3/10/2015 Taylor Tucker
Written by Taylor Tucker
MechSE senior DJ Podgorny was recently awarded the Stanley H. Pierce Student Award. Each year, the Pierce award is presented by Engineering Council to one undergraduate student and one faculty member who have done the most to develop empathetic cooperation between students and faculty. Eligible students must be enrolled in engineering and have a GPA of at least 3.0.
Podgorny’s exceptional history of leadership likely helped him stand out for this award. He served on the Engineering Council’s executive board as director of the 2014 Engineering Open House Central Committee, and has also served in the role of director of the Engineering Information Bureau. He was a mechanical engineering learning assistant for ENG 100 and in 2014 was named a Knight of St. Patrick, an annual and prestigious tradition in the College of Engineering that recognizes students’ leadership, excellence in character, and contributions to the college.
However, it is Podgorny’s present role that holds the most weight in his award win. Podgorny serves as founder and chair of MechSE’s Advancement Student Committee (MASC). “The accomplishments I am most proud of are the ones in which I help inspire others to reach their goals,” Podgorny said. MASC helps do just that. Its mission is very similar to the values of the Pierce award: fostering better relationships between students and faculty, as well as improving interactions between students and engaging them in interactions with alumni. “Under DJ’s leadership, this committee has already made a great impact on the foundation of this student group,” said Betsy Powers, Assistant Director of Advancement and a staff advisor to MASC.
Podgorny said his success with MASC is the result of a team effort. “I would not be here today without the dedication from each member,” he said. He also credits his fellow committee and organization members with helping him achieve his accomplishments. “I am extremely thankful for the amazing work my friends have put into organizations I have helped lead,” he said.
As someone who has made his own success, Podgorny’s advice on finding success is worth noting. “Step outside your comfort zone and get to know people from as diverse a group as possible,” he said. “The best way to achieve different results is to try a different approach, and one of the best ways to learn about different approaches it to meet people who challenge your perspectives.”