Construction Management Students Top Regional Competition

Published 11.20.2017

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A team of six construction management majors from Pennsylvania College of Technology finished first in the pre-construction division of the 28th annual Associated Schools of Construction Student Competition held Nov. 9-11 in Albany, New York.

In their competition category, sponsored by Rhode Island-based Shawmut Design and Construction, the students acted as construction managers solicited to submit a proposal for pre-construction services for a project in ASC’s Northeast Region. The competitors were scored on their written proposal – encompassing such aspects as scheduling, budget and logistics – and on the effectiveness and clarity of their 30-minute oral presentation.



A team of Penn College construction management students placed first in its category at the recent ASC Student Competition in New York state. From left are Thomas D. Roberts, Pittsburgh; Andrew S. Welsh, Chadds Ford; Lauren S. Herr, Lititz; Carl A. Zimmerman, Hunlock Creek; Chekota J. Newhart, Troy; and Calen B. Heeter, Emlenton.Team members were Calen B. Heeter, of Emlenton; Lauren S. Herr, of Lititz; Chekota J. Newhart, of Troy; Thomas D. Roberts, of Pittsburgh; Andrew S. Welsh, of Chadds Ford; and Carl A. Zimmerman, of Hunlock Creek. They were accompanied by faculty coach Wayne R. Sheppard, assistant professor of construction management.

State University of New York-Delhi was second in the pre-construction competition; Vermont Technical College finished third.

“The opportunity to apply the knowledge I have learned during my time at Penn College on a significant, logistically challenging construction project was a terrific experience,” Newhart said. “We proved our in-depth understanding of the $35 million, real-world construction project in our proposal and by answering the difficult questions from the judges.”

The Penn College students were so impressive, Roberts added, “We had employers trying to recruit us before we could even leave the room we presented in.”

“Throughout my college career, I have never experienced such a challenging competition as the ASC competition. The competition exercised the many skills I learned in Penn College's construction management major,” teammate Welsh said. “Even though I'm only a junior, I feel everything I was taught was implemented into this competition. I'm so proud of my team and what we have accomplished. There is great satisfaction bringing home a win for Penn College.”

Penn College’s School of Construction & Design Technologies offers a bachelor’s degree in construction management, a specialized technical management degree that prepares students for a range of related careers that include project manager, estimator, safety officer and superintendent. For more information, call 570-327-4518.

For more about the college, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.