High “Performing” Energy Down Under

*As published by Green Energy Times, February 11, 2022

Vermont Tech’s Architectural Engineering Technology and Renewable Energy programs both include a senior capstone project, wherein students apply what they have learned in coursework toward solving a problem, capitalizing on an opportunity, or fulfilling some need. The programs both include a focus on energy issues. This year, the two programs have joined forces, challenging students to design a performing arts center in Sydney, Australia. VTC seniors will not only design the building systems, but they will apply renewable energy sources to attempt a net-zero design for the structure.

Their effort is part of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 2022 Student Design Competition. The VTC students are entering the “Integrated Sustainable Building Design” option in the competition, where they will develop schematic-level designs of the architectural, mechanical, electrical, lighting, structural, civil, and site systems for a large performing arts center to be located in Sydney, Australia. The building comprises performance areas, office spaces, classrooms, food service, parking, and other uses in three levels, totaling 250,800 square feet (23,300 square meters).

The design should be environmentally friendly and meet energy-efficiency criteria from ASHRAE and others. Students will consider various heating, cooling, and ventilating systems, electrical systems and lighting technologies, and innovative materials, to be energy-efficient with a low carbon footprint (plus creating an effective, aesthetically pleasing look and comfortable conditions for employees and patrons. It is important to note that, the team will attempt to provide sufficient energy from local or on-site renewable sources to offset the building’s energy use, resulting in net-zero status. An energy production plan may include solar, geothermal, and tidal applications, among others. This marriage of energy-efficient design and renewable energy production highlights the strengths of the two programs at VTC, where Architectural Engineering Technology students bring their capabilities in optimal building system design together with Renewable Energy students’ expertise in energy use and production.

The team will spend the beginning of the semester researching Sydney, Australia and the building owner’s project requirements. They already have developed a schedule and budget for their design work. After they consider the advantages and disadvantages of various building and energy-production systems, including their sustainability and ability to be integrated effectively, they will select specific systems to pursue further, and perform the calculations and other work necessary to bring all of the building systems designs to a schematic level, along with their energy plan. They will perform an economic analysis of their design, using state of the practice tools such as heating and cooling load calculators. Their submission to the ASHRAE competition in May will include a video, a technical report documenting their engineering and architectural work, and appropriate design drawings. The team will present its project to the public on VTC’s Randolph Center campus, tentatively scheduled for May 6, 2022 (along with another Architectural Engineering Technology team focusing solely on an in-depth structural design of the same building).

The students will be guided by Scott A. Sabol, P.E., who is a full-time faculty member in the Architectural Engineering Technology program, and Nathan Mascolino, P.E., who is an adjunct faculty member whose primary employer is VEIC, an energy-solutions firm closely tied with Efficiency Vermont.

The idea to combine seniors from the two programs this year came from Professors John Kidder and Dan Costin (who directs the Renewable Energy program). Buildings represent a significant consumer of the world’s energy, and energy-efficient design alone will not be sufficient to meet Vermont’s goals. The ability to provide sustainable energy for buildings (as well as for other uses) from nontraditional sources is an additional keystone to Vermont’s and the world’s future. Professor Costin stated, “The 2021 Infrastructure Bill is going to invest billions of dollars in electrical transmission, renewable energy projects, battery storage, and electrical vehicle infrastructure. VTC is prepared to educate and train the workers who will design and build many of these systems. In fact, we have been doing that for years. Our problem in Vermont is that there are not enough workers for these technical jobs, and not enough students getting educated to meet the demand of renewable energy businesses around the state.”

More information about the ASHRAE student design competition can be found on their website and information about the course project, including the public presentations, can be obtained from Professor Sabol (ssabol@vtc.edu). Anyone seeking information about the Renewable Energy program should contact Professor Costin (dcostin@vtc.edu), and should contact Professor Brad Miller, P.E., about the Architectural Engineering Technology program (bmiller@vtc.edu).

Class of 2021 Achieves 99% Placement Rate

Vermont Technical College’s graduating class of 2021 achieved a 99% placement rate, reflecting that they are either employed or enrolled in continuing education programs after completing their certificate or degree. Since 2014, Vermont Technical College has had an average placement rate of more than 97%. As in years past, 98% of Vermont Technical College’s graduates in the class of 2021 are working in their field of study.

