At a glance
“Amanda is a great example of the quality instruction that we provide our students day in and day out at Alfred State College. Her passion to pass on her trade experience and knowledge to the next generation of HVAC industry leaders is inspiring."
Jeff Stevens
Dean of the School of Applied Technology
Alfred State Heating Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) instructor Amanda Snyder received the Home Builders Institute’s Shirley McVay Wiseman Award for Exceptional Promise. Snyder received the award during the National Association of Home Builders Institute’s (NAHB) annual conference.
This award is presented annually to a HBI graduate who has overcome challenge, become an inspiration to other young women, and holds exceptional promise for the nation’s building industry.
“Joining the Home Builders Institute Job Corps program at such a young age seemed crazy,” commented Snyder. “My plumbing teacher, Joe Siracuse, taught me so many life and trade skills. The best thing I learned from him was that it takes one great instructor to change a student's life. Alfred State College has given me the opportunity to do that.”
“Amanda is a great example of the quality instruction that we provide our students day in and day out at Alfred State College,” commented Dean of the School of Applied Technology Jeff Stevens. “Her passion to pass on her trade experience and knowledge to the next generation of HVAC industry leaders is inspiring. It was a sincere privilege to join her as she was recognized with the Shirley McVay Wiseman award at the National Homebuilders conventions alongside the industries finest contractors and supporters.”
McVay Wiseman served was the first woman to serve as president of NAHB in 1989. She is president of Wiseman Construction & Development Co., Inc. of Lexington and of Wiseman Home of Florida, Inc. She served as HUD deputy assistant secretary for single-family housing in 1983 and 1984 and then was HUD’s general deputy assistant secretary for housing/federal housing commissioner in 1984 and early in 1985.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Carrie Cokely was proud to take part in the ceremony to honor Snyder and proud of the work she does for the college. “While only in her first year of teaching, Amanda has quickly demonstrated her skill and innovation as a teacher and mentor to our students in the HVAC program and in the Building Trades department overall. She exemplifies the qualities of Shirley McVay Weisman not only in her career path and ambition, but through her caring and dedication to her students and colleagues. Amanda also serves as a role model for women in the trades and I look forward to seeing her future accomplishments.”
