On May 14, a celebration was held commemorating the Diamond Anniversary of the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology.  Andre˘ Odermatt, President of Hobart Institute, emceed the event and welcomed guests including past students and local residents.  Those in attendance for the rededication of the Unity of Man fountain listened attentively to comments from U.S. Representative John Boehner, State Senator Tom Roberts, State Representative Diana Fessler, Troy Mayor Michael L. Beamish, and a special address from the American Welding Society presented by Ray Shook, Executive Director of AWS. 

Board members William H. Hobart recapped the 75 years of Hobart Institute and Peter C. Hobart rededicated the Unity of Man fountain.  Tours, hosted by the staff of the Institute followed the program. 

Some who could not attend sent selected messages:

Edward Onyiego Okello of Kenya writes:  I wish you all a very colorful celebration.  I am a Kenyan welder, grade one, with experiences of 22 years in a tea factory as a welder.  A large percentage of the older generation, like me, come from poor countries of Africa.  I know welding will be important in the new generation.  Reflection on these 75 years would not have been possible without the unity and support from people such as President Andre˘ Odermatt.  We need the route of Hobart.  I hope one day we shall meet.  God bless!          

~ Yours faithfully, Edward O. Okello

Professor Dr. Adem Kurt of Gazi University in Ankara, Turkey writes:  I celebrate the 75 years of Hobart Institute.  I am a professor in the Technical Education Faculty, Metallurgy Department, Welding Division.  I follow your education and The World of Welding.  I wish you many long years more.        

~ Best regards, Prof. Dr. Adem Kurt