Organization: JRGF

Sponsor Spotlight 24 with Matt McGrath from Parker Hannifin

In the 24th episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Timothy Brink, MCAA’s CEO is joined by Matt McGrath, Global Channel & Distribution Manager, Sporlan Division for Parker Hannifin. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

In his role as Global Channel & Distribution Manager, Matt has overall responsibility for global distribution in the Americas for the Sporlan Division of Parker Hannifin.  Matt started his near 30 year career with Sporlan and Parker in 1992 as a sales engineer and has taken increasing roles of responsibility including Regional Sales Manager, Commercial OEM Sales Manager and now has lead the distribution & aftermarket segments for 12 years.  Matt has been involved with the MCAA and MSCA since the launch of ZoomLock in 2016 and has been involved on the MS/C supplier council for the past 2 years. Matt has a degree in Engineering Management from Southern Methodist University and resides in St. Louis, MO. 

Sponsor Spotlight 23 Welcomes Terry Dugan from Trane

In the 23rd episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Robert Beck, MCAA’s Senior Vice President/Treasurer welcomes Terry Dugan, Vice President – North America for Trane. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

Terry Dugan is vice president, Commercial HVAC North America at Trane Technologies. In this role, Terry is responsible for North America sales and operations for the Trane® Commercial HVAC portfolio of high efficiency, industry-leading HVAC systems, services, controls and energy reduction solutions. A 35+ year veteran of the company, Terry has propelled business growth, innovation and operational excellence through a variety of general management and global leadership roles of increasing responsibility. Prior to his current role, Terry served as vice president for the company’s Building and Energy Services business. He also serves as the lead director for Trane Technologies on the Mitsubishi Electric Trane U.S. (METUS) board of directors. Terry holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Vanderbilt University and earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business.

Registration Now Open for MSCA21 & GreatFutures 2021

Reservations are processed on a first-come-first-serve basis and rooms are limited. Be sure to register early.

At long last, MSCA looks forward to being together this October in Arizona!

It’s been a while, hasn’t it? MSCA invites you to reunite and come together, at the J.W. Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn & Resort, to share your experiences, explore new innovations, and reconnect—in person—with your peers. We will mingle, meet, and collaborate on a brighter future. And we will get to do it Together…at last!

October 14-17, 2021
JW Marriott Scottsdale
Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

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And Still More Togetherness…

This year’s MCAA GreatFutures Forum, which brings together the brightest and most ambitious students from our MCA-affiliated student chapters, will be held in conjunction with the MSCA conference. Many students will be seeking jobs and internships and this provides them a unique opportunity to learn more about what the HVACR/plumbing service industry has to offer. Students and contractors can meet, inspire, hire, share ideas, and generally have a great time!

October 17-19, 2021
JW Marriott Scottsdale
Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

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Sponsor Spotlight 22 Welcomes Wayne Garrett from Carrier Corporation

In the 22nd episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Bob Bolton, MCAA’s President-Elect is joined by Wayne Garrett, Managing Director, NA Applied Equipment for Carrier Corporation. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

Wayne Garrett comes to Carrier with over 27 years of industry experience in commercial equipment and control sales.  As Managing Director of NA Applied Systems he has P&L responsibility for all commercial equipment business including production factories in both Charlotte, NC. and Monterrey, MX.  In this role he oversees Applied equipment sales through all distribution channels as well as managing Carrier’s national accounts and global export business. Prior to joining Carrier, Wayne held various branch, regional, and corporate leadership roles within the industry.  He has led key marketing initiatives for healthy buildings and indoor air quality (IAQ), central plant optimization, optimized building wide systems’ platforms, and software as a service (SaaS) offerings. Wayne earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY and holds a Master of Science, M.S.M. degree in management from Colorado Technical University. 

Recruit Top Talent & Apply for MCAA Internship Grants Today!

In keeping with its commitment to funding the mechanical contracting industry’s most critical human resource needs, the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) underwrites many of the activities of the MCAA Career Development Initiative. Chief among these is an internship program that allows MCAA members to identify and evaluate potential full-time hires for their companies.  

Through a structured internship program, MCAA enables its members to recruit talented students, giving members a flexible, cost-effective labor force without a long-term commitment. And, because students who work for MCAA member companies tend to remain in the mechanical contracting industry, each one captured is another step toward ensuring the industry’s human resource needs are met.  

Each MCAA member company can submit up to two internship grant applications per year. Once an application is reviewed and accepted, MCAA will send a $500 Visa Gift Card to the member company so it can present the Gift Card to the student at the start of their internship. MCAA will follow-up with each company and intern to ensure the process and overall internship was successful.

