10 Founder ’ s Day Keynote Address Given By Board Vice Chairman Lallo ’ 79
Continued from page 1 masks and keeping a safe social distance . The other classes watched virtually on their computers and others watched from home .
Addressing the seniors , Lallo said “ Employers don ’ t hire you because you know how to lay brick . They hire you because you are a Williamson Man . They are looking for good people with a good work ethic . They know you have good values and morals and will show up every day for work . Williamson is giving you the tools to be successful , it ’ s up to you what you do with this .” He explained how he had to work hard as a student and at times felt like quitting . He also confessed that he probably received more restriction hours than most students . And then , with the encouragement of his instructors , his attitude improved . He started applying himself and working harder .
“ Seniors , you have no idea what you have right now . You are not only learning a trade , you are learning to be men . You don ’ t quit if things get tough , you just keep working hard . Williamson was the toughest thing I did in my life . I took advantage of the training . I didn ’ t appreciate it until a few years after I graduated . I owe my life to Williamson .”
He also told them their Williamson education is just the beginning and it is important to pick something in life that is important to you and then stick to it . He added that you should welcome failures in your life and learn from them .
Lallo was hired by the Boeing Co . the day he graduated and then worked 41 years in 15 different positions , retiring last summer as an engineering manager . He earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering at Drexel University , and masters ’ degrees in engineering management and business administration and a doctorate degree in higher education at Widener University . Now in retirement , he teaches engineering , business , and finance courses at Widener University and Penn State Brandywine part-time , and works construction with several childhood friends . He said he owes everything he has had in life to Isaiah V . Williamson .
At the end of his remarks , President Michael Rounds honored Lallo with a cube award manufactured by Dominic Beck , a junior machinist .
Dr . Michelle Williams , vice president of academic affairs / CAO , in her opening remarks , said “ A special congratulations goes to our senior class . You have made it to the last semester of your senior year . This is something to be very proud of as your dedication , hard work , flexibility , and persistence have gotten you to this point .
“ For over 130 years this institution has been honoring the intentions of Mr . Williamson by ensuring that all of our students have the opportunity to learn , grow , and be successful .”
In his remarks , Rounds said “ On Founder ’ s Day it is important to reflect on Mr . Williamson ’ s amazing vision to found this school that has been educating and inspiring young men for over 130 years . The pandemic has changed a lot of things , but one thing that has not changed is how important our traditions are at Williamson . We figure out ways to do what we do and that is why we are carrying on with Founder ’ s Day , even in a pandemic .”
Before presenting the board ’ s awards , board chairman William Bonenberger 7W9 said , “ Williamson creates an environment for young men to be successful . It gives students confidence and instills the core values that lead to success . It is up to you how successful you become . Williamson gives you the tools to do whatever you want .
“ Our founder wanted to change the trajectory of the lives of young men . We all owe him a huge debt of gratitude for having both the vision and philanthropic heart to start this institution . You are learning a trade you can be proud of and that you can make a career out of .”
He then presented the C . W . Schrenk 4W9 Young Alumnus Award to Peter Zwolak 0W7 , Williamson ’ s director of construction technology-masonry . [ A full article on Zwolak is on page 6 .]
Zwolak said , “ I am deeply honored to be receiving this award . I feel lucky to be in such great company . I thank my family and Williamson for the brotherhood and high moral values . It molds us in more than a trade . It teaches you to be useful . Williamson has given me so much . I strive to give back to Williamson .
“ I also thank Daniel Hiltebeitel , who was my masonry instructor here at Williamson and was like a second dad . He sparked my passion for masonry and living a life with values .”
Zwolak gave advice to the students saying , “ Ask yourself , am I making this choice based on love or fear ? If you are quiet enough , you will always find the answer . True masculinity is being vulnerable , open , honest , and authentic . These are the qualities that make you a great person and a great tradesman . That is a Williamson Man .”
Then Bonenberger announced that another board award , the Isaiah V . Williamson Award , will be given to trustee Nicholas Davey 8W5 , founder and president of Davey Utility Services , in Chicago , Ill ., at a future date because he could not make Founder ’ s Day because of COVID-19 restrictions .
