Steve WodrichSteve Wodrich

Autobody  Instructor, Transportation  and Welding, City College

An alumnus of the auto collision repair and refinishing program at City College, Steve Wodrich works diligently to give back to the program.

Wodrich took over the program in the spring of 2017 and has been pursuing ways to enhance the program ever since. As head of the only auto body program in the state of Montana, he has developed strong partnerships with local businesses to support the program and his students. Many students in the program have had the opportunity to work at local body shops while attending school, which Wodrich helped facilitate. “Wodrich goes above and beyond to make sure his students receive the opportunities to succeed in their industry while learning about the importance of being a part of something larger than themselves,” one of his City College colleagues notes.

He has impacted the students of City College in other ways as well. Wodrich’s active role in the Montana Collision Repair Association helped create a scholarship fund worth over $17,000. The 2018 Rocky Mountain Trade Show also helped garner more than $40,000 worth of new equipment funding, as well as an additional check for over $29,000. Students were given the opportunity to take part in the trade show by designing and constructing pedal cars with the proceeds benefitting the students’ respective programs.

Wodrich was lead organizer of the Second Annual Auto Body Poker Run last spring. Rounding out the day’s events, Wodrich and his
students presented a refurbished car to a local family in need. The vehicle was repaired by City College students and local shops and vendors in partnership with the National Auto body Council’s Recycled Rides program.

Wodrich goes above and beyond for the benefit of students and success of the program, as demonstrated by the impact he has had as the head of the program during three semesters. His community connections and campus involvement strengthen the program. According to a colleague, “Steve is the ideal faculty member to work with. More than once he has volunteered to come to a recruiting event with me… he is well deserving of this award.”