NPC 2016 News Releases

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NPC Students Earn 11 SkillsUSA Medals

April 20, 2016

Hot Springs, Arkansas – National Park College (NPC) students competed in the SkillsUSA Arkansas Leadership and Skills Championship last week at the Hot Springs Convention Center. The annual competition saw over 1800 competitors from around the state that competed in over 100 contests at the high school and college levels. Students winning gold medals during the competition earned the right to compete at the national SkillsUSA Championships and Leadership Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, June 20-24. A total of 33 students represented NPC during the competition. National Park Technology Center (NPTC) high school students garnered seven medals, and NPC welding students earned four medals.

Hospitality and Tourism Students Host International Cuisine Day

April 14, 2016

Hot Springs, Arkansas – The National Park College (NPC) Hospitality and Tourism program hosted an International Cuisine reception yesterday. Students were tasked with creating a dish from their assigned country and served it to guests. Participants and their assignments included: Madison Louden – Italy – Tiramisu; Jamie Durfee – Iran – Pomegrate Walnut Stew; Ana Alegria – Greece – Fasaloda; Katherine Olis – Indonesia – Chicken Satay; Bobbie Sebren – Sweden – Swedish Meatballs; Kelly Barnes – Ireland – Cheesy Potatoes; Carl Seaman – US – Burgers; Kimberly Sampson – Belgium – Waffles.

Marine Students Complete Local Internships

April 4, 2016

The Marine Technology internship program is in full swing and marine students are working at various marine shops in Arkansas, including Orr Marine, Robert Hughes Marine, S&G Xtreme Marine, Copher’s Marine and Venom Motorsports. Eight students are participating in the internship program and are receiving on the job training in the marine industry. Students are interning as technicians, riggers, supervisors, parts managers and sales assistants.

College Hosts Discovery Day for NPTC, Adult Ed Students

March 18, 2016

NPU Director, Yolanda Mitchell organized an NPC Discovery Day for National Park Technology Center students and Adult Education students this week. Student Affairs staff and faculty from every division on campus gathered in the Southside Student Center and courtyard to demonstrate what their programs have to offer. More than 400 students attended the event, which included hands-on interactive exhibits from Welding, Marine, Automotive, Radiography, Math and Sciences, Industrial Technology, Hospitality and Tourism, Respiratory Therapy, and Nursing.

Hotel Operations Class Visits Mountain Harbor Resort

March 16, 2016

The Hotel Operations class visited Mountain Harbor Resort in February. The focus of the visit was housekeeping, how it is integral to hotel operations, guest impression and overall reputation of a lodging operation. Lodge manager, Pati Brown and her housekeeping staff greeted the students in the main lodge with warm cookies, coffee and water, and information packets on Mountain Harbor’s property. Owner, Bill Barnes spoke to the group about being born with a drive to serve, and explained that he appreciates each and every one of his employees. Gina Coffey, Head of Housekeeping, had each of her employees introduce themselves and share what they liked best about their job. Almost every employee said they enjoyed meeting people from all different parts of the world and walks of life.

Aerospace Fabrication and Repair Program Hosted Open House

March 10, 2016

Hot Springs, Arkansas – National Park College (NPC) Aerospace Fabrication and Repair (AFAB) program hosted an open house last week in the Aerospace lab. The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce Ambassador’s Club performed a ribbon cutting that followed remarks from NPC President, Dr. John Hogan and project manager, William Polk. Dr. Hogan welcomed Chamber Ambassadors, NPC board members, leaders from the local aerospace industry, leaders from local public schools, workforce and NPC staff. Polk spoke about the new credit program in Aerospace Fabrication and Repair, “which provides students with the entry level knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the local aerospace industry.” Tom Butler, President of Craft Machining and Tooling (CMT) talked about the importance of long term support for the industry through programs like this.

Marine Technology Program Partners with Mercury, Indmar

February 29, 2016

Hot Springs, Arkansas – The National Park College (NPC) Marine Technology program recently partnered with Indmar Marine, Mercury Marine and BPR Evinrude to expand student access to training materials and equipment. The companies have provided NPC with student access to entry level technician training and testing materials for use in the program’s curriculum. Both Mercury Marine and BPR Evinrude have also agreed to allow the College to purchase equipment and supplies at dealer cost and provide access to all online service manuals and service bulletins. The agreements are provided at no cost to the College. They will allow students a better understanding of each company's network and an opportunity to reach the initial level of certification required for factory training, creating better job opportunities.

Aerospace Fabrication and Repair Program Hosts Open House

February 23, 2016

Hot Springs, Arkansas – National Park College (NPC) Aerospace Fabrication and Repair (AFAB) program will host an open house March 1 at 2 p.m. in the Aerospace lab located in the Technical Sciences building. The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce Ambassador’s Club will be in attendance for a ribbon cutting at 3 p.m. The new for-credit AFAB program was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor which provided funding for equipment, supplies and instruction. The program gives students the skills necessary for a variety of jobs in the growing Aerospace industry, such as sheet metal mechanic, assembly mechanic, brake press operator, composite technician, quality assurance inspector and manufacturing planner. Students graduate with entry level knowledge and skills in the production and repair of metallic and composite aerospace structures, the ability to interpret technical drawings, understand aerospace production systems and the soft skills necessary for employment. The AFAB program is housed in a newly renovated, 2700 sq. ft. lab facility with an attached classroom. Photo: Triumph Airborne employee working on a thrust reverser.

NPC Student and Retired Faculty Member Honored at AHA Banquet

February 4, 2016

Hot Springs, Arkansas – National Park College (NPC) student, Katherine Olis was honored with the Student of the Year award at the Garland County Chapter of the Arkansas Hospitality Association (AHA) Banquet January 27, 2016 at the Arlington Hotel. Retired NPC Hospitality program director, Karla Nardi was also honored as Educator of the Year. Katherine Olis is from Naples, Florida. She has been in the hospitality industry for 15 years. She became interested in pursuing a career in Hospitality during her work as a server for Cracker Barrel Country Stores. Over the past 10 years, she has expanded her experience while working at Turf Catering and Oaklawn Racing and Gaming. Currently a shift lead at Cracker Barrel, her drive and skills led her to apply for the Red Shirt Training Team, a program where employees recognized as leaders travel the country training others. Olis’ goal is to become a general manager of a Cracker Barrel store. She has worked long hours to meet her academic goals. Certified in multiple national exams, she has maintained a 4.0 GPA and will graduate with an Associate of Science in Hospitality and Tourism with honors in May.

NPC Hospitality and Tourism Students Compete in Chocolate Festival

February 2, 2016

Hot Springs, Arkansas – National Park College (NPC) Hospitality and Tourism students competed in the Cooperative Christian Ministries and Clinic (CCMC) 12th Annual Chocolate Festival on Sunday. The festival was a project for the Restaurant and Event Management Class. The Garland County Chapter of the Arkansas Hospitality Association assisted with funding for the supplies. Instructor, Eve Baum Victory said the class spent last semester recipe testing and finally decided to submit Maple Bacon Walnut Fudge. Students created 800 pieces of fudge to serve for the event and made a pan without nuts for visitors with allergies. The class created a rustic lumberjack theme for the booth and dressed in flannel, jeans and work boots. The bark backdrop and wood tiered servers complimented the hearty dessert.

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