John Van Schaick 1W1, Assistant Operations Manager of Training at PSE&G, received Williamson’s Board of Trustees’ Clarence W. Schrenk 4W9 Young Alumnus Award during the Founder’s Day celebration on Feb. 5 in the Clara Schrenk Memorial Chapel.
The award is presented to an alumnus who graduated within the last 15 years and who has distinguished himself by making substantial contributions to his profession and to society at an early stage in his life.
Van Schaick graduated from Williamson’s Machine Tool Technology program in 2011, went on to further his education, has been enjoying a very successful career in the power industry, and has not forgotten where he got his start, often volunteering to help current students.
Van Schaick grew up in Aston, Pa., and as he went through high school he was uninspired because it didn’t seem like the things he was being taught would be useful in life. He decided to enroll at Williamson at his mother’s urging.
As a student, he was a Student Ambassador and, because of his outstanding communication skills, was selected to give tours to the most illustrious guests.
Upon graduating, he began his career at PSE&G’s Hope Creek Generating Station as a Nuclear Equipment Operator. He went on to be a Reactor Operator, a Senior Reactor Operator, a Shift Manager, a Shift Operations Superintendent, and, lastly, his current position as Assistant Operations Manager of Training.
Van Schaick says another way Williamson helped him was he became inspired to learn because he could see that what he was learning had a purpose.
He says, “If I could, I wouldn’t change a thing. I would still attend Williamson. Because of the education I received at Williamson, I have a successful career and the respect of my bosses. They believe in me and know I have the necessary skills to work in a nuclear power plant.”
He has not forgotten Williamson and is doing his part to pay it forward as an active alumnus. He is an annual donor and, as part of a Young Alumni Philanthropy Panel, has spoken to machine tool technology students on the importance of giving back. He also serves on the Young Alumni Advisory Council and serves as an Alumni Mentor. In these positions he gives students career advice and inspires them to get the most out of their Williamson education.
He furthered his education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management at Neumann University.
He and his wife, Samantha, live in Media, and have two boys, Jake, 3-years-old, and Evan, 1-year-old.
An avid golfer, he also attends the Williamson Association of Alumni’s golf outing every year with three of his best friends, all Williamson graduates. He also enjoys the Jersey Shore many weekends.
