HTC's Minnesota State Fair Connection

It started when HTC graduate Robin Goldstein, who is graphic publications and web manager for the Minnesota State Fair, had an idea for developing a cell-phone-friendly way to provide information for the Great Minnesota Get-Together. While Robin was at the college last spring to assist in the Graphic Design Portfolio Review for students in the program, she discussed the idea with HTC Graphic Design instructor Jill Woodruff- Gerold. Her former instructor recommended current student ,Tim Wilsie, as the right person for the job. With HTC training in computer programming and his major in web design, it seemed like a good fit.

“The strong relationships we build at the college lead to great connections between graduates and current students,” said Woodruff-Gerold. “Many former graduates look to our program when hiring new employees. They have a great respect for the education they gained here and are confident about hiring students, knowing they have received training on the latest equipment and most current software packages.”

Tim Wilsie saw the project as a great opportunity. According to him, rather than creating a mobile phone app that could be used only on specific types of cell phones, the Fair’s goal was to devise a web app that could be used on more devices. He created a design and the programming team made it work with the current Fair website. Doing so made it possible to maintain and update one website rather than creating a second website that would double the workload. (If you’re wondering, the Food Finder category is the most popular one at the website.)

“I had worked on many sites before, but never one this big,” said Wilsie, who lives in Brooklyn Park. He moved to Minnesota from New York in 2006 and says that he decided to go to college to jumpstart his career in the Midwest. He began studying computer programming at HTC and then decided he wanted to explore ways to use his creative talents. “I just fell in love with web designing and my past experience in print design and programming were very helpful,” Wilsie emphasized. His latest projects include the Minnesota Beef Expo website and the website for the Interactive Design and Video Production program at the college.

Working with Tim was great,” said Robin Goldstein, noting that he brought valuable outside perspective and technical knowledge to the table and made it possible to launch the Web app on time. “HTC is the first place I go when looking for help in my department.” When it comes to connecting people and technology, HTC instructors, graduates and students make it happen.

For information about the Graphic Design program, contact
Jill Woodruff-Gerold at 763-488-2522 or Jill.Gerold@HennepinTech.edu