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Campus Connections, In the Spotlight, August 31

Spenlinhauer-optimizedAlumni Profile
David Spenlinhauer, following his heart

It took a real estate market crash for David Spenlinhauer to go after his dream. He’s now completing his bachelor’s degree at one of the nation’s top filmmaking schools and is on the brink of a new career.

David formerly worked as a project manager for a construction company in Portland. But when the real estate market soured, he enrolled in SMCC’s Communications & New Media program to pursue his passion in film and television.

Besides earning a degree from SMCC in 2014, he also gained experience working on several films, a music video and a TV ad campaign while at SMCC. When it came time to continue his education, he was offered a scholarship at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts in Los Angeles, where he’s beginning his senior year.

Now, at age 39, he says he feels like he’s living a dream.

“If you follow your heart, work hard and be honest, good things will happen.”

Faculty Profile Dave-Eng-optimized
David Eng, hands-on teaching

David Eng gets satisfaction seeing his students learn skills that lead to good jobs after graduation.

Eng is chairman of SMCC’s Construction Technology program, which teaches skills in residential construction and heavy equipment operation. Before coming to SMCC 13 years ago, he taught high school and was once in the real estate business.

Eng says job prospects for graduates are strong and that construction employment is on the rise nationally. The Associated General Contractors says without expanded recruiting and training opportunities for new construction workers, many construction firms are likely to struggle to find enough workers as demand grows for construction services.

“There’s a big demand out there for construction workers and heavy equipment operators. That’s the rewarding part of my job, when you place young men and women in these positions.”