October 6, 2014

On September 30, 2014 Sterling Western Star Trucks Alberta Ltd. presented Medicine Hat College (MHC) with a Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine valued at over $10,000, for use in the heavy equipment technician (HET) program. 

Joel Gingrich, director of trades and technology explains that he is excited for the hands-on learning this gift provides students. “The purpose of this donation is to engage students in applied learning experiences on campus. The engine will allow students the opportunity to learn by doing. They can take it apart and put it back together to get real life experience in engine design and repair.”

Sterling Western Star Trucks Alberta Ltd is an authorized dealer for Western Star Trucks in south central Alberta. The company has been open for over 15 years and has locations in both Calgary and Red Deer.

When asked what made them decided to donate to the HET program, Cindy Clark, dealer principal-Calgary explains that they have always been an advocate for training for all staff and giving people the tools to grow and be successful.

“When people learn and are successful, they simply feel better.  When people feel good about themselves everyone wins; both personally and professionally,” says Clark. “We had the opportunity to allow others to benefit from tools we were unable to utilize.   It would have been such a loss to not have the engines used for training as they were intended.   We are confident that this small gesture will give many students the opportunity to achieve their successes."

Tracy Stroud, development officer with the MHC Foundation explains that this gift is a great example of using community collaboration to solve an institutional need. “This engine came with a significant price tag, one that proved challenging for the college to absorb into this year’s trades budget. Working alongside Sterling Western Trucks we were able to come to an agreement, their company generously covered over 75% of the costs, making it possible for our trades department to cover the rest. By working together we were able to provide an enhanced learning experience for our students- we are always open to innovative partnerships that enable our students to benefit.”