A Plan for Success

Walking into your alma mater is always a bit sentimental, even more so when you're walking in not just as an alumnus, but as a professional.

Jonathan Falkinburg, a 2018 graduate of Delaware Tech's architectural engineering technology program, got to experience this proud feeling when he came back to the Wilmington campus as an architectural professional with Tetra Tech. The College hired the architectural and engineering design firm to create a student success center that will offer a central location for several student services currently spread over several floors in the same building.

Falkinburg, who says he was a late bloomer in life, credits Delaware Tech's "hidden heroes" with helping him succeed in his educational journey.

"Betsy Osienski from financial aid walked me through every facet of the process when I came back to school," said Falkinburg. "Ellaweise Thomas and Geraldine Johnson from the business office also helped make my return seamless."

He also found many other supportive members of the Delaware Tech staff including Carolyn Moloney who provided him with a friendly smile or words of encouragement when he needed them the most.

"People who were just doing their jobs really motivated me," he said. "You never know who you might be helping."

Falkinburg is currently enrolled in his second year at Drexel University, where he is pursuing his Bachelor of Architecture degree and architectural licensure. He says Delaware Tech prepared him well for both his job at Tetra Tech as a project designer and his studies.

He said he's honored to be a lead designer on an exciting project at Delaware Tech.

"I am lucky enough to be able to pay it forward – or in my case, back," he said. "I look forward to seeing this project through completion over the coming years, and giving back to shaping the educational process at Del Tech."