Thaddeus Stevens College Alumni Association presents Alumni Awards

    04.23.18 | TSCT News

     The Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Alumni Association held its annual Alumni Banquet on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the Multipurpose Activity Center on the college campus.  In addition to honoring the 50th reunion of the Class of 1968, nine alumni awards were presented by the Alumni Association.

    Jana Belack '06 Architectural Technology

    The Spirit of Alumni Achievement Award is presented to alumni who have achieved personal success, made an outstanding contribution to their chosen field of endeavor, achieved recognition by their colleagues, and brought honor to themselves and to Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology through their distinguished achievements. 

    • This year’s recipient was Jana Belack, 2006, Architectural Technology.

    Jana Belack is a 2006 graduate of the Architectural Technology program at Stevens.  She went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Design Studies and Sustainable Design from Boston Architectural College in 2010, and a Master of Architecture degree, also from Boston Architectural College. Jana has been employed as an architectural designer with Elkus Manfredi Architects in Boston, MA, since 2012.  She maintains a relationship with Boston Architectural College as a visiting critic for design studio presentations, as a workshop instructor, and as a tutor for architecture students. Her special interest is prison architecture and she is currently conducting an independent research project examining the role that architecture and programmatic organization has on the rehabilitation of inmates.  Her goal is to bring to light the current state of carceral design, both negative and positive, and finally conclude the best way to design these extremely confining environments for the most positive outcome.  This research will result in a design class she will be teaching at the Boston Architectural College starting in fall 2018. Jana credits Thaddeus Stevens College and the instructors in the Architectural program with helping her make a pivotal decision to choose Architecture as her career.  Says Jana, “The program was very well organized and prepared me for what I would face day-to-day at my first job in an architectural firm.  Not to mention that Stevens is reasonably priced so that the burden of an excessive student loan upon graduation was not an issue.” 

     

    The Alumni Service to the College Award is presented to alumni who have consistently demonstrated extraordinary commitment, dedication, leadership and service to the advancement of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. 

    • The award was presented to Russell Stofflet, 1967, Masonry.

    Russ Stofflet graduated from the Masonry program at Stevens in 1967.  His career included being a bricklayer, stone mason, refractory bricklayer, layout bricklayer, foreman, refractory superintendent, instructor for blueprint reading and estimating, foreman trainer and mentor for IMI (International Masonry Institute) instructors. He is a past president of the Sierra Club of Lancaster, the Akron Lions Club and the IMI Craft Board.  He has been a mentor to the Stevens masonry instructors and has helped work with masonry students on various campus projects including the electronic sign structure on the corner of King and Broad Streets. Says Russ, “Stevens gave me the training I needed to succeed.  My instructor, Ernie Horning, told me to work for different contractors, which would provide me with enhanced skills.  To this day I thank Ernie for his guidance and support in becoming who I am today.” Russ and his wife, Maria, are the parents of two boys and live in Lancaster.

     


    Glenn Clark Jr., President & CEO, Clark Associates

    The Corporate Partner award recognizes a business or corporation that has demonstrated outstanding collaboration with Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.

    • Receiving the Corporate Partner Award was Clark Associates, Inc., represented by Glenn Clark, Jr., President and CEO.  

    Clark Associates, Inc. is a Lancaster based company specializing in food service equipment and related mechanical services for the food service industry.  Over the past years Clark has developed a strong partnership with Thaddeus Stevens College through financial support, employee service and event support and student scholarships. Representatives from Clark Associates serve on four of the College’s Industry Advisory committees.  The company established a scholarship program at Stevens that annually awards two student scholarships.  Clark companies also participate in providing internship opportunities to Stevens students in at least 5 of our technical programs.  Additionally, numerous Stevens graduates are employed by Clark, including the Webstraurant, where four graduates are employed. Clark Associates is represented this evening by Glenn Clark, Jr., President and CEO of Clark Service Group.  He enjoys biking, surf fishing, working out and spending time with family.  Glenn and his wife, Louisa, are the parents of four children and reside in Lancaster.


    Senator Ryan Aument (left) & Senator Scott Martin (right)

    The Honorary Alumnus Award is presented to individuals who are not graduates of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology but give their time, talent and enthusiasm as if they were.

    • Receiving these honors were State Senator Ryan Aument, District 36; and State Senator Scott Martin, District 13.

