Illinois Institute of Technology’s student chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) has been named the 2025 Student Chapter of the Year. The announcement was made at the 2025 NECA Convention in Chicago on September 13. The chapter was selected from among 35 university chapters across the United States and Canada. This marks the fourth time Illinois Tech’s chapter has received this honor, with previous wins in 2014, 2018, and 2021.
Adjunct Professor Dan Tomal, who serves as the adviser for the Illinois Tech NECA chapter, accepted the award on behalf of the group. Four student members—Andrew Partyka, Cristian Reyes, Jose Alonso, and Aaron Jimenez—were present at the event.
“This national recognition reflects the incredible dedication and creativity of our students and their adviser, Dan Tomal,” said Lou Cattafesta, Carol and Ed Kaplan Dean of Armour College of Engineering at Illinois Tech. “Their success exemplifies the power of Illinois Tech’s hands-on, team-based [Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) Program] model in preparing students to solve real-world problems.”
The chapter earned this distinction based on student work in the IPRO Energy Efficiency course. This project competed in the 2025 National NECA Electrical Contracting Innovation Challenge. The chapter was also recognized for its volunteer activities, event organization, and collaboration with Industry Associate Professor Jeremy Hajek in developing the new Lighting and Cybersecurity Center—an extension of Illinois Tech’s Smart Tech Lab. The IPRO project and NECA Student Chapter are sponsored by the Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA).
“I believe the NECA-Illinois Tech Student Chapter has laid a solid template for other chapters to follow, as the challenges are navigated through class participation, specially, the Illinois Tech IPRO class format,” said Tim Taylor, assistant manager of ECA. “Through Illinois Tech’s unique IPRO system, students have been able to enjoy visits from electrical contractors and various industry vendors discussing many aspects of the electrical construction industry, unique jobsite visits, as well as networking activities. Students have participated with internships that have led to full-time career positions.”
A photo from the convention shows Executive Director of Electri International Josh Bone alongside Aaron Jimenez, Adjunct Professor Dan Tomal, Christyn Reyes, and Jose Alonzo on stage at the event.