2019 Annual Report - 13

operators, operations supervisor, press operator,
monthly reporting, maintenance technician, camera
truck operator, meter reading/replacement, and digs. "
" Today, I am a senior lead wastewater operator,
dual licensed by the state as a water operator and
wastewater operator, " said McComsey. Her state
certification is required to protect public health,
safety, and the environment, and promote the longterm
sustainability of drinking water and wastewater
treatment systems.
" I chose to go to Thaddeus Stevens College because
of the great opportunities. This school gave me a
chance to step back and realize my potential for the
ultimate direction I wanted to pursue, " she said.
McComsey and her husband (also a Thaddeus
Stevens College alumni) own their first house on
two acres that provide plenty of space for their
seven chickens and two dogs. " We are financially
secure. I never would have made it this far without
the help of Thaddeus Stevens, " says McComsey. " The
College gives you endless amounts of opportunity,
confidence, and is malleable to your ultimate goals. "
And it provides lasting relationships. " Some of the
women at Stevens have become my best friends,
even after graduation. "
" This College was a place where
I met intelligent, independent
women who encouraged me in my
studies and my career. "
Faculty Spotlight
What makes you proud of your students?
I am proud of my students for their ability to persevere. At some point
during their time at TSCT nearly every student faces some obstacle.
Knowing what I know about the difficulties faced by so many of my
students. I have an immense amount of respect for the students who
persevere and graduate.
Do your students stay in touch after they graduate?
Many of my students stay in touch after they leave TSCT. They reach
out for technical advice and help on the job. They share their good
news about buying cars and houses, and starting families. They reach
out when things aren't going so smoothly. I love knowing that, even
years after graduation, my students know that I am here to celebrate
their achievements and support them.
Katie Surra
Water and Environmental
Technology Instructor
Master of Engineering, Civil
Engineering - Queen's University
8 Years of service
What do you hope your students remember about their time with
you in five years?
I hope that my students remember the role that industry played
in their education. I hope they remember the alumni that took the
time to come in and mentor them, those who provided tours of
their workplaces, and the companies that provided financial support
for students and/or the WET program. I hope that, when they find
themselves in the same position, they remember these valuable
experiences and give back to help future classes of students.
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2019 Annual Report

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2019 Annual Report
