School of Labor and Employment Relations Announces Capstone Project Award Winner

Ryan Madiar, business representative with IBEW Local 134 and a recent graduate of Penn State’s Master of Professional Studies in Human Resources and Employment Relations program, has received the Spring 2025 Capstone Project Award from the School of Labor and Employment Relations winner for his research, “Reversing IBEW Local 134 Membership Decline.”. The award recognizes a project that demonstrates innovation, academic rigor, and meaningful real-world impact.

Ryan was recognized for his project exploring the union’s 24-year membership decline from a peak of over 18,000 members in 2001 to just under 12,000 today. His research showed that the drop wasn’t the result of poor leadership, but rather larger economic forces like the “China Shock,” widespread outsourcing, the Great Recession, and technological advances that reduced labor needs. These insights echoed what Ryan has witnessed firsthand in his work representing union members in both the manufacturing and construction sectors.

What set Ryan’s project apart was how he transformed his findings into a clear, strategic response. He recommended reestablishing a manufacturing organizing presence and developing a twelve-step plan that leverages existing resources to rebuild membership and recover lost market share.

“The capstone experience was an amazing opportunity to apply everything I’ve learned over the past four years,” Ryan said. “It sharpened my critical thinking and helped me explore realistic, resource-conscious solutions to a problem that hits close to home.”

Ryan graduated with a 3.97 GPA and was also the recipient of the 2022 IBEW Founder’s Scholarship. Beyond his academic accomplishments, he spent the past eight years negotiating collective bargaining agreements, resolving grievances, and advocating for worker rights. His work reflects a deep commitment to service, solidarity, and the future of organized labor.

Please join us in congratulating Ryan on this well-earned recognition!