Coupled with the best return on investment of any higher education institution in Vermont according to a new study from Georgetown University, Vermont Technical College’s pillar remains its support of the State of Vermont’s workforce needs.

“This achievement affirms that our programs, and graduates, are in high demand,” said Karry Booska, director of Career Development at Vermont Tech. Vermont Technical College’s annual placement rate is calculated by a six-month outcome survey conducted by the college’s Office of Career Development.

The majority of survey respondents reported employment or continuing education in nursing and health professions, followed by engineering and computing, professional studies and management, and agricultural, plant, and life sciences.

“To the class of 2021, who persevered in the face of phenomenal challenges, we are so very proud of you, congratulations” said Patricia Moulton, president at Vermont Technical College. “We are so pleased to see you already changing the world in such a positive way.”

Engineering Students Place First in Annual Golf Tournament

A team of Vermont Tech engineering students placed first at the annual Vermont Society of Engineers’ (VSE) golf tournament, held September 24, 2021 at the Stowe Country Club in Stowe, Vermont.

The Green Knight team, comprising Quinn Munns (of Jericho, VT), Thomas Ferguson (of Deering, NH), Ronnie Corey (of South Burlington, VT), and Michael Ranaldo (of Burlington, VT), outscored other university engineering student teams in a scramble format, reclaiming the rotating trophy that goes to the winning institution each year and that spent its last year in Norwich University’s possession. Munns and Corey also played last year.
The tournament is a fundraiser for the VSE and most of the golfers were practicing engineers; the funds raised go toward student scholarships. For many years now, the VSE has invited the three engineering academic institutions in Vermont (Vermont Tech, Norwich University, and the University of Vermont) that receive the scholarships to enter a student team.

The trophy will soon be placed on display at the Campus Center on the Randolph Center campus, along with engraved plates showing the names of past winning teams.

“The students have fun and network with professionals at this event. We appreciate how the VSE invites students who will be the engineers of the future,” said Professor Scott A. Sabol, P.E., who coordinates the Vermont Tech team. Sabol will be looking to recruit four engineering students to play in the tournament when next autumn rolls around again.

Sabol Elected Chair of Vermont Board of Professional Engineering

Professor Scott A. Sabol, P.E., of the Architectural and Building Engineering Technology Department at Vermont Technical College, was elected chair of the Vermont Board of Professional Engineering at its October meeting.

The Board, one of many addressing licensure and practice of various professions in Vermont, operates under the auspices of the Secretary of State’s office. Prof. Sabol, a licensed structural Professional Engineer, has been a Board member since 2016 and previously as Secretary to the Board.
Prof. Sabol’s role on the Board allows him to bring first-hand professional-practice information into several courses, including a class on engineering management (where issues of licensure and professional ethics are taught) and another that helps students review for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (an early step toward licensure as a P.E.).

Sabol, a resident of Northfield, also recently commented on Act 178, passed by the Vermont Legislature in 2020, that requires several licensed professions to become educated on Vermont’s energy goals as a condition of licensure.

“Architectural engineering as a field of study encompasses many aspects of energy efficiency and sustainability, including efficient use of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems, effective electrical and lighting systems, and knowledge of structural systems as they relate to renewable energy technologies,” he said. “Vermont Tech students, no matter what aspect of building and infrastructure design and evaluation they eventually pursue, will enter the industry already immersed in issues affecting Vermont’s and others’ sustainable energy future.”

Architectural & Building Engineering Technology Program Receives Highest Marks Possible in Accreditation Process

Vermont Technical College’s Architectural and Building Engineering Technology Department at Vermont Technical College had both its bachelor’s degree and associate degree accreditations extended for an additional six years, the longest term that the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) grants.

The programs, assessed under ABET’s Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission, received a final evaluation of “no findings,” which means the programs had no deficiencies, weaknesses, or concerns.

