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Congratulations to Aidan Wolownik, Recipient of the Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship

Congratulations to Aidan Wolownik, the 2023-2024 recipient of the Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship, which honors the late owners (Wayne, Patrick, and Emmett Reilly) of the John W. Danforth Company, one of the preeminent and charter members of MCAA.

One of many magical moments during the MCAA24 Awards of Excellence Breakfast in Orlando was when Kevin “Duke” Reilly stood next to his Danforth colleague, MCAA President Robert Beck, to present this annual scholarship.

Later in the awards ceremony, Robert shared the stage with Andrew Palcan, MCAA Career Development Committee Chair, who received this same scholarship from Robert Beck eight years ago, also in Orlando. The stage was certainly full of excitement and pride during this award!

FLASHBACK to the MCAA16 Awards of Excellence Breakfast in Orlando, FL – Pictured: Mark Rogers (JRGF President), Andrew Palcan (Recipient), Robert Beck (John W. Danforth Company), Steve Dawson (MCAA President)

Andrew, Robert and the team at Danforth share an enthusiasm for full circle moments and hope to see this year’s recipient of the Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship follow through with his quote below and end up on the convention stage for his own magical flashback moment.

MCAA24 Awards of Excellence Breakfast in Orlando, FL – Pictured: Andrew Palcan (Career Development Committee Chair) and Robert Beck (MCAA President)

Aidan is a Construction Management major at Pittsburg State University with an anticipated graduation of May 2025. He is an active member of his student chapter and has served as both the Fundraising Chair and President (two terms). This summer, he is interning with MCAA Member, P1 Construction.

“The thing that’s most appealing about mechanical is all the coordination that takes place. From the fabrication shop to the project site, everyone is always making things smooth and I hope to see this process in action as I intern over the summer.

What I’ve gained the most from my involvement with MCAA is the networking with other schools and contractor members. I have really come a long way to get out of my shell when talking to other people. I plan to stay involved after I graduate and attend national conferences and hope to get on the MCAA Board so I’m able to donate back time and resources for a scholarship to help other students learn about the mechanical industry.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Aidan on this prestigious scholarship and thank the John W. Danforth Company for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

Plug and Play Materials Available for Student Chapter Recruiting

The MCAA Career Development Committee recently rolled out a new eight-part Recruitment Guide that includes tailored resources so everyone can pitch in and support our student chapters’ recruitment efforts on campus this fall. This resource will help you contribute to building a great future for our industry.

Two available resources at the forefront of the new guide are the PowerPoint Template and the Flyer Template. These are intended to be plug and play materials for anyone visiting campus. 

The PowerPoint is an excellent tool for students, faculty and MCAA members to use during pre-arranged classroom visits (short presentations at the start or end of a class period to spread the word about the student chapter). Chapters may also unhide the last few slides on the template to add in their meeting calendar and/or share internship experiences or local events of interest.

The Flyer Template is also a great resource to print and distribute during classroom visits, and could also be used during organizational fairs put on by the school / department. The front is packed full of MCAA benefits and the back is blank for chapters to give it their own flair with chapter specifics. 

Customization Guides for both the PowerPoint and Flyer Template offers suggestions and ideas for how to add local relevant information and expand overall chapter interest on campus.

An hour or two spend on campus this fall assisting with chapter recruitment could result in a company’s next great intern or new hire! The first step is creating awareness about the mechanical industry as a whole, which is a team effort that typically includes the faculty advisor, student chapter members, local association executives and MCAA members. 

Browse the Recruitment Guide today and reach out to your local student chapter to offer your assistance with recruiting efforts!

Recruitment Guide

New Resource: MCAA Student Chapter Recruitment Guide

Enhancing year-long recruitment strategies to further the support that student chapter members feel from the MCAA membership can be the ultimate decision maker for post-graduation plans. To many of these students, that choice isn’t simply about a job. They are searching for a community of professionals where they feel welcome and engaged. There’s no better time to start connecting the dots for a Great Future with MCAA than while they’re still in school.

The MCAA Career Development Committee is proud to roll out a new eight-part Recruitment Guide. The guide has something for everyone from MCAA contractor members to Local Affiliate Executives and Faculty Advisors. There’s even PowerPoint and flyer templates to assist the students with classroom visits as they head back to campus at the end of the month. 

