Recap: AWS President Dr. Burgess Visit to the District

By Category: Post Event Report

Date of Event: 04/18/2026

Location: Throughout District 3

Number of Attendees: 100+

Presenter/Notable Guest(s): AWS President Dr. Burgess

Event Summary: District Director Brad Brandmeir escorted AWS President, Dr. Burgess around District 3 to highlight student welding competitions and visit local business and industries as well as school tours.

Jeff Wiswesser speaking with Dr. Burgess about the many facets of business WTTI does within the welding industry.
Instructor James Stewart of Thaddeus Stevens College showing the touring group one of the projects that students perform in his Welding Fabrication class.
District Director Brad Brandmeir presenting an award to Chad Feilbach of Warren County Technical School for his involvement in the student welding competition and welding education.
Dr. Burgess speaking with Mason Digiacomo and Alex Castro of Penn College.
Central Penn Section Chair Adam Steppe took time to get a photo with Dr. Burgess next to one of High Steel Inc fabricated bridge beams.
Dr. Burgess with the students who took part in the Reading Sections AWS Student Welding Competition.
Pictured is Dr. Burgess with the group who toured Tait. Will Hatters of Tait showed us around the fabrication shop. Tait is responsibile for building the stages and fixtures for todays leading artists.