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Writer's pictureMindy Larson

VCHS Alumni Spotlight – Ethan Pence ‘16


Passion for Engineering - From the Colorado Mountains to the Coast of California

 

Ethan Pence, a graduate of Vail Christian High School’s Class of 2016, took his passion for engineering from the Colorado mountains to the coast of California, where he earned a degree in

Civil Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, in 2020. Specializing in transportation, Ethan’s journey has been shaped by his love for solving problems and improving infrastructure, leading him to a fulfilling career in Civil Engineering.


During the summer of his sophomore year at Cal Poly, Ethan interned with Alpine Engineering in Edwards, Colorado, where he was involved in significant local projects, including the renovation and expansion of Eagle Valley High School and development plans throughout the valley. These projects sparked his interest in the transportation side of civil engineering, a passion that would shape his career.


After graduation, Ethan worked on many projects, ranging from parks and bike paths to roundabouts and freeway interchanges. Now employed at Wallace Group in San Luis Obispo, California, Ethan served as an associate engineer on a groundbreaking intersection improvement project in Paso Robles, California. He was part of the team responsible for designing a peanut-shaped roundabout. The unique roundabout geometry minimized property impact, improved access for cyclists, pedestrians, persons with disabilities as well as cars, buses, emergency vehicles and very large trucks. (See this video of a 108’ long truck navigating the roundabout for the first time:


This innovative project has earned the 2024 Outstanding Roadway & Highway Project and the 2024 Outstanding Transportation Project from the American Society of Civil Engineers- San Luis Obispo Branch and the 2024 Most Unusual Roundabout award from the Institute of Transportation Engineers.


Beyond his career, Ethan dedicates time to his community and passion projects. In 2023, he joined the board of the American Society of Civil Engineers’ San Luis Obispo Branch Younger Member Forum (ASCE SLO—YMF) as Treasurer. He also fulfills his love for teaching by serving as a Part-Time Lecturer at Cal Poly, where he teaches Intro to Computer-Aided Drafting. Furthermore, Ethan has embraced coaching, volunteering to coach track and cross-country teams at middle and high school levels.


In June 2023, Ethan married Daniela, whom he met while they were both students at Cal Poly. Daniela is a special education teacher for 2nd and 3rd graders. Along with engineering and teaching, Ethan is an ultra-marathon runner, a passion that began in high school. He competes in various races ranging from 50ks to 100-milers and even 240-milers. Ethan frequently returns to Colorado to participate in the Leadville 100 (a race he’s completed four times) with his father, Eric Pence, who has completed the race 29 times. In 2021, Ethan and his Dad took on one of their biggest challenges yet, both successfully completing the Moab 240, a grueling 240-mile race in Utah.


Reflecting on his time at VCHS, Ethan fondly remembers the teachers and coaches who shaped him. One teacher who left a lasting impression was Doug Bruce. Ethan credits Mr. Bruce for instilling a sense of responsibility for quality work, helping him refine his handwriting, and develop a disciplined approach to learning. Mr. Bruce’s mantra, “Leave no stone unturned,” became a guiding principle for Ethan throughout his life. Though Ethan jokes that he no longer uses calculus, he knows that his time spent in Mr. Bruce’s calculus class set the foundation for his success. He also recognizes the mentorship of his coaches, Sheldon Kuhns and Tim Pierson, for fostering a family-like atmosphere on the sports teams and encouraging personal growth and a relationship with God.


Ethan admits that college was not without its challenges, particularly when it came to academics. After a rocky start, he learned the importance of good study habits, time management, and organization - a lesson he encourages current students to adopt early. His advice to students at VCHS? “Seek out healthy habits outside of school,” he says. Running has become a vital part of Ethan's life, helping him manage stress and maintain balance. “It makes me a better husband, a better engineer, and better at balancing my life.”

"Seek out healthy habits outside of school, It (running) makes me a better husband, a better engineer, and better at balancing my life."



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