VIDEO: Meet Walter Sass
From Alfred State College,
Walter Sass, ’78, has never forgotten the educational roots that started his path to success in the surveying world. Alfred State gathered with Sass and his family to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Walter Sass Surveying Lab that will help educate future generations of Pioneers.
View photos from the Walter Sass Surveying Lab Ribbon Cutting
Interview with Walter Sass following ceremony
After graduating from Alfred State, Sass moved to Houston, TX to pursue his career in the surveying field. He started working at Weisser Engineering & Surveying, and in 1987 Sass bought and took over the company.
“Walt’s experience and degree from Alfred State undeniably laid the foundation for his remarkable success as a notable business owner and a Registered Professional Land Surveyor,” commented Vice President for Institutional Advancement Danielle White. “He is passionate about giving back to the institution that afforded him many opportunities and aims to ensure that future Pioneers have the necessary support to advance in the field.”
The new laboratory/classroom features new flooring, furniture, tables, and easy access to overhead power. Sass also donated a Leica High-Definition Laser Scanner, a high-end computer workstation for processing of scanner point clouds and imaging processing, and Leica Cyclone software for laser scan data registration and processing.
Civil Engineering Technology Department Chair and Professor Richard Carlson knows the impact that the lab will have for Alfred State students. “The renovated lab improves the equipment and group-work environment in a technologically advanced and modern setting. The scanning equipment and software gives our students access to current industry technology.”
Sass took time to share pictures from his day as a yearbook photographer, spoke about his classmates and professors, and reminisced about what he learned in the classrooms at Alfred State.
“I have seen so many advancements in this industry from the time I started but the basics have not changed so the bones that you get here are what our profession is based on. I am very impressed with what is going on here and very honored to be part of this college. We will continue to try to recruit Alfred State students and continue to be a friend to the college.”
Caption: Walter Sass, ’78, stands with his family at the ribbon cutting for the opening of the Walter Sass Surveying Lab located in the Engineering Technology Building.
“Thanks to Walter and his family, we at Alfred State have this advanced laboratory for teaching and training future surveyors and engineers,” commented Dr. Steven Mauro. “This lab, coupled with the phenomenal talent and passion our faculty brings to the discipline will make sure that every student passes through these programs has every opportunity to be as great a success as Mr. Walter Sass.”
Walter was joined at the ceremony by his family, his wife Joyce, his children Taylor and Ramsey, his mother Marta, his sister Marta Pisa, his daughter-in-law Christine, and grandson Ryder. Alfred State graduate Dannielle O’Buckley, ’19, who spent time working at Weisser Engineering & Surveying was also in attendance.
Taylor Sass, current President, and CEO of Weisser, summed up the families’ thoughts, “You have no idea the ripple effect of my father’s education. He has provided for so many and mentored so many. We owe it to Alfred State.”
An Alfred State degree gets results!
At Alfred State College, hands-on experience leads to career success. An emphasis on applied learning enables students to reach goals and develop the skills needed to thrive at in-demand jobs. With over 80 majors, over 90 clubs and civic groups, and 18 NCAA Division III sports, Alfred State prepares students to become leaders, achievers, and Pioneers who are ready to Hit the Ground Running …
