Robert Mercier

A 1988 graduate of Central Connecticut State University, Robert started his engineering career in the greater Hartford area at companies like Fafnir Bearing and Pratt & Whitney, where he established his background in processing and manufacturing technologies prior to becoming an engineer at Covidien. Covidien (formerly United States Surgical of Norwalk CT) is a premiere surgical device manufacturer and home to some of the most advanced medical devices in the world. Robert advanced through various engineering positions in Manufacturing and Business Processes. As an engineering director, Robert managed key Mergers and Acquisitions that were the imputes of growth for the company in the late nineties. It was also at this time that he completed his masters in Engineering Management from the University of Bridgeport. Additionally, he completed an Executive Management program at Rensselaer Polytech. In his current role, as Senior Director of Divisional Engineering, he directs a staff of 120 engineers who support new product development. His group also supports projects such as establishing “Centers of Excellence” for R&D and Manufacturing with a strong focus on driving lean methodologies early in the process. He has also been instrumental in the identification, early assessment and streamlining of various processing technologies to increase “Time to Market” for new products. Robert has also implemented the “Lean for New Product Development” program, business simulation modeling, robust product transfer management and development of knowledge based data collection systems. Robert also spearheaded a first of its kind, Co-Operative Education program at Covidien in conjunction with CCSU. This provided a Scholarship Program funded by Covidien for students to increase their knowledge and understanding of business processes prior to graduating and moving into the marketplace. Robert is also a member of the Technology Management Advisory Board at CCSU.

Paula Chapla ’78, who was one of just a handful of female students in the technology education program during the 1970s, is approaching 30 years of service with Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of military and commercial helicopters. In her earliest post-CCSU days she worked 90 hours a week teaching Industrial Arts at Shelton High School during the day, while also earning an hourly wage operating machines on second shift at Sikorsky. From those humble beginnings she moved on to numerous positions of increasing responsibility within the company. Today, as Operations/Transformation Manager for Aerostructures, Chapla supports production of BlackHawk UH60M and HH60-M (Medivac) airframes.  But Chapla didn’t come to CCSU to study technology. She enrolled as a political science major. “I was involved in helping the School of Technology move into its new space at Copernicus at the time,” she recalls. “That’s when I met all the Industrial Arts teachers. That changed my life. Talking with them about electrical systems, cars, refrigerators – these were tangible things. It clicked for me.” In her very limited “spare” time, Chapla is pursuing a second master’s degree – this one from Central. “In today’s world, especially with technology, it’s adapt or die,” she says. “CCSU is adapting, and there is a world of opportunity out there for engineering and technology students today.”

The School of Engineering and Technology’s 2008 Outstanding Alumnus

Amy (Curtin) Shwisha is a lead engineer in the Preliminary Design Group at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, CT (www.sikorsky.com). As a lead engineer, Amy provides technical support to the sales group. In this role, Amy interacts with many different business units from platform engineering, to sales and marketing to legal and export controls. Working primarily on International and U.S. Government proposals, Amy provides support for upgrades/modifications to existing platforms, systems engineering and new technologies.

Previously, Amy worked at Kaman Aerospace Corporation in Bloomfield, CT where she began her career in airframe design using UniGraphics 3-D modeling software to design new cockpits and cabin arrangements for SH-2G helicopters. She eventually transitioned into a business development role at Kaman, a small-family owned company, which provided unlimited opportunities for learning all aspects of civil and military helicopter design and operations. This prepared her for her current job at Sikorsky.

Amy received the Young Alumni Award from CCSU in 2001. Additional achievements as an officer in the American Helicopter Society include: Most New Members (1998, 1999) and Greatest Percentage Member Increase (1998).

Amy is married to Dan, who she met on a blind date set up by her CCSU roommate, and is the mother of two boys Jack (2) and Nicholas (1) living in Woodbridge, CT.

Walter H. Lehner

The School of Engineering and Technology’s 2007 Outstanding Alumnus

Walter is a Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) and a Certified Professional Estimator (CPE). Very few people in the construction community possess both of these prestigious certifications.

Walter has also been an adjunct faculty member for the Construction Management program since 1993 and has taught several courses within the department of Manufacturing and Construction Management.

He has provided service to many Construction Associations over the years by serving as an officer as well as providing training. He has also published articles on construction management.

In recommending Walter, Dr. Raymond Perreault, professor of Manufacturing and Contruction Management wrote “I have known Walter for 18 years and he is heads and shoulders above the rest. Walter is a major player in the construction community and respected by all and it is for all of these reasons that we recommend Walter Lehner for the Outstanding Alumni award.”

Walter is affiliated with several professional organizations. His interest is in Boys Youth Soccer and has also run the New York Marathon.

Damian C. Johnson

The School of Engineering and Technology’s 2006 Outstanding Alumnus

In 2001, Mr. Johnson was promoted to the position of Territorial Sales Manager. In this capacity, he has increased business in the Mid-Atlantic territory manager, visits accounts to maintain existing businesses and acquired new businesses. Mr. Johnson manages Gems business through distribution.

He was Central Connecticut State University Men’s Basketball All-time scoring leader. He was named CCSU’s Male Athlete of the Year in 1993 and was drafted in the same year to play professional basketball (C.B.A.). Mr. Johnson was a basketball coach at Plainville High School from 1997-2000.