Northeast Community College has received a generous donation from RDO Truck Center that will significantly enhance hands-on learning for students in its diesel technology program.
The company donated a 13-liter Mack engine equipped with full aftertreatment and an operational automated transmission. The unit includes an original equipment (OE) dash, and all harnesses remain unmodified, providing students with an authentic training experience.
“We are grateful to RDO Truck Center for their commitment to workforce development,” said Brad Ranslem, dean of Applied Technology at Northeast. “This donation ensures our students have access to the latest tools and training that mirror what they’ll encounter in the field.”
This advanced equipment will serve as a real-world diagnostics trainer, supported by RDO’s common software and information systems. By working with industry-standard technology, students will gain practical skills that prepare them for careers in the rapidly evolving diesel industry.
Tony Milenkovich, Northeast diesel technology instructor, said the various components will be able to be worked into several Northeast classes. The 12-speed engine includes an automated transmission, which is easier for the driver but more complicated for mechanics. It also adds to the truck’s longevity and results in better fuel economy.
“It’s what we call automated,” Milenkovich said. “It’s a manual gearbox and it is shifted by computer.”
Valued at $150,000, the donation underscores RDO Truck Center’s dedication to supporting education and strengthening the pipeline of skilled technicians in the region.
Bill McKay, customer service manager of RDO, was at Northeast recently to view the engine trainer and show instructors a new semi-truck that was made by Volvo and is the only semi-truck in the United States that meets all Swedish safety tests.
McKay said RDO wanted to provide Northeast with the latest technology in the industry, with many Northeast graduates working at RDO Truck Centers, including in Norfolk.
“This represents the latest of what is coming off the assembly line,” McKay said. “We looked at this as an opportunity to (keep) the school current.”
For more information about Northeast Community College’s diesel technology program, visit https://northeast.edu/degrees-and-programs/diesel-technology.
RDO Donation
Shown here with a new Mack engine and other accessories for the Northeast Community College Diesel Technology Program are (left row, from left to right) Brad Ranslem, dean of Applied Technology; Colin Stoffel of RDO; Travis Kaup, diesel technology instructor; and Jesse Slosser, diesel technology instructor; (right row, from left to right) Bill McKay of RDO; Tony Milenkovich, diesel technology instructor; Joe Ottis, director of automotive, auto body and diesel technology programs.