Please read Building a Successful Internship Program before applying for an internship grant. 

APPLY NOW

MCAA 2024 Annual Convention

The MCAA Annual Convention is the highlight of the association’s year. With a reputation as the industry’s premier educational event, the MCAA Convention offers something for all members. Attendees will experience a first class trade show featuring the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council, social functions that never cease to amaze and delight, exceptional education seminars and the chance to network and connect with industry peers. Don’t miss the opportunity to see what your trade association can do for you.

Sponsor Spotlight 21 Welcomes Mark Marini from Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.®

In the 21st episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Rick Gopffarth, MCAA’s Vice President/Assistant Treasurer welcomes Mark Marini, VP – Morris Group International for Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.®. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

Mark Marini is Morris Group International, Inc. (MGI) Group Vice President since June 2020. Don Morris CEO of (MGI) elevated Mark to his VP role, to blend the resources of the various MGI companies into a cohesive suite of plumbing and fire protection product solutions. Working closely with Jay R Smith Mfg. Inc. we strive to have best in class inventories closest to our customers as well as true manufacturing at our Montgomery, AL facility reducing lead times and controlling quality.  Mark joined Morris Group International, Inc. in 2018 as Director of Sales and Marketing for Chronomite Laboratories, Inc. Prior to joining Morris Group International Inc., Mark worked for Zurn Industries starting in 2000. While at Zurn he worked in various sales roles to include; National Sales Manager for Specification Drains, Director of Contractor Sales, and prior to his departure in 2018 he was Director of Sales. Mark has been active in MCAA since 2008 and enjoys adding value for Contractor partners. Mark has a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Penn State University.

Beyond the Classroom Video Series: The Endless Opportunities of Mechanical Contracting

As we wrap up our Beyond the Classroom series, we wanted to highlight the endless opportunities the mechanical contracting industry has to offer. Scott Hinton, Vice President of Harrell-Fish, Inc. and a member of MCAA’s Career Development Committee and MCAA’s Board of Directors, describes the unique nature of mechanical contracting saying, “People do not seem to get stuck in roles. They get more opportunity to advance and continue advancing throughout their careers.”

A part of advancing within this industry is in surrounding yourself with other professionals. Scott credits MCAA for helping him establish relationships with contractors across the country. These are people he can call with questions, share information and ideas with, and lean on for support. They’re the same type of people, who look forward to welcoming you into this industry and helping you grow.

Take advantage of all MCAA offerings, whether in-person or virtual. Sit next to a contractor at the next in-person MCAA event you attend or send a question directly to a contractor during the next virtual presentation you watch. In short: reach out and get involved! 

Scott, and other MCAA members are ready to help introduce you to the endless opportunities within the industry!

Our New Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide Is Available Online

The full-featured digital version of MCAA’s Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide enhances the look and feel of our printed directory. Download your copy for digital-only benefits that help you stay connected throughout the year. Printed copies are in the mail. Whichever version you choose to use, the directory is free as a benefit of membership.

The digital version of the directory helps you:

  • Network from anywhere with linked email addresses.
  • Connect with the companies, products and services that interest you using linked web addresses.
  • Get where you’re going…fast…with bookmarks and a linked table of contents.
  • Find advertisers instantly with a linked advertiser index.

Download Your Copy

Have updates? Please share! Contact Jan Grillo for assistance updating your member record at any time.

Sponsor Spotlight 20 Welcomes Greg Lowman from Baltimore Aircoil Company

In the twentieth episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Robert Beck, MCAA’s Senior Vice President/Treasurer welcomes Greg Lowman, Vice President and Managing Director, North America for Baltimore Aircoil Company. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

Greg Lowman is the Vice President and Managing Director, North America for Baltimore Aircoil Company (BAC). Greg started his career with BAC in 1997 as a Manufacturing Engineer after completing his undergraduate degree. Throughout the past 24 years Greg has held various roles within the organization across several disciplines. This includes Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Plant Management, Product Development, Product Engineering & Operations. Prior to Greg’s current role, he was Vice President, Global Engineering and responsible for development of BAC’s technology and product roadmaps. Greg has been active with MCAA since 2014. Greg has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland and a Master of Finance from Loyola University. In his current role, Greg is responsible for BAC’s business in the Americas.

