Celebrating 25 Years of Construction Management Alumni

I’m intrigued by what you all do as you create our built environment, partly because of some past experiences building and remodeling homes, but also because the work we do inside the university may not be all that different from what you do in our communities. We:

• explore many ideas.
• pick one (or more) and develop a plan.
• test and refine the plan.
• find funding.
• hire people.
• execute the plan (usually with some unexpected bumps along the way).
• let people benefit from what we have created.
• continually adjust and improve.
   

Sound about right?

More than 25 years ago, the CMgt major was born, basically following that path. I wasn’t in CCAPS then, but I have been since 2007 - long enough to observe, to support, and on occasion to meddle.

I was around for the early program accreditations with ACCE (American Council for Construction Education) and IFMA, then again for the current accreditation through ABET. In all cases the organizations viewed us skeptically because of the college the CMgt program is