The university once again won a spot in the annual Final Four, a national competition hosted by the Mechanical Contractors Association of America at the National Convention in Austin, Texas, and the Gorillas finished in third place.
The Pitt State MCA Student Chapter received the Student Chapter of the Year Award, which came with a $10,000 check from MCAA and a $10,000 matching check from MCA of Kansas City.
Three students each received $5,000 in national scholarships: Kavan Limbasayia (Construction Engineering Technology, India), Parker Jenkins (Construction Management, Lees Summit, Missouri), and Aidan Wolownik (Construction Management, Frontenac).
The student team also received a $2,500 check from the MCAA and a matching $2,500 from MCA of Kansas City.
Jenkins also received the MVP (Most Valuable Presenter) award and a $500 award.
And, Professor Shannon Nicklaus received the MCAA Educator of the Year Award, accompanied by a check of $5,000 from MCAA and a matching check from MCA of Kansas City.
Student chapter members nominated him based on his mentoring, mechanical industry knowledge, participation in chapter activities, and involvement in the creation of student-focused networking opportunities with local mechanical contractors through the MCA of Kansas City.
“Shannon transforms more than just his students’ career opportunities; he also creates an environment, both in the classroom and within our student chapter, where we develop friendships, confidence in the professionals we are becoming, and the life skills to successfully navigate adulthood,” said Wolownik, who serves as student chapter president. “This makes him not just an instructor, but a trusted mentor during our pivotal college years.”
Students said Nicklaus has transformed chapter meetings by creating an environment where they can learn from industry professionals, network, and learn about the mechanical industry through opportunities such as the GreatFutures Forum, MCAA Convention, WiMI Conference, and events put on by MCA KC.
They also noted that Nicklaus helps them connect with local contractors and secure internships and job offers. Companies trust his judgment and often open new positions, based on his recommendations, knowing that the students he advocates for are highly capable and will be well-prepared.
Nicklaus joined the School of Construction faculty in Fall 2006 and serves as the student chapter advisor.
"It's a great honor. Some really great faculty are a part of that organization and it is a great organization to be involved with,” Nicklaus said. “I think the students past and present feel the connection with me getting the award. They have been the largest contributors to the success of the group, and it's always great to represent Pittsburg State University in that light.”
Nicklaus said he had numerous proud moments at the convention.
“Contractors from all over the U.S. came to me to tell me how professional and outgoing our students are in comparison to what they sometimes see,” Nicklaus said. “We have great young women and men.”
The students said competing was an incredible experience.
“Placing in the Final Four and being recognized as one of the top teams in the nation was a gratifying feeling as I feel it reflected the hard work and dedication our team put in over the past year,” Jenkins said. “It was an honor to represent Pittsburg State on a national stage and to showcase the talent and knowledge our program cultivates. We’re proud of how far we’ve come and are excited for the future of our chapter.”
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