Bates Technical College Alumni & Friends Newsletter November 2019

In this issue:

Alumni spotlight Free food programs aid hungry students Did you know? In memoriam Upcoming events

Alumni Spotlight: Fire Service graduate-turned-trustee serves community and college

Thirty-two years ago, a young Layne Bladow walked into Bates Vocational Technical Institute and opened the door to a future in fire service. After learning about the industry from a volunteer firefighter friend, Layne knew this was the path he wanted to blaze.  “I realized this was the perfect profession for me. I researched more and learned about Bates, then known as BVTI, and I moved from Seattle to Tacoma and enrolled for fall quarter,” said Layne.  A little older than most of the students at age 22, Layne enjoyed learning with others who had the same educational goals and dedication to serving the community. Students were proud to wear the uniform and were eager to explore “some cool stuff, like driving fire engines, learning to use the fire hose and other equipment, and setting things on fire,” smiled Layne.   One of his most meaningful memories was earning the Chief Select Company award, which elevated his status to student lieutenant.

“At Bates, I was determined to succeed. I had a spark in me, and it continued to rise,” recalled Layne. “It was a time of growth. I had financial issues, and I was a PELL grant recipient, the area was new to me, and I had no support system. But I made lifelong friends, some of whom I work with today.”  After graduating, he briefly worked in construction, then as a firefighter in Parkland before testing with Lakewood Fire District 2 in 1989, which merged with University Place, creating West Pierce Fire and Rescue.   Now currently serving the department as a captain, Layne said that helping community members with difficult and often emotional situations is one of the most rewarding parts of his job. “It’s selfless, and we do it as a team for every call we take. It feels good not to just drive the fire engine, but to get on a scene and help others,” said Layne.  In a true ‘Back to Bates’ move, Governor Jay Inslee appointed Layne as a Bates trustee in 2015. “I was excited to return to help Bates in this capacity. Now, I’m learning about the college on a whole different level: tenure, budget, policies. I also enjoy meeting students, especially those in the Fire Service program. They really like hearing that I was once just like them, learning the trade. It is fun and rewarding to give back,” Layne said.

Bates Technical College Alumni Spotlight

Are you a proud Bates Technical College graduate? If so, we would like to share your story with our college community! Just fill out this questionnaire, submit your favorite photo, and you might be featured on our social media channels, this newsletter and other college news outlets as we inspire the next generation of students!

Free food programs to aid hungry students

Nationwide, research shows that 25 percent of community and technical college students experience food insecurity. Without consistent access to food, students who are going hungry have more difficulty focusing on their studies - as their bodies and minds are working without the fuel they need to concentrate. With the majority of our students living on limited incomes, and over half of them trying to raise a family while attending college, food insecurity poses an extra barrier to success. Dedicated to supporting our students as they work toward their goals, several programs are emerging to help address this need: Free Sack Lunch Program - Through the student free sack lunch program, students who are on campus during lunch hours can grab a quick and easy meal on-the-go Monday through Friday at all three campuses. Mobile Food Bank- Made possible through Nourish Pierce County's mobile food bank services, students and community members have access to perishable and non-perishable food to feed their family on our South Campus, Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., except during major holidays. Food Pantry Fund - With the support of the college community, Campus Life and Activities, Student Activities, and the Bates Technical College Foundation, a fund has been established to support student food pantries at all three campuses. (Click here if you are interested in supporting the food pantry fund.) Assistant Director of Student Activities Juliette Kern says, "Hunger impacts student's performance and their behavior, so we are helping to create an equitable learning environment with these programs. And it's working. A recent student focus group reported increased focus in the classroom as a direct result of providing students with food they may otherwise not be getting."

Did you know?

Did you know that Bates students created the water fixture in the foyer outside the Auditorium at the Downtown Campus? With direction and assistance from teaching faculty, Mechanical Engineering, HVAC and Machinist program students designed and crafted the fixture in 2000 for the newly-remodeled wing. When it is turned on, the fixture rotates with the lower extremities lightly spinning the water below. Pennies and nickles in the bottom of the "pond" represent the hopes and dreams of nearly two decades of dreamers. Today,the installment serves as an iconic gathering space for groups of all nature, and is something regularly showcased as visitors tour the campus.

In Memoriam: Henry T. Schatz

As CEO and Chairman of the Board for Tacoma-based General Plastics, Henry T. Schatz worked at the manufacturing company for more than 40 years. During this time, he developed a true appreciation and value for the folks working at the company, and the trade industries in general. In 2007, Henry worked with the Bates Technician College Foundation to establish the Henry T. Schatz Endowed Scholarship in support of students in engineering, manufacturing and construction programs. As a true believer in supporting the next generation, through this scholarship, Henry was able to provide nearly 200 students with scholarships to aid in the expenses associated with tuition, books, tools and supplies. Henry passed away on October 16. On behalf of the students he helped and the students who will continue to be helped through this endowment, the college, and the foundation, we are so incredibly thankful for Henry's support and the legacy he has left at Bates Technical College. Henry Schatz is pictured at center with scholarship recipients.

Upcoming Events

March for MLK: A day of remembrance for Martin Luther King Jr. Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, 9:30 a.m. refreshments, 10:15 a.m. march Downtown Campus Cafeteria Join us as we march together from our downtown campus to join the in the City of Tacoma Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at the Convention Center. Return shuttles will be available.

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