“This marks the best possible result for a program,” said Professor Scott A. Sabol, P.E., of the Architectural and Building Engineering Technology Department at Vermont Technical College. “These two programs were reviewed based on their curricula, the faculty, facilities, and student achievement of learning outcomes.”

ABET accreditation facilitates eventual licensure of graduates as professional engineers.  Most states allow the Vermont Tech graduates to become licensed following completion of national examinations and appropriate professional experience.

Vermont Tech’s associate degree program has been continuously accredited since the mid-1970s; its bachelor‘s degree program since the mid-1990s. The programs focus on building design and evaluation, with emphases on sustainability, energy efficiency, and mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Opening for Fall 2021

August 11, 2021

Effective Friday, August 13 all faculty, staff, students, and visitors are required to wear a mask when indoors on campus at any Vermont Tech location.

This is in accordance with the CDC’s latest recommendations. This decision follows our recent announcement to mandate a COVID-19 vaccine of all enrolled students.

The latest research on the Delta variant shows that even a high vaccination level is probably not enough, by itself, to prevent significant infections on college campuses. As such, each of us donning a mask embodies the Vermont Tech’s values because it strengthens our ability to hold in-person classes and activities and it protects our friends who may be immunocompromised or have unvaccinated children at home.

The new Delta variant has the potential to infect people with the vaccine. The good news is that those who are vaccinated are much less likely to have severe symptoms, so the vaccine is working. But it is spreading more with this new variant. The CDC has recommended masks be worn indoors even by people who are vaccinated in high risk counties. A majority of the counties in Vermont have become high risk. To help mitigate the risk, the VSC system has implemented the mask mandate on all campuses.

No mask is required if working alone, such as in your office, or for on-campus residents when in their room alone or with their roommates. Everyone should have a mask ready for when conditions warrant their use.

July 30, 2021

Vermont Technical College now requires COVID-19 vaccination for all students enrolled during the 2021-2022 Academic Year. To be in full compliance a student must complete one of the following options before 8:00 am on August 23, 2021:

  • Submit a copy of their completed COVID-19 vaccination record. Please review the vaccination information to submit your vaccine; OR
  • Submit a request for exemption (only documented medical conditions or strict religious beliefs qualify for exemptions). Anyone on campus who is not vaccinated is expected to wear a mask indoors and to social distance (6 feet apart) from others, OR
  • Submit a copy of their vaccination record confirming the first COVID-19 vaccine was administered prior to August 23, 2021, indicate the scheduled date of the second shot (if applicable), and their agreement to complete the full vaccine protocol, OR
  • Submit a signed written statement (include name and Vermont Technical College ID number) to studentaffairs@vtc.edu stating they will not come on to the physical campus for any reason during the 2021-2022 academic year due to their taking classes exclusively online.

The goal is to maximize the number of vaccinated individuals for the safety of the entire Vermont Technical College community. Failure to be in compliance by August 23, 2021 will jeopardize the student’s ability to be present on campus for any reason. Please review information on vaccine availability in Vermont or in your home state.

July 22, 2021

Today, Chancellor Zdatny shared news from the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees:

The Executive Committee of the Vermont State Colleges System Board of Trustees voted this afternoon to require COVID-19 vaccination for all students enrolled in the 2021-2022 Academic Year. The safety of our students, employees, and local community members is our top priority as we continue to respond to the ongoing pandemic.

Our goal remains for all members of the VSCS community who are able to be vaccinated to get vaccinated. We urge you to make every effort to complete your vaccination as soon as possible. Requests for medical and religious exemptions will be considered in accordance with Vermont law. Today’s decision by the Executive Committee does not apply to students who will not come on to the physical campuses for any reason during the 2021-2022 academic year, such as those who are taking classes exclusively online.

Any necessary updated guidance will be distributed to you shortly on how to report your vaccination status and we look forward to welcoming you back to classes next month.

If you should have any questions in the meantime, please reach out to your Dean of Students.

The resolution is posted on the VSC website.

Summer 2021

Because of our community’s tremendous effort and sacrifice, we are increasingly confident in providing a campus and academic experience that is much closer to our traditional operations. While we don’t yet have all of the details, we eagerly anticipate a much-improved public health situation and a significant reduction in state mandates and restrictions this fall.