Sarah Galan Receives Ferguson-Women in the Mechanical Industry Scholarship

Sarah Galan, a junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Wentworth Institute of Technology, has been awarded one of the two Ferguson-Women in the Mechanical Industry Scholarships. Ferguson underwrites these scholarships, which recognize high-achieving female students working towards a degree relative to the mechanical industry.

Sarah landed a winter internship with EMCOR Services Northeast, where she assisted the sales engineers in conducting work on their projects, including estimating, takeoffs, bids, purchase orders, graphics, and controls. Sarah’s experience with EMCOR confirmed her interest in the mechanical contracting industry. “I love how I feel challenged every day. I am constantly learning something, and wake up every day excited to go to work. Everyone at EMCOR treats me as a valuable employee and trusts me with a large variety of responsibilities,” she said.

Acknowledging this field is extremely male dominated, which may intimidate many, Sarah uses it as motivation. Sarah shared, “I take it is a challenge. It challenges me as an individual to prove to myself and to those around me that I know what I am capable of achieving and I can be a valuable asset. I think it is incredible to see more and more women entering into professions such as this one and I hope that I can take this opportunity to inspire more women to enter this field. The notion that this is a job only for men is such a fleeting idea in people’s minds and I hope more women realize this and see that there is a place for them in this industry.”  

Women in the Mechanical Industry and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Sarah on this prestigious scholarship and thank Ferguson for their commitment to encouraging young women to be engaged in the industry.

Kimberly Sikkema Receives Ferguson-Women in the Mechanical Industry Scholarship

Kimberly Sikkema, a junior at Ferris State University, has been awarded one of the two Ferguson-Women in the Mechanical Industry Scholarships. Ferguson underwrites these scholarships, which recognize high-achieving female students working towards a degree relative to the mechanical industry.

Kimberly, who is earning her degree in HVAC/R, is the President of her student chapter, and will continue as the President throughout 2021. She has found herself on the dean’s list every semester and has maintained an impressive 3.95 GPA. Upon graduation, Kimberly looks forward to pursuing her career that she has worked so hard for, stating, “I look forward to seeing the wide variety of opportunities that are out there in the world for myself, as a woman in the HVAC/R industry. I look forward to making connections and networking with people from all around the world in the mechanical industry. Most of all, I look forward to expanding my knowledge by facing new obstacles every day, receiving more hands-on learning out in the field, as well as learning more from experienced, skilled veterans.”

Women in the Mechanical Industry and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Kimberly on this prestigious scholarship and thank Ferguson for their commitment to encouraging young women to be engaged in the industry.

Dr. Sherif Attallah Named MCAA’s 2020 Educator of the Year

The student chapter at Ball State University proudly nominated Dr. Sherif Attallah to be MCAA’s 2020 Educator of the Year because they believed he is more than qualified and deserving of this prestigious award, and MCAA’s Career Development Committee agreed. Here’s why.

Chapter Participation

Dr. Attallah played a crucial role in planning and participating in Ball State’s first annual Top Golf event. Dr. Attallah attends most of their chapter meetings, at which he always helps members with challenges they may be facing with their role in the competition. Dr. Attallah still holds several field trips for his various classes and the student chapter, often organizing and leading these numerous educational field trips himself.

Mentoring

Dr. Attallah’s connections within the industry help his students communicate with industry professionals who are willing to speak to their chapter. Whenever his students have a question about something that he does not know, Dr. Attallah puts them in contact with someone who does. When planning for their fundraiser, he was a significant contributor when trying to find participants; he used his network to reach out and get several participants involved. He did a phenomenal job with this being the chapter’s first annual Top Golf event, which they now plan to continue annually. In his teachings of the mechanical class at Ball State, Dr. Attallah has brought in several contractors that teach the class and sit with the team after talking to them about the mechanical industry.

Membership

Dr. Attallah is the professor for several introductory classes for the Ball State program. With this connection, he plays a crucial role in recruiting younger members for the chapter. Dr. Attallah also implements new and useful recruiting ideas, along with suggesting new members. Every year Dr. Attallah helps his student chapter come up with new activities for their chapter’s first call-out meeting for the school year. In the past, this event has been the deciding factor when recruiting new members to join their chapter and learn more about the mechanical contracting industry.

Student Internships

Dr. Attallah has helped several of the team members get in touch with industry professionals, which in turn leads to internships as well as full-time employment. The members have greatly benefited from his involvement with the mechanical internship program. With his teaching of the mechanical class, he gets to help students that are not in the chapter by letting them hear from the industry professionals that he brings in about internships and joining their chapter.

