Great River Energy donates Stanton Station equipment to BSC programs | Bismarck State College

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Great River Energy donates Stanton Station equipment to BSC programs

Published: Apr 17 2017
Great River Energy donates Stanton Station equipment to BSC programs - Photo
Great River Energy (GRE) recently donated equipment and tools valued at $26,423 to four Bismarck State College (BSC) technical programs. The materials come from the Stanton Station which is scheduled to close on May 1, 2017. The equipment will benefit the BSC Power Plant, Mechanical Maintenance, Automotive Technology and Instrumentation & Control programs.
 
“Great River Energy’s involvement with BSC has been instrumental in a number of ways ensuring that BSC graduates are prepared for their future careers in the energy industry. The most recent donation includes a broad mix of equipment and supplies that will greatly support the labs and hands-on portions of the programs,” says Bruce Emmil, Dean of the BSC National Energy Center of Excellence.
 
In March, GRE leaders invited a team from BSC to Stanton to identify the equipment and tools that might most benefit students. The donation is one of several provided by GRE over the years including power plant simulators the company has maintained and replaced on the BSC campus since the mid-90s.
 
“There is such great relationship between Bismarck State College and Great River Energy. BSC is so willing to change curriculum and work with utilities to ensure that they are set up to train their students for our future workforce. Donating equipment is just another way we can help improve BSC’s training programs. It allows students to get hands on training with the equipment that they will be using in their future careers.” John Bauer, Director of ND Generation.
 
The partnership between the organizations extends to its people as well. A number of Great River Energy employees serve on the advisory committees for several programs offered through the National Energy Center of Excellence (NECE). They review the outcomes and curriculum for each program, ensuring students gain the skill sets needed by the industry.
 
“Technology is ever changing and having access to the latest for our students is invaluable,” Emmil notes. “Having industry support is vital to our operations in so many ways. Preparing our graduates to work for companies such as GRE and make an immediate contribution to their organizations, day one upon being hired, is something we are very proud of.”

Photo from left to right: Frank Miller (BSC faculty), Vance Vesey (BSC faculty), Chris Silbernagel (GRE), Jim Guerard (BSC adjunct), Wes Braun (BSC faculty) and Davis Kinn (GRE).