Oct. 18, 2015 — Mike Feutz, professor of HVACR at Ferris State University, was presented with the Mechanical Service Contractors of America's D.S. O'Brien Award of Excellence, during the opening session of the 2015 MSCA Conference in Colorado Springs.
The D.S. O'Brien Award is presented annually at the conference, to an individual who exhibits extraordinary dedication to the HVACR industry and to MSCA.
"This award was established in 2000 in honor of past chairman and industry trailblazer Spence O’Brien. This year's winner exemplifies those traits," said presenter Scott Berger, 2015 Chairman of the MSCA Board of Managers.
Feutz received the award for his tireless efforts to promote careers in HVACR and plumbing among students.
Mike Feutz has never shied away from taking a leading role in recruiting, mentoring engaging talented and motivated individuals to pursue a career in HVACR.—Scott Berger
"One of this industry’s biggest challenges is ensuring that our nation’s high school students, their parents and guidance counselors understand exactly what career opportunities we make available," Berger said.
"Mike Feutz has never shied away from taking a leading role in recruiting, mentoring engaging talented and motivated individuals to pursue a career in HVACR," Feutz continued. "A true advocate, his love and passion for what we do is evident in all that he does. From teaching, to advising, to volunteering on numerous committees, he was instrumental in forming the first MSCA student chapter at Ferris State University and has served as faculty advisor since 1988. He has been a major force in helping shape the careers of hundreds of students, many of whom work for you today."
Feutz earned an associates degree in HVAC technology at Grand Rapids junior college and a Ph.D. in educational leadership at Western Michigan University. He was recognized as MCAA Educator of the Year in 2008.
"I’m totally overwhelmed," said Feutz, on receiving the award. "This has been the easiest award I’ve ever achieved in my life. Working with students with MSCA has been the highlight of my career at Ferris State University. I can’t imagine an organization that is more like a family. You have become my family through my efforts to introduce students to the HVACR industry."