Alumni who inspire: Vince Stricker

Alumnus Vince Stricker ('81) discusses his experiences at WVU as a student and his 40-year career in chemical engineering (Photo illustration/Kaley LaQuea).

The Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources Alumni Who Inspire! Program recognizes alumni for their dedication to their professions and West Virginia University. The program was launched in Fall 2023 as a monthly discussion board with Statler alumni.

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

“We believe our alumni motivate our students to thrive,” said Cerasela Zoica Dinu, associate dean for student, faculty and staff engagement and program coordinator. “Their inspiring stories not only empower generations to become Mountaineers, but also help us further promote a culture of excellence for each graduating class of our beloved Statler community.”

For the month of July, we are excited to feature Vince Stricker, alumnus of the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. Stricker’s career in the chemical industry with Union Carbide, Dow Chemical and WR Grace respectively spans over 40 years of experience. At WR Grace, he directed engineering teams in the execution of UNIPOL® polypropylene plant designs and served as subject matter expert for distillation design and polypropylene process safety. Stricker directed Dow Chemical’s corporate research and development economic team, prioritizing research funding. At Union Carbide, he was instrumental in the development of several innovative technologies and holds worldwide patents for multiple processes.

Dinu: Vince, it’s always a pleasure to welcome you back to your alma mater. What made you choose chemical engineering as your major?

Stricker: One reason that I majored in chemical engineering is that I was interested in medical school. I loved sciences and engineering, and this was rooted in me by my maternal grandparents, emigrants from Slovakia. I was a first-generation college student. All three of my sisters and I majored in the sciences in college. My college choices were West Virginia University and Notre Dame. My uncle played basketball at Notre Dame and I grew up to be a big Notre Dame fan, but I had academic scholarships at WVU, and it was much more affordable.

How did you explore your intellectual and academic interests while at WVU/Statler College? What activities were you involved in as a student?

I was the shy and studious type when I came to Morgantown. I really came out of my shell at WVU, with all the extracurricular activities available on campus. I participated in over 20 different intramural sports, was in honorariums and clubs, tutored many students in chemistry and calculus and was on WVU’s Varsity College Bowl Team.

I also completed my pre-med requirements, but I enjoyed my internships at Union Carbide so much that I knew I wanted to be an engineer. Additionally, I took the prerequisites for an MBA as an undergrad.

My mantra was that there are three major facets to college life – studies, extracurricular activities and sleep, and you can only do two well. Some of my professors were not happy with me when I fell asleep in their class.

I graduated from WVU in 1981 at the top of my class with a bachelor’s in chemical engineering. I was awarded the College of Engineering Rufus A. West Award, and was President of Sphinx, the WVU Senior Class Honorary.

That is impressive Vince. Your dedication to the College and the department has continued for many years after your graduation. Can you tell us about some of the programs you led or have been involved with?  

Indeed, I am fully dedicated to advancing the Statler College mission and supporting the students. I was an active member of the Chemical & Biomedical Engineering Advisory Committee from 2007-2023. I was inducted into the WVU Academy of Chemical Engineers in 2016, and I am the outgoing president. I was co-chair of the WVU Chemical Engineering Centennial celebration in 2017. I have also served as speaker, panelist, judge, etc. for numerous events hosted by the department. I have served as the lead recruiter/liaison to WVU since 1999, recruiting over 75 WVU chemical engineering students and acquiring corporate grants totaling over $100,000 for the department. 

What were the 3 top tips that you gave to students who participated in some of those initiatives? 

1. Find something you want to do and be passionate about it! 

1. Be kind and respectful to all you encounter, regardless of status. Family comes first. 

1. Communicate well! And details matter! 

What inspired your passion for public service?  

I wanted to make a difference and help address the needs of individuals and communities. My sister, Jeanne, died from MS at the age of 44. The very next year, my three-year old daughter, Katie, was diagnosed with Type I diabetes (also an autoimmune disease). I was determined that she would receive the best care possible and have a full life. I went to every class, every seminar, received over 300 hours of diabetes education, went to National Scientific Sessions, went to Washington DC to advocate for more NIH diabetes research, etc. I served on the boards of the American Diabetes Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Camp Kno Koma, Diabetes Camp of WV. When my daughter was diagnosed and in the hospital, I knew nothing about diabetes and I had so many questions. I leveraged my understanding of diabetes to help others. My daughter and I started the Bag of Hope program in West Virginia, visiting newly diagnosed families in the hospital. We gave numerous talks to civic organizations, and I volunteered many years at Camp Kno Koma. 

How do you stay grounded? 

By cultivating my passions and finding my own work-life balance! I am passionate about working with youth and young people, whether it be recruiting and working with engineering students at WVU, children with diabetes or coaching volleyball and basketball. I am a rabid WVU sports fan, having held a football season ticket since graduation, and I am also passionate about golf. I have played golf on 5 continents, 19 countries and all 50 states.

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The bond Stricker has created within the Statler community has withstood the test of time, and we’re honored to highlight and celebrate his unique contributions as a dedicated Mountaineer. We’ll see you all next month for our next Alumni Who Inspire! conversation. 
LET’S GO! 

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