We strongly encourage everyone – students, alumni, staff and faculty – to get vaccinated. As a reminder, we will mandate the vaccine for enrolled students once vaccines are approved for permanent approval by the FDA. This will be in addition to the other vaccines currently required by the Vermont Department of Health. Once the COVID-19 vaccine is required, requests for medical and religious exemptions will be considered, in accordance with Vermont law.

March 1, 2020

After more than a year of modified instruction and limited campus housing, President Patricia Moulton has announced the college’s intention to return to full in-person academic schedules for the fall of 2021. To serve the needs of students by providing our uniquely applied educational format, the college will reinstate a full contingent of in-person classes and labs in the fall. Many clinical experiences have continued throughout the pandemic for our health majors, and will also be offered in-person in the fall.

“I have been very impressed by our college community’s ability this past year to adapt and pivot to meet the guidelines of the State, the CDC and the Vermont Department of Health while meeting the educational needs of our students,” says President Moulton. “I am looking forward, however, to returning to a sense of normalcy and togetherness as we set our sights on reopening fall 2021.”

As of this writing, the academic calendar for fall 2021 will not be modified to condense the schedule for the purpose of returning students to their home communities after the Thanksgiving break. Remote learning will not be the dominant delivery format for all courses. The college’s portfolio of online and hybrid courses will be available as they were pre-pandemic.  Residential housing will continue to be offered on both the Randolph Center and Williston campuses for fall 2021.

This plan will continue to be based on the shared responsibility of our entire community to adhere to any remaining safety measures and follow protocols during the coming academic year. We can likely expect that we will continue to wear masks and practice forms of social distancing into 2022. However, the trends in cases and vaccinations has led us the conclusion that our fall reopening plans are viable to return us to our campuses, classrooms and in-person labs.

More details about housing options and the academic calendar will be rolled out during the spring semester. Departments and offices will work to formalize details in the coming months.

 

Vermont State Colleges Students Eligible for New Scholarships

Today, the Vermont State Colleges System Board Chair, Chancellor, and Presidents held a press conference to announce the new legislation that creates several scholarship programs for Vermonters. Thanks to the Legislature and Governor, Vermont is funding several incredible opportunities for high school graduates and adult learners at the Vermont State Colleges this year. We are grateful, especially to the Legislature, for their prioritization of higher and continuing education and workforce development in their strategy for allocation of the federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.

These scholarships total a $15 million investment in Vermont students. This helps address the affordability of public higher education. We are thrilled that our students are reaping the rewards of this tremendous opportunity this year.

The new scholarship initiatives are

  • Welcome Home / Transfer Scholarship – for Vermonters who were attending an out-of-state college or who exited a VSC institution in 2020-2021.
    • This scholarship award is up to $5,000 for full-time students and $3,000 for part-time students per year to cover tuition, room and board, and fees.
  • Degree Completion Scholarship – for Vermonters who have earned at least 40 college credits and have a gap in their education of at least two years.
    • This scholarship is a ‘last-dollar’ scholarship, meaning it covers any remaining balance after all state and federal gift aid is applied.
  • Free Tuition Scholarship – for students entering or returning to programs identified as ‘Critical Occupations’ in the legislation, including healthcare programs and the McClure Best Bet programs.
    • This scholarship is a ‘last-dollar’ scholarship, meaning it covers any remaining balance after all state and federal gift aid is applied.
    • July 16, 2021: Due to response volume paired with limited State funding, this program’s awarding is paused at Vermont Tech, Castleton University, and Northern Vermont University, with the exception of our Paramedicine Program. Students admitted prior to this date are being awarded existing funds. Your continued interest is encouraged, while we work to secure additional funding. Please stay tuned. Scholarship programs above and the VSAC scholarships are unaffected by this pause.

VSAC also joined the press conference to present their state-funded initiative that also apply to students interested in taking a course tuition-free at one of the Vermont State Colleges System institutions: Green Mountain Grad and 802 Opportunity Grant. These programs are both provided by VSAC.

The press conference streaming archive is available on the VSC YouTube channel.

