LINN  — State Tech VP of External Relations Shannon Grus is expecting a full house and then some at this year’s two day Career Expo on Feb. 13 and 14.

“I’m excited to say that we’re trying something new this year,” said Grus, noting that last year, State Tech had to turn away more than 40 companies on a waitlist as the expo maxed at 300. “This year, we worked with academic affairs to make this a two-day Career Expo with four sessions. Each day will be a different group of students, except for directing and design, because they are unique.”

With more than 400 employer booths signed up for the event, State Tech will be at about 75% capacity and 70 companies higher than last year. “That’s really impressive, and there’s still two more weeks to register for that,” said Grus at the January meeting.

• Grus praised Career Services Sector Director Scott Peters. He has worked tirelessly to grow the event for our students. There was a lot of data to go through to match students with career opportunities. “It’s not as easy as you think. There’s a lot of crossover employers recruiting our students. In addition to the growth in the Career Expo, ” said Grus, the college has secured $174,000 in sponsorships, well above last year’s total of $90,000. “We have seen great growth. Dr. Strong challenged our office to fill the Activity Center with banners, and I believe that except for the corners, we hope the building will be filled. That’s exciting.”

• Grus noted the State Tech Foundation Golf Tournament this year raised $65,000. “Nicole Engelbrecht has done a fantastic job with that,” said Grus. “It has become the popular golf tournament to get into and continues to grow each year.”

• The department can again proudly report a 99% career placement rate.

• Peters has hosted over 40 Lunch & Learn events for students with industry partners and potential employers.

• The Dollar Up program continues to grow and has brought in $18,000 so far this year.

• The Employee Campaign just finished up for this year, bringing in $14,996 of pledges the foundation will receive in 2024.

• Total Foundation assets have grown significantly over the past five years, totaling $3,768,389 as of Jan. 1.

• The endowment value increased as well for FY23 and was $635,253.

• The MO One Start program procured $1,031,550 in contracts for customized training.

• The MOAmp Grant will be wrapping up at the end of this school year and is on track to achieve all of their goals for completion.