The taste of sweet victory abounded on both sides of the country recently for the construction management program.
Construction management students went to two competitions this month: The Associate School of Construction [ASC] regional student competition in Reno, Nev., and the International Home Builders' Show in Orlando, Fla.
Eight teams were entered in the ASC competition. Students were given 17 hours to formulate a plan and solve the problem presented.
"Honestly, those 18 hours are like a condensed semester. You apply all the classes that you've ever had and all the ones you've yet to take to try and come up with a solution," said Nick Zent, the design-build team captain, majoring in construction management.
Four BYU teams received 1st place - two national and two regional championships. Two teams received 2nd place.
"It's special when 700 students with over 1,100 potential employers hear BYU win championship after championship," said Adam McKinnon, a senior from Orlando, Fla., majoring in construction management. "This is the best we have ever done in these competitions and these competitions are what give us the reputation of being a great program."
Meanwhile on the other side of the country BYU was being recognized as well.
At the International Builders Show the National Association of Home Builders awarded BYU a 3rd place finish and faculty member Dr. Jay Christofferson received the Senior Outstanding Educator award.
"It's just a nice recognition for the work that you do. It's given to faculty who not only are good teachers but are also giving back to industry doing extra-curricular helping local associations and students by being valuable to the industry," said Christofferson.
The impressive results of these competitions are a dramatic improvement from last year.
"The focus all year was to get BYU back on top," said McKinnon, vice-president of the construction management student association. "It was great to get back and surpass where we were."
Copyright Brigham Young University 16 Feb 2007
