Congratulations to Ted Kelly, Jr., the May 2021 UTTC “Alum in the Spotlight”!

“Hi, my name is Ted Kelly Jr. and I’m an enrolled member of the Three Affiliated Tribes and from the Standing Rock Reservation. I attended the Automotive Technology program and graduated with my diploma in December 2020. I really enjoyed my time at UTTC. I want to say thanks to all the staff members and all my teachers for helping me make the most out of my decision to go back to school at 42 years old, which I was very nervous to do. Growing up, doing good in school was something that never came easy and I dropped out in the 9th grade. More bad choices got me incarcerated as a juvenile and as an adult I went on to prison. During that whole time for 26 years I struggled with addiction. It took a while for me to realize that my past doesn’t determine my future and the company I keep has a big influence on the direction my path is going today. I choose to surround myself with like-minded people who understand my goals and dreams and help me to accomplish them. I’m proud to say that I’ve been clean for 5 years and get to be a true definition of a father to my three kids. After graduation one of my teachers helped with my decision on employment straight out of school and I started working at Kramer Chevrolet, where I currently work. Thank you to my higher power and everybody who helped along my journey. To all the students in school and the ones just starting, remember the most persuasive voice you have is your own so make sure you’re giving yourself credit for what you have started and all you are about to accomplish. You’re doing something awesome.”

Congratulations Myles Frazier, the April Alum of the Month! Myles was the very first student to graduate with a UTTC Health, PE and Recreation AAS degree from UTTC.

My name is Myles Frazier and I am a member of the Santee Sioux Nation in Nebraska. I attended K-12 school at Cheyenne Eagle Butte School (C-EB) in South Dakota. I am currently working at C-EB as the Jr. High PE and Health Teacher and am also the Assistant Basketball Coach.

In 2013, as I was working towards my AAS Degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) degree at UTTC, I was blessed with an amazing little son whom I’ve raised alone since he was two weeks old. I graduated from UTTC in December 2014 and by January 2015 we moved and I started school at Black Hills State University in Spearfish SD.   In December 2019 I double majored in Physical Education and Outdoor Education with the AAS Degree from UTTC in my back pocket.  My biggest accomplishments have been becoming a certified teacher in PE/Health and getting experience and knowledge in grant writing, program development, and sustainability geared towards getting people involved with the outdoors. Most important with all the ups and downs life had to offer while going to school, my now seven year old son was right there with and motivating me!

If I can give UTTC students a little advice it would be from one of my favorite “Rocky” movies: “The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and will keep you there permanently, if you let it. You, me, or nobody is going to hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you can hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, and that is how winning is done.”

The March 2020 UTTC “Alum in the Spotlight” is Lorne Jay, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. Lorne graduated in May 2019 with a bachelor degree in Environmental Science & Research from UTTC. Upon graduation, Lorne was offered a position at Chief Oilfield Services, LLC, in Bismarck, ND. He works in the bioremediation division and works closely with tribes and surrounding community to disperse hydrocarbon-eating microbes on oil spills. Lorne said he uses the knowledge he learned from his courses at UTTC every day and is glad he is able to give back to communities through his current position. Congratulations, Lorne!

The February 2020 UTTC “Alum in the Spotlight” is Lee Queen (Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara ). Lee graduated from the UTTC Heavy Equipment Operations (HEO) Program in December of 2018. Lee grew up all around North Dakota and he and his family currently live in Mandan, ND. Throughout his studies, Lee remained focused and it paid off. Lee started his own construction company called Rabbithead Construction, LLC on November 28, 2018, right before completing the HEO program. At one point he employed 7 people in his company. Rabbithead Construction specializes in erosion control and sediment. His past and and current work includes contracts with the North Dakota Department of Transportation, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Tribe, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and airports. Lee has said, “The UTTC HEO program changed my life.” Lee will be speaking to the current HEO students and sharing his story of how the HEO program helped him succeed. Congratulations, Lee!