As Glenn Evans looked out over the crowd of anxioux students, he remembered sitting nervously in that same  audience, eighteen years earlier.   Dressed well, in a nice suit, he nodded knowingly to the Palmer Job Corps students, “I know it’s hard.  But you have to finish.  It will make all the difference.”

Alaska Job Corps students listened carefully to Glenn’s authentic words.  They were receptive, envisioning themselves in ten years–with a trail of successes behind them.   Students saw themselves, standing proud, like Glenn, and remembering their days at Job Corps fondly.

 Glenn is now a very successful business man and a major player in Alaska’s refrigeration and mechanical world.  From Wasilla, Glenn graduated from the Alaska Job Corps Center in 1994.  He completed the Facilities Maintenance program and went on to attend Mat-Su College, where he earned an Associates Degree in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. After college, Glenn worked in the refrigeration field with Ferguson Enterprises and was later hired on with Mechanical Sales, Incorporated. Glenn is an Alaska Commercial Sales Associate and has been with Mechanical Sales, Incorporated for over 10 years.  

Glenn founded the Mat-Su College Chapter of the Student American Society for Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers and has also served as President of the Anchorage Chapter.  Outside of work, Glenn coaches youth basketball and is a proud parent of four children, all of whom have graduated high school and in college.  This shows full generational improvement and  success.

The Feburary 10 graduation recognized thirty students.  Graduates have secured jobs at Southcentral Foundation, Doyon Utilities, Doyon Universal, H & R Block, Carr’s Safeway, Pizza Gallery.  A number of students are going into advanced training at the Matanuska Susitna College and Overhead Linesman Training at the Gary Job Corps Center in San Marcos Texas.  The Alaska Job Corps Center is operated by Chugach Alaska Corporation.   

Here is the complete list of Alaska Job Corps programs, graduates and their home towns:

Accounting Services:   Sarah G. Beasley (Big Lake); Mikayla J. Engler (Wasilla);  Cody J. Lewis (Kwigillingok); Breanna D. Mann (Anchorage) 

Computer Technician: Sean W. Isley (Palmer); Allen R. Browning (Anchorage); Megan M.Davis (Palmer) 

Office Administration: Tekoa N. Dumpson (Anchorage); Khrista L. Harris (Anchorage);

Carpentry: Kenneth W. Blunka (New Stuyahok); Antonio D. Thomas (Anchorage);                

Electrical: Cody K. Botelho (Wasilla); Nestor C. Carillo (Lebanon, Oregon); Johnnie M. Jausoro (Palmer); Jordin D. Minard (Anchorage); Sergei N. Prokoshev (Delta Junction); Joshua M. Vanloan (Kenai);   Michael J. Walker (Anchorage)         

Facilities Maintenance: Colin J. Davis (Anchorage); Luis A. Portillo (Kodiak);

Heavy Equipment: Chanon D. Caruthers (Big Lake); Cassandra N. Wilson (Anchorage)                       

Culinary Arts: Dezzarea D. Delkittie (Nondalton);Mercedes N. Hutchens (Soldotna); Antonio A. Jones (Anchorage); Bruce L. Lee (Anchorage); David J. O’Neill (Palmer); Rachel F. Saffran (Anchorage); Dutch K. Uele (Palmer)                   

Human Services: Natalia S. Andrew (New Stuyahok); Michelle A. Cook (Wasilla);Samantha L. Keech(Anchorage):Kandis J. Tate (Nome/Palmer)             

Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide: Susanne Ayaprun (Kipnuk); Kelsey L. Gamechuk (Manokotak); Celest N. Humphrey (Anchorage);  Kathlene A. Larson   (Koliganek); Shantel A. Moran (Anchorage/Brooklyn New York); Rebekah R. Ratcliff Palmer

Water/Wastewater Treatment: Kathryn A. Childs (Skwentna); Jessie M. Fox(Anchorage/Takotna); Andrew W. Wilson (Anchorage)