Hard work and dedication have paid off for a Southwestern Illinois College Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration student.

Donald Rommerskirchen of Highland was chosen by the college’s HVAR program for the Head of Class award. Presented by tool supplier, Malco, the award recognizes perfect attendance, class participation and a willingness to learn. All candidates are top students recommended by instructors.

“This is a great program,” he said. “You learn from a variety of instructors who have a wide variety of expertise and experience working on residential and commercial equipment.”

Rommerskirchen, who retired from a career in maintenance at a correctional facility, hopes to open his own HVAR business when he graduates at the end of the summer. His goal is to install and repair HVAR equipment at an affordable price.

“He’s a really dedicated student,” said HVAR Program Coordinator Keith Otten. “I can always count on him to help instructors in class and help other students who are just starting out.”

SWIC offers a two-year, 72-semester-credit Associate in Applied Science degree and a one-year, 45-semester-credit certificate in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.

 For more information on the SWIC HVAR program, call Otten at 618-931-0600, ext. 5175 or visit https://www.swic.edu/academics/career-degrees/hvacr/.