For student veteran Matt Lyss, his mission didn’t end when he left the U.S. Navy. Instead, it took on a new form.
When he first enrolled in the CNC Machining certificate program at Goodwin University, he was driven to discover how things are made — and after building a successful career as a CNC machinist, he didn’t stop moving forward. Now completing his bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Management, Matt looks back on how military training, hands-on learning, and the unwavering support of the Goodwin community helped him set the stage for a rewarding career in manufacturing leadership.
Ahead of his role as a featured speaker at Goodwin’s 21st Annual Golf Tournament for Student Scholarships, we sat down with Matt to learn more about the experiences that shaped his journey.
Finding his path in manufacturing
Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background?
I’m from Old Saybrook, Connecticut. I graduated from Old Saybrook High School in 2013 and immediately joined the Navy. I served in the Navy from 2013-2017 aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, which is an aircraft carrier. I did two overseas deployments, and I got out in 2017 at the end of my contract. I moved to South Carolina for a year, but that didn’t really work out, so I came back home to Connecticut.
From there, I knew I wanted to go into manufacturing because I’ve always had a fascination with how things are made — and being back in Connecticut, we have a huge manufacturing industry here. There are employers all over the state. I figured this was something I really wanted to do, and it could lead to a good job that pays well and has great benefits.
Why did you choose to earn your CNC certificate at Goodwin?
I saw a lot of advertisements for Goodwin and their CNC program and learned that I could finish in six months. I decided that’s what I would do — go to Goodwin University, use my GI Bill, and become a certified CNC machinist. It was a wonderful experience, and I absolutely loved it.
Were there any projects, labs, or classroom experiences that are especially memorable?
When I started the CNC program, I had no clue what I was doing with all the codes, numbers, and letters. It was like a foreign language that I couldn’t understand. But when we came to class, we would go to a lab with CNC machines. We started from the beginning — from your G-codes and programming all the way to the point where we would make something from a regular block of metal.
The only way I can really learn how to do something is by actually doing it. All the labs and classes really helped. My first day on the job as a CNC machinist, I was like, “Wow, I know what I’m doing right now.” I can set up the machine. I know what the machine is doing. I know what tools to use.
That was something special to me: the fact that I could start a new job and feel confident in what I was doing.
Taking the next step
What motivated you to come back to the University and earn your bachelor’s degree?
I got a job with a local manufacturer called the Lee Company, where I did CNC machining for about two and a half years. I liked CNC machining, but I decided I couldn’t really see myself doing it for the next 30 years of my life. I wanted to advance my career in manufacturing.
So, in 2024, I decided that it was time to go back to school and get my bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Management. For me, it was a no-brainer to come back to Goodwin University because I had such a pleasant experience.
Are there any faculty members, classmates, or support services that have made a positive impact during your time at Goodwin?
First and foremost, I cannot say enough great things about Craig Jordan. The Veterans OASIS was the first place that I really went to when I came to campus. Whatever questions I had, Craig was there for me every single time. The Veterans OASIS is a phenomenal support service for veterans at the school. I would even go there before classes to do my work. It’s a nice, quiet spot — and for veterans, that’s huge.
As far as faculty members, my professors were phenomenal. Stephen Campbell was my first instructor for CNC. I had such anxiety going into it, but he would reassure me and tell me to relax — he was there to make sure that we succeeded. Chip Thermer also put me in the right mindset and helped me push any worries aside. David Turner has been an amazing professor, too. He is a veteran like me and has helped me tremendously. He was my professor during the CNC program and again in the bachelor’s degree program.
For general education requirements, I took two English classes with Brian Dixon. Anytime I needed to do a Zoom call or had questions about assignments, he was there like that. I really get the sense that at Goodwin University, no matter what class you’re taking, the professors want to see you succeed.
I’ve had some great classmates, too. Even though CNC was a six-month program, I made lifelong friends and met some truly incredible people.
How has your time at Goodwin shaped you personally and professionally?
One thing that I really love about Goodwin is that it’s very diverse. Where I grew up wasn’t a very diverse town. It’s been great to go to Goodwin and meet people from all walks of life and from all over the state. My good friend Miguel is from the south end of Hartford, and we’ve been like brothers since 2021. The diversity at Goodwin has changed me personally in such a positive way, and I’m very grateful for that.
Academically speaking, I was afraid to go back to school. Going back to school as an adult is not easy. Goodwin reassured me — we are primarily a school for adult learners, and having that connection with other adult learners has been phenomenal. Earning my bachelor’s degree has been very demanding, but Goodwin has helped me realize I can do it.
I’ve also had a lot of career support, like mock interviews and help building my resumé. The University has programs and services that are going to help you professionally so that when it’s time for you to interview with your future employer, you’ll be able to knock it out of the park.
Giving back and looking ahead
Thinking back to your service, how did the Navy help influence who you are today?
When I joined the Navy, I was 18 years old. I didn’t really know what independence, responsibility, or accountability meant. So really, the Navy made me independent. It’s made me structured, organized, and a better person.
Now, when I go into school, it’s like I’m on a mission, very much like I was in the Navy. My mission is to learn as much as I possibly can, do the absolute best that I can, and give it 110%.
Are there any lessons or values you carry with you that you learned in the military?
One thing I’ve always had a hard time dealing with, even before the Navy, was failure. There are times in life when you might fail at something, or you might not be happy with what you did. I’ve made mistakes. We’re all human beings. We’re not perfect.
The military taught me to see failure as a learning curve. Don’t let mistakes define who you are as a person. You’re better than that, and you will ultimately come out on top. You will finish your mission, finish what you came here to do, and in the end, it’s going to make you a better person.
What career goals do you hope to achieve after graduating?
My ultimate goal is to work at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton. I just went to a veterans’ career fair last Thursday, and they were one of the manufacturers there. I gave them my resumé, and the recruiter really liked what he saw. Sure enough, the next day I got an email saying, “Let’s start working together and take the next steps.”
I’m hoping that opportunity will take off.
In October, you will be a featured speaker at the 21st Annual Golf Tournament for Student Scholarships. What does this opportunity mean to you?
Goodwin has given me so much. This is my opportunity to give back to the University and tell our sponsors and donors that they’ve made a huge difference not just for me, but for my classmates and fellow students. Without their support, we would not have the opportunity to further our education and advance ourselves personally, professionally, and academically.
From joining the Navy to carving out a fulfilling career in manufacturing, Matt’s path has been defined by resilience, growth, and the power of community. As he prepares to take the stage at the 21st Annual Golf Tournament for Student Scholarships, he hopes to be a voice for Goodwin students — reminding donors and sponsors that their generosity is both powerful and deeply appreciated.
Matt’s story reminds us that with passion, persistence, and the right support, every opportunity you pursue can open another door.
The 21st Annual Golf Tournament for Student Scholarships will be held on Monday, October 5, at the Hartford Golf Club in West Hartford, CT. Discover how your generosity can make a meaningful difference — contact Heidi Carlson, senior foundation officer, at hcarlson@goodwin.edu or 860-727-6747.
Bri Gagné is a content developer at Goodwin University, bringing backgrounds in literary studies, creative storytelling, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and social justice. They earned their bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Film Studies, and Gender Studies from University of Connecticut and a master’s in Elementary Education from Eastern Connecticut State University.
After teaching English abroad and locally, Bri transitioned to a full-time writing career, contributing to the University’s educational narratives and brand-building efforts. They are currently earning their Master of Fine Arts in Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing at Emerson College.