Donations help expand FVCC Trades Institute to meet workforce demand

Three recent donations to the Flathead Valley Community College Trades Institute will significantly help expand opportunities for career and technical education students while helping meet Montana’s growing demand for skilled workers in the trades. 

Together, each of these donors provides funding for the first phase to expand the current facility, renovate existing spaces and support student scholarships that increase access to trades education. Mike Kartsonis donated $100,000, Bill and Sue Schottelkorb donated $400,000 and Gil and Joyce Lynch donated $3 million.  

“Workforce education is essential to the success of our community. We are grateful for these donors,” said FVCC President Jane Karas. “Thanks to their generosity, FVCC will be able to enhance learning environments and expand our response to workforce needs, preparing FVCC students for careers that support the businesses and industries of Northwest Montana.” 

The FVCC Trades Institute prepares students for high-demand, high-wage careers across welding, construction, HVAC, manufacturing, surveying and other essential industries. Two of the donations will support the first phase of the expansion of the FVCC Trades Institute, while one will directly fund student scholarships in the trades.  

Mike Kartsonis owned and operated a manufacturing business in Southern California specializing in machining, welding and sheet metal fabrication, with a focus on aerospace and defense work. After selling the business and retiring, he has continued to support manufacturing and trades education, emphasizing the importance of keeping manufacturing and its career opportunities alive in the U.S.  

Kartsonis’ donation will go directly to student scholarships within the college’s welding and fabrication programs. He has always believed in supporting trades education to help build the skilled workforce that communities rely on to thrive, without the expectation of anything in return, according to a release. In addition to impacting students, Kartsonis hopes his contribution encourages others to invest in causes that matter to them and strengthen workforce education.  

“I love manufacturing,” he said. “There are people who show up, work hard and want to learn, and I’m glad to support them. If I can help students get started and move into successful careers, it's all worth it to me.”  

Bill and Sue Schottelkorb have deep roots in the Flathead Valley and long-standing connections to the local building industry. Sue is a fifth-generation local to the valley, and her father, Ivan O’Neill, was the founder of Western Building Center and a dedicated supporter of FVCC. Bill joined WBC in the late 1970s, and over the years, both he and Sue were inspired by Ivan’s commitment to trades education development in the community. 

Part of this work was with the student-built house program through WBC. Bill saw how hands-on learning helped local high school students build confidence in education outside of the traditional four-year college model and move into the workforce. Supporting the FVCC Trades Institute allows the Schottelkorbs to continue that legacy by helping expand training space and strengthening pathways for students as they prepare for local careers, according to a release.  

“We’ve watched this valley grow, and we’ve seen how important it is to have strong trades programs for students who are ready to work and build careers,” they said in a release. “FVCC has continued to step up to meet that need, and supporting the Trades Institute felt like a way to be part of that progress." 

Gil and Joyce Lynch have been part of the Flathead Valley since the mid-1980s and have spent their professional lives working in the construction industry. Through their work, they have seen the increasing demand for skilled labor and the impact workforce shortages can have on projects and local businesses.  

Their support of the FVCC Trades Institute reflects both professional and personal experience. Their eldest son entered the workforce as a welder directly out of high school and has built a successful career in the trades. For the Lynches, that path illustrates the role hands-on training plays in preparing people for steady employment.  

They view investment in trades education as a practical way to address workforce needs and support long-term growth in the Flathead Valley.  

“We believe very strongly in the trades and in creating opportunities for more people to learn those skills,” they said in a release. “Trades education is critical to the development of the Flathead Valley, and supporting the FVCC Trades Institute is a meaningful way to give back.”  

FVCC Chief Development Officer Tagen Vine said the philanthropy of the donations has a lasting influence on students and the community.  

“These gifts demonstrate how transformative philanthropy can be when it is rooted in community need. We are deeply thankful for the donors whose generosity will open doors for students, strengthen workforce pathways and create a ripple effect that extends well beyond campus,” said Vine.  

The FVCC Trades Institute prepares students for high-demand, high-wage careers across welding, construction, HVAC, manufacturing, surveying and other essential industries. Two of the donations will support the first phase of the expansion of the FVCC Trades Institute, while one will directly fund student scholarships in the trades. 

Learn more about the FVCC Trades Institute at fvcc.edu/trades.