    After graduating from Solanco High School, Ryan Aument received a Bachelor’s degree in Education from The Citadel in 1999.  He served as a Captain in the US Army from 1999-2003.  Following a job as a production supervisor at ICI Paints for 3 years, Senator Aument entered politics in 2006 as Chief of Staff for Representative Bryan Cutler, then became a Representative himself in 2011.  He has been a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate since 2015. Considered among his major accomplishments was engineering the passage of legislation to create a new statewide educator effectiveness system in 2012.  He also worked to pass legislation to establish an independent Office of Inspector General in 2017.  Both bills have been signed into law. Senator Aument has been a valued friend of the College for 12 years.  He has been an outstanding, intelligent advocate for Stevens in Harrisburg in regard to all the pertinent and relational issues pertaining to the advancement of the College.  With his credentials and achievements it’s without question he’ll have a very rewarding political career. Among his special interests are reading, traveling, sports and, most importantly, spending time with family.  Senator Aument and his wife, Kate, are the parents of Jack and June, and reside in Landisville.

     Senator Scott Martin attended Lancaster Catholic High School and continued his education at Millersville University where he received a degree in Sociology Criminal Justice. Initially, he was a free agent camp invitee of the New York Giants for the NFL and later had three stints in the Arena Football League.  He later operated as a licensed realtor and landlord in Lancaster County.  In addition, he worked for thirteen years at the Youth Intervention Center, where he eventually became Director.  In 2007 he entered public life as an elected Lancaster County Commissioner where he served for 8 years before becoming a State Senator for Lancaster County. During his time at the Youth Intervention Center, he served as Vice President of the Juvenile Detention Centers Association of Pennsylvania.  During his time as a County Commissioner, he served as the Chairman of the Pennsylvania Republican County Commissioners Caucus, and chaired the Board of Directors of the County Commissioner Association of PA.  He also served on the State’s Local Government Advisory Commission, the Prison Board, the Elections Board and the National Association of Counties.  Noting what he feels are his major accomplishments, Senator Martin said during his time as a County Commissioner, he never voted for a tax increase, he helped create fiscal solvency for the Marriott Convention Center, he downsized government by cutting duplicative agencies and departments, helped reduce the county debt by $40 million and reduced costs for taxpayers through privatization and public employee benefit reform, all during the time period now known as the Great Recession. Senator Martin has brought his leadership skills to the Capital in full force.  His articulate presentations have already generated recognition by his colleagues that he’s leadership bound.  With his ethics, experience and character, he will rise to new heights in Pennsylvania’s legislature. Senator Martin and his wife, Amber, are the parents of four children and reside in Pequea.


    Douglas Huegel '13 Graphic Communications & Printing Technology

    The Distinguished Alumni Entrepreneur Award honors a graduate of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology who has created a successful business venture, product or service that demonstrates innovation and brings recognition to the College. 

    • This year’s recipient was Douglas Huegel, 2013, Graphic Communications and Printing Technology.

    Douglas Huegel, a 2013 graduate of the Stevens Graphic Communications & Printing Technology program, is something of a local celebrity, thanks to this year’s big Super Bowl win by the Philadelphia Eagles. Doug, a full-time graphic designer with Logo Warehouse in Broommall, PA, was working for Eagles star lineman Lane Johnson.  After the Eagles won their divisional round playoff game as the first top-seeded underdog in NFL history, Johnson donned a rubber dog mask in the postgame celebration and set off a craze among fans.  Johnson decided to capitalize on the craze and do some good for Philadelphia’s public schools. The Monday after the Falcons game, Logo Warehouse had a rush order.  Johnson was ordering thousands of t-shirts to sell for charity and needed a design.  Doug came up with the design and soon fans were clamoring for the tees.  Logo Warehouse printed more than 10,000 shirts and Johnson raised upwards of $150,000 for Philly schools.  The next weekend, after the Eagles historic win over the Minnesota Vikings, Johnson’s agent was on the phone to Doug asking for the next shirt.  “Throw something together,” Doug was told.  He came up with “Unleashed and Untamed: Finish it for Philly!”  “There have definitely been a lot of people reaching out to me,” Doug said of the experience.  “It’s something cool to put in my portfolio.” Though a lifelong Philly sports fan, Doug is new to the city.  He grew up in southern Lancaster County, landed his first job at Cassel Signs while a student at Stevens, and worked there over 3 years.  He decided to move to Philly to expand his career opportunities and started at Logo Warehouse in 2017.  He also has a side business, “Doug Does Design.”  He lives in South Philly with his own “home dog,” a pit bull mix named Riley. Doug points out, “I never forget where I came from.”  “My instructors at Stevens, Mr. Brady and Mr. Adams both saw a potential in me that I didn’t see at the time.  Every day they challenged me to be the best.  Their passion for design influenced me to immerse myself in the trade.”

