The 40-year old distance learning school has been part of NHRAW’s commitment to provide low-cost, easy-to-access training for everyone in the HVACR industry, says the association. The award was made during the recent 56th annual NHRAW conference.

In making the presentation, outgoing Education Committee chairman Jim Woodruff noted to attendees that “We in this industry, and really, people most everywhere today realize the need for continuing education. As an association, NHRAW has been unique in the depth to which we members recognize this obligation, and in how early we began to do something about it through schools and later home study.”

Wirtz is a full time professor at Columbus State Community College. He began helping the Home Study Institute in 1987. Being named Dean of Industry Education was in recognition of his work in editing for accuracy and structure hundreds of test questions in a dozen courses while grading and evaluating over 35,000 tests. He regularly reviewed course content and used his real-world technical knowledge to assure the practical nature of the association’s material was maintained.

Wirtz is consultant to the Education Committee’s successful Guest Educator program and hosts the educators invited to NHRAW’s annual conference. He also serves on the newly formed Wilder Foundation as the academic trustee.

Locally in Columbus, OH, he often conducts free training classes for contractors and wholesalers. He helped develop a tuition contract between students and employers. He has conducted numerous field trips for his students, and makes golf clubs and donates them for industry events.

Publication date: 12/23/2002