Clarkson University’s Construction Engineering Management (CEM) Program Student Projects in Engineering Experience and Design (SPEED) teams took first place this weekend at the 33rd Annual Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Region 1 Student Competition in both the Heavy-Civil Construction and the Pre-Construction categories; the most first-place awards of any school in the competition.
The Pre-Construction team led by Sean Donnelly (CivE ‘23) bested their 2021 second-place finish, edging UMass Amherst and third-place Penn College of Technology addressing a K-12 project problem developed by judging firm Consigli Construction. Supporting Sean were Hannah Williams (CivE ‘23), Sara LoPresti (CivE ‘22), Haley Meshcon (CivE ‘23), Seth Anderson (CivE ‘23), and Shazoi Hall (CivE ‘24). The Heavy-Civil Team took first place, which has not happened for over a decade. Rob Schneider (CivE ‘23) led a team that included Chase Lyndaker (CivE ‘23), Rob Collins (CivE ‘22), Alex Thomas (CivE ‘23), Brett Tiffany (CivE ‘23), and Kelly Kilgallen (CivE ‘23). They took the top-place honors over Penn College of Technology and Drexel University. The students were challenged by an over 830’ tied-arch bridge that was constructed off-site on barge slips some distance away, floated down the Ohio river, and raised into place between Wellsburg, WV and Brilliant, OH. Additionally, their cost estimate spot on (within 0.005% of the actual bid price), two years in a row. “It was just an awesome experience,” said Hannah Williams.
This was a historic win for the program and an amazing experience for the students. Congratulations came from all over the university, including Interim Provost Goodarz Ahmadi who commented, “Please also accept my many congratulations on the Clarkson University CEM team taking first place in the Heavy-Civil Construction and the Pre-Construction categories at the 33rd Annual Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Student Competition. This is an outstanding achievement.” This was only possible thanks to the support of many that enabled Clarkson to put its best in the field.
First-time adjunct Instructor in the CEM program Randy VanBrocklin (E&M ‘90), was the primary coach and instructor for CE404 (Applied Estimating and Scheduling). Randy brought his professional expertise to bear, both to the class and as a mentor to the teams, thanks to his full-time role as the Director of Facilities for the St. Lawrence Health System, overseeing the new Regional Health Pavilion project. Additionally, Victoria Peterson (CivE ‘17) from Kiewit Construction Corporation, was a special mentor to the Heavy-Civil team, volunteering her time while also being the lead superintendent at the Ogdensburg wastewater treatment plant upgrade. On hearing the news, Victoria offered, “It has been a privilege to work with the students this semester. I am very proud of their accomplishments after all of the hard work and effort they put in. Looking forward to seeing what they accomplish in Reno.” Additionally, Dist. Service Prof. Spencer Thew (CivE ‘63, MS ‘71) and Adjunct Instructor/CEM Micro-Credential Coordinator Jim Billings (CivE ‘78) both served as practice judges throughout the prep for the competition. “I couldn’t be prouder of how the students performed with the level of passion and fun they exhibited throughout the competition,” said Howard E. Lechler Endowed Director of the CEM Program and ASC Region 1 Director Erik C. Backus, “simply a fantastic job.”
The CEM program is supported by a corporate advisory board that provides ongoing financial and other support that enables Clarkson students to excel at all levels. Harrison & Burrowes, led by Jeff DiStefano (CivE ‘78) and his son Chris Distefano, in particular, is the ongoing sponsor of these teams. Next for these student teams will be to compete in the open problems category competition in Sparks/Reno, NV in February 2023. Clarkson has been pre-selected to compete in the Integrated Project Delivery and Sustainable Construction categories, looking to top its 2019 second-place finish at this national-level competition.
The Clarkson CEM program and CEE Department offer best-in-class curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities that propel students into their future and careers ahead of many others. Graduates of the CEM program command high starting salaries, rapidly become licensed professional engineers and rise quickly to be leaders in construction firms around the world. Over the last decade, the CEM program has boasted a 100% post-graduation hiring rate within 3 months of departing Clarkson. The CEM SPEED teams exemplify the kind of success and excellence that Clarkson students, especially in CEE and CEM, demonstrate at the local, regional, national, and international levels, year in and year out. Having just launched a new Master of Science in Construction Engineering Management (https://www.clarkson.edu/graduate/construction-engineering-management), learn more and come join us to see how we build your future!
https://www.clarkson.edu/news/clarkson-tops-associated-schools-construction-region-1-competition
