For Geof McSween, earning an associate degree from Washtenaw Community College was
about more than receiving a diploma — it was the culmination of a decades-long dream
and a testament to the opportunities available through the Roofers Union.
This spring, McSween became the first graduate to earn an associate degree through a partnership between WCC and the Roofers & Waterproofers Research and Education Joint Trust Fund, a collaboration dedicated to advancing union members’ careers.
The partnership is an extension of a training agreement that brings the Roofers Union to the WCC campus for its annual Instructor Training Program. The two organizations recently signed a 10-year extension to continue that program through 2035.
As a lifelong learner, McSween said the chance to be part of a new educational partnership appealed to him, even if taking part in its first iteration gave him pause.
"When I learned of the opportunity to earn a degree, I was naturally intrigued," McSween said. "I wanted to jump right in, but knowing it was a brand-new process, I was apprehensive about pursuing something that hadn't yet been tested.”
It took a couple years to take the plunge, but once he did, success followed. McSween graduated with an Industrial Training associate degree and a Construction Supervision certificate, earning high honors with a 3.97 GPA and induction into the college’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
McSween serves in Curriculum Development and Training for the Roofers & Waterproofers Research and Education Joint Trust Fund, where he plays a key role in developing and updating training standards and educational materials that benefit union members.
Balancing work responsibilities, travel and coursework was not always easy.
"Time management was, and is, my biggest challenge," McSween said. "It's tough enough maintaining regular patterns of diet, activity and sleep without the additional hours spent in front of a screen completing work, courses and preparation."
Despite the challenges, McSween never lost sight of his goal.
"This moment, and the moments extending from this point, are the most rewarding aspects," McSween said of earning his diploma. "I set out to complete a goal, and lo and behold, I finally did. Now I can act as an example for all the members who may be working their way up the ladder behind me."
Keith J. Vitkovich, Executive Director of the Roofers & Waterproofers Research and Education Joint Trust Fund, said McSween's achievement demonstrates the value of the educational opportunities available through the partnership.
"These opportunities can be utilized and attained," Vitkovich said. "Geof's success shows that everyone we work with is looking to excel and take advantage of the opportunities presented to them."
For McSween, the accomplishment represents both personal and professional growth.
"As one who has lingered indefinitely in the areas of self-doubt and self-sabotage, I can state unequivocally that this accomplishment has been a major boost to my self-confidence, both personally and professionally," he said.
Graduating with high honors carried special meaning as well.
"To be graduated from WCC with high honors means the world to not only me, but to my parents as well," McSween said. "This accomplishment is 31 years in the making, as I was accepted to (college) at 18 and totally flubbed that initial opportunity."
As the first graduate through the partnership, McSween hopes his story motivates fellow union members to pursue the educational opportunities available to them
"I only hope I can serve as an example of coming through tough times successfully and act as a lifeline for those wishing to do so," he said. "We as members should all wish to do so."
His advice for future students is simple:
"No matter what: communicate with your instructors, never give up and keep pushing forward."
Tags: Class of 2026, Construction Supervision, Industrial Training, Instructor Training Program, Roofers Union