by Mr. Richard Demeter

Br. Gene Mylan, SDB, first came into contact with the Salesians in the early 1960s, when he was a student at St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, Calif. From the outset he was impressed by the Salesians' commitment to youth, and by the end of his senior year he had responded to a vocation to work with young people as a Salesian himself.

Br. Gene, now the dean of technology at Don Bosco Technical Institute in Rosemead, Calif., credits his youthful decision to the example of three Salesians at his high school alma mater. One influence-Fr. Albert Andreatta-was among Br. Gene's teachers, while two other Salesians-Fr. Louis Liberati and Br. Roy Vetari-were known for their friendliness and active presence with their students.

After completing his novitiate training and two years of college at the Salesian seminary in Newton, N.J., Br. Gene returned to his native California to finish a bachelor's degree in physics at Cal State University Los Angeles in 1970.

That same year Br. Gene began his teaching career at St. John Bosco High School. During the next decade there he taught physics, electronics and math and, for six years, was the Science Department chair. "I liked teaching the most," he said, "interacting with the kids and working in the labs, doing experiments and using the equipment."

In 1980 Br. Gene was assigned to Don Bosco Technical Institute, soon after earning an A.S. degree in electronics from Cerritos College in Norwalk, Calif. He initially served as dean of discipline but has worked primarily in the Electronics Department, both as an instructor and most recently as department chair. He also completed a bachelor's degree in electronics engineering technology from DeVry Institute of Technology and a master's in industrial and technical studies from Cal State Los Angeles. Currently in his second year as Bosco Tech's dean of technology, Br. Gene oversees the school's eight technology departments. Besides coordinating interdepartmental activities, he is responsible for evaluating department personnel and curricula, reviewing budgets and publicizing the technical program. "My goal is to be the glue that holds the technology pieces together," the 54-year-old Salesian said with a smile.

Br. Gene says that his biggest challenge as dean of technology is to increase enrollment in Bosco Tech's college program. To this end he is making greater efforts to inform students and the general public of the advantages of the associate-in-science degree program. The college is also accepting students under a variety of adult and contract education agreements that lead toward certification rather than a degree. "We're trying to meet various requests to make our technology facilities more available to the community," he explained.

As to the general state of Bosco Tech, Br. Gene is optimistic and proud. He pointed out that the financial picture has improved, student spirit is good, and the school has kept up-to-date in its technology curriculum and equipment. He attributes the strength of the technology program to grants from foundations and industry, qualified technology instructors and input from advisory boards.

He added that the school's greatest challenges are to provide scholarships for eligible students and to increase the number of Salesians qualified to teach in technological fields. "After all, we're in the business of providing technical education because of our heritage from St. John Bosco himself."