INA, Ill. (May 16, 2022) — Garrett Howell hasn’t forgotten where he started his journey.
The 2016 graduate of Rend Lake College’s Automotive Technology program is now a Power Gen Diagnostic Domain Architect for the CPS Diagnostics division of Cummins, Inc. in Columbus, Ind.
Rend Lake College graduate Garrett Howell recently gave back to the program that moved him forward in the field. Howell (CENTER) is pictured with Automotive Technology Professors Nigel Thompson (LEFT) and Shannon Perkins (RIGHT).
“When I was going to the Rend Lake College Automotive program they were always looking for ways to improve … by getting training equipment.”
Being the fixer that he is, Howell, a Centralia native, reached out to the Cummins Foundation to see if there was anything that could be done.
“[It’s] a foundation within Cummins Inc. that allows employees to get engaged with the community … by helping out colleges or businesses,” Howell explained. “The Rend Lake College Automotive program is a great automotive program. The program might not have all the fancy tools, but the instructors truly care about their students.”
Howell’s application was approved for a $5,000 grant. He contacted the Cummins training department to inquire about trainer engines for sale.
“They had an engine for $7,000”, he said. “They told me they would love to help out a community college and gave the engine to us for $5,000.”
Procuring a $7,000 engine for students to train on would have been enough. But Howell’s heart for the RLC Auto program is bigger than that.
He met with college President Terry Wilkerson, Professors Nigel Thompson and Shannon Perkins, and the advisory council RLC works with on programming for Automotive Technology. This group is made up of professionals in the industry who offer their expertise to better the curriculum and training at the college.
It was decided that a new certificate should be developed.
“This is going to be a great opportunity for the students to get some real-time diagnostics on a diesel engine,” Howell said.
“Along with the diesel trainer engine, students will have access to the Cummins online training used by their network of diesel technicians,” said Thompson. “We will be adding a Cummins diesel maintenance and emission/drivability class elective in our automotive program curriculum. It will provide our students with skills needed on today’s diesel technology. Upon completion of the class, students will receive a Cummins certificate.”
“Training students in a CTE field can be challenging at times with all the evolving changes in technology and equipment,” said RLC Dean of Applied Science and Advanced Technology Gabriele Farner. “We take pride in preparing our students for the workforce. Gifts like the trainer engine help make this possible through enhancing the real-world applications students experience in the lab environment.
“We would like to thank Cummins and Garrett for the awesome donation,” Thompson added. “Garrett was an outstanding, hard-working student and currently serves as our auto advisory chairperson. In addition to being a hard-working Cummins employee, he’s a dedicated family man and outstanding person.”
Howell called RLC’s program “the best kept secret in Southern Illinois” that’s a “great opportunity for students that want to learn more about automotive.
“The time I got with the instructors and other staff that assisted me was so valuable,” he said. “I thought if I was able to help out Rend Lake College … help future students in the automotive program, why not try?”
Feeling inspired by Howell’s gift through Cummins Inc.? Contact the division below to see what you can do.
Applied Science and Advanced Technology Division
Programs: Agriculture, Agricultural Business, Agricultural Production & Management, Agricultural Mechanics, Architectural Technology, Automotive Technology, Business, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Criminal Justice, Diesel Technology, Entrepreneurship, Facilities Management, Heavy Equipment Technology, Industrial Technology, Industrial Electronics and Maintenance Technician, Information Technology Database Specialist, Information Technology Security Specialist, Machining Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Mining, Office Systems Technology, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Visual Communication Design, Welding.
Allied Health Division
Programs: American Heart Association Training Center, Associate Degree Nursing, Barber, Certified Nurse Assistant, Cosmetology , Emergency Medical Technician, EMT-Paramedic, Esthetics, Medical Assistant, Medical Coding, Nail Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy, Radiology, Veterinary Assistant.
Arts & Sciences Division
Programs: Communication, Engineering, Foreign Languages, Health, Humanities, Math, Physical Education, Science, Social Sciences, Performing and Visual Arts, Pre-Professional Education (Med/Vet/Pharm).
Community & Corporate Education Division
Programs: Early Childhood Education, Education, Culinary Arts, Truck Driver Training.