     


    Barry Snodgrass '78 Electrical Technology 

    The Alumni Citizenship Award is presented to alumni who have distinguished themselves in service to humanity by having performed significant voluntary service to the community beyond the call of business or professional duty. 

    • Barry Snodgrass, 1978, Electrical Technology, received this year’s award.

    Barry Snodgrass is a 1978 graduate of the Stevens Electrical Technology program.  He went to work as an electrical/electronic maintenance technician for C&D Power Systems until 1987, then moved on to Wyeth Labs as an instrumentation technician.  When Wyeth Labs sold to Glaxo-Smith-Kline in 2006, Barry became Electrical/Instrumentation Team Leader, then on to Manager; a position he’s held since 2010. Barry’s been an outstanding mentor to Stevens’ students.  He serves on the Electro-Mechanical Industry Advisory Committee, conducts classroom training with mock interviews, is an Industry Mentor, and supports student recruitment at for the College’s spring and fall open houses.  He is also involved in his community and volunteers on various civic committees within GSK. He enjoys traveling by motorcycle, hunting and camping, and spending time with family.  Barry and his wife, Kathy, are the parents of two boys.  Youngest son, Robert, is a 2002 graduate of the Stevens HVAC program and a Skills USA National participant.

     

    Elbyn Rodriguez,'06, Plumbing Technology

    Alejandro Rodriguez '14 Graphic Communications & Printing

    The Outstanding Young Alumni Award is presented to recent graduates who have demonstrated early career achievement.

    • Alejandro Rodriguez, 2014, Graphic Communication and Printing Technology; and Elbyn Rodriguez, 2006, Plumbing Technology received this award.

    Alejandro Rodriguez graduated from the Stevens Graphic Communications & Printing program in 2014 and has quickly advanced his career over the last four years.  He held several position in Lancaster, including Junior Designer for the Sweet Core and Art Director for Fakelife Clothing Company, before moving to Brooklyn, New York in January 2017.  Shortly after the move, he landed a job at Frank Collective, which works with national brands, as a junior designer.  Passionate about creating thoughtfully crafted work, Alejandro has now moved into a designer role, working as a creative partner for small businesses and start-ups. He has also stayed very involved with the College over the past 4 years.  He has served on the Graphics Communications & Printing advisory committee, assisted with student critiques and was a mentor for students in the program.  Recently he donated several prints and designed a shirt for the College’s ExtraOrdinary Give campaign. Asked the question, “How did Stevens make a difference in your life,” Alejandro responded:  “From the viewpoint of the 19 year-old car washer who was reaching a crossroads in life, Stevens felt like an investment I knew I wouldn’t regret.  And to my delight, attending Stevens has been one of the most influential decisions I have made.  I was surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared a common goal of creating a positive future for ourselves.  I had access to the resources and materials that made me ready for life after graduation.  I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for my instructor, Mike Brady.  Today, I consider him not only as my mentor, but also as a good friend.”

     

    Elbyn Rodriguez is a 2006 graduate of the Plumbing program at Stevens.  He has overcome great odds to become an exemplary young alumnus.  Elbyn was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and raised in an environment of poverty before relocating to Lancaster in 1998.  He graduated from McCaskey High School and the Lancaster County CTC’s plumbing program in 2004. After graduating from Stevens, Elbyn was hired as an apprentice at Commonwealth Fire Protection.  Since his 2007 hire, Elbyn has been promoted twice; first from Apprentice to Foreman and has since become the company’s service coordinator. Elbyn is married to his high school sweetheart, Yartiza.  They are the proud parents of two young children and a dog named Charlie.  He and Yaritza have traveled to Germany, Paris and England where his older sister lives.  He is an avid runner and has competed in “Tough Mudder” races and a half marathon.  Every year he enters the Broad Street Run in Philadelphia. Elbyn has also managed to purchase two investment rental properties and is in the process of acquiring a third.  His hard work, discipline and entrepreneurial spirit have paid off.  When asked, if there was an instructor who made an impact on him, Elbyn answered, “Mr. Vincent Skimski was the instructor who gave me a challenge every day while I was attending school.  I was living alone off campus with very little family support and he helped me get the tools, knowledge and inspiration to build my path of success.”

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    Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, located at 750 East King Street, Lancaster, offers associate degrees and certificates in technical education programs to academically qualified residents of Pennsylvania.