Employment

Last year two Ball State University student chapter members found full-time careers in the industry, one with North Mechanical and one with Bowen Engineering. He continues to lead his students towards the mechanical field every year.

Faculty Internships

Dr. Attallah has worked with HMH Contractors and, most recently, Kiewit during the summers. With HMH, he worked as an estimating engineer during the summer. In addition to helping HMH during a particularly busy time, he gained industry experience to bring back to the chapter and the mechanical class. During his time with Kiewit, he was a faculty scholar for their company and was a massive help over the summer.

Thank you for serving as an advisor, educator, and mentor to students, Dr. Attallah!

Beyond the Classroom Video Series: Participation–The Key to Growth

Adam Crnkovich is currently a Project Manager at the Ray Martin Company and a previous member of the University of Nebraska- Lincoln student chapter. As a student, Adam really enjoyed participating in MCAA’s Student Chapter Competition as it gave him incredible exposure to technical aspects that contractors work on, as well as played a huge role in his understanding of the industry as a whole. 

Additionally, during his time in his student chapter, Adam actively attended MCAA GreatFutures Forums and MCAA Annual Conventions which he says not only helped him continue to learn about the industry and network, but ultimately helped him grow further into his field and as a person. Adam shared participating in these opportunities “gave me a lot more experience that not only understand if this is something I wanted to pursue, but also how I could be better in the industry and grow as a person and career in general.”

Adam loves that the mechanical contracting industry is not only about building things, but building people and relationships, something he has personally benefited from.

Meet the Final Four Teams in MCAA’s 2020-2021 Student Chapter Competition

MCAA is so excited that our Virtual Education Conference (VEC) | Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, is almost here! Next week starts off with MCAA’s Annual Student Chapter Competition on Monday, March 22nd from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET and you will not want to miss it. Get to know the final four teams before the big competition!

Fairleigh Dickinson University

MCAA’s student chapter at Fairleigh Dickinson University was chartered in 2003. Wonjae Choi, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, is the current faculty advisor.

The FDU chapter has entered the MCAA Student Chapter Competition every year since 2004. They competed in the Final Four at the 2018 MCAA Convention in San Antonio. In 2010, 2015, 2017 and 2019, the chapter placed in the top 10 and received a Certificate of Merit recognizing their achievement.  

The chapter received Emerging Chapter grants in 2004 and 2007. They also received a Chapter of Excellence Grant in 2005, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2020.

Meet Fairleigh Dickinson’s competition team: 
(The competition team consisted of all Mechanical Engineering majors)
Francis Castro, Class of 2021
Keion Oglesby, Class of 2021
Andrew Sayad, Class of 2022
Natalie Stanton, Class of 2021
Alejandro Zapata, Class of 2021

Kansas State University 

Kansas State University’s chapter received its charter at the 2010 Convention in San Francisco. The chapter’s current faculty advisors are Paul Karr and Jongchul Song. KSU has consistently participated in the student competition since 2011. Chapter members have attended all of the MCAA Conventions and Student Chapter Summits and GreatFutures Forums since it was chartered. 

The chapter received an Emerging Chapter Grant in 2011, 2014 and again in 2019. They received a Chapter of Excellence Grant in 2018 and 2020.

Meet Kansas State University’s competition team: 
Annie Burnam, Construction Science and Management, Class of 2021
Collin Champagne, Construction Science and Management, Class of 2022
Carlos Espino, Architectural Engineering, Class of 2024
Kayla Huffman, Architectural Engineering, Class of 2022
Trevor Waggoner, Architectural Engineering , Class of 2022
Peyton Winter, Construction Science and Management, Class of 2024

Missouri State University

Missouri State’s student chapter was charted in the Spring of 2017 and the chapter has been incredibly involved in MCAA’s Career Development Initiative, attending every GreatFutures Forum and Convention since. Jacob Nelson is the current faculty advisor. 

Meet Missouri State University’s competition team: 
(The competition team consisted of all Construction Management majors)
Nathan Bextermueller, Class of 2022
Cole Eiler, Class of 2021
Tanner Hartman, Class of 2021
Cabriah Hillman, Class of December 2021
Keagan Hosman, Class of 2022
Ryan Sweeny, Class of 2023

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg Campus

MCAA’s student chapter at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg Campus was chartered in 2007. The chapter has consistently participated in MCAA events, and their local MCA of Metro Washington hosted MCAA’s last GreatFutures Forum in Washington, D.C. in 2019. 

Most recently, their student chapter was awarded an Emerging Chapter Grant in 2020. 

Georg Reichard, PhD, PE has been the faculty advisor of this student chapter from the start and still stands as the faculty advisor today. 

