My STC Story
Real Life Stories from Students and Alumni
'I Want to Help My Community'
Alexander Rodriguez enrolled in Southeast Technical College's Paramedic Science program as a way to help his community when in crisis.
'I Grew My Confidence at STC'
Trey Martin initially enrolled at Southeast Technical College in the Architectural Engineering Technology program because he wanted to use his creative flair in his career. He soon realized that the program wasn’t a great fit for him, so with the help of his advisors, he was able change course to the Marketing program and was able to make the most of his talent.
'I'm Actually Doing Something I Enjoy.'
After a military deployment, Angie Lucid and her husband didn't think their careers were quite right. Together, they enrolled at Southeast Tech, expanded their educations, and Angie is "actually doing something she enjoys!"
'I Discovered Who I am and Who I Want to Be'
When Tyler Starr ended his professional football career, it was an opportunity to discover himself. As a father of three, he knew he needed something close to home that worked with his schedule, and liked the hands-on learning available STC. “They helped me reveal who I am and who I want to be.”
'Online Classes Made it Easy for Me to Succeed!'
Charlene Roth always wanted to attend college. When she made the decision to enroll at Southeast Tech, she took many of her classes online because they fit into her life. Shortly after she graduated, she was promoted!
'Now it's My Turn'
Taya Tolley took the non-traditional path through nursing school. She had kids at a young age and put her career on the back burner to raise her family. As a Build Dakota scholarship recipient, her financial concerns with continuing her education were alleviated. She will soon graduate from the RN program.
'It’s the Right Place to Be.'
Johnette Tody spent more than a decade working as a CNA, but wanted to take her nursing career further. Since it had been some time since her last classroom experience, she found STC's hands-on approach to learning to be the best option.
'A Life I Didn’t Think was Possible'
Derek Lucid and his wife, Angie, enrolled at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, S.D., after their military deployment. They wanted to do something different when they returned to civilian life, so they enrolled at STC to re-train and re-tool.
'My Student Success Advisor is the Best'
Erik Kollie didn’t intend to go to college. But, because of a recommendation from a friend, he enrolled at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, S.D. Here, he found the support he needed to make his education and training a success!
More STC Stories
Student Spotlight: Mother of Five Pursues Nursing Dreams at Southeast Tech
Ashley Krull was 10 years old when she decided to become a nurse. Her interest was sparked when the Luverne, Minn., native helped her grandfather recover from knee replacement surgery. Ashley landed her first job as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) when she was 18 and planned to go to nursing school that fall, but she put school on hold when her life took a different path.
Alumni Feature: STC Graduate Named Civil Engineer of the Decade
Cory Bauer is a Herried, S.D., native who began his notable career at Southeast Technical College. He was recently named "Top Civil Engineer of the Decade" for 2024 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP).
Student Feature: From the Big Apple to the Big Sioux
Meet Anna Cole. She's a second year Media Design student with a background on Broadway, a side gig as a DJ and an upcoming immersive art installation set for summer 2025! A native of Rochester, N.Y., Anna worked as a costume designer, production assistant and background actor on Broadway prior to the COVID-19 epidemic. When non-essential businesses were shut down, she decided to move.
Passion for Plants Leads to National Sports Experience
It all started with a little pansy named Petunia - and a wager that sparked a passion. Erika Beck was a freshman at Tri-Valley High School when she made a bet with a student teacher in her ag program over a tiny donated pansy plug. "I made a bet with her I could keep it alive," said Beck, who explained that while she "didn't hate plants, I had the biggest brown thumb around. I killed every single thing in a week."
Nontraditional Student Becomes Part of Growing Support System
About 10 years after high school graduation, it became clear that Andy Van Surksum had hit a career ceiling without a college degree. The northwest Iowa native had gone to a four-year college for a year after high school in 2010, but "it really wasn't the right time for me," he said.
Three Generations Attend STC
It's a family tradition. Lindsey Carter, Becky Brunick and Pam Sudbery represent three generations of women at Southeast Technical College. Pam was first, graduating with a 1-year diploma in Computer Operations in 1975. Next, Pam's daughter, Becky, graduated in 1994 with an accounting degree, and finally granddaughter, Lindsey, will start the LPN program this fall.
STC Featured as 'Face of Technical Education'
Southeast Technical College takes “learning by doing” to the next level. STC opened its state-of-the-art Healthcare Simulation Center in 2024, complete with advanced simulation technology that includes high-fidelity simulator manikins, virtual reality systems, and interactive learning modules that provide a dynamic learning experience where students can sharpen their skills, refine their techniques, and navigate realistic scenarios.
On the Front Lines of Mental Health
Among the greatest needs in our community and beyond is better access to mental health services. Qualified staff to help address this need are constantly in high demand, so Southeast Technical College is looking to address this labor shortage with their new Behavioral and Mental Health Technician program.
From Student to Faculty: STC Grads Return to Teach
At Southeast Technical College, we stand by our graduates. And what better way to prove we believe in our hands-on education and workforce mission than hiring our graduates to teach? Read about some of STC's finest who've gained industry experience and returned to prepare the next generation of skilled employees for Sioux Falls, South Dakota and the Midwest.
From Student to Faculty: Greg Schwebach
Through internships, full-time employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, he created connections across multiple disciplines in the construction industry Greg has experience with residential, commercial and civil projects and has continued part-time self-employment work keeping to fresh with the latest trends in industry.