From Drafting Table to Trades Legacy: How Hands-On Learning at Laurier Shaped a Lifelong Commitment to Craft, Community, and Giving Back

“In a world dominated by screens and abstractions, contributing something physical offers a sense of purpose that a screen rarely can.”

Some lessons stay with us long after the classroom lights go out. For this Laurier alum, the foundations of creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on craftsmanship were formed not behind a screen, but at drafting tables and in technical labs—where ideas became something real. Decades later, those early experiences continue to shape both career and community impact, from building with purpose to giving back through the Rams for Life Alumni Association and the creation of a trades scholarship that invests in the next generation. In this interview, they reflect on the memories, mentors, and moments that proved the trades are more than a career path—they’re a way of life.

Alumni Spotlight Interview

When did you attend Laurier, and when did you graduate?

I attended Laurier from 1982 to 1987.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Laurier?

Without question, it’s the time spent with friends. The relationships I built during those years had a lasting impact on my life, and many of those connections continue to matter to me today.

Were there any classes that stood out for you?

The technical classes left a deep impression—architecture design, the welding lab, woodworking shop, and electrical lab. Being able to build with my hands while engaging my imagination was incredibly fulfilling. I still have many of the projects I created in those classes, and they remain meaningful reminders of that time.

Do you have a funny story you’d like to share?

No single story comes to mind, but there were certainly plenty of memorable moments along the way.

What was your biggest takeaway from high school?

One of my strongest memories comes from my Grade 12 architecture and engineering class. We were tasked with designing and drafting a variety of ideas, including a house we would one day like to build and live in. Developing a full set of completed drawings from concept to finish was a formative experience.

There were no CAD programs back then—everything was hand drawn. Even today, the feel of drafting paper is grounding for me. That experience shaped my career in countless ways, building confidence, sharpening critical thinking, strengthening problem-solving skills, and reinforcing resilience.

The most interesting part? I am now in the process of planning to build that very house—almost 40 years later.

Why did you become a member of the Rams for Life Alumni Association?

Joining the Rams for Life Alumni Association was an intentional decision rooted in a desire to pay it forward to a school community that laid the foundation for my own success. There is real fulfillment in giving back—whether through mentorship, networking, or financial support—to help make the path a little smoother for future students.

What truly solidified my involvement, however, is how well the association is run. It’s a group of forward-thinking, like-minded individuals who are genuinely committed to improving student outcomes and responding to the evolving needs of the school community. Being part of an organization that transforms shared values into tangible results makes the act of service both effective and inspiring.

What does starting the Terry Williams Rams for Life Trades Scholarship mean to you?Establishing this trades scholarship is a way to connect my passion for craftsmanship with my commitment to the next generation. It reflects my belief that investing in hands-on talent is just as vital as supporting academic pursuits.

The scholarship isn’t only about easing the financial burden of education—it’s about validating the trades as a respected, meaningful career path. Helping a student gain the tools and confidence to master a craft is incredibly rewarding, and it reinforces my belief that supporting the trades is an investment in the backbone of our community.

What advice would you give to a student heading into the trades—or any student, for that matter?

Entering a skilled trade apprenticeship is more than a career choice; it’s an invitation to master the tangible world. My advice is to approach each day with the mindset of a lifelong learner and the grit of a builder. The learning curve can be steep, but the payoff is permanent.

There is a quiet dignity in being the person who understands how things truly work—the one who keeps the lights on, the water flowing, and the structures standing. In a world increasingly dominated by screens and abstractions, contributing something physical to your community offers a sense of purpose that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

Why the Trades Matter

Beyond the personal satisfaction of craftsmanship, the trades offer a powerful combination of benefits:

• Tangible Impact – You see the direct result of your work at the end of every shift.

• Financial Independence – You earn while you learn, avoiding heavy student debt while entering a high-demand field with strong earning potential.

• Skill Sovereignty – A mastered trade is a portable, resilient skillset—one that no algorithm can easily replace.

Pro Tip: Don’t just learn how to do a task—ask your journeyperson why it’s done that way. Understanding the theory behind the work turns you into a problem-solver, not just a laborer.

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Terry Williams, MBA, PMP, LEED AP, CEFP, is an award-winning senior operations leader with more than two decades of experience advancing infrastructure, sustainability, and student-focused environments in higher education and public institutions. Terry has served as Vice President, Buildings, Facilities and Safety at Sir Sandford Fleming College, where they provide executive oversight for campus operations across multiple locations, leading teams responsible for facilities, capital planning, safety, and ancillary services. He currently owns a Canadian Tire store since 2023.

A recognized change agent, Terry has successfully delivered over $120 million in capital projects, including award-winning academic and technology facilities, while stewarding assets valued at more than $410 million. Their leadership portfolio includes large-scale renovations, innovative sustainability initiatives such as geothermal energy systems, and the development of inclusive, culturally responsive campus spaces in partnership with Indigenous communities.

Terry is widely respected for inclusive leadership, strong financial stewardship, and the ability to translate institutional strategy into tangible outcomes that enhance the student and employee experience. Their career spans senior roles in education, municipal services, hospitality, and law enforcement, bringing a unique, disciplined, and collaborative perspective to complex operational environments.