Western Technical College

 Mr. Mike Speed, Electronics Engineering Technology Instructor, was kind enough to
describe the recent and very popular quarterly BBQ hosted by both his department and the
Information Systems and Security Program. Over 300 people were fed and entertained with more
than 200 hamburgers, 150 pounds of steak, and every side dish and condiment imaginable! Mr.
Speed notes, since there are new students every quarter, the BBQ's are a great way to acquaint
them with each other and the facilities. Not only are the BBQ's a great place to start social
networking and something for students to look forward to, but Speed says “all the leftovers from
the gathering are donated to a local church to help feed the homeless”.

 Speed adds that the successful BBQ was “possible with Vice President, Mary Cano's
blessing”. Administration gave the okay for the event, and the students picked-up and planned
the whole event. Planning included collecting donations to purchase all the meat, creating side
dish- lists, as the students made or bought everything from potato salad and chips to deserts and
drinks. Mr. Mario Hernandez, class president, notes that together students raised over 350 dollars
to make the event possible. He adds that the event was extremely successful, because everyone
worked so well together to both plan and perform BBQ tasks. Another student, who not only
attended the BBQ, but was ordained master griller, Mr. Eli Duran, asserts that “the event was a
success” and not just because of his newfound popularity as the man in charge of the meat!

 There are already plans in the works for the next BBQ. It is a day that students and
instructors alike can look forward to as a brief break from the sometimes of stress of school and
personal life where they can relax for a bit and enjoy good food and their peers company. Mr.
Speed says he is looking forward to the next BBQ, because “basically they create a sense of
togetherness for the student body” in addition to providing good food, good company, and a little
break from the pressures of everyday student and instructor life. For those readers that are not
part of either department, take heart, because Mr. Speed says they won't turn anyone away! Stay
tuned for the next Western Technical College BBQ.