Meet the Virginia Tech Blacksburg Campus competition team: 
(The competition team consisted of all Building Construction majors)
Ke’Aja (KJ) Jefferson, Class of 2021
Andrew Nguyen, Class of 2021
Justin Zeigmont, Class of December 2021

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) congratulate all of the finalists and recognize their commitment and dedication to this year’s project. 

MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight 16 Welcomes Gary Moore, Victaulic Executive Vice President

In the sixteenth episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Brian Helm, MCAA President is joined by Gary Moore, Victaulic’s Global Executive Vice President of Sales. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

Gary began his career with Victaulic in June 1988 as a sales representative in Canada. Within ten years, he was made the President of Victaulic Canada. When he moved to the United States in 2003, he was first the Vice President of Sales in North America, followed by North and South America, and finally, the Americas and EMEAI. He took on his current role as the company’s Global Executive Vice President of Sales in 2009. Gary was the National Director of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada’s Supplier Council, and he has been involved with the MCAA Manufacturer/Supplier Council in the U.S. for the last 18 years, including three years on the Board of Directors.

MCAA Welcomes Jon Howland, Marketing Director for DEWALT Industrial Tool Company in Sponsor Spotlight 15

In the fifteenth episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, MCAA CEO, Tim Brink welcomes Jon Howland, Marketing Director, Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

An innovative and highly-effective strategist with a track record of delivering multimillion-dollar sales increases through the implementation of astute marketing initiatives focused on the Commercial and Industrial End User, Jon Howland serves as a Marketing Director for the Industrial and Commercial Division of the North America Commercial Team within Stanley Black & Decker’s Global Tools & Storage Division. A twenty-six-year veteran of Stanley Black & Decker, in his current role, Jon’s main charge is developing and executing a relevant approach for the division’s commercial and digital implementation of its Total Trade Solutions offering through their Enterprise Solutions Teams by working closely with Trade Organizations, Associations, and Companies articulating the Corporation’s Innovation, Safety, Productivity, and Profitability message. Jon is a veteran of the United States Navy; chairman of Stanley Black & Decker’s Global Tools & Storage Veterans Network Employee Resource Group; Member of the National Board of Directors of the ToolBank USA; and representative on the MCAA Manufacturer/Supplier Council. He and his wife, Erin, reside in Towson, MD with their twins, Mac & Livi.

The bold portfolio of Stanley Black & Decker’s brands, products, and services, inclusive of their Total Trade Solutions, is anchored by Dewalt, Dewalt Anchors & Fasteners, Lenox Tools, and Proto Industrial Tools from which Howland drives End User acquisition and fidelity. 

MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight Episode 14 Welcomes Dean Taylor, Executive Vice President Sales for Anvil and Smith-Cooper International

In the fourteenth episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series MCAA Co-Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Rick Gopffarth welcomes Dean Taylor, Executive Vice President Sales for Anvil and Smith-Cooper International. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

Dean joined the company back in 1986 and has over 34 years of experience in the industry. Through the years, Dean has held several roles within the organization (from the ground up), working in the warehouse and inside sales before holding positions such as Warehouse Manager, Inside Sales Manager, Market Manager, and Regional Manager, continuing to work his way up to the Executive level. In his current role, Dean is responsible for global sales across all markets served, implementing and managing strategic sales plans to achieve sales goals. 

Beyond the Classroom Video Series: Showing Interest in the Industry

Ted McHugh left college with an education geared more towards a career in general contracting, with limited knowledge of the mechanical industry. However, he applied for a job at West Chester Mechanical Contractors, Inc. and quickly gained experience in various roles within the company.

Ted shares insight into the time and interest he put into researching the company and emphasizes that this is an important part of their hiring process, “When we’re hiring, we’re looking for somebody who’s interested in the company, interested in our industry and knows a little bit about it. Come into an interview and ask questions.”

A current MCAA Career Development committee member, Ted talks with passion when describing the variety of opportunities the mechanical industry offers to meet individual interests, and he is a great example of what you can achieve if you develop an interest and passion for the industry.

Find Talent for Your Company’s Future Growth with the MCAA GreatFutures Jobs Board

MCAA members looking for talented young people to ensure their companies’ future competitiveness can get a helping hand from the MCAA’s GreatFutures Job Board. Visit the board and login with your MCAA.org password to post your company’s internship and job opportunities. While you’re there, be sure to browse the student resumes to connect with potential matches. If you have any questions, please reach out to Megan Walsh.