Vermont Tech Named in Newsweek’s Top 100 “Most Bang For Your Buck” Colleges

Vermont Tech is flying high, and it’s not just among its Professional Pilot program students. The college has been included in Newsweek Magazine’s The 100 Community Colleges With the Most Bang For Your Buck list. Ranking at 39, Vermont Tech is cited for the $1,050,000 40-year net present value, or a comparison of investing in a Vermont Tech education to future value. The $1M-plus value is a combination of affordable tuition and high earnings potential for the professional programs of the college.

Vermont Tech was included on the community college list for its portfolio of associate degree programs, but was also noted for offering, “programs ranging from certificate to associate and bachelor’s degrees.” The college also offers a Master’s in Software Engineering.

Another notable correction to the article is that graduates of Vermont Tech have historically achieved a 99% placement rate over the last five years, including the Class of 2020 that graduated into a pandemic. The Career Services webpage shows the rates back to the Class of 2016.

The Newsweek list is based on data derived from the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University in their First Try at ROI study.

Professor Sabol Named VT Engineer of the Year

Vermont Tech is proud to announce that Scott Sabol, Professor in the Department of Architectural and Building Engineering Technology within the School of Engineering and Computing, has been named Engineer of the Year by the professional associations for engineers in Vermont. Sabol is a licensed structural engineer and holds the position of Secretary as a member of the Vermont Board of Professional Engineering, a position he was named to by Governor Scott.

Teaching and launching the next generations of engineers is very important to Scott, as we all witness daily. As proof of his priority, Schylar Corsones-Brown, a current Architectural Engineering Technology (AET) student credits Professor Sabol with stopping, “at nothing to ensure we reach our full potential.” Likewise, AET alumnus and Associate Engineer with the City of Rutland, Ted Gillen says Professor Sabol’s “infectious passion for engineering and influence on countless professionals is beyond deserving of the title, ‘Vermont 2021 Engineer of the Year.’” Here are the full statements from two of Sabol’s students, past and present:

Alumnus, Ted Gillen, architectural graduateTheodore Gillen, E.I., Class of 2013
BS Architectural Engineering Technology
Associate Engineer, City of Rutland

Scott Sabol has had an immeasurable impact on my life, during my time as student at Vermont Technical College and subsequently throughout my career as an engineer.  He has a passion for educating young engineering minds, extraordinary patience, and an extensive knowledge of a variety of engineering disciplines.  This translated into an academic experience for which I will forever be grateful.  Despite graduating nearly 8 years ago, Scott continues to provide mentorship, gladly returning my phone calls (as recently as two months ago) to offer whatever advice I may be seeking.  There are many reasons why I continue to recommend VTC to students seeking a profession in engineering.  Based on my experiences, having the opportunity to take courses from Professor Sabol is the number one benefit.

Scott’s professional experience alone warrants recognition from his peers.  His infectious passion for engineering and influence on countless young professionals is beyond deserving of the title, “Vermont’s 2021 Engineer of the Year”.  As I previously stated, I’m quite proud of my education, but today I’m proud of my good friend and mentor.  Congratulations Professor Sabol.

Alumna, Schylar Corsones-Brown, architectural graduateSchylar Corsones-Brown, Class of 2021
BS Architectural Engineering Technology
Student Engineering Technician of the Year, 2018-2019

Professor Sabol is not only passionate about the engineering field, but he is also passionate about extending his knowledge and expertise to the students he teaches. The real world experience he brings into the classroom keeps students engaged and inspired. He truly cares about our success, and stops at nothing to ensure we reach our full potential. There is not a time of day that you can email him without getting a reply within a half hour. Professor Sabol has an endless list of responsibilities, yet he somehow is able to make each one feel like the priority. 

I can honestly say, the most important thing Professor Sabol has taught me in my college career is not even related to engineering. In every class, no matter the subject, he encourages us to not let the fear of being wrong stop us from answering his questions. The reason being that answering incorrectly actually ingrains the correct answer in our brains. I am not sure if he realizes what an impact this simple encouragement makes, but it most definitely speaks volumes about his teaching skills. 

