Finding More Than an Education

When you ask HTC graduates what they liked best about the college, the answer might be, “The great instructors.” Some will say, “The equipment in the labs.” Others will mention the convenient class schedules. But if you ask Jenny and Ordell Hanson what they liked best, you might add one more thing to the list: “Each other.”

“We met on the first day of school here,” said Jenny, a graduate of the Commercial Art program. That was in 1979. Ordell was a student in the Fluid Power program. The two began dating and then married in 1982. They have lived in Corcoran, Minnesota, since 1987.  Ordell has worked for EMERSON Process Management (formerly Rosemount Corporation) in Chanhassen for over 27 years. He started as a machinist in the Aerospace Division and is now a manufacturing maintenance technician in Process Management. 

Jenny spent nearly 15 years in the Advertising department of SUPERVALU, INC. in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Then she launched her own graphic design business in 1995.

Now Jenny claims her alma mater as a client, as she designs a variety of printed pieces for HTC, including newsletters, brochures, the college’s course schedules, catalog and other promotional materials. She also does work for a variety of corporations and advertising agencies.  

Over the years, Jenny and Ordell have both witnessed major changes in their fields. When Jenny started her career, artists used a drawing board and newspaper ads were “pasted up” as part of the production process. Today, that work takes place on the computer, which is one reason why Jenny returned to HTC for a course in Adobe PhotoShop to supplement what she has learned on the job. 

Ordell has returned to HTC and completed Electricity I and II, Refrigeration I and II, as well as his Minnesota Special Boilers License. “Taking courses at HTC over the years has helped me stay on top of changes in technology and helped me in my career,” said Ordell, who credits his employer with encouraging lifelong learning for employees by offering tuition reimbursement for any course that relates to any Emerson job process. Ordell also keeps in touch with Fluid Power Instructor Ernie Parker.   

“Mechanical design technicians are in great demand,” said Ordell. With strong career opportunities in manufacturing, he highly recommends HTC training.  

By now you may be wondering how someone from Commercial Art met someone from Fluid Power. It’s simple. According to Jenny, she and Ordell were in the HTC lounge that first day of school, waiting for the orientation session to begin. They struck up a conversation and asked each other about what classes they were taking. Fast-forward nearly 30 years and you’ll find that both Hansons are glad to say they attended HTC, where they found career training and each other.

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Contact HTC at 952-995-1300 or info@hennepintech.edu

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