MCAA Recruitment Guide

Available Recruitment Guide Resources

For Faculty:

  • Recruitment Idea List
  • Recruitment Timeline

For Students:

  • PowerPoint Template + Customization Guide
  • Flyer Template + Customization Guide

For MCAA Members:

  • Recruitment Best Practices

For Local Association Executives:

  • Recruitment Best Practices

Looking for additional ways to get involved with student chapter recruitment?  Check out the Universities Page for a listing of chapters or contact MCAA Director, Career Development, Michele Hoffman (mhoffman@mcaa.org).

Congratulations to Yulien Liz, Recipient of the Robert T. Armistead Memorial Scholarship

Congratulations to Yulien Liz, one of two recipients of the first ever Robert T. Armistead Memorial Scholarship. This $5,000 scholarship was established by Armistead Mechanical, Inc. and the family of Robert “Bob” Armistead to symbolize his leadership, dedication, and impact on the mechanical contracting industry. In honor of Bob’s service as MCAA President, the selected winners are required to have served in the role as their local student chapter president.

Yulien is a Mechanical Engineering student at Fairleigh Dickinson University who anticipates graduating in December 2025. He is an active member of his student chapter, where he has served as both Vice President and President. He has interned with MCAA member companies Binsky & Snyder, A&A Industrial Piping, and Mid-Atlantic Mechanical.

“My involvement in the Fairleigh Dickinson Student Chapter has significantly enhanced my skill set. Despite having a background in the technical side of HVAC before college, my participation in the chapter transformed my knowledge base. Through working on the student chapter competition my freshman year, I acquired skills in estimating, scheduling, and logistics for a real construction project. Then, the following year, I utilized those skills with the rest of our returning team to create a stronger proposal which resulted in a top-four national placement. As the current student President, I continue to learn new things in every meeting and have expanded my professional network through interactions with local MCA professionals, which ultimately led to securing valuable internships.

The MCAA student chapter has provided me with essential mechanical contracting skills, networking opportunities with professionals, experience in public speaking at the national level, exposure to business travel, and leadership experience in guiding a team. Once I graduate, my intention is to give back by becoming a local mentor and supporting upcoming students in the same way I was helped. I deeply appreciate the value of this experience and am enthusiastic about providing guidance to future students.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Yulien on this prestigious scholarship and thank Armistead Mechanical, Inc. and the family of Robert T. Armistead for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

Congratulations to Tabitha Watson, Recipient of the Ann Mattheis Memorial Scholarship

MCAA has established a new annual scholarship in honor of the memory of Ann Mattheis, a former Director of MCAA’s Career Development / GreatFutures program. Ann’s dedication and contributions to building the GreatFutures program has left an enduring legacy for multiple decades of students and for the overall MCAA membership through her many roles with MCAA.

Tabitha Watson is the inaugural scholarship recipient and is a Construction Management major at Pittsburg State University, with an anticipated graduation this December. She is an active member of her student chapter and was employed by MMC Contractors over the summer as a BIM / VDC intern.

“I have gained a lot of knowledge of how each team has to work together like a well-oiled machine in order to produce a great project. The MCAA student chapter at Pittsburg State University has done a great job at bringing in industry leaders to talk to students about some of the struggles they face and how to overcome challenges.

I’m interested in participating on the competition team, especially when it comes to understanding the BIM / VDC side of the project. BIM / VDC is still an up-and-coming program for many companies, but mechanical construction uses VDC / BIM a lot already and I would like to learn more about it. After I graduate, I hope to be with a company that’s an active member in MCAA and to help future students understand the benefits that mechanical contractors have to offer. I enjoy traveling and seeing what all is going on at a jobsite, but I am a firm believer that life has a funny way of showing us what we are meant to do and what is put in place for us.”

The John R. Gentille Foundation congratulates Tabitha on this prestigious scholarship and thanks MCAA for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

Use the GreatFutures Universities Listings to Find a School Year Intern

Visit the MCAA GreatFutures Universities page to browse student chapters and to view contact information for faculty advisors or to note the sponsoring local MCAA affiliated association.

Reach out to the faculty advisor and the local association executive when looking to hire interns for the school year. These two resources typically work together to keep a pulse on which students still need internships and if they are interested in any specific or specialized part of our industry. Let them know that your company is looking to recruit new talent and keep your eyes and ears open for additional opportunities to say hello. Connections can happen anywhere, not just during the school’s annual career fair! Consider attending the chapter fundraisers, social outings or community service events and easily walk away with contact information for a handful of potential new hires.