Professor Sabol puts his heart, soul, and then some into everything he undertakes. It has been inspiring to witness this over the past four years, and I am beyond thrilled for his hard work to be acknowledged as he is named Vermont’s Engineer of the Year.

Read the full press release from the Vermont Engineers Week below.

Scott A. Sabol, P.E., has been named Vermont’s 2021 Engineer of the Year.  A distinguished academic, researcher, and practitioner, Mr. Sabol has over twenty-five years of experience in the engineering field.  Since 1999, Mr. Sabol, a licensed structural engineer, has been professor of Architectural and Building Engineering Technology at Vermont Technical College, teaching primarily in the bachelor degree program, and is a past chair of the department.  Mr. Sabol has received VTC’s highest faculty awards, the Harry G. Wirtz Master Teacher Award and the Robert Wonkka Award for student advising.  As a founding course developer of the Norwich University online master of civil engineering program, he has also been named a distinguished faculty member in the Norwich University graduate school.   Prior to his academic career, Mr. Sabol worked for the Transportation Research Board in Washington, D.C., and he served as director of the Delaware Transportation Institute.  In his role as an engineering consultant, he has performed research for the Federal Highway Administration and has developed a national strategic plan for the implementation of fiber reinforced polymers into the transportation infrastructure.

In addition to his engineering accomplishments, Mr. Sabol currently serves as a member of the Vermont Board of Professional Engineering, where he holds the position of Secretary.  He is active in many professional and technical societies including, among others, the American Society for Engineering Education, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, and the Vermont Society of Engineers. Mr. Sabol recently began volunteer efforts with the Equity Alliance, a group whose mission includes attracting and retaining a diverse workforce in Vermont.

Mr. Sabol lives in Northfield, VT.

Mr. Sabol will be presented with his award at the annual Engineers Week celebration, which will be held virtually this year on February 25.

Vermont Engineers Week is sponsored annually by the state’s engineering societies, and the Vermont Engineer of the Year award is presented to a licensed professional engineer in Vermont.  Selection of the award winner is made by a committee comprised of the five most recent winners of the Vermont Engineer of the Year award.

 

Vermont Tech Knights Golf in Engineering Society Tournament

Patrick Melvin (BS.EET), Ronnie Corey (AE.MEC), and Quinn Munns (BS.EET) represented Vermont Tech at the annual Vermont Society of Engineers (VSE) Golf Tournament at Cedar Knoll Country Club in Hinesburg, Vermont on September 25, 2020. The annual VSE tournament raises funds for scholarships to engineering students at Vermont Tech, Norwich University, and the University of Vermont. Although most contestants are working engineers, the VSE encourages a student team from each of Vermont’s engineering schools to compete. The prize for the winning student team is a rotating trophy kept in their possession for a year.

Professor Scott A. Sabol, P.E., a VSE member, sponsors the Vermont Tech team’s participation. This year, the students enjoyed a round of golf, good food, and the opportunity to network with engineering professionals. Alas, they did not bring home the trophy (Norwich did), so the rivalry continues for next year.

Student names from past Vermont Tech teams that won the tourney are on display in SHAPE. Former student golfers who return to campus are known to check out their own place in golf history during visits.

2 Students Compete in the EPN 4th Annual Design Charrette

How do you prepare for a competition that gives you nothing to prepare for? Just like the other entrants of the American Institute of Architects’ Emerging Professionals Network (EPN) 4th Annual Design Charrette at Norwich University: anxiety ridden.

William Fretwell and David Woolaver, students in Vermont Tech’s Architectural Engineering Technology major, were more than first-time entrants to the charette — they were pioneers.

Surrounding the two young men were professional architects and twenty student-teams from Middlebury College, Norwich University, and the University of Vermont, to name a few.

“That’s the amazing thing about a design charrette,” Woolaver said, “all you know is you’ll be given 4 hours, and they’ll surprise you with the prompt as soon as you walk in.”

And, as promised, they were surprised.

The prompt? Designing a net-zero neighborhood in an empty 350 foot by 400 foot lot in Hinesburg. The challenge? Multi-income housing, sustainability, shopping, and all the considerations a “green living” neighborhood deserve. Adding to the challenge was that the competition was analog-only — everything had to be done by hand.

