ALPENA — The first day of classes were off to a good start, Alpena Community College instructor Chris Lubiato said Monday.

The ACC auto body program received a free 2014 Buick Encore for the program’s studies this year. The car has both front end and rear end damage.

“It is perfect for the class because it’s repairable,” Lubiato said.

The car was donated by Meemic Insurance Thomson Agency.

“This is really exciting for us. I like to celebrate the moment and help provide and support the educational community,” Tony Thomson said.

Lubiato said he asked for a newer model car because technology changes so fast the students need to be up to date. He said the newer models are what is being repaired in the shops, so he wants his students to be knowledgeable of those technologies.

The class is one that prefers to work on live vehicles, Lubiato said. He said previously it helps students to work on cars with real-world wear and tear.

Although Meemic field claims representative Mitchell Sell said the car has about $13,000-14,000 in damages it could be repaired..

He said the company was happy to donate the car for Lubatio’s class needs.

“He communicated to us and asked how we can do this for the program. We started looking into it and found the Buick. That’s all it took really,” Sell said.

Lubiato said students will work and practice on the car the majority of the semester because there’s a lot to learn from it.

Jordan Spence can be reached via email at jspence@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5687.

News Photo by Jordan Spence
Meemic field claims representative Mitchell Sell, left, shows Alpena Community College auto body students the donated car the company gave the program Monday in Alpena.