2008 floods destroyed TECH Program Building and Equipment

For the John Deere TECH Program at Vincennes University, this is the summer it’s all coming back together. For the past year, classes in the TECH Program have been scattered all over campus after heavy spring rains in June 2008 destroyed the TECH building, including classroom and service areas. “We lost pretty much everything,” says Tim Hale, TECH Program coordinator at Vincennes University in Vincennes, IN. “And we had no idea that flood water was coming.” Hale says they were able to move some machinery out of the building, but most everything else—computers, parts, training aides and manuals—were left to the rising floodwaters. “We had to share some space with the diesel technology program,” says Hale. “We were kind of crowded, but we didn’t lose one student because of the conditions. We all persevered and now we finally have something to celebrate.” Dealers, TECH students, and instructors began moving into the TECH Program’s new building in July. The building comprises an 11,000 square foot shop, classrooms, and offices. Everyone pitched in to help and Hale says he’s thrilled with the response he’s gotten. “Everyone, and I mean everyone, associating with the TECH Program has gone above and beyond to help us out,” says Hale. “Deere & Company have provided us with new training aides and computers. Dealers have helped us out with machinery and even brought trucks to help us move. And the TECH students have stuck by the program. I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve accomplished.” The new building is set up like a working dealership, Hale says, with plenty of shop space. All the classrooms are outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment including write boards and plenty of room to use computers to solve problems. “Everything is updated,” says Hale. “We were able to look at what worked and didn’t work at the old building and put our spin on it. Both the dealers and students are excited about the future of Vincennes John Deere TECH Program.” The building will be dedicated August 25. Not only have John Deere executives been invited to the ceremony, but also every dealer in Indiana and Kentucky.