Page 14 - World of Welding Summer 2022

The Spotlight is on You!

Ruth Clark – Finance Director Blaine Lowry – Skill Welding Instructor
Ruth has been with Hobart Institute of Welding Technology for eighteen Blaine Lowry is a Skill Welding Instructor as well as being instrumental
years. As Finance Director she is responsible for all accounting and in developing and writing curriculum for some courses at the Institute. He
reporting functions for the Institute as well as managing Information has been employed with the school for almost 8 years. Prior to coming
Technology and Bookstore Operations and respective staff. Prior to to Hobart Institute, Blaine served in the United States Marine Corps as a
coming to HIWT, Ruth worked in accounting, finance and operations at Welder and also worked as a Machinist and a Welder/Fabricator in the
several manufacturing facilities including Hobart Brothers Co. public sector. During Blaine’s time here has been cross trained in almost all

Ruth enjoys her job in an educational facility because she likes seeing skill training courses and can teach every process.
students who are excited to succeed and complete their program. While Blaine enjoys his position as a skill instructor and gains satisfaction
she says she is not face to face with them all the time, seeing them on knowing his efforts positively impacts a student’s career. “It is extremely
campus always keeps things interesting and lively. When asked what rewarding to see a student go from not really knowing anything about a
she likes about her specific job, she stated “Although most people might certain welding process, to obtaining an AWS® QC-7 certification”, stated
think that accounting would be rather boring or too detailed, it has been Blaine. “Sometimes they get really excited, and you can tell they are
incredibly challenging, especially that last several years. Because we enormously proud of themselves. Our students work hard and helping them
are a small Institute, this position gets involved in many aspects of the get better at their chosen career is awesome.” Blaine also enjoys writing
organization, not just accounting and finance. I like being involved in the new curriculum. “Seeing it come full circle from concept, to research,
big picture and working with others to ensure the success of our students writing the material and then teaching the class is amazing. The students
and the Institute. I also feel that we have a great team of employees at get to learn something new, maybe being the first students to ever take
HIWT, and I enjoy working with them. that class at the Institute and are motivated to learn. It is a great feeling
If Ruth could go back to when she first made the decision to get into knowing I was involved in that training.”
accounting, she would tell herself to “Trust your instincts. There are times Blaine said he would not change his career for anything in the world.
when you must make a decision that will impact many areas or that you Although he did not make the career decision to go into welding – the
may not be comfortable with. Although experience definitely helps, you Marine Corps made it for him – he is thankful to be in the career he is in.
need to trust the little voice in your head.” For those considering a career He said those considering a career in welding should never stop learning
in accounting she thinks it is important to get some work experience in and to always volunteer for as many opportunities as you can. “One never
the field before finishing your education as it will help to ensure that you knows when volunteering will lead to something amazing” as it has for
like the work and give you an idea of what type of accounting interests him.
you the most.
In his spare time, Blaine enjoys spending time with his wife and two
In her spare time, Ruth enjoys walking, cycling, reading camping and children, playing games with his kids, and collecting comic books and toys.
traveling.

2022 SUMMER ISSUE www.welding.org 14 RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS