ICC Program, Student Named Best In Nation By Cummins Engine Company
Posted on November 5th, 2004

The Diesel Powered Equipment Technology Program (DPET) at Illinois Central College was selected the top diesel tech program in the country by Cummins Engine Company, and ICC graduate Josh Daugherty, Roanoke, was named one of four top diesel students in the nation.

Cummins Engine Company, with global headquarters in Columbus, Indiana, developed the program to recognize the top diesel tech programs and top four students in North America. Cummins’ 19 distributors from throughout North America reviewed applications from the diesel tech programs and students in their regions. Each distributor then selected its top program and top student. These applications were then forwarded to Cummins corporate headquarters for final selection.

The DPET program at ICC offers students a working knowledge of the techniques and skills necessary for employment in agricultural, industrial-construction, and heavy truck service centers. Students of the program are employed in dealer service centers during the fall and spring semester of their sophomore year for 16 weeks of on-the-job training.

The ICC Program was selected best in the nation based on a number of criteria. Some of which include: program curriculum, facilities, instructors credentials, student enrollment and retention, training aids, and equipment, student leadership activities, student participation in industry-relevant extra curricular activities, and the use of Cummins training programs and products. For the honor, ICC will receive $10,000 toward the purchase of any Cummins training aids, tolls and software. The college plans to apply the award toward the purchase of an ISX 02 engine training module.

Representatives from Cummins came to the ICC East Peoria Campus to present the award and tour the DPET facilities and campus. Bryan Rathert, Executive Director of Service Cummins Power Care, said the industry as a whole is experiencing a severe shortage of qualified service professionals. “We at Cummins Engine Company wanted to recognize a diesel tech program that provides its local community with a quality product, and the ICC program has demonstrated that,” Rathert said. “After touring the ICC campus, meeting administration, members of the ICC Board of Trustees, local dealers, and program alumni, we knew we made the right choice.”