Dunwoody College of Technology is pleased to announce that this year’s student speaker for Commencement will be Welding Technology graduate Alex Mars.
When Mars graduated from Shakopee High School in 2010, she spent time working as a manager in a restaurant and training to become a Nurse’s Aide and a Trained Medication Aide (TMA).
After earning her certifications, Mars worked for a couple of years as a Nurse’s Aide and TMA, but she knew it wasn’t what she wanted to do long-term. Mars wanted a career that provided stability and growth.
So when she had the opportunity to try her hand at welding, Mars discovered it was something she enjoyed. That interest in welding prompted Mars to sign up for the welding program at Chart Industries. The program not only provided the training, it also paid the students a salary. But shortly after starting the program, Mars found out Chart Industries had a physical lifting requirement she was unable to meet. She wouldn’t be allowed to continue.
The next day, Mars walked into Dunwoody and enrolled in the
Welding Technology program.
Mars started classes at Dunwoody in January 2015 through the Women in Technical Careers (WITC) scholarship program. She graduated in December 2015.
The mother of a three-year-old boy named Cameron, Mars knows that her Dunwoody degree will enable her to have the career and life she wants for her and her family.
“The WITC scholarship has been a huge factor in helping me accomplish my goals,” Mars said.
Since graduation, Mars has been hired at Aerospace Manufacturing as a TIG welder, building helicopter frames and airplane engine mounts.
“My main focus is to simply refine my welding skills to become a master at my craft,” Mars said. “I am leaving my vision for the future open, as my desires will develop with experience and opportunity. I plan on being thoughtful of this developing vision through my growth.”
Commencement will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, at the Minneapolis Convention Center.