Issue link: http://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/497617
PowerofGood.com | Spring 2015 3 grandfather's retirement. For four years in the early 1990s, his dad, Bill Stephens, worked in Information Technology (IT) at Alabama Power's sister company, Southern Nuclear, troubleshooting computer issues and helping to implement the new human resources information and payroll system. An electrical engineer, Bill inspired his son to follow a similar career path. "I'm good at math, I like working with my hands and solving problems, and engineering pays well. So why wouldn't I do that? It just makes sense," said Stephens, who is pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. Stephens is now carrying on the family tradition. On Jan. 5, he joined Southern Company Services, another of Alabama Power's sister companies, as a cooperative (co-op) education student. This program allows students to gain hands-on experience while completing their college degree by alternating between work and school periods. Stephens is working in Technical Services, an organization that conducts performance testing on power plant equipment, such as pumps, turbines and boilers. The job has kept him on the road. Since it began, he has helped test equipment at Georgia Power's Plants Scherer and McDonough, and Southern Power's Plant Franklin. "I have enjoyed working at Southern Company," Stephens said. "It has been really cool working here because I know I'm following in the footsteps of my grandpa and dad." Like his grandfather, Stephens loves the outdoors. He spends his free time running, cycling, biking, hiking, backpacking and practicing archery. As a youth leader at Skyland Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, Stephens teaches Sunday school and facilitates Bible studies. "I'm thankful and feel very blessed to have gotten this scholarship from Alabama Power and the university," said Stephens. "Because I won't have any debt, it will put me so far ahead when I get out of school. "My grandfather couldn't have known that the very company he invested 38 years of his life in would be supporting his grandson's education one day," he said. "Because of Alabama Power's generosity, I had a home, and I have a future." Scholarship recipient Will Stephens is pursuing a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Alabama.