Graduate studies prepared Velasco for new position at Mittal Steel

"I value the hands-on approach of some of my graduate professors," he said, "and their use of scientific and analytical methods to solve real life business problems."

Have you ever spent $12 million dollars? Well, Patrick Velasco has-sort of. The Purdue University Calumet alumnus directed the purchase of more than $12 million of steel two years ago to help replace lost production from its top iron producing #7 Blast Furnace being relined at Mittal Steel, formerly Inland Steel in East Chicago.

Velasco, a staff analyst in Manufacturing, Planning and Scheduling at Mittal Steel, earned a master's degree in management from Purdue Calumet in 1993. He also received a bachelor's degree in management from Purdue West Lafayette in 1978.

According to Velasco, the $12 million steel purchase was a team effort.

"We procured grade and sizes with 98 percent application rate using the concept of minimizing risk and optimizing sizes," Velasco said. "I worked with our IT support personnel to set up an automated application procedure and help in coordinating the releasing and delivery of steel slabs."

Velasco's job duties include scheduling the primary operations (steel making and hot rolling). He also is responsible for semi finished inventory control and order progress through the 80" Hot Strip Mill.

He credits his Purdue Calumet master's degree in helping him reach career success.

"I use my mind to problem solve using analytical tools and other techniques from my graduate studies," he said. "I transferred to my present department after completing my master's degree. I wanted to use some of the knowledge and concepts from graduate school."

Velasco says he appreciates the hands-on learning he gained at Purdue Calumet that relates to real life work issues.

"I value the hands-on approach of some of my graduate professors," he said, "and their use of scientific and analytical methods to solve real life business problems."

"Two professors really made an impression on me and the way I approach a work related problem; Hugh Daubek and Gideon Falk taught us how to analyze and problem solve," Velasco said.

Velasco says he received a valuable education at Purdue Calumet.

"The well-rounded classes and professors made Purdue University Calumet a quality program," he said.