Meidl honored with Soaring Recent Alumni Award
Eagle Stories
Distinguished alumni shine at NWTC
Joe Langer and Kevin Grabian were honored in fall with the 2025 NWTC Distinguished Alumni Award, a recognition that celebrates outstanding personal and professional achievements, commitment to the College’ s values, and community involvement.
Langer, a 1974 Data Processing
Joe Langer graduate and retired director of global planning and support from Schneider National, serves on the NWTC Educational Foundation Board, a role he’ s held since 2005. He’ s helped establish the Student Emergency Fund, expand scholarship giving, and secure major donations for the College. He also personally contributes to the Foundation to make college possible for students.
Grabian, a 2006 graduate of NWTC’ s Electrical Engineering Technology( EET) and Electronics programs, teaches full time in the EET program. He leads student success initiatives, trains new faculty, and coaches student teams. He volunteers as a youth wrestling coach and search-and-rescue leader in his community and as an on-campus medical responder at the College.
Inspiring the next generation
Both Langer and Grabian have overcome obstacles to reach their college and career goals— and both widely share how the College helped elevate their paths.
“ Even in the face of adversity, with a sense of commitment and the support of the College, you will achieve your goals and contribute to a thriving community,” said Langer.
Kevin Grabian
“ I’ ve had the privilege of seeing students I’ ve mentored graduate, enter the workforce, and truly change their lives— and their families’ lives— for the better, proof that the ripple effect of opportunity is real,” said Grabian.“ If this award shines a light on stories like mine, and encourages someone else to apply to NWTC, or stay in school, or change course for the better, then that’ s the real win.”
Meidl honored with Soaring Recent Alumni Award
Chris Meidl, Marketing associate degree program grad, received the 2025 NWTC Soaring Recent Alumni Award. He is the national sales manager for Spectrum Reach, overseeing marketing campaigns for major brands such as Chevy, Ford, and Toyota. He’ s one of just 28 national sales managers— and the youngest— at the Fortune 100 company. Despite his professional success, Meidl says his proudest accomplishment is the life he’ s built with his family.
Grateful for his start, Meidl continues to give back, serving as a Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce ambassador, volunteering with Make-A-Wish, and returning to NWTC to speak with students about his career journey. Currently pursuing a bachelor’ s degree at Oregon State University, Meidl says his success all began at NWTC.
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