Fretwell and Woolaver sketched manically.

“We sketched and sketched, getting ideas out and throwing a lot of them in the trash,” Fretwell said.

vtc design charrette sketching 2

The two Vermont Tech students felt the pressure mounting as the clock ticked.

Four hours is already too short a time to complete the prompt, and starting new ideas, which Fretwell and Woolaver did a few times, can cost you everything. But they persevered. Relying on foundational knowledge, like the Architectural Design and Environmental Systems classes they took at Vermont Tech.

“I tried to apply knowledge I had here (at Vermont Tech) and convert it into an architectural idea,” Woolaver said.

The room was filled with students and professionals rushing to create their visions for the new sustainable neighborhood. The other team’s ideas were going up on boards and sitemaps were coming to life.

There was no time to go back and forth — the two Vermont Tech hopefuls had to solidify their plan.

Fretwell and Woolaver labored over elevation, surrounding structures, terrain, and how to design for the betterment of the planet. The sketches started coming together and their idea took shape — a futuristic one.

The buildings curved around the 350 foot by 400 foot lot and took the prompt’s challenges head-on. Solar panels on the roof, a recycling and water collection building, multi-generation resident housing, and storefronts were factored in with charm.

The end of the competition was spent constructing their model, including accessible parking that doubled as an upper deck patio.

Thirty teams stood against Fretwell and Woolaver — all standing proudly next to their neighborhood models.

Truthfully, no one could complete the whole prompt, which is a clever and strategic part of the challenge. It forces the students to pursue and display only what best represents their plan.

This is where Fretwell and Woolaver shined. The judges saw their vision — earning them 3rd place among the student competitors in the charrette.

“It builds your confidence,” Woolaver said, “this is a big win for us and our major.”

The two Vermont Tech students walked in as anxious pioneers, but like the great knights they are — they walked out victors.

“We’re definitely doing it again next year,” Fretwell said, “and we’re bringing more Vermont Tech students to compete. We’re going to have an even bigger presence!”

Choose Vermont Scholarship Program

Vermont Tech is pleased to announce the 2nd annual Choose Vermont Scholarship program has launched! The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation and 13 Vermont colleges and universities, including Vermont Tech, are partnering in the 2020 Choose Vermont Scholarship Program, which will award $60,000 in scholarship money to students who commit to attend a Vermont school by June 1.  Both out-of-state and Vermont students are eligible to enter.

The program was developed through a partnership across Vermont’s higher education sector to market Vermont as a top destination for attending college.  The campaign targets students already accepted to a Vermont school, encouraging them to take the next step and “Choose Vermont.”

“As we work to grow our workforce and help Vermonters in their careers, our higher education system plays a critical role,” said Governor Phil Scott. “These institutions, however, are feeling the effects of Vermont’s demographic crisis and declining enrollment. It’s a testament to Vermonters’ ingenuity and collaboration that public and private partners are willing to work together to pool marketing resources and highlight the state as an ideal location for higher education.”

“The variety of higher education institutions we have in Vermont makes it a wonderful landscape for attending college. Whether you are looking for a top liberal arts school or learning a trade at a technical school, Vermont has it all,” said Ted Brady, Deputy Secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. “Couple that with tremendous access to outdoor recreation, the arts, and welcoming and vibrant communities, and it all adds up to an incredible place to attend college.”

Students who commit to attend one of the 13 participating Vermont schools between January 1, 2020 and June 1, 2020 and then register at ThinkVermont.com/scholarship will become eligible to win a $5,000 scholarship to their school.  The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation will offer an additional $5,000 scholarship to a student who commits to any of the 13 participating schools.

The inaugural Choose Vermont Scholarship Program was launched in May of 2019, giving away two $5,000 scholarships and drawing over 1,400 entries.  The success of that program led to more scholarship funding from colleges statewide for the 2020 program.

The Choose Vermont Scholarship Program is made possible by Vermont’s participating colleges and universities along with the support of the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, the Association of Vermont Independent Colleges, and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development.

For full details and to find participating schools: https://www.thinkvermont.com/scholarship