For Educators

This year’s Educator of the Year award went to Brad Perkins of Iowa State University. The award, which included a check for $5,000, honored his mentoring ability, industry knowledge and involvement, as well as his active participation in MCAA’s Student Chapter program activities.

MCERF announced the recipients of four MCERF Scholarships created to honor the industry leaders they are named after. The students receiving these scholarships were selected by our Career Development Committee for their exceptional academic performance, leadership skills, interest in developing a career in the mechanical industry, work ethic and technical abilities.

Anna Rowe, a junior from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and Sarah Drummey, a senior from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, each received a $5,000 Women in the Mechanical Industry scholarship. The scholarships, which were presented by Women in the Mechanical Industry Co-Chair Jaimi Lomas, who is also Chair of MSCA, recognize the students’ exceptional scholastic achievement and leadership skills. Women in the Mechanical Industry is a new forum to further enrich the careers of women in the industry through networking, educational, mentoring and career development opportunities beyond those already offered through membership in MCAA and MSCA.

The Career Development Committee chose the Student Chapter at Iowa State University as its Student Chapter of the Year. The chapter was selected based on how well it promotes an understanding of the mechanical industry and the career opportunities we offer. In addition to a trophy, Student Chapter representatives Brittany Gronewold, Riley McLaren, Stephanie Shah, and Paige Taylor accepted a $3,000 check.

Thank you for joining us in San Antonio for MCAA18! The best MCAA convention ever gave us the best photos ever! You can view, download and share great memories of our time together by visiting our SmugMug site. Best of all, they’re free! Ready to make new memories? See You in Scottsdale! MCAA19 is March 3-7, 2019 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge.

MCAA members can now access some of our more recent bulletins on current topics from their desktop computers on our new WebBook platform. You will be able to read new Management Methods Bulletins, take notes, print sections, and share with colleagues. And most importantly, when we have updated content, unlike a downloaded PDF, our WebBooks will be updated behind the scenes while your notes are preserved securely on your computer.

Contractors continued to build relationships with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council and student chapter members during the annual exhibits. The Annual Manufacturer/Supplier Council Exhibit highlighted well-known products and services as well as solutions that are just emerging to take on the anticipated challenges that lie ahead. The Student Chapter Exhibit provided members with another opportunity to meet students seeking their Great Futures in our industry.

The team from Colorado State University won the final round of the Student Chapter Competition at MCAA18, taking home the first prize and $10,000 for their efforts. Their proposal for the renovation of a New York City steakhouse beat out proposals from the Fairleigh-Dickinson University, the University of Washington and the Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Our association’s leading women kicked off our Women in the Mechanical Industry forum with a networking reception. During the event, women learned how the forum will further enrich their careers through networking, educational, mentoring and career development opportunities beyond those already offered through membership in MCAA and MSCA. Women in the Mechanical Industry also sponsored a special session on two proven career advancement strategies measured to have the strongest payoff for women professionals.

Are you attending MCAA18 in San Antonio? If so, you can see the CMT in action and ask questions of the software’s developer Brett Young (BuildingSP) during a session entitled Innovation for Virtual Design in Construction.

The latest report in the Technology Research Series goes in depth on the capabilities of Microsoft’s mixed reality headset. In addition to detailing the hardware and the capabilities, it demonstrates how mechanical contractors are using it today to gain an advantage.

The MCAA18 Final Program is now available for download. Inside, you’ll find all the details about what’s planned, including world-class education sessions and outstanding keynote speakers. Plus, you’ll learn more about the exhibits and top-notch social events that will let you build relationships with industry peers. So, download your copy today! We look forward to seeing you in San Antonio!