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JUSTIN DAHER - CADD Engineering

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JUSTIN DAHER

Washkewicz College of Engineering

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering with minor in Mathematics

Summa Cum Laude

Justin Daher’s CSU experience was anything but ordinary. Having gained earned college credits at Mayfield High School, Daher entered as a sophomore only to be thrown a curve ball. During spring break of 2019, he had a heart attack-like episode and was diagnosed with myocarditis—inflammation of the heart. Hospitalized for weeks and quarantined for more thereafter, he completed his semester from home with straight A’s while undergoing many procedures. An interning doctor’s ultrasound of Daher’s heart later identified a life-threatening diagnosis requiring open heart surgery. He returned to CSU in the fall of 2021 and still managed to graduate in three years.

A benevolent family-first person, Daher cared for his younger sibling during his tenure, inspiring them to follow in his (and the family’s) footsteps by attending CSU as well. Powered by deep curiosity, Daher calls his invention-dedicated research endeavors “informal,” but he landed on a “geothermal dehumidifier” to harvest clean water from humid air. “The Daher Drywell” became his senior design project. Now in the patent process, Daher hopes those struggling to find fresh water worldwide will be able to put a low-cost version of the invention to good use. Daher was also behind the student-based petition initiative to get a “Pass/Fail” grading system implemented for CSU’s remote learning during the COVID-19 quarantine. He was inspired by a witnessing a friend’s deteriorating mental health during the pandemic. Proud member of the Math Club, Robotics Club and an honorary member of Baja SAE during his time at CSU, Daher is now employed at MAGNET as Operational Excellence Consultant.

“My journey was rough and intimidating, but I am very proud of what I was able to accomplish in such a short period of time, with such daunting circumstances,” said Daher. “I’d like to thank everyone for considering me for this honor. I was not aware that being a candidate was a possibility for me. I am greatly humbled.”

ANTONIO VELOTTA - Cosmetology

Antonio Velotta, a former Cosmetology student with Debby Kall and Maryanne Hummell, was a stylist on Project Runway on Lifetime TV in 2013.
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CHRIS COMELLA - Interactive Media

Chris Comella, graduate of Excel TECC Interactive Media program, a Designer and Art Director at Go Media since 2007. He specializes in projects for branding, print design, and illustration. He is founder of the "On The Map" video series, which aims to spotlight the amazing, unique things happening around the city of Cleveland.

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LEE WOLEN - Culinary Arts

Lee Wolen, graduate of the Excel TECC Culinary Arts program, landed a job at The Lobby in The Peninsula Chicago. There, people came out in droves for his riffs on Eleven Madison Park’s famous juicy roasted chicken, its bronze-hued skin stuffed with herbed brioche and butter. His cooking—perhaps backed by his welcoming smile—earned him top reviews from Time Out Chicago,Chicago magazine and the Chicago Tribune, followed by a star in the 2013 Chicago Michelin guide. Wolen parlayed that success into a partnership and executive chef role at Boka, teaming up with owners Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz.
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LUCIO VELOTTA - Construction Trades

Lucio Velotta, a 2006 graduate of the Excel TECC Construction Trades program and Mayfield high school, attended the Carpenters Union Apprentice School from 2006-2009. Upon graduation, he became a Journeyman Carpenter/Union Floor Layer.

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ALAN JASINSKI - Interactive Media

Alan Jasinski, a 2011 graduate of the Excel TECC Interactive Media program, is a Visual Effects Artist at Workhouse Creative. After high school graduation he obtained a degree in visual effects at the Savannah College of Art and Design and has gained a strong background in computer graphics.

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SEAN GRANDILLO - Performing Arts Academy

In 2015 Sean Grandillo, graduate of the Excel TECC Performing Arts Academy, made his Broadway debut in "Spring Awakening," at the Brooks Atkinson Theater in New York. The reviews were raves! Sean came to the Academy with no previous acting experience. He had plans to be a musician and was quite a fine singer.

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DAVID LEVITZ - Performing Arts Academy

David Levitz, 2012 Excel TECC Performing Arts Academy graduate, received his first professional job with the prestigious Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis Minnesota.
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JOSH & RYAN - Public Safety Academy

Josh Pusker and Ryan Fowler both went through the Public Safety Academy in 2009, graduated and got jobs in the Fire Service. Josh worked at the Slippery Rock, PA Fire Dept while attending Slippery Rock University. Ryan is a full time firefighter with the Chesterland Ohio Fire Dept.

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SAMANTHA BECKER - Performing Arts Academy

Samantha, 2011 graduate of the Excel TECC Performing Arts Academy, attended Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio where she received a Bachelor's degree in Theatre with a minor in Management and a focus in Arts Administration. After graduating from Otterbein in 2015,she moved to Chicago to pursue a career in the theatre. Samantha did a senior internship with American Blues Theater, which later turned into a part-time job as Administrative Assistant, and has since become a full-time position as Audience Services Assistant.

Click here to read Samantha's story