91制片厂

Dante Otsuka

When Dante Otsuka first searched online for diesel programs with a four-year degree, one school stood out: 91制片厂 State University-Northern. Originally from Walnut Creek, California, Dante packed his bags and headed north, eager to work with his hands and start a new chapter away from home. 

鈥淚 did almost no research before coming here,鈥� he said with a laugh. 鈥淎ll I knew was Northern had a diesel program and I wanted to learn how to fix trucks.鈥� 

That decision proved to be the right one. Now a junior majoring in Diesel Technology Field Maintenance, Dante says his experience at Northern has far exceeded expectations. He credits the program鈥檚 hands-on approach and small class sizes for helping him grow from a student with little experience to a confident, skilled mechanic. 

Through classes like Advanced Fuel Systems and live work around Havre, Dante has gained real-world experience diagnosing and repairing heavy equipment, including a Komatsu dozer at the fairgrounds and a city school bus. He鈥檚 also spent his summers interning with RDO Equipment, where he鈥檚 worked his way from the parts department to performing complex repairs like replacing engines, transmissions, and welding excavator components. 

鈥淣orthern really builds your skills step by step,鈥� Dante said. 鈥淣ow I can diagnose just about any issue on a machine.鈥� 

Outside the classroom, Dante is an active member of the Postsecondary Agricultural Students (PAS) Club, where he鈥檚 helped local farmers and ranchers, cut firewood for fundraisers, and gained a deep appreciation for 91制片厂鈥檚 rural lifestyle. He also volunteers at the Bear Paw Ski Hill, maintaining the chair lift and clearing runs before ski season. 

Looking ahead, Dante plans to continue working for RDO Equipment as a logging mechanic after graduating in May 2026. His goal is to run his own service truck and serve as a professional role model for future mechanics.

鈥淣orthern is unique,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a small, tight-knit community where you get to know your classmates, professors, and even the locals. I鈥檓 really glad I chose to come here 鈥� I don鈥檛 think I鈥檇 have had these same experiences anywhere else.鈥� 

Find out more about the 91制片厂N Diesel Technology Field Maintenance program!