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INDIANA LIBRARY DEDICATED TO DAVID VIA
By
William E. “Ed” Wyatt
Welding Instructor
Bernard K.
McKenzie Career Center
On
November 18, 2002, we held our Indiana AWS
Student night at the Bernard K. McKenzie Career Center in
Indianapolis.
American
Welding Society President Ernest Levert was here along with
Bennie Flynn, Chairman of the Indiana
Section of the AWS and Steve Houston of the Hobart
Institute. Also
in attendance were representatives from Indiana
Department of Education, Ball
State University, Purdue
University, and students from vocational high schools from
around the State of Indiana.
Many companies were also represented.
I
took this opportunity to dedicate the McKenzie Career Center
Welding Lab Library in memory of David Via, in the presence of
Mrs. Madonna Via and their daughter, Natalie, and son, Nathan.
David was the Hobart instructor who encouraged me to keep
going to school and follow my dream to become a high school
teacher. When I
first met David, I was a welder for Indiana
Gas Company and I was attending Ball State University.
After several years in school, I was ready to give up.
Several people helped me keep going after my degree.
David was one of them.
I owe him a lot.
David was a very
special person. He was passionate about welding and about teaching people how
to weld. He was
passionate about everything that he did.
His passion for life and his love for people was
reflected in the students that he mentored and in the many
people… like me… who cherished his friendship.
We
proudly dedicate our library in memory of Dave.
It is our hope that it will inspire educators and
students alike to passionately pursue their endeavors, to be
honest and fair-minded in all that they do.
In other words, to live life to the fullest!
Other
activities of the evening included introductions of honored
guests, an address by President Ernest Levert, a presentation by
Steve Houston, equipment demonstrations by various companies,
and the presentation of door prizes to the crowd numbering over
250 people.
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