Tulsa Tech Student Success Profiles

By Kristy White
Tulsa Tech

A New Design in the Making

With a love for art, a scholarship to a premier art school and the knowledge to use her talent, 2006 Tulsa Tech graduate Christina Gardner is painting a colorful picture of her future.

Christina Gardner Growing up, Gardner was fascinated by the illustrations in the children’s books her mother read to her. And having an artist for a father gave her the inspiration and the genes to be one, too.

“When I was young I would watch my dad paint saw blades with all kinds of wilderness scenes and wildlife,” said Gardner. “To me he was the greatest artist in the world and I always wanted to be as good as him.”

To better her skills and obtain real-world experience, Gardner decided to take courses at Tulsa Tech. During her junior and senior years at Charles Page High School in Sand Springs, she met advertising design instructor Barbie King and found her niche in cartoon animation.

“Christina is an extremely talented and self-motivated student,” said King. “I wish I had a room full of students like her. She has the whole package and will really make it big in the field.”

Through King’s knowledge and teachings, Gardner entered a scholarship competition for the Art Institute of Dallas. Her entry included a digital animation portfolio of 30 pieces. After a month of hard work she was awarded second place and received a $14,000 scholarship.

“If it weren’t for Ms. King, I wouldn’t be going to the institute. I hope to learn as much as I can and use my drawings to bring people everywhere happiness and show them God’s beauty through my work,” said Gardner.

“If I could say anything to the current Tulsa Tech students it would be to work super hard at everything you do and use every minute to learn and get better. It’s a tough, competitive road in the real world and Tulsa Tech gave me the stepping stones to get started on my journey.”

Flying High on Life

Aviation enthusiast Luke Zsiga is on the runway toward a soaring career – and Tulsa Tech has fueled his potential.

Luke Zsiga A 2005 graduate of Union High School, Zsiga was a student of Tulsa Tech’s aviation maintenance technology program and received his airframe and powerplant (A&P) certification.

He became involved in Skills USA, where his competitive spirit took flight under the direction of Dave VanPapagehem and John Blair. He competed in the stringent Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Skills USA competition and walked away with an impressive roster of wins, including:

2004 – first in state, second in national
2005 – first in state, first in national
2006 – first in state, first in national

“I’ve always been interested in mechanics and aeronautics,” said Zsiga. “I was really interested in the aviation maintenance program because I enjoy working with my hands.”

Rex Niver, Tulsa Tech instructor for adult general courses, served as Zsiga’s advisor during his junior and senior years.

“Luke was the type of student that focused on the important parts and didn’t waste time with things that didn’t matter,” said Niver. “He’s a good student with good morals, and when he puts his mind to something, he excels.”

Zsiga is continuing his education at Oklahoma State University and is majoring in aerospace engineering. Through a Tulsa Tech job posting, he landed a position at the Stillwater Airport fixing airplanes, giving him valuable work experience.

“The aviation industry is really picking back up and the demand for engineers is high,” he said. “With my education, A&P license and experience, I’ll be more marketable. I also hope to earn my pilot’s license and use my talent beyond my career and into the mission field.”

Tulsa Tech Student Success Profiles By Kristy White Tulsa Tech A New Design in the Making With a love for art, a scholarship to a premier art school and the knowledge to use her talent, 2006 Tulsa Tech graduate Christina Gardner is painting a colorful picture of her future. Growing up, Gardner was fascinated by the illustrations in the children’s books her mother read to her. And having an artist for a father gave her the inspiration and the genes to be one, too. “When I was young I would watch my dad paint saw blades with all kinds of wilderness scenes and wildlife,” said Gardner. “To me he was the greatest artist in the world and I always wanted to be as good as him.” To better her skills and obtain real-world experience, Gardner decided to take courses at Tulsa Tech. During her junior and senior years at Charles Page High School in Sand Springs, she met advertising design instructor Barbie King and found her niche in cartoon animation. “Christina is an extremely talented and self-motivated student,” said King. “I wish I had a room full of students like her. She has the whole package and will really make it big in the field.” Through King’s knowledge and teachings, Gardner entered a scholarship competition for the Art Institute of Dallas. Her entry included a digital animation portfolio of 30 pieces. After a month of hard work she was awarded second place and received a $14,000 scholarship. “If it weren’t for Ms. King, I wouldn’t be going to the institute. I hope to learn as much as I can and use my drawings to bring people everywhere happiness and show them God’s beauty through my work,” said Gardner. “If I could say anything to the current Tulsa Tech students it would be to work super hard at everything you do and use every minute to learn and get better. It’s a tough, competitive road in the real world and Tulsa Tech gave me the stepping stones to get started on my journey.” Flying High on Life Aviation enthusiast Luke Zsiga is on the runway toward a soaring career – and Tulsa Tech has fueled his potential. A 2005 graduate of Union High School, Zsiga was a student of Tulsa Tech’s aviation maintenance technology program and received his airframe and powerplant (A&P) certification. He became involved in Skills USA, where his competitive spirit took flight under the direction of Dave VanPapagehem and John Blair. He competed in the stringent Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Skills USA competition and walked away with an impressive roster of wins, including: 2004 – first in state, second in national 2005 – first in state, first in national 2006 – first in state, first in national “I’ve always been interested in mechanics and aeronautics,” said Zsiga. “I was really interested in the aviation maintenance program because I enjoy working with my hands.” Rex Niver, Tulsa Tech instructor for adult general courses, served as Zsiga’s advisor during his junior and senior years. “Luke was the type of student that focused on the important parts and didn’t waste time with things that didn’t matter,” said Niver. “He’s a good student with good morals, and when he puts his mind to something, he excels.” Zsiga is continuing his education at Oklahoma State University and is majoring in aerospace engineering. Through a Tulsa Tech job posting, he landed a position at the Stillwater Airport fixing airplanes, giving him valuable work experience. “The aviation industry is really picking back up and the demand for engineers is high,” he said. “With my education, A&P license and experience, I’ll be more marketable. I also hope to earn my pilot’s license and use my talent beyond my career and into the mission field.”

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