TSTC Starts a Tradition, Students Leave Legacy on Wind Turbine

SWEETWATER, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – The Department of Wind Energy Technology at Texas State Technical College has started a new tradition. From now on, every graduating student will leave their mark forever, literally.

Each student will sign the wind turbine which is on permanent display in front of the Wind Energy Technology building. Russell Benson, an instructor, wanted students to be able to do this, regardless of academic level, so they could leave an impression on others.

“By signing the blade, it represents students completing the core wind energy technology program,” Benson said. “It’s a way for them to remember their time at TSTC. I hope they come back one day with their families to show them that they signed the turbine and tell them about their experience.

Gabby Mallet, associate provost of the Sweetwater campus, shared her excitement in a press release that students will be able to do so. She said that although it may be small, it is important and will mean more as time goes on.

“I’m so excited to see the beginning of this tradition for our wind energy technology students,” Mallet said. “Signing the wind turbine blade signifies the end of their journey at TSTC, but it is a way of remembering what they have achieved. It will also be a motivation for future students to complete the program so they can leave their mark on TSTC and West Texas.

Many students in this program are excited to be part of this new tradition. Here is what some of the senior graduates said:

• “It’s really cool. My name will stay there forever,” said Dylan McLaury, of Aspermont. new tradition, it’s great.
• “I’ve never seen anything like it before,” said Emily Carr, from Odessa. “It is a unique thing that we are the first band to sign the blade. I will never forget my time at TSTC, especially when I can say that I signed a wind turbine blade.
• “It’s a way for all of us to remember what we’ve accomplished in the program and at the TSTC,” said Manny Gurrola of San Angelo.
• “It’s a brand new start for us,” said Synder’s Jonah Ferris. “Going to TSTC helped prepare me for the transition into the job market. When I signed the blade, I thought about the trail of success that I will leave behind and take with me to the work.

The idea for this came to Benson when he saw a group of people looking at the turbine. Some students had already signed this card, but this year is the first time that a class has done it together.

“I know it may seem like a small thing, but it’s something they’ve earned,” Benson said. “When they get to that point, the fourth semester, it’s their fun semester. They start to realize that their time is running out and they’ll be ready to get to work. It’s a small gesture for us. to honor them before they pass the launch phase.

According onetonline.orgthe need for wind turbine service technicians over the next ten years is expected to increase to 102%. TSTC Wind Energy Technology Program offers a Certificate of Completion and an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science at the Sweetwater and Harlingen campuses.