Walter ‘Joe’ Gillespie is a graduate from the Architectural Technology program

Walter ‘Joe’ Gillespie is a graduate from the Architectural Technology program, class of 1988. As a high school student Joe knew he wanted to get an education but was not interested in a four-year degree. He wanted a degree that would prepare him for a job and Ranken fit the bill. “My education at Ranken was structured and taught me the work ethic that was desired by employers.” recalls Joe. “I knew from the time I was in fourth grade that I wanted to be an architect and that also influenced my decision to go to Ranken.

Joe’s first job after graduation was at a small architecture firm in Edwardsville, IL that specialized in nursing and retirement homes. After 4 years at this firm, he took a job in civil engineering as a surveyor, where he worked for four years. Since then, he has been with the City of Highland, Il, for 27 years, where he started in construction inspection and design. He advanced to Engineering Technician, Assistant Director of Public Works and is now the Director of Public Works for the city of Highland. Joe is currently working on his degree in Civil Engineering.

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#rankentech #civilengineering #architecturaltechnology

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