Graham Purdy
- Alumni
- Building Construction
Growing up in Hillsborough, New Jersey, just fifty minutes from Manhattan, Graham gravitated towards hands-on learning and enjoyed the craft of woodworking. At Penn College, he found the perfect balance—playing Division III lacrosse while gaining real-world experience to pursue a career in building construction. As a student, Graham consistently made the dean’s list, excelled on the field, and earned two associate degrees, a bachelor’s degree, and multiple certifications. Today, as a project engineer for ISEC Inc., a leading commercial construction firm, he leverages his skills on projects across the country—combining professional growth with the opportunity to travel.
TAKING THE LEAD
Q&A with Graham
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT PENN COLLEGE?
My neighbor is an alumnus and he told me about Penn College when I was a sophomore in high school.
WHAT WERE THE TOP 3 FACTORS IN YOUR DECISION TO COME TO PENN COLLEGE?
The lab spaces and workshops were like a dream come true when I first toured the school. I ended up choosing Penn College because of the unique majors and the lab-to-classroom ratio. I always learned better in a hands-on setting, so it was a no brainer. Another huge selling point was the ability to play lacrosse. When I first was looking at the school, Penn College had a club team that I was looking to play on. A few weeks before my freshman year started, we were upgraded to a division III program. I was given the great opportunity to walk on the team and that was something I could not say “no” to.
WERE YOU SPECIFICALLY LOOKING FOR A HANDS-ON EDUCATION? WHY OR WHY NOT?
I was looking for education that was mostly hands-on. I always learned best by doing, and I knew that if I wanted to be as successful as possible in college, I would need to pursue a hands-on education.
WHY RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION?
My interest started with woodworking growing up. I wanted to continue that and thought residential construction was the best route.
WERE YOU INVOLVED IN ANY CLUBS OR ORGANIZATIONS?
I was a member of the men’s lacrosse team and the leadership council for the lacrosse team. I was also a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for a year.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO BE A PART OF A TEAM?
It was the best decision I could have made in college. Starting school, I knew nobody. Lacrosse gave me the opportunity to meet friends and become part of a community.
IF A FRIEND WAS INTERESTED IN PURSUING A DEGREE FROM PENN COLLEGE, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM?
I would tell them to go for it and to go all in. Take advantage of what the school has to offer. In my time at Penn College, I was able to obtain two associate degrees, a bachelor’s degree, and multiple certifications. The school has a lot to offer and it is there for the taking.
WHAT IS THE NAME OF YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER AND WHAT IS YOUR JOB TITLE?
I currently am a Project Engineer for ISEC Inc.
CAN YOU TELL US WHAT YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER?
I get to build really interesting projects that take me to places I never thought I'd be able to go.
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