2021-2022 Student Chapter of the Year Winner – University of Maryland, College Park

At the MCAA22 Awards of Excellence Breakfast on March 16th, The University of Maryland, College Park was awarded the 2021 MCAA Student Chapter of the Year for their continued achievement and overall focus on offering career opportunities in mechanical contracting to their student membership.

Sponsoring Local Affiliate:
MCA of Metropolitan Washington
• Tom Bello – Executive Vice President
• Anna Trapane – Marketing & Outreach Coordinator & Industry Advisor
• Randall Chenworth Director of Education

Industry Advisor: Jake Medina – Poole and Kent Corporation

Faculty Advisor: Fitzgerald Walker – University of Maryland, College Park

Career Development – Local and National MCAA Events

This past year the chapter participated in the MCA Metropolitan Washington Golf Tournament Fundraiser. The students were responsible for assisting with tournament responsibilities throughout the day and then were invited to network with contracting professionals during the awards banquet at the conclusion of the event.

Chapter members were also invited to attend a Summer Appreciation Event that included students, industry professionals, and the MCAMW Board of Directors. The event was a celebration of UMD’s 2019-2020 MCAA Student Chapter Competition Final Four placement and 2020-2021 6th place finish. Previous in-person events were extremely limited and this was the first opportunity for the association to celebrate the hard work of the students and likewise show appreciation to their supporting contractors.

This past fall the chapter also participated in a football tailgate hosted by UMD. This was utilized as a networking event for the students to connect with contractors in a fun and relaxed environment. The team at MCAMW works closely with the chapter leadership to ensure the events are welcoming and comfortable for all of the student attendees.

On the national front, students attended the 2021 MCAA Virtual Education Conference, the 2021 MEP Innovation Conference, and the 2021 GreatFutures Forum.

Recruitment

To attract new members, the chapter officers attended multiple events to raise awareness about the chapter and opportunities within the mechanical industry. The chapter was able to double their number of chapter members. The UMD chapter helped other students understand the importance of having a group of peers to support one another, as well as the benefits of networking with industry professionals during a highly virtual world.

Community Service

Unfortunately, the chapter was unable to participate in their typical community service projects due to event cancellations (Heat’s On – Water’s Off Project and Rebuilding Together Day). The chapter plans on resuming their participation in 2022.

Site Visits

The chapter participates in an annual field trip to W.E. Bowers, which also includes viewing their sheet metal, copper, and steel shops. This trip always serves as an opportunity for the students to see pre-fabrication at its finest. The tour allows multiple opportunities for students to ask questions about different facets during the fabrication process. Additionally, students are exposed to multiple elements in the industry such as coordination, fabrication, project management, safety, and quality control.

Internships & Employment with Mechanical Contractors

This past year, four students interned with MCAA Companies:
• Hailey Brennan – Boland Trane Services, Inc.
• Amaya Caggino – Poole & Kent Company
• Alex Rubin – HAVTECH
• Delaney May – HAVTECH

Additionally, two students accepted full-time jobs with MCAA Companies:
• Talha Dasti – Kent Island Mechanical
• Ryan Brewer – Limbach Company LLC

Congratulations to The University of Maryland, College Park on this well-deserved recognition!