Capital Campaign Raises Over $ 78M
Continued from page 1 in the shops . The college built the first new dormitory in decades — Watson Dormitory — and is in the process of building an additional new dormitory and constructing a new student center . Alongside these capital projects , the college has increased our endowment for scholarship support , all while raising the necessary funds each year to ensure a trade education for our students .
Each of these initiatives was the product of the investment of many individuals , but each has a personal story . We would be remiss if we did not recognize the philanthropy of a few key individuals and organizations during this campaign .
President Michael Rounds said , “ I am so grateful for the generosity of so many alumni and friends of Williamson that made this campaign a success . The completion of the Building for the Future comprehensive capital campaign would not have happened without the dedicated commitment of our board , staff , and faculty and every person that contributed .”
Lee Rowan , the wife of the late Henry Rowan , made an $ 11 million leadership gift to spearhead our fundraising for the campaign in 2016 , supporting the expansion of our dining hall , increase of our endowment , and the upgrading of the Lee Rowan School of Power Plant Technology . Further , the Henry M . Rowan Family Foundation provided endowment support , funding for various capital projects , and annual operating funds .
Another key aspect of the campaign was the construction of new dormitories to prepare campus life initiatives for an influx of students in the future . Through the generous support of longtime board member and friend of the college the late Frank Burke , the first dormitory in nearly a century was built on campus , formally dedicated as Watson Dormitory in 2017 in memory of our chairman of 27 years , Wayne Watson 4W8 .
A new dormitory allowed for the renovation of our current housing facilities while maintaining current student enrollment , a key aspect of the campaign . Starting with Eyre Dormitory and moving onto Stell Dormitory , students have been working alongside contractors the last four years to update these living spaces . We are thankful for the generous support of all the foundations — the 25th Century Foundation , Connelly Foundation , Crystal Trust , George I . Alden Trust , the McLean Contributionship , and the Walter J . Miller Trust — for making these projects possible .
Alongside these organizations , our trustee Richard Clemens , son of past Williamson president James R . Clemens 3W4 , provided the lead gift for the renovation of Stell Dormitory . In recognition of this support , the board of trustees voted to rename the dormitory in honor of James R . Clemens 3W4 . This last year , William B . and Judith B . Strine pledged $ 2.3 million to build a second new dormitory on campus , furthering Williamson ’ s ability to accept more students in the future .
A final aspect of our capital projects was the desire to enhance student life by constructing a student center , providing the college with accommodations for expanded extracurricular activities and space for our students in our residential education model . In 2017 , Joseph and Marion Wesley were introduced to Williamson College of the Trades and were inspired to invest in the Williamson education model , producing not only quality tradesmen , but also men of character and patriotism . Through their partnership , the couple made a pledge of $ 21.1 million to build the Joseph L . and Marion M . Wesley Student Center , to be completed in 2022 .
Alongside these large-scale capital initiatives , other significant updates to the technology and shop infrastructure of our campus were made possible by this campaign . New windows in Rowan Hall and four shop buildings , technology upgrades to numerous classrooms , and new technology equipment for the power plant and machine shop , as well as significant investment in deferred maintenance , has prepared our trade programs for the next generation of educating young men in the trades .
Williamson is certain that the work done during the Building for the Future comprehensive capital campaign allows the college to remain confident that the current level of education is secure . Rounds said , “ Meeting and exceeding the fundraising goals of this campaign provided the necessary resources to improve every aspect of Williamson . It sets the conditions that allow us to increase enrollment and expand the mission of Williamson in the future .”
As the board of trustees considers strategic plans for the next five years and observes the growing trade needs in our region and country , the expansion of Williamson is our next horizon .
With a strong desire to expand our curriculum for the next generation of tradesmen and increase our enrollment of students for the first time in decades , we know our endowment will require expansion and new buildings may be added to those constructed during this campaign . These last five years have laid a foundation , building for the future of what our students will require to become respected leaders and productive members of society . We are excited to see friends and alumni — new and old — continue with us on this journey of supporting the next generation of Williamson Men .
[ Photographs demonstrating the improvements created by the Building for the Future comprehensive capital campaign can be found on page 24 .]