Tower Magazine - Summer/Fall 2024 - 18

/// GIVING BACK
REMEMBERING
ALEX B. MUNRO
Tireless Champion of the Trades
LANCASTER. 2004. MOVE-IN DAY.
When Joseph J. Wysock, III arrived
at Thaddeus Stevens College of
Technology, Alex B. Munro was one
of the first people he met. While Joe
can't recall exactly what was said, he
instantly felt like they were family.
Interactions like those are the
epitome of what it meant to
be in Alex's presence, whether
on campus, at a job site, in a
boardroom, or at the State Capitol.
In spite of his life circumstances,
that drive, ambition, and cando
attitude was ever-present in
Alex's life. And, through his efforts,
thousands of others have changed
their lives through an education in
the skilled trades, Joe included.
FINDING HIS PURPOSE
Many people know the story:
Munro hitchhiked from his Chester
County home to what was then
known as Thaddeus Stevens
Trade School. Escaping poverty
and abuse, he found a respite in
living and learning on campus.
After building his career as a stone
mason and bricklayer, Munro was
called back to the place that gave
him so much opportunity. He
served as Executive Director of
the Thaddeus Stevens Foundation
for three decades, tirelessly
championing the trades and the
students who were often facing
similar insurmountable odds.
The work he did at Thaddeus
17 : Tower Magazine
Stevens College paved the way for
students like Joe, who went on to
advanced education and a career in
construction leadership. As a young
alumnus, Joe accompanied Alex to
board meetings, and he remained
in awe of Alex's presentation
skills, his brilliant ideas, and his
sheer dedication to the College.
Alex Munro, '60
" He retired at 79. That says it all, "
says Wysock. " For 30 years, he
was on time-no, early-and ready
to go with an agenda in hand. "
FUNDING THE FUTURE: FROM
CAPITOL TO CAMPUS
Alex was instrumental in securing
funding for large capital projects
at Thaddeus Stevens College,
and this work was a result of
building and maintaining strong
relationships with lawmakers. Two
with whom he had a particularly
close working relationship were
Senator Ryan P. Aument (R-36)
and Senator Scott Martin (R-13).
Sen. Martin was working in youth
intervention when he first met Alex,
but they became better acquainted
when he was running for office in
2007. Sen. Aument met him in 2010
while running for the State House.
Both senators say they'll never forget
their first encounters with Alex, when
they heard his story for the first time.
" Alex was a real advocate of us
lawmakers coming together, "
explained Aument. Over the
years, Munro's enthusiasm for the
trades and commitment to the
College became contagious among
those in office. Big projects were
funded. Big strides were made.
" It's amazing to see all of the
opportunities these kids have.
There's a void needed to be filled
with the trades; these jobs are so
desperately needed, " says Sen.
Martin, of the College. Sen. Aument
agrees. " Alex was incredibly proud
of the two-year graduation rate,
of how students were receiving
multiple job offers; they're meeting
a critical need in the community. "
Munro's fundraising strategies and
tactics were smart, but former
College President Dr. William
Griscom feels his success really
came down to relatability.
" He was effective because he was
authentic. He was not lobbying
for someone else, " Griscom said
during a moving eulogy. " Alex
was a living example of what a
Stevens education could do. "
Aument remains inspired,
personally and professionally,
Tower Magazine - Summer/Fall 2024

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