"Penn College gave me the knowledge to go from having zero experience in the construction industry to working for one of the largest residential builders in America. The Building Construction program is top tier and that is because of the teaching staff that wants to pass on their experience and knowledge to their students."
Chase Forry
- Alumni
- Building Construction
He served in the Navy for 5+ years. During his deployment, Chase provided medical care on the battlefield as a corpsman. Taking advantage of the post 9/11 GI bill, he earned his associate’s in Building Construction from Penn College. Today he’s living in Austin, Texas and working as a superintendent with one of the country’s largest homebuilders.
TAKING THE LEAD
Q&A with Chase
WHAT WAS YOUR MAJOR AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE IT?
Building Construction Technology was my major. I wanted to put myself on the right track to becoming successful in the construction industry.
IN WHAT BRANCH DID YOU SERVE, AND FOR HOW LONG? WHERE WERE YOU STATIONED?
I served in the Navy for a little over 5 years. I served on the USS Robert G. Bradley and USS Hue City out of Mayport, Florida. Then, I served with 3/8th Marines Scout Sniper Platoon as the platoon Corpsman out of Camp Lejeune, NC.
WHAT WAS YOUR PRIMARY JOB AFTER TRAINING?
After Corpsman training, I was responsible for field trauma and clinical medical care for the Marines I served with.
HOW DID YOUR MILITARY EXPERIENCE GIVE YOU A LEG UP WHEN IT CAME TIME FOR COLLEGE?
My time in the military gave me an advantage in so many ways. Aside from the financial advantage of the education benefits, it gave me the time to mature and have a better understanding of what I wanted from life. I’ve already had to give presentations to senior leadership, practice those critical thinking skills, learn to build relationships fast, and manage my time appropriately. All of the things your professors and prospective employers want to see.
IN WHAT WAYS DOES PENN COLLEGE SUPPORT VETERANS?
Veteran support at Penn College is unmatched. Chet Beaver is the kind of guy every institution needs. Penn College does a lot to help veterans make that transition from field to the desk. They have a veterans' fraternity and host various events throughout the year.
IF A VETERAN WERE INTERESTED IN PENN COLLEGE, WHAT MIGHT YOU TELL HIM OR HER?
I would, and have already told many veterans that Penn College is the place you want to get an education that is worth its weight in gold. I had internship and job opportunities the first year at Penn College and that is a direct result of the amazing teaching staff in the Building Construction program and Career Services.
Student Experience
Penn College is proud to be named a 2021-22 Military Friendly School for true commitment to military students by dedicating resources and services to ensure classroom and postgraduation success, including:
- Dedicated veterans & military resource center
- In-state tuition rate
- Military tuition assistance
- Waiver of tuition deposit
- And more
Programs
Building Construction
Whether you’re drawn to the technology behind residential construction or have an interest in rising to management, there’s an opportunity waiting for you.
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