Visit the MCAA GreatFutures Universities Page

Internship Grants

2024 Internship Grants are $1,000 for 1 intern, or $2,000 for 2 or more interns. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but must be submitted no later than January 31, 2025 for all 2024 grants. 

Once you officially hire an intern, be sure to submit a Part 1 Internship Grant.

Part 1: Internship Grant Application

Once you convert an intern from your Part 1 list to a full-time new hire, make sure you submit a Part 2 Internship Grant.

For companies successfully converting an intern from their Part 1 list to a full-time new hire, a $500 gift card will be mailed to the company to present to their new hire. New hire conversions are unlimited, but the name must be included on a Part 1 list from an MCAA member company. Part 2 applications may not be submitted until after the full-time start date and must be submitted no later than January 31, 2025 for all 2024 grants.

Part 2: Internship Grant Application

MCAA thanks the John R. Gentille Foundation for its support in underwriting many of the activities of the MCAA Career Development Initiative. Chief among these is an internship program that allows mechanical contractors to identify and evaluate potential full-time hires for their companies.

Congratulations to Irvin Quintana, Recipient of the Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarship

Congratulations to Irvin Quintana, one of the two recipients of the Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarship. The Mechanical Contractors Association of New Jersey established these scholarships to honor the memory of Alan P. O’Shea, its former Executive Director, and to memorialize his many contributions to the mechanical contracting industry. These scholarships were presented by Richard Tomaiko (MCA of New Jersey President) and Phillip Petillo (MCA of New Jersey Executive Director) at the MCAA24 Awards of Excellence Breakfast in Orlando on March 20th.

Irvin anticipates graduating from the University of Nebraska in May 2026 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is active in his student chapter and has held the position of Recruitment Chair. This summer Irvin is interning with MCAA Member, The Waldinger Corporation.

“Mechanical construction can be found everywhere, from hospitals to elementary schools and affects every aspect of our lives. It appeals to me because of its complexity; from design to installation, mechanical construction requires attention to detail, consistency, and perseverance. Mechanical construction is also a large and always growing industry that provides many opportunities to learn and grow professionally as well as personally.

After graduation, I plan on working with a mechanical contractor within MCAA as a project engineer. Based on my current internship, I believe this role is essential for a better understanding of mechanical systems and the implementations of the systems. Being able to work closely with other project engineers and foremen has helped accelerate my understanding of the systems and how they operate, are installed, and are maintained.

I’ve gained a generous amount of experience and growth from my involvement with my MCAA Student Chapter. I’ve had the opportunity to work with other students who share the same mindset and ambitions as me. This has helped me push myself further as I’ve worked closely with my fellow students to help fundraise, set up community involvement, and work on our competition. Being able to attend the MCAA national convention and the GreatFutures Forum has allowed me to network with other students and contractors across the country.  After I graduate, I plan on helping my student chapter by providing networking opportunities as well as sharing my knowledge and experience with future chapter members.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Irvin on this prestigious scholarship and thank the MCA of New Jersey for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

Congratulations to Lauryn Gilgallon, Recipient of the William A. Bianco, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Lauryn Gilgallon is the 2023-2024 recipient of the William A. Bianco, Jr. Memorial Scholarship. Kinetics Systems, Inc. established this scholarship to honor William “Bill” Bianco, the foundation’s former President and an MCAA Distinguished Service Award recipient, for his many contributions to the mechanical industry’s continuing advancement.

Lauryn majored in HVAC/R at Ferris State University and graduated in the spring of 2024. She was an active member of her student chapter from 2021-2024 and served as the Community Chair for her chapter. Lauryn previously interned with MCAA Member, Limbach Company LLC, and recently started her full-time job as Limbach’s Sales Associate Representative / Small Projects Manager.

“What I like most about my company is the versatility of options for positions I can fill if I end up finding something that suits me better. There’s flexibility and trust within the company for me to do what I need to do, but I have also noticed the willingness of my coworkers to drop everything, if needed, to help teach me. I’ve gained connections within this industry and that doesn’t mean just as an employee, but as mentors and friends. I found a place of work that I want to start my career. It feels like family.

