For classmates Wilbur Hogge and Mark Wood, the opportunity
to celebrate a much-beloved professor also gave them a chance to see one
another after nearly 20 years. The two were among the alumni who attended the
recent Engineering Mentorship Dinner and Panel Discussion to Honor Dr. Fred
McConnell.
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| Wilbur Hogge and Mark Wood |
The event, held on the Parham Road Campus, brought
Engineering and Civil Engineering Technology graduates back to their alma mater
and gave current Engineering students the chance to absorb school and career
advice from alumni working in the field. “This was created as a mentorship
event because Dr. McConnell was such an influence in the lives of his students,”
explained Marianne McGhee, director of development. “He was a treasured
advisor, and alumni shared the best stories about his going above and beyond to
help them. It was fitting to honor his legacy by bringing back his former
students and inviting them to share some of their wisdom with current
students.”
A panel discussion with Ray Burton, Dean of the School of
Mathematics, Science & Engineering, and alumni Gianna Clark, John Lewis,
and Bill Via was a trip down memory lane for some attendees and a glimpse into
the workforce future for others. All of it was dedicated to Dr. Fred McConnell,
Professor Emeritus, and a true engineer of student success at Reynolds
Community College.
The McConnell Engineering Scholarship was established in
2005 by alumnus William F. “Bill” Via, Class of 1974. If you would like to help
continue Dr. McConnell’s great work of getting outstanding engineers started,
please consider a donation to his scholarship: www.reynolds.edu/givenow
