Washburn Tech was proud to honor our Outstanding Advisory Committee members at the Spring 2026 Advisory Committee Dinner. Dean Scott Smathers (left) and Dr. John Fritch, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs (right) is shown with our first recipient, Odell Giner, a talented chef at Prairie Band Resort and Casino. For the past four years, Chef Odell has been an extraordinary force on our Culinary Advisory Board, going above and beyond in every possible way. His dedication to our students is nothing short of inspiring—he has faithfully served as a judge for every single midterm and final practical for our secondyear students, never missing a moment. He has welcomed our students into his workplace for tours and demonstrations, bringing their education to life through meaningful, real-world experiences. Most recently, he extended his impact even further by hiring one of our graduates and helping guide a new student into our program — where they are now thriving. Chef Odell's passion, generosity, and unwavering commitment truly change lives, and we are honored to celebrate him today.
Our second award is especially meaningful, as it recognizes not just one individual, but an outstanding team whose impact has been nothing short of transformative — North Topeka Fabrication, along with their incredible employees Josh Barbery, Ryan Junke, and Scott Lee. Their partnership with our welding program has been extraordinary. Through generous material donations, consistent support, and open collaboration, they have demonstrated a deep and genuine commitment to our students' success. Their remarkable gift of a press brake — paired with the time and expertise they invested in training both students and instructors — has elevated our program in powerful and lasting ways. Because of their generosity, our students are gaining new skills, expanding their horizons, and stepping confidently into a wider world of career opportunities.
Thank you to all of our Advisory Committee members for the great guidance you provide to our staff, instructors and students.
