AGC Student Chapters Share Experiences During AGC’s Convention

Nearly50 students from such diverse institutions of higher education as the University of Alaska at Anchorage; Auburn University; Northeast Mississippi Community College; Purdue University; University of Nebraska; and California State University at Fresno; attended the annual AGC Student Chapters meeting, held March 13 in Honolulu, Hawaii, in conjunction with the 93^rd AGC of America Convention. The three-hour meeting began with a welcome from 2013 AGC President Joe Jarboe, who encouraged these activist students to continue their good works as they graduate and begin their careers. “Your dedication to your community, your willingness to give your time, talent and energy to a worthwhile cause will serve you well as you move forward in your careers in the construction industry. AGC members nationwide take pride in serving their local community both by giving back in these types of projects and by doing exceptional work on construction projects ranging from small bridges to landmark stadiums. Every sort of building, highway, bridge and tunnel man can dream, AGC members can build.” President Jarboe completed his remarks expressing his hope that the students would make the most of the opportunities afforded them by attending a national AGC Convention, where they could meet industry leaders from across the nation. “Don’t be shy. Ask questions. Believe me, we’re delighted you’re here; we’re excited you’re ready to join our industry and I know that I speak for the entire AGC membership when I say we stand ready to help you be the best in your careers in construction.” Next on the agenda was AGC Education & Research Foundation President Jack Kelley who also welcomed the students and presented the awards for the foundation’s annual Outstanding Educator and James L. Allhands Essay competitionhttp://www.agc.org/cs/about/foundation/award_recipients. Each year since 1985, the foundation has recognized an educator who makes a significant mark in the field of construction education. The award is based on a nominee’s academic contribution as well as his/her work with students outside of the classroom and involvement with colleagues in the industry. The 2012 award was given to Dr. Yilmaz Hatipkarasulu, assistant professor in the Department of Construction Science and Management at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where for the past two years he has served at the institution’s first dedicated construction faculty member. The James L. Allhands Essay was established by the late James L. Allhands, one of the founding members of AGC and a prolific writer of construction-related works. The award recognizes a student essay on a specific topic. Branden Burke, a senior in Purdue University's Building Construction Management Program, was the first-place winner in the competition for his outstanding essay on the topic, "Critical Components of Being a Great Project Manager." Special thanks goes to the AGC Education & Research Foundation for sponsoring both the lunch and ice cream break that were served at the AGC Student Chapters meeting. Each year, AGC of America sponsors an Outstanding Student Chapter Contest that recognizes AGC Student Chapters for their efforts to improve their community and put their construction knowledge to practice use. Students representing first-place winner Iowa State University and second-place winner Kansas State University gave presentations on their winning projects. Students ended their meeting with a roundtable mentoring session with members of AGC’s Construction Leadership Council, a popular annual event where students get to ask questions of AGC’s mid-career professional leaders. Thanks to CLC Steering Committee members Andy Huber, Sean Woerman , Chet Braun, Joe Meuleman, Kyle Pennington, Shannon Sapp, Jason Schneider, and Frank Wilson, who generously shared their time and wisdom with the students. We are very much looking forward to a great event during the 94^th AGC Annual Convention in March 2013, so make plans to join us in Palm Springs, CA.