Kody Zedolek graduated in May 2019 with a Bachelor of Science from Ranken’s Architectural Technology program

Kody Zedolek graduated in May 2019 with a Bachelor of Science from Ranken’s Architectural Technology program. Kody’s course of study included intensive building design projects, and he remembers the atmosphere of mutual support, recalling “nights spent working in the studio to meet deadlines with my friends. Architecture students can accomplish anything, given [enough] pizza, energy drinks, and a projector to watch The Godfather on.”

“He was always eager to do more than the basic requirements of a project,” says Architecture Department Chair Kelley Raftery. “Kody was a team leader and respected by his classmates.” Kody started to apply his skills in real-world settings almost immediately. Working for Ranken’s Buildings & Grounds dept from his 2nd semester, he later participated in a 3-semester internship with HOK, the prestigious architectural design firm based in St. Louis. After graduation, Kody became part of the Architectural Staff at The Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC), a subsidiary of leading constructor Clayco. Vance Stutz, a Principal with Clayco, tells us that “Kody has been a wonderful addition to our design practice and …creates an awesome work environment with his positive and humble personality.” Furthermore, Vance sees that “Kody has helped create an awareness throughout the firm of what great talented students Ranken is developing in our own backyard. In the past two years we have hired six individuals from Ranken’s architectural program.” Among the many key projects Kody has contributed to at LMC is an engine plant for Blue Origin - the rocket company initiated by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. “My education at Ranken, both in the classroom and as a student worker, prepared me for the fast paced and ever-changing field of Architecture at an affordable cost,” Kody says. His brother, Tanner, is currently enrolled in Ranken’s Electrical Systems Design Technology program.

https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

http://www.claycorp.com/

@rankentech, #rankentech

Comments

Tyler Wagner is a 2020 graduate of Ranken’s Automotive Collision Repair program

Tyler Wagner is a 2020 graduate of Ranken’s Automotive Collision Repair program. He says, “Ranken was a great hands-on education that allowed me to get a jump start in my career.” While pursuing his degree, Tyler competed in the Auto Refinishing contest at the 2020 SkillsUSA District Championship where he took 1st place. One of his instructors, Tim Green, Auto Collision instructor remembers Tyler being a great asset and enjoyed having in class. He explained, on days when I can’t get around the shop fast enough, students sometime step up to assist fellow students with questions and give them direction. “Tyler was one of those students and he was good at it because he had experience. His classmates became close knit; everyone got the support they needed when struggling with new tasks. When you have a student like Tyler, his desire to encourage others and help them succeed benefits the class and me as an instructor. I know he’ll be a great mentor to future Ranken collision apprenti...

Ermin Velagic graduated in 2020 with an Associate Degree in Network and Database Administration

Ermin Velagic graduated in 2020 with an Associate Degree in Network and Database Administration. He immediately took a position with TekSystems. Last winter, Ermin joined IMPACT Strategies, a full-service commercial builder as a Computer Support Specialist. Ermin tells us his parents emigrated to the United States “seeking a better life,” making him a first-generation college graduate. His academic journey faced serious challenges. Ermin and his fiancé both worked full-time while he attended classes at Ranken to build a more secure future. While juggling this schedule, he distinctly remembers the support he received from Ranken IT faculty member Ashley Reddick, who spent many hours before and after class mentoring and motivating him to pass demanding certification exams. In a personal letter to Mr. Reddick, Ermin’s emotions were clear, “[You] created a never-forgetting impact I will carry with my heart and soul heavily for as long as I will be able to remember it.” Mr. Reddick says, ...

Matthew Mays graduated with a Certificate in Fabrication and Welding Technology in May 2018

Matthew Mays graduated with a Certificate in Fabrication and Welding Technology in May 2018. He acknowledges, “I was able to change careers while attending Ranken’s welding program, which put me in a position for a more hands-on approach in my trade with more upward mobility. I believe going through the welding program gave me an advantage over others when I applied for a position at Airgas.” Airgas is an Air Liquide company, a leading single-source supplier of gases, welding equipment and supplies, and safety products. Matt was hired as an Inside Sales Associate at Airgas (Pacific location) in October 2017. His prior welding experience and being enrolled at Ranken made him top pick. January 2021, he was asked to join a new Airgas team as an Outside Sales Support Specialist. Matt oversees sales operations at five locations, “from soup to nuts.” Debra Alexander, Outside Sales Support Manager for Airgas, tells us “I refer to Matt as a rock star! He’s always on time, fully loaded and read...

Ranken Technical College

Search This Blog