Cole Warner is the absolute definition of a well-rounded college success story.

Cole, holding VU associate degrees in Automotive Technology '14 and Welding Technology '16 along with a Welding Technology Certificate '15, built a successful career and now serves as a Plant Manager for Lippert Components’ Chassis Division. However, his VU experience was about more than academics.

From racing electric go-karts with the EV Motorsports Club to energizing the crowd on the cheer squad, Cole embraced every opportunity. He served as a resident assistant, assistant hall director, intramural referee, and Student Ambassador - all while becoming a regular on the intramural sports scene. Cole didn’t just go to college. He transformed VU into his perfect springboard.

In this Alumni Spotlight Q&A, Cole reflects on his rich VU experiences plus shares an innovative idea for a VU marketing campaign.

Q: Why did you choose VU for your education? 

“VU gave me college experience for the degrees I was looking to study. It was a good balance of a big school and technical college, but you didn't get lost in a 300-person lecture class.”

Q: Tell us about your academic pursuits.

“I was dead set on working on cars and possibly owning my own shop someday. I started at VU in Automotive Technology with the plan to do collision repair. After about the third semester, I realized Welding was going to be my path. I tried to do Machining at the same time as Welding, but both of those classes had a large class load. After one semester of doing both, I decided Welding was more what I liked to do. I enjoyed working on cars and Machining, but welding and building possibly large structures was what I wanted to do.”

Q: Tell us more about your VU journey.

“While taking classes, I was always looking for a way to get involved. That is what got me into residential life, intramurals, and student ambassadors. I enjoyed attending as many sporting events as I could! Freshman year, the baseball field was still on campus so you could swing by and catch a few innings between classes. That led me to join the cheer squad with friends because why not toss some people in the air!”

Q: Who had the biggest impact on your VU education?

“Many of the professors I had. It wasn't just the degree-specific professors. All the automotive professors had a good way of teaching and helping everyone understand the basics and the more in-depth knowledge. I remember my professor Beverly Burch in English. She helped keep the topics interesting that we were writing papers about. It was always hard to see the long-term purpose of writing, but now I'm glad I had that class! In Welding, Mike Hastings had the most influence on my career today. I had the opportunity to work for Lippert to train welders out of college. His knowledge and understanding of the real world and teaching helped make that program a success.”

Q: How did VU prepare you for your career?

“VU got me ready for the constant state of change in the workforce. Constantly looking for better ways to do tasks or jobs and helping to bring things together in a different way. After the training grant was over with Lippert, they brought me on full-time to train new hires. This meant we had to revamp the training program! Then Covid came along, and we had to revamp the training program again! Being adaptive to change during those times was very beneficial. I attained my CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) through the AWS (American Welding Society) after college. This helped to grow my knowledge of welding and Code books. Most of the test was a breeze because the education at VU was thorough.”

Q: What advice would you give to current VU and prospective students?

“Life is what you make of it. Any job, any career path, is what you make it. Figure out where you want to go and make the most of it. You will look back on those times fondly! College is a fresh start. Be you. Could have a marketing campaign there! VU - Be You!”

Q: Why is VU special?

“VU is a place where I met some lifelong friends. People that are great members of their communities. They are also great parents and friends.”

Q: Please describe your experiences with VU clubs and organizations.

“I was a part of the EV motorsports club. We had an electric go-cart that we raced at Purdue and Indy.  I was also on the cheer squad from 2014 to 2015. I was a resident assistant and an assistant resident hall director. I also helped as a referee for intramural sports. I played as many intramural sports as I could. Football, basketball, wrestling, beach volleyball, and softball. I spent three years as a student ambassador helping with orientation.”

Q: Share your memories of campus life.

“The connections with residents and other people in your hall are the best thing about campus life. Most of the people show up not knowing anyone. Then you make connections with the people around you from all walks of life.”

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