Civil engineering is a family tradition for Anthony Inkrott.
“I knew civil engineering was the right career path for me because growing up I always loved building with LEGOs and playing video games, and I have been able to take some of those skills and apply it to engineering,” Inkrott said. “I was also inspired by learning more about the career from my father, who is a civil engineer.”
CELEBRATING SUCCESS: UToledo recognizes the Class of 2024 with a series of stories featuring students receiving their degrees at spring commencement.
Inkrott came to UToledo in fall 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. While the campus was almost entirely shutdown, Inkrott was lucky to be rooming with some of his closest friends from high school.
“UToledo was the perfect fit for me because of their engineering program. I appreciated the wide range of majors and minors to choose from and I knew I would be able to find the right option for me. UToledo’s affordability also played a big role. There are many great opportunities for scholarships and opportunities to earn money while doing experiential learning, which I have found to be helpful.
“Experiential learning at UToledo also helped seal the deal for me to attend. I have completed three co-ops so far at three different companies, which has allowed me to explore what type of place I want to work at after graduation,” he added.
Despite the campus being shutdown, Inkrott was able to attend one class in person.
“The only class I had in person was the surveying class required for all civil engineers, which was allowed because it was entirely outside,” he said. “This class really influenced my decision to undertake the minor in surveying, which allows you to sit for the Professional Surveying Licensure exam. Now, after a few co-ops, I truly understand how valuable a license in surveying can be along with a civil engineering license. There are just many more opportunities.”
Graduating Saturday with a degree in civil engineering, Anthony Inkrott is set to join the Defiance County Engineer’s Office.
Mike Pniewski, a professional engineer and part-time instructor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, teaches the surveying classes.
“Anthony was among the first group of students to take advantage of the additional surveying classes offered at UToledo,” Pneiwski said. “As a Lucas County Engineer and a faculty member at UToledo, it is exciting when students like Anthony are interested in serving their community by obtaining their Professional Surveying and Engineering licenses. Seeing young professionals like Anthony engage in real-life projects through coursework and co-op experiences makes a real tangible difference when they enter the profession.”
After the lockdown restrictions eased, Inkrott got involved in several student organizations on campus, such as the American Society of Civil Engineers and Chi Epsilon, a civil engineering fraternity.
“One of my greatest experiences at UT was with the Catholic Student Association (CSA) at Corpus Christi University Parish,” he said. “CSA is very active and promotes events with four main focuses: education, socialization, retreats and service. Personally, most of my greatest friendships from college have been formed in this organization. My advice to future Rockets is to get out and explore campus. Getting involved in a student organization is one great way to get involved and make new connections on campus.”
Inkrott’s family legacy seems here to stay.
“I am happy to say I have lined up a full-time position upon graduation at Defiance County Engineer’s Office, which was one of my co-ops. County engineers are required to be both civil engineers and surveyors in the state of Ohio, so my surveying courses really made the difference.”
