Linn State Technical College (LSTC) Construction and Civil Technology (CCT) Department Chair, Diane Heckemeyer, PE, received the Executive Choice Award at the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.

“Diane has a passion to develop a quality workforce for the construction industry and strives to promote workforce diversity,” said Maggie Eichholz, NAWIC Central Missouri Chapter #341.  “She has opened up new opportunities for NAWIC to mentor students and develop valuable relationships.”

Heckemeyer received this award for her design and leadership of the Mother & Daughter Construction Career Day hosted by LSTC and the Central Missouri NAWIC Chapter.  The one-day camp provided mothers and daughters hands-on construction experience and exposed them to the vast opportunities in the construction industry.

“We are very proud of the impact that Diane is making to promote a diverse workforce in technical education,” commented Vicki Schwinke, LSTC Dean of Academic and Student Affairs.

Heckemeyer has been a member of NAWIC for two years but has been involved with NAWIC for over five years through the partnership between LSTC and NAWIC Missouri Chapter #341.  She also received the Vision of Excellence Award at the NAWIC, Region Six Forum in April.

NAWIC was founded in 1953 by 15 women working in the non-traditional field of construction and were incorporated in 1955.  There are over 5,000 members in the United States with 179 local chapters along with affiliate chapters in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom.  The core purpose of NAWIC is to enhance the success of women in the construction industry.

“I am thankful that my employer, Septagon Construction Company, Inc., of Jefferson City, supports me 110% to pursue my passion at LSTC and is as supportive of my role in NAWIC which has opened up a diverse highway of growth, knowledge and ability to ‘Enhance the Success of Women in Construction’ and further to encourage and promote young folks to seek a career in the construction industry,” stated Eichholz.  “Technical education and construction are at the core of America’s future and economic growth.  I have such a passion for LSTC, the direction they choose to go and the success of the product they produce.”

NAWIC recognized LSTC for the continued support and valuable contribution to the Mother & Daughter Construction Career Day during the biannual Advisory Council meeting October 2.  LSTC and NAWIC have a positive and productive partnership.  NAWIC established an endowment in 2004 as a result of seeing positive effects of an annual scholarship.  To date, NAWIC Central Missouri Chapter #341has contributed $25,000 to the endowment.

“Opportunities for women in the construction industry can be rewarding both from the financial standpoint as well as being self satisfying,” commented Dr. Donald Claycomb, LSTC President.