IOWA’S LT. GOV. PRAISES IOWA LAKES PROGRAM

It was a day of accolades for Iowa Lakes Community College as the college celebrated gifts which will enhance the learning of Wind Energy and Turbine Technology students.

At an afternoon recognition ceremony on the Estherville campus, Iowa’s Lt. Gov. Patty Judge, the featured speaker of the event, praised the college for working hard to launch the wind energy program. The Gov. Chet Culver administration has been an advocate for energy independence in the state.

Her comments were followed by Bev Schroeder, who read a letter from Sen. Tom Harkin congratulating the college on its creation of the Wind Energy and Turbine Technology program.

The college also officially received word on a $100,000 check from PPM Energy, one of the nation’s leading providers of wind power, to build a classroom in the new Wind Energy Technology building. (MEDIA: See separate story outlining this gift.)

Also during the recognition ceremony, the students in the Wind Energy and Turbine Technology program learned there will be $50,000 in scholarships from Vestas over the next three years. Vestas was also honored for donating a nacelle (the top portion of the wind turbine) which is valued at more than $300,000. The nacelle arrived last fall. It is equipped with components which reflect what students will face on-the-job.