GALLERY: Washburn Tech donates 33rd car
Glorianna Noland, Advertising Manager|May 16, 2022
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The minivan sits underneath cloth and a ribbon for the grand unveiling. The 2007 Chrysler Town & Country marks the 33rd car donated by Washburn Tech through the Recycled Rides program.
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The 2007 Chrysler Town & Country sits nearly complete. The vehicle was privately donated rather than provided by an insurance company, as has been case for all cars donated to Recycled Rides at Washburn Tech since 2019.
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Alex Cassatt (right) and instructor John Graham (left) investigate the damage on the passenger door. Washburn Tech has donated 33 cars to date, with the 2007 Chrysler Town & Country being the most recent.
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Alex Cassatt preps the car for finishing touches before the event. Cassatt was one of the students present in the selection committee to choose the recipient.
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The tech program receives accolades in SkillsUSA through Recycled Rides. Students returned from the state SkillsUSA competition a week prior to the event May 3 with high hopes for winning gold in various categories.
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Jerry Farley fist pumps as he is called to speak by Michael Strohschein. This event marked the last time Farley will be present at Recycled Rides as Washburn University’s president.
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Cheilese Thomas speaks about her gratitude for those that spent their time on the car. She had been receiving transportation from friends, family and even coworkers and bosses prior to this day.
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Jessica Lehnherr, president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Topeka, speaks at the event. The Untied Way of Greater Topeka helped facilitate the event by assisting the selection committee in their decision of the recipient.
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Michael Strohschein (left), John Graham (middle) and Eric Showalter (right) listen to Farley’s speech. Washburn Tech has donated 33 cars since 2011.
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Michael Strohschein, interim dean at Washburn Institute of Technology, speaks about the importance of the car and program. Washburn Tech has been donating cars through the Recycled Rides program since 2011.
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Eric Showalter talks about the importance of mechanics in the community. He communicated that this industry cares about people and the people in the cars that they give away.
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Students from various programs listen to Showalter’s speech. Showalter has been the driving force of Washburn Tech’s involvement of Recycled Rides since 2011.
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John Graham, a new instructor for Washburn Tech’s Auto Collision and Repair program, speaks about the event. The event took place May 3 in Building K of Washburn Tech’s main campus.
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Jerry Farley greets the crowd and praises the hard work put into the event. The event took place May 3 in Building K, which was the last time that Farley will be present for the event as Washburn University’s president.
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Interim Dean Michael Strohschein and students prepare for the grand unveiling. The Recycled Rides event took place May 3 in Building K.
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Students, faculty, administration and members of the community unveil the car. The repair of the car was a semester-long project of the program.
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Technical instructor Eric Showalter gives Cheilese Thomas her new key. Showalter and his students worked hard to get the vehicle ready before May 3.
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Cheilese Thomas flashes her new keys. Thomas has had her fair share of vehicle troubles prior to receiving the 2007 Chrysler Town & Country.
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Cheilese Thomas speaks with administration. Thomas was the recipient of the 2007 Chrysler Town & Country.
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Cheilese Thomas (middle) poses with president Jerry Farley. Thomas was the chosen recipient for the 33rd vehicle given away through the Recycled Rides program at Washburn Tech.
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