Congratulations to Joseph Healy on receiving the Outstanding UofL MC Student Award for the 2013-2014 school year.

Congratulations to Joseph Healy on receiving the Outstanding UofL MC Student Award for the 2013-2014 school year. Healy was recognized during the Spring Awards and Recognition Ceremony in April 2014 at the University of Louisville in the Student Activities Center Multipurpose Room.

“When I first received notification that I had won the award, I was really surprised. After the initial surprise wore off, I was very happy and thankful. I was really happy to hear that Metropolitan College [staff] remembered me and that I had left a lasting impression. I [felt] so grateful to be acknowledged for my hard work. Attending the [awards] ceremony and standing on stage while my accomplishments were read gave me a great sense of pride and happiness,” said Healy.

Joseph Healy began employment with UPS as a senior in high school through the UPS School to Work program. Students in the School to Work program attend classes at their high school in the morning, work at UPS as package handlers from approximately 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and take a Jefferson Community and Technical College course twice a week at UPS.

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to gain some college credit hours [through the School to Work program] as well as [earn] money to buy my first car,” said Healy.

In August 2008, shortly after graduating from high school, Healy transitioned from the School to Work program into the Metropolitan College program. Participants in the Metropolitan College program work part-time at UPS in the Next Day Air operation between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m., receiving wages and full benefits and access to a tuition-free post-secondary education at the undergraduate Kentucky resident tuition rate.

Thanks to UPS…

Healy graduated from the University of Louisville with his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in December 2013 with a 3.723 cumulative GPA. He said that earning his bachelor’s degree was one of the greatest accomplishments in his life so far. He was truly amazed to see the reaction from all of his family and friends as they celebrated his success.

“Thanks to UPS, I am the first in my family to complete a Bachelor’s degree and I have accomplished this goal without the burden of student loans,” said Healy.

UPS Co-op

Prior to graduating with his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Healy had the opportunity to complete a co-op at UPS. He spent two semesters working on several special projects to improve the reliability of UPS aircraft. He also completed a one semester co-op at the UPS maintenance hangar at the airport in which he received hands-on experience working with aircraft and was responsible for designing repairs and assisting mechanics with repairs to aircraft.

Healy stated, “I really enjoyed my co-op with UPS. It was a great opportunity to network with a great group of engineers and it was also a great opportunity to learn more about airplanes. This experience will be extremely valuable in helping me to transition into my future career.”

What I Enjoy Most About the University of Louisville

When asked the question what he enjoys most about the University of Louisville, Healy replied, “What I enjoyed most about the University of Louisville [is] the diversity of the campus and becoming a part of the Louisville Cardinal family.” He has greatly enjoyed attending the football and basketball games especially with the success of the women’s and men’s teams over these past few years. “My recent trip this past January [2014] to Orlando, FL to cheer on the Cards in the Russell Athletic Bowl was a blast and my trip to see the men’s basketball team win [the 2013 NCAA] national championship was an amazing experience.” He went on to say, “In the future, when I think of these experiences I will remember how great it was to attend the University of Louisville.”

Professional Affiliations and Career Plans

Healy is an active member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). He is currently working on his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Louisville where he continues to excel academically as evidenced by his 3.94 cumulative GPA. After the completion of his master’s degree he hopes to land an entry-level position at the Boeing Company, which is the world's leading plane manufacture; he later plans to return to school to obtain a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and move up the ladder and become a high level engineering manager.

What drives you? What are you inspired by?

Healy is driven and inspired by his siblings and parents. He relishes being a role model for his siblings and his continually motivated by parents’ encouragement.

Healy’s biggest inspiration thus far is his mother. “My biggest inspiration is my mother because she works so hard to help all of her four kids. She helps to raise her granddaughter, [works] a full-time job, and [maintains] a home. I am amazed at how she handles so many things and maintains a positive outlook. She inspires me because seeing her take on so much makes me realize that I can manage work and school,” said Healy.

Someone that I respect and admire…

When asked to name someone he admires and respects, Healy immediately responded that his father was the first person who came to mind. “My dad served 20 years in the navy and I always feel proud to tell others of his service. I truly admire the sacrifices he made to provide for me as a child. I admire and respect him so much because he has taught me so many things and [pushed] me to think in new ways and [challenged] me to do my best.

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Metropolitan College congratulates Joseph Healy on his outstanding achievements.

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We are proud of our current students and alumni and their incredible accomplishments! The MC Spotlight is a way for us to highlight the amazing things our current students and alumni are doing. As you read their stories, you will learn how their Metropolitan College experiences helped to shape their futures and influence their careers.

We are always on the lookout for inspiring MC Spotlight stories. If you or someone you know is interested in sharing a story with us, contact us at askmetro@kctcs.edu.

Note: At Metropolitan College, we consider our alumni anyone who has ever completed coursework and received tuition benefits with us.