STV’s Mentors Usher in the Next Generation of Construction and Design

The ACE (Architecture Construction Engineering) Mentor Program of America recently marked its 25th anniversary with a special dinner that celebrated the organization’s contributions to the future of the design and construction industry. STV, a long-time partner and support of ACE, had several employees in attendance at the event, including Robert Smythe, P.E.; Kelly Misner; Suresh Karre, P.E. PTOE; Christopher Kocher, P.E.; Paige Bauman; and Gregory Frederickson, P.E.

ACE pairs high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in the design and construction industry with mentors from participating firms. STV has hosted ACE Mentor teams in numerous offices for years. Milo Riverso, Ph.D., P.E., CCM, president and chief executive officer, is currently an executive committee member of the national board of directors and is a past chairman of ACE’s New York Chapter, while Chuck Kohler, P.E., S.E., STV’s chief operating officer, is currently on ACE New York’s board of directors.

Meanwhile, STV’s largest ACE team, in its New York office, recently participated in the chapter’s annual scholarship event.  STV’s team of high schoolers presented on a hypothetical project they designed for Columbia University. Of the 16 mentees, seven seniors in the group received certificates to commemorate their graduation.

“Students come back year after year to our team, and stay in touch after graduating,” said Jeffrey Messinger, P.E., LEED AP, senior associate in the New York office, who has been an active mentor for ACE’s New York branch for 16 years. “It’s always a thrill when I run into former students who are now colleagues in our industry, especially when they talk about how our mentorship helped solidify their career paths.”

For more information on becoming an ACE mentor in your local chapter, visit
https://www.acementor.org/mentors-volunteers/.