I grew up mechanically inclined and learned that was a skill where I was really proud of myself. Anything mechanical just made sense to me and I ran with it. Mechanical turned out to be one of my favorite things to keep learning about. I like to build things and make them work, as well as watch them work afterwards. Likewise, I enjoy seeing an owner happy with my work after a project is complete.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Lauryn on this prestigious scholarship and thank Kinetics Systems, Inc. for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

Congratulations to Brady Thompson, Recipient of the Foster McCarl, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Congratulations to Brady Thompson on receiving the Foster McCarl, Jr. Memorial Scholarship at MCAA24 during the Awards of Excellence Breakfast. This national scholarship honors Foster McCarl, Jr.’s many contributions to advancing the mechanical contracting industry, including his efforts towards establishing what is now known as the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF). The scholarship is sponsored by the McCarl family.

Brady is a Construction Management major at the University of Nebraska – Omaha with an anticipated graduation of May 2026. He has been an active member of his student chapter since 2022 and has served as Treasurer. This is his second summer interning with MCAA Member, Prairie Mechanical Corporation.

“I became interested in mechanical construction through my stepdad, who is a UA steamfitter. I even got my welding certificate in high school. I then decided to go to school for construction management, focusing on mechanical construction. Through my student chapter in Nebraska, I have gained an increased knowledge in the mechanical world of construction, along with meeting great people and companies.

After graduation, I plan on staying in Omaha and working at a mechanical construction company while getting my master’s in business administration and hope to one day own my own mechanical company. This became my dream when I started college. It will take a lot of hard work, but with my experience with MCAA and in my career, I believe that these goals are achievable. I hope someday when I have my own company that I’ll be the person who can increase students’ interest and knowledge of mechanical construction.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Brady on this prestigious scholarship and thank the McCarl family for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

Expand Your Hiring Pool at GFF24 – Seattle

This fall, students from 30+ MCAA student chapters who are interested in a career in mechanical contracting will be looking for the perfect employment match for their summer 2025 plans. Be sure to be in the room for the most untraditional job fair around and meet students who are interested in getting out of their own backyard and exploring new parts of the country for an internship or their first position post-graduation.

(Photo from GFF23 with students in matching blue shirts.)

We’ve done away with stationery and stiff booths and instead offer a relaxed and casual breakfast that puts the focus on making impactful connections.  Identifiers will be distributed to signify if you’re offering an internship (yellow beads), full-time job (green beads), or if you’re just there for the bacon breakfast (purple beads).  Employers are encouraged to wear a company shirt and likewise students will all be wearing matching gray GFF shirts to easily stand out.

GFF Job Fair 101 for Employers
Example: Looking to Hire an Intern

  1. Wear a company shirt to signify you’re an employer.
  2. Attend the Job Fair Prep for Employers Session (15 minutes of best practices).
  3. Check in at the Employer Desk to add your company to the Digital Employer Board.
  4. Grab YELLOW beads.
  5. Mingle around the room and look for someone in a matching gray shirt wearing yellow beads…. Congrats – you’ve found a potential employee!
  6. Say hello, use the tips from the Prep Session, and start your conversation.
  7. Trade information via provided digital business card to continue your conversation the week following GFF24.
    Optional: Head over to the Interview Breakout Room for a quiet place for a quick on-site interview.
  8. Enjoy the bacon themed breakfast and meet additional students. 

New for 2024: Pop-up corners will be utilized during designated windows of time to call out specific items of interest such as geographic location or specialized career paths. 

Please do not bring trinkets, handouts, or backdrops. Everyone will be moving around the room throughout the event.

GreatFutures Forum Registration – Closes August 30th!
September 26 – 28, 2024 | The Westin Seattle

Registration is complimentary for MCAA contractor members for the duration of this three-day conference, including the job fair, meals and all offsite activities. 

Register Now

GFF24 Program Highlights

Thursday, September 26th

  • GFF Alumni Breakfast
  • Welcome from MCAA President, Rick Gopffarth
  • Moving the Needle Panel
  • Mastering the Swing of Social Etiquette
  • Topgolf and Dinner

Friday, September 27th

  • Job Fair Prep for Employers
  • Job Fair Breakfast
  • Innovation – An Intertwined Future Keynote with Tanmay Bakshi
  • MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions Tour
  • Dinner at the Seattle Aquarium

Saturday, September 28th

  • The Mechanical Puzzle
  • Building Your Chapter Roundtables
  • Trivia Answers & Prizes