On Tuesday May 10th, 2022, Gateway Community & Technical College honored Duke Energy
and Normand and Lisa Desmarais at the Gateway to Greatness Awards Luncheon at Odd
Fellows Hall in Covington.
Duke Energy was selected for the recognition due to the company’s long-standing partnership
with the College and its support of the Lineworker Technician Certificate Program,
Northern Kentucky’s only 16-week lineworker training program. Upon completion of the
program, certificate earners are launched into a well-paying, growing career field.
The line technician program was developed and launched in 2020 to address the local
labor shortage in the field. Close to 50 students have already earned their line tech
certificate since Spring of 2020 and obtained employment. The College has seen a steady
enrollment increase in the lineworker program since its launch.
Students who complete the accelerated program and earn their certificate can advance
into the field with the skills, knowledge, safe work practices, and physical ability
required to become a line technician apprentice. Dr. Fernando Figueroa, President
of the Gateway Community & Technical College said, “Duke Energy’s partnership with
Gateway is only one example of their overall commitment to the community of Northern
Kentucky and to its people, especially those who look to upskill and contribute to
the economic vitality of this region.”
“Duke Energy is honored to receive this award and we are grateful for Gateway Community
& Technical College’s commitment to our region’s future workforce. Duke Energy has
partnered with Gateway for decades, supporting its lineworker training program. This
program is a valuable resource, creating meaningful opportunities in the utility industry
for many students in our region,” said Ms. Amy Spiller, president, Duke Energy, Ohio
and Kentucky region.
In addition to Duke Energy, Normand and Lisa Desmarais were also honored at the Luncheon
for their contributions and support for Gateway College and the Northern Kentucky
Community. Mr. Desmarais, who served on the Gateway Community and Technical College
Foundation Board has been an avid advocate for education, having served on NKU Board
of Directors, and as a board member of Northern KY Tri-Ed.
Mrs. Lisa Desmarais currently serves as the KCTCS Board of Regents Chair. Both have
had a long-standing commitment to Northern Kentucky region through their community
involvement. The first woman to pilot and command an American spacecraft, astronaut
Eileen Collins, retired Air Force pilot and flight instructor, and former NASA Shuttle
Pilot was the keynote speaker at the Luncheon. Collins began her education at a community
college before earning her advanced degrees from Syracuse and Stanford Universities.
