Casey Family Program and currently Lutheran Social Services. Jeff has been an active member of the Pennington County Search and Rescue Team since 1989.
It is with great pride that we recognize Mr. Jeff Larus as our 2010 distinguished Alumni recipient. He is an excellent role model for our Western Dakota Tech graduates.
2009 - Heidi Anderson
Heidi was born and raised in South Dakota. She moved away briefly after marrying her husband and lived in Michigan and Illinois before their return to South Dakota in 1991. Upon returning, she accepted an employment opportunity that offered on-the-job training as an optician and remained in that field for six years. During that time, she maintained the bookkeeping for her father’s business and discovered her passion for accounting.
She decided to leave the optical profession and managed her father’s auto business for a couple of years while also building a home-based bookkeeping business that allowed her to be at home with her small children. Heidi maintained her business for seven years and greatly enjoyed her experience with clients from the local area. In 2000, she decided it was time to add a degree to her work experience and enrolled in the accounting program at WDT. She graduated in May 2003 and received the Outstanding Graduate Award for that year’s graduating class. Three months later, she returned to Western Dakota Tech, this time as an employee in the Finance and Operations Department, and has been here ever since. In 2007, Heidi received the prestigious WDT President’s Award for outstanding service to Western Dakota Tech.
She currently is WDT’s accounting manager. Heidi serves on various WDT committees, including the Financial Aid Appeals and Staff Development committees. She also serves on the Budget and Finance committee at Rapid City Area Schools.
Heidi has discovered the importance of being a lifelong learner and is currently an online student completing her BA in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting. She plans to continue on to an MBA program
Heidi is married to Todd Anderson, a WDT instructor. They have two daughters, Nicole and Kayla.
2008 - Terri Haverly
Terri was born and raised in Pennsylvania and served in the United States Air Force for fourteen years where she was a supervisor of accounting and finance activities. Terri has been employed at Rapid City Economic Development as the Vice President for nine years. Her duties include policy issues research, prospect hosting, budget preparation, committee collaboration, and long-range planning activities. In May 2006, she was appointed as the first Business Manager for the Black Hills Business Development Center, a facility that assists start-up technology companies by providing space and business support.
Also, Terri and her husband founded Kids Kastle Inc in 1990 which can best be described as a licensed, proprietary, tax-paying provider of early childhood care and education services. Terri was awarded a Child Development Credential and organized the Black Hills Childcare Association. They currently own 2 centers and because of Kids Kastle Inc., over 220 parents are employed in our area.
Terri earned her AAS degree in Business Management and Marketing from Western Dakota Technical Institute in 1996. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Western Research Alliance Foundation, Statewide Committee for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR, Ellsworth Air Force Base Honorary Commander, Black Hills Career Center Board, Black Hills Business Council, N2TEC Steering Committee, and serves on the Western Dakota Technical Institute’s Business Management and Marketing Advisory Board. She is currently chairing a committee to organize an Alumni Association for Western Dakota Technical Institute and will serve as its liaison to the WDT Foundation. Some of her past activities include Behavior Management Systems Board of Directors, Junior Achievement, Chairman of the Black Hills Childcare Association, and the Children’s Theater Company Board.
She is married to Representative Jeff Haverly and has 3 children: Erika, Janelle, and Samantha, and five grandsons, all in Rapid City.
