The Mercedes-Benz Club of America’s Twin Cities Section has donated $1,600 to the Automotive Service & Performance program at Northwest Technical College to support equipment upgrades.
The contribution aims to enhance hands-on learning opportunities for students pursuing careers in automotive technology. Henoc Preciado, interim head of staff for BSU and NTC, expressed gratitude for the donation, emphasizing its impact on student training and industry preparedness.
“This generous gift from the Mercedes-Benz Education Foundation underscores the value of industry partnerships in preparing students for rewarding careers. The addition of equipment purchased with this gift strengthens our hands-on training, ensuring our graduates enter the workforce with the skills needed to succeed,” he said. “We appreciate Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to fostering future talent in the automotive industry.”
Among those instrumental in the donation effort was Jim Walrath, Mercedes-Benz Club of America board member and Bemidji State University alumnus. Walrath graduated cum laude from BSU in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health. A four-year track and field and cross-country athlete, he was inducted into BSU’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998.
The Mercedes-Benz Club of America’s Twin Cities Section, based in Minneapolis-St. Paul, is dedicated to fostering appreciation for Mercedes-Benz automobiles. The club organizes driving and social events, provides technical support and promotes education through newsletters and outreach programs.
Mark Johnson, an automotive services technology faculty member at NTC, said the donation will help students perform daily tasks.
“We are so thankful for the generous donation from Mercedes Benz Club of America for the funds to purchase a Sunnen dial bore gauge for engine rebuilding. Our students use it daily and it is a crucial part of performing proper engine overhauling procedures.”
The Automotive Service and Performance program at NTC earned Master Automotive Service Technology accreditation from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, the highest level of recognition by the institute in 2024. Dr. Ketmani Kouanchao, NTC’s executive vice president and senior academic officer, said the accreditation reflects the dedication of faculty in training future mechanics. ASE Education Foundation evaluates programs using national standards measuring instruction, facilities and equipment.
The Mercedes-Benz Club’s donation marks a continued effort to invest in the future of automotive professionals. NTC officials hope this contribution will inspire other organizations to support technical education programs in similar ways.