Justin Von Hagel

Justin Von Hagel has been a consistent presence on the EWU campus in the College of Science, Health, and Engineering. He is a positive example, a role model, an adviser and a guide for students and young alumni who are starting their professional lives.

Since he graduated in 1996 from EWU with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Justin has positively impacted the professional lives of EWU students. He contributed to the development of Eastern’s Mechanical Engineering Program. He provides supplies and materials to the EWU Engineering and Manufacturing departments for student use. He also mentors students and alumni as well as provides internship opportunities to students. The first EWU mechanical engineering student Justin mentored was Matthew Manville. Justin was working for Spokane aerospace component manufacturer Triumph Composite Systems when he suggested Matthew apply for a paid internship. Matthew became Triumph’s first paid intern, was kept on as a full-time employee after he graduated in 2006, and then went on to work for Boeing.

Justin’s philosophy has always been to help those behind him. He vividly remembers the journey of becoming a young, successful professional and does everything in his power to assist others in the process of self-realization to help discover the qualities for which it takes to earn success. Now the director of Aerospace Parts Programs at Janicki Industries, Justin embodies the spirit of the 2014 EWU Alumni Association Distinguished Career Mentor Award by paying his success forward to current and future students. He does this through his consistent time commitments to the EWU Engineering Advisory Board and his persistent effort to provide leadership, mentorship, guidance, and opportunities. He selflessly shares his knowledge, capabilities, and determination to succeed. He inspires students to see the intangible benefits of a job well done as well as to subsequently enjoy the self-confidence and satisfaction that success breeds.