May 2, 2008

College of Technology at Columbus awards its first bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology

Commencement ceremonies are at 6 p.m. at Columbus Learning Center auditorium, Room LC1000, where 39 degrees will be conferred.

Keith R. Balzer of Columbus, a quality systems manager at Cummins Inc., will be the first recipient of the bachelor's degree.

The bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology was approved by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education on Sept. 14.

The 129-credit-hour program prepares students for existing and emerging careers in the application of mechanical engineering technology in the fields of advanced manufacturing and with engineering and service companies that support those employers.

The curriculum for the Columbus program is identical to the West Lafayette program. Columbus Purdue College of Technology students may complete their general education courses at either Indiana University Purdue University-Columbus or at Ivy Tech State College.

In addition, the College of Technology at Columbus also offers bachelor's and associate degrees in computer and information technology, industrial technology, and organizational leadership and supervision.

The College of Technology at Columbus is one of three educational institutions located at the Columbus Learning Center. Also at the center are Ivy Tech and Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus. The institutions share space at the center but are governed by three separate organizational entities.

Writer: Kim Medaris, (765) 494-6998, kmedaris@purdue.edu

Source: Andy Schaffer, director of the College of Technology at Columbus/Greensburg, (812) 314-8528, aschaffe@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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