Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - Ubersox Chrysler Inc. is helping the University of Wisconsin-Platteville continue and grow its Traveling Technology program through the donation of the use of a truck. Traveling Technology is designed to increase enrollment in the department of industrial studies manufacturing program and introduce high school students to the manufacturing industry.

"We felt it was a good thing to do. If we can help, why not help," said Mike Ubersox, owner of Ubersox Chrysler Inc. of Platteville.

Kyle Metzloff, professor of metal technology takes four students to high schools around the tri-state area for a one-day workshop as part of Traveling Technology. They bring an electric kiln and safety gear with them. During the workshop, students watch and participate in casting demonstrations. They also get information about the UWP industrial studies program and career opportunities in manufacturing. The truck will be used to tow the trailer that will carry the kiln and gear.

Over 100 students came to the first demonstration at Dodgeville High School in October 2008. "Kyle was extremely knowledgeable. I would absolutely recommend this program to other high schools. A lot of schools don't have anything like this to expose students to manufacturing and careers in manufacturing," said John Moran, technology education teacher at Dodgeville High School.

Before the truck use donation, Metzloff used his own vehicle. "We had no way of towing the trailer with our (UWP's) vehicles. We needed something with enough towing capacity that would fit all our students. I really appreciate the use of the truck," said Metzloff.

The Ubersox trucks that Metzloff can use are all crew cabs that seat six people with a towing capacity of 8,000 pounds.

Ubersox said that the donation also benefits his business by giving it recognition and building relations with UWP. "I feel fortunate to be in a college town. It was nice to give back. I hope some people at the college will work with us in the future," said Ubersox.

Anyone wanting more information about or to contribute to the Traveling Technology program may contact Metzloff at (608) 342-1142 or metzlofk@uwplatt.edu. Anyone wanting more information about the truck donation may contact Jackie Bevan, development officer for the UWP Foundation, at (608) 342-1864 or zimmermanj@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Jackie Bevan, development officer, UWP Foundation, (608) 342-1864, zimmermanj@uwplatt.edu Written by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu