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New Diesel Technology building in Milford

Dieselexterior
Outside the new building in Milford.
Dieselnewser
Dr. Paul Illich addresses the crowd.
dieselribboncutting
Dr. Paul Illich and Ed Koster cutting the ribbon.

As part of continued growth at Southeast Community College, a new 52,000 square-foot building was unveiled. The grand opening and ribbon cutting for the Crete Carrier Diesel Technology and Welding Center was held on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the Milford Campus. The new space includes six training labs, a welding center, computer lab, and shop areas.

“Today we are celebrating a new facility that will allow these outstanding faculty to train and inspire talented students in the finest diesel technology facility in the country,” said SCC President Dr. Paul Illich.

“We now have a state-of-the-art facility to match the top-notch program content we’ve always prided ourselves in having,” said Karl Eickhoff, Diesel Technology-Truck instructor. “We can’t wait to get settled into this new facility and watch the students take pride in the spaces in which they’re learning.”

The $13 million facility provides much-needed space for SCC’s Diesel-Ag Equipment Service Technology and Diesel Technology-Truck programs, as well as welding courses. This new space will allow the programs to accommodate the most up-to-date equipment, as well as expand the number of students who enroll. Applications to diesel tech programs have increased over the past 14 years, indicating a strong student interest in the field.

“Nebraska is fortunate in so many ways, but one thing we are short on is enough manpower,” said Tonn Ostergard, Crete Carrier CEO & Chairman. “So it is extremely important that we have incredibly talented young people that we’re giving them the education and opportunities to stay right here in Nebraska.”

According to Eickhoff, shops are in constant need of diesel technicians. SCC Career Services currently has 84 job postings for the diesel field alone. Many of the employers are offering some form of tuition reimbursement or scholarship program to students.

In addition to the lead gift from the Acklie Charitable Foundation, other businesses with named spaces inside the facility are Truck Center Companies, NMC Cat, and Inland Truck Parts & Service. 

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For more information contact:
Andrea Gallagher
Marketing Specialist
402-323-3395
agallagher@southeast.edu