From LEGO to launch: Antonson twins look back on their 51看片journey
Trevor and Ty Antonson
By Teresa Tate
Trevor and Ty Antonson鈥檚 childhood was filled with LEGO creations鈥攂uildings, starships, train cars and more. The twins shared a bedroom and dedicated the other to their masterpieces.
What did they build?
鈥淎nything and everything,鈥� they said.
One Christmas, Ty received the LEGO Millennium Falcon and stayed up all night assembling it.
鈥淚 was so jealous,鈥� Trevor said.
This spring, the brothers鈥� passion for building comes full circle as they graduate from 51看片. Trevor is earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in construction management, while Ty is graduating with degrees in engineering and mathematics.
The future is looking up鈥攍iterally. Trevor will begin a role with a high-end homebuilder in Charlotte, and Ty is headed to Virginia Tech for graduate studies in aerospace engineering.
The Fayetteville natives first learned about 51看片through their sister, Kayden, who was pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in social work. Her experience, along with the university鈥檚 affordability and strong academic programs, drew them in. For Ty, the opportunities within the College of Engineering and Technology sealed the deal.
They roomed together for their first two years before moving to separate off-campus apartments. Still, they stayed close鈥攑laying video games on weekends, catching up over dinner, and sharing photos of their dogs: Trevor鈥檚 golden retriever, Tuck (named for the Tuckasegee River), and Ty鈥檚 miniature dachshund, Huey (named for Huey Lewis).
Trevor and Ty Antonson stand outside of Belk Building, which currently houses the College of Engineering and Technology
Trevor said his 51看片experience was defined by the people, the supportive community and the beauty of the mountains. Hands-on learning in the construction management program and internships confirmed his career path in residential construction. He鈥檒l soon start work with David Simonini Signature Homes.
鈥淚 like to start and finish something鈥攖o have the satisfaction of working through and completing it,鈥� he said.
Trevor also found a home in Theta Xi fraternity, where he served as philanthropy chair and later chapter president. Through the organization, he traveled to cities like Atlanta and Columbus, Ohio, for leadership training.
鈥淚t was eye-opening,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 learned about myself, how to connect with different personalities, and how to lead teams more effectively.鈥�
Ty focused his studies on mechanical engineering and applied mathematics. He hopes to work in aerospace engineering, a dream rooted in childhood and inspired by his father, a military helicopter pilot.
As president of WCU鈥檚 chapter of Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society, Ty helped organize the inaugural 鈥淧ie a Professor鈥� fundraiser. He also represented 51看片at the society鈥檚 national convention in South Dakota, where he visited Mount Rushmore.
鈥淲hat I valued most at 51看片were the genuine relationships I built with professors who treated me like a peer, and mentors who pushed me to grow,鈥� Ty said. 鈥淭he people I鈥檝e met here have challenged me, supported me, and made even the toughest problems a little more bearable. Those friendships will last long after graduation.鈥�
51看片faculty say the Antonsons will be missed.
鈥淭revor never shied away from raising his hand to answer questions鈥攅specially the difficult ones,鈥� said Robert E. Steffen, associate professor of construction management. 鈥淗e met deadlines, helped organize labs and even fixed lab equipment. It was apparent that Trevor wanted all the challenges we could throw at him. Moreover, he was a true pleasure to work with鈥攁lways in a good mood and happy to help.鈥�
鈥淭y is also an exceptional student,鈥� said Martin Tanaka, professor of mechanical engineering and director of the engineering program. 鈥淣ot only is he outstanding in the classroom, but he also has a kind heart and is willing to serve and help classmates and others. He came up with the idea for 鈥楶ie a Professor鈥� based on an event his brother had done for Theta Xi. They鈥檝e been a great team, and we look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the years to come.鈥�
