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University of Minnesota

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Home > About > Programs > Roads Scholar > Graduates

Roads Scholar Program

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2008

Minnesota LTAP honored graduates of its Roads Scholars Program at the Spring Maintenance Training Expo held in St. Cloud in April 2009. Mn/DOT Commissioner Tom Sorel, Director of Minnesota LTAP Jim Grothaus, and Minnesota LTAP training coordinator Mindy Carlson were on hand at the ceremony to present certificates to the graduates. This year’s class, the largest ever, featured 23 street and highway maintenance workers from across the state.

Nearly 1,800 students across the state are enrolled in the Roads Scholar Program, which combines training options such as maintenance expos and LTAP workshops into a structured curriculum.

According to graduate Myron Malecha, a highway maintenance worker from Rice County, his experience was extremely valuable. “The training programs give you a better understanding of your job and better ways to perform them,” he said.

Graduates agreed that their experience with the Roads Scholars Program was a positive one. According to Peter Higlers, a City of Prior Lake maintenance worker, the knowledge he gained will help him on the job. “The information was useful because it was all about what we do everyday,” he said. “It can be applied immediately.”

Steve Neppl said he also enjoyed learning from his peers throughout the program. “The courses offered have provided me with references and contacts for future projects. It is a great benefit just to hear and talk with others at the courses to see how they do things.” Neppl is employed by the Wilkin County Highway Department, and has worked in local government for 20 years.

2008 Roads Scholar Graduates Group Picture (listed from left to right, click for larger version)

Tom Sorel, Jim Grothaus, John Nelson, Andy Steinhagen, Randy Millard, Greg Cronin, Gary Schmitz, Pete Buss, Brian Breeggemann, Kevin Savage, Bruce Friedges, Don Schindler, Brad Brandt, Steve Jeska, Peter Hilgers, Kevin Harms, Andy Stephes, Marc Starr, Steve Neppl, Jayson Anderson, Brian Blake, Myron Malecha, Mark Christofferson, Laurie McGinnis, Brian Oian, Mindy Carlson