Friday, March 29th, 2024
Categories
Who Makes Millersville Special

George Kerekgyarto

This issue of the Exchange features Dr. George Kerekgyarto, associate professor of industry and technology at Millersville University.

Q: How long have you been teaching at Millersville University?

A: 21 years

Q: What school(s) did you attend? What did you major in?

A: I attended Millersville for a bachelor’s in industrial arts education, which is now called technology education. I got my master’s from the University of Northern Colorado in industrial education and went for my doctorate in industrial education also at Northern Colorado.

Q: Did you always want to be a professor?

A: No, I really did not have my sights set on teaching but at the time, to get a degree from Millersville you had to get it in teaching.

Q: What makes the industry & technology department at Millersville University special?

A: This department is one of the few in the country that still requires students to spend a lot of time problem solving through the use of laboratory experiences. We have a great faculty with diverse educational backgrounds and enjoy working one-on-one with our students. Getting to know our students is a priority in this department.

Q: How many courses do you typically teach per semester?

A: Our load is three per semester since they are laboratory-based.

Q: One course you teach, ITEC 535, Advanced Problems: Watercraft Design/Construction, where students construct their own kayaks, has become widely popular – for students and the media alike – why did you decide to teach this course?

A: Presenting students with a challenge that they have never faced before is rewarding. They have a great experience learning new concepts and are able to draw on the skills they have and apply them toward the challenge. They not only face new methods and procedures but new materials as well.  As an instructor, you can’t ask for more. The end result is seeing students look at their kayak in disbelief that they alone have made something that they can kayak into the sunset.

please install flash

Q: How do you feel this course challenges the students?

A: Problem solving, problem solving. It forces them to think 10 steps ahead.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of the kayak course?

A: Taking them out on the river for the first time.

Q: Are you still planning on taking a version of the kayak course beyond Millersville, extending the experience to others? If so, where does that idea stand?

A: I would love to teach a more community-oriented class for anyone who would like to build one. I’m working on a location and hope to offer some classes soon.

Q: What is your family’s connection to the George Street Café?

A: My wife owns the George Street Café, which is a coffee shop and deli, and College Coffee Roasters, which is a regional roaster in Pennsylvania.

Q: Is it nice having your wife close to where you work?

A: Yes, we often have lunch together if we have time, but being able to see her if I need to touch base for business or fun is wonderful.

Q: What is your favorite activity to do together?

A: Relaxing, reading and cooking.

Q: How many animals do you currently have?

A: We have two cats and one dog.

Q: What was your first job?

A: My very first job was washing cars. I got $1 a car. But my first teaching job was Boiling Springs High School in South Middleton Twp., Pa.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: Lancaster County, Manor Township.

Q: What is one thing you are passionate about?

A: Building kayaks.

Q: If you could make one thing out of wood that you have not already constructed, what would it be? Why?

A: That’s hard to say. I love making things in wood but I don’t need anything. It’s the challenge I like.

Q: Have advancements in technology changed the way your field is run? If so, what are a positive result and a negative result of this change?

A: Yes, technology has had an impact. Much of what we do today is computer-assisted. In many respects, the technology makes things more accurate and somewhat easier. The down side to that is keeping up with the technology in terms of new hardware and software. In the times of today, the cost factor is always something that must be considered.

Q: I am told you have taken some interesting vacations – such as eco-vacations – can you tell me about this?

A: Yes, I am a big fan of St. Johns in the Caribbean. St. Johns is part of the Virgin Islands and most of it was designated a National Park during the Clinton years to protect the coral. I stayed in the very first eco resort, Maho Bay, which after this year will lose its lease, and the land will probably be sold for the development of a resort. That is a shame because it is one of the most beautiful spots in the Caribbean.

Q: So I take it you are eco-friendly? What other ways have you gone green?

A: I use water-based finishes as much as possible. I recycle where I can, and I would love to own an electric car. I recently read about a student in Oregon who took his grandfather’s VW and converted it to an electric car. May have to look into that.

Q: What one life lesson, either taught to you or learned from personal experience, will you never forget?

A: Always have options. Life’s full of choices so you might as well be in position to take advantage of them if you can.

Leave a Reply