at Salem recently held its annual awards ceremony, during which students were recognized for their academic excellence, scholastic achievements and service to the campus. Also during the event, BOC Water Hydraulics Inc. received the 2017 Friends of the Campus award, the highest honor presented annually to non-students.
The award recognizes community members and businesses that support increasing access to higher education in Salem and surrounding communities. BOC and the Kent State Salem Campus have a long-standing partnership that includes support for the Rural Scholars program, job shadowing opportunities and networking.
Dr. David Dees, interim dean of at Salem, presented the award to BOC owner Todd Olson and the BOC team.
“I cannot overstate how important the relationship with BOC is to our campus,” Dees said. “From the top of the organization down, BOC’s employees have shown our students that there are no limits to where they can go and that they can succeed right here in Columbiana County. Because many are first-generation college students, it is important that they hear – and see – this message in meaningful ways.”
Upon accepting the award, Olson encouraged the Kent State students to take advantage of the opportunities provided them. “Receiving a quality education, like you all have, is a great door-opener,” he offered. “The sky is truly the limit for each and every one of you, so take the ball and run with it. And, once you achieve your success, always remember how you got there and try to give a little bit back. You’ll find that that is the most rewarding part of all.”
BOC Water Hydraulics is located in Salem and was founded in 1993 by Donald Olson, a former executive and chief engineer with Hunt Valve. BOC has evolved into the industry leader for descale valves, decoking valves, mill cylinder repairs and high quality engineering designs for a variety of hydraulic and pneumatic systems. In 2012, the company embarked on a $3 million expansion project, creating new corporate headquarters and a new 15,000 square-foot manufacturing facility.
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Photo: Accepting and presenting the Friends of the Campus Award were (front, from left) Julie Olson, Bea Olson, Don Olson, Todd Olson; and (back, from left) John Burr, Brian Frederick, Andy Clutter and Kent State Salem Dean David Dees.