Annual Report 2017-18

Under Don’s leadership as Program Coordinator, he saw the future of design and drafting was going to be fully automated after he discovered some of the first CADD software. With the introduction of this tool in the early 1980’s, Don recognized that the usage of pencils, mylar, triangles, compasses, and perfect hand-written lettering would slowly come to an end. Don realized, “This [software] is the wave of the future. This is something that will make a difference.” He studied, researched, and soon found out he was ahead of the curve. Being involved with the inception of Computer Aided Drafting and Design software quickly catapulted him into a pioneer role in this new electronic version of engineering. He wrote some of the very first CADD textbooks and traveled the United States training thousands of college instructors and engineering firms on ways to incorporate the new found tools into their work. Don, a change agent and student advocate, also wrote grants and was able to procure many donations such as computers and software in order to train students on the latest technologies the industry would be using.

Don Voisinet

Mark Voisinet, ‘87

Don’s son, Mark, a 1987 SUNY Niagara alumnus of the Design and Drafting program, now spearheads the Department as the Program Coordinator. His career path was launched upon graduating from SUNY Niagara when he worked on local engineering projects for major companies like Harrison Radiator (Delphi), Calspan, Praxair, Dupont, and Wilson Greatbatch. He also went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and a Master’s of Science degree in Industrial Technology from SUNY Buffalo State.

His knowledge in design and drafting is only met by his passion for students. He continues in his father’s footsteps, helping graduates achieve near 100% job placement. “We teach our students real skill sets that are highly marketable and hirable. I regularly meet with local industry leaders in order for the program to stay cutting edge. On my watch, I want to stay true to the community college mission and serve our students. I also want to produce great leaders for the industry and make sure we have a program that is meeting the needs of local business.” With so many job openings in the engineering field throughout Western New York, Mark reports phone call after phone call from companies looking for graduates who are ready to enter the workforce.

Mark’s own daughter, Brigette, is the most recent Voisinet to step through the CADD program. She graduated in 2017 and is an example of the curriculum’s transferability and attainment. “After graduating, I transferred to Buffalo State College where I am now studying to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.” Brigette now holds a secure internship at a local aerospace manufacturing company which she began while she was at SUNY Niagara.

“I loved my time at SUNY Niagara. I liked how the teachers got to know me and invested in what I was doing; they wanted me to succeed. I liked the professors who worked in the industry and knew exactly what I needed to know. Processes class was fun because our instructor was so excited and involved. The Mechanical Technology Design classes with my dad were great, too.

When asked what it was like taking classes from her dad, Brigette explained, “In the classroom, my dad kept it very professional; it was a professor-student relationship. I was never given special attention and it was all very equal. He would tell me, ‘Do your work and do it well.’ He told me stories about how my grandpa was like that with him. I always worked hard to make my dad proud.”

Brigette Voisinet, ‘17