| The credo that the "show must go on" was evident by all at The San Jose City College Technology Open House and Job Expo, Tuesday night, December 5th from 4p to 8p at BLDG'S 100 - 200. Just a few hours before going live with a huge open house featuring a cast of job providers, job seekers and those looking for technology training, a 40,000 volt power line was severed by construction workers just a few hundred yards away on campus. With no power to light the classrooms or demonstrate equipment in the huge labs, the unfortunate break turned out to be a rallying point for the whole department. iIthin minutes of this news, the team from Machine Technology, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration, Laser and Construction Technology pulled together to string additional lighting and roll a back-up generator to power the event. They moved vendor and employer tables outside under the patio heaters. Brian Rhea, the event organizer, "We needed to be ready for those who were counting on us to hold this event; the students, employers, and special guests. We'd been advertising for weeks in newspapers and all week on radio. Dean Werle was in full support of not canceling despite the blackout. Tonight was about finding jobs and finding training. We ared excited about enrolling students in our day and evening programs." In all about 350 guests arrived under a beautiful full moon to hear from leaders in manufacturing such as Rich Robertson, Senior Manager - Technical Maintenance & Reliability Services of Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corporation. A San Jose City College Applied Sciences Alumni, Rich talked with attendees about the importance of his start at SJCC. Over 25 manufacturing and recruitment firms were on hand to sample their products and pick up resumes. Hot Dogs, raffle prizes along with a special appearance by Indiana Al, live on 95.3FM KRTY and members of the 49ers Gold Rush Cheerleads warmed up the evening air. Moonlight Madness was particularly fun for San Jose City College student Lazaro Arauzo who won the grand prize of an ultimate sports vacation package - tickets to any NASCAR, PGA, NBA, NFL or Major League Baseball game. This donated prize included tickets for two along with hotel and airfare to any of these events in the continental US. |
