Ignite caps positive summer for Garver Launch

Summer 2021 was a record-breaking term for the Garver Launch program, the firm’s comprehensive internship program focused on on-the-job training. Over the course of the summer, more than 70 interns in 22 offices participated, the new Garver Launch Gives Committee raised $3,750 for Frisco Family Services, and all had some of the most fun ever at an in-person Ignite event held in Frisco, Texas.

Typically Ignite is an informative, orientation-style program that serves as an onboarding for interns, but for the first time this year the program pivoted to a send-off event. It focused more on the experiences of returning interns, full-time employees who made the most of their Garver internships, and the transition from student to young professional.

The two-day program began with a welcome from Corporate Communications Leader Laura Nick, included group discussions, presentations from Garver young professionals across different service lines, and the announcement of the Garver Launch Gives Committee’s donation to Frisco Family Services. The day ended with dinner and games at Pinstack.

The second day began with an ultimate frisbee tournament led by Wellness Program Manager Whitney Gorsegner and was followed by an all-star Q&A panel with Garver employees moderated by Director of Water Services Jeff Sober. Panelists included People Services Director Erin Bradley, Project Manager Ikram Sayed, Process Mechanical Engineer Cat Turner, and Dallas Aviation Leader Mitchell McAnally. Planning and Environmental Team Leader Wendy Travis then detailed her experience leading the Ports-to-Plains Feasibility Study with insight from Environmental Scientist/Environmental Specialist Tracy Michel. The day wrapped with advice from President and CEO Brock Hoskins and Chief Operating Officer Michael Graves, followed by lunch and lawn games at the Frisco Office.

A high point of the event was the donation made by the first Garver Launch Gives Committee. The committee consisted of nine Garver Launch interns who led fundraising efforts across the Garver footprint. In addition to raising over $3,700 for Frisco Family Services, a Frisco-based nonprofit that focuses on aiding area families and individuals who are facing homelessness and hunger, the group donated over 50 backpacks filled with school supplies to assist at-need children for the 2021-22 school year.

To learn more about how to become a Garver Launch intern visit our Careers page.