Chris Napoleon '86-'88

Twenty-eight years ago, alumnus, Chris Napoleon ’86-’88 took a huge risk by starting his own company from a spare bedroom and half-bay garage of his home in Olean, NY.  As a single employee with few machines, he launched Napoleon Engineering Services (NES).  Today, NES has grown into a 46,000-square-foot facility with 69 employees, recognized as a premier manufacturer of custom bearings for the aerospace and aviation industries and the largest independent bearing inspection and testing facility in North America.

Chris’s journey to success began at Pitt-Bradford. He openly shares that starting his engineering studies came with uncertainty and fear. “I was nervous that I wouldn’t make it through,” he recalled. But thanks to supportive faculty like Doc Freda and Dr. Ron Mattis, Chris gained the confidence and foundational knowledge that would propel him through his academic journey—and ultimately launch his career.

Chris is not only a proud alumnus and generous donor; he’s also the father of Gus Napoleon, one of the first graduates of Pitt-Bradford’s four-year mechanical engineering program. Gus now works alongside his father at NES, joined by five other Pitt-Bradford alumni, as well as a current student completing an internship with the company.

For Chris, supporting Pitt-Bradford is about more than gratitude—it’s about community. “This place helped shape me into the person I am today,” he said. “Giving back is just the right thing to do.” His commitment is evident not only through his philanthropic support but also through his dedication to hiring and mentoring local talent. 

Gus Napoleon ’25 and fellow NES employee Mychal Berlinski ’25, another Pitt-Bradford graduate, credit their education with preparing them for success in the workforce. They were among the first to study in the state-of-the-art George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building—a facility that Chris helped make possible through his generous support.

“The opportunity to support new four-year engineering programs at Pitt-Bradford means a lot to me,” Chris said. “These programs open doors for students and provide a skilled workforce for local manufacturers. It’s a win-win.”

Chris Napoleon’s story is one of vision, resilience, and the enduring impact of a strong educational foundation. He believes in paying it forward—and thanks to his ongoing commitment, future generations of Pitt-Bradford engineers will have the chance to follow in his footsteps.