Midwestern College former site now a state run job center.
Driving west on highway 30 toward Denison the rise of Opportunity Drive across the broader horizon is unavoidable. You’ll be surprised how recognizable it is across forty years. The Denison Jobs Corps occupies the former site of Midwestern and like the College is a bustling educational center. If you’re in town make a call to the site director to arrange a visit. After signing in you’ll be greeted by the director and staff which occupy offices in the former Administration Building. You’ll find everyone welcoming and interested in your story.
Job Corps is the nation’s largest career technical and education program for young people of at least 16 years of age. A voluntary program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, Job Corps provides eligible young men and women with an opportunity to gain the experience they need to begin a career or advance to higher education. For more information about the Job Corps program at a national level, please visit their Official Public Web Site.
The Denison Jobs Corps is part of the Chicago region which oversees the operation of centers located through the upper Midwest. There are approximately 140 Jobs Corps centers in the nationwide program and the Denison location consistently achieves high student success rankings.There are nine occupational career programs including Environmental Green Hero offered at the center serving approximately 300 students.
Managing a facility like the Denison Jobs Corp requires a diligent thorough director at the helm. While operating under the watchful eye of neighbors it’s a position where responsibilities demand a watchful eye over students possibly in need of supervision. It’s not unlike a group home situated in a community where everything occurs under someone’s microscope. Complementing the managerial style Denison is fortunate to have an efficient staff dedicated to improving lives of young people.
During my visit two students were assigned to give me a campus tour. I enjoyed their enthusiasm and appreciated their attention but soon gave them a tour of my personal recollection. We spoke of the visit by the Omaha branch of The Black Panther Party and the debate that never was. They enjoyed hearing of Al Ruscio leading a sterling cast of students in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” I was surprised to learn that the theater has no backstage and marveled that costume and set changes were flawlessly done, outside in the cold and under the stars. Flashbacks are to be expected. Can you remember Ann Sward strumming a guitar on the walkway outside Marten dorm singing “Leaving on a Jet Plane”. Someone had lit a fire in an open top barrel, and the purple red hues of a late winter sunset framed the memory of swaying students watching at open windows. Whew!
The dorms have been refurbished and rooms now have individual bathrooms. A gym and recreational center was built on the former parking lot, with other construction planned. When I thought of kite flying off the hill above that building I knew it was time to go. You’ll be pleased to see the former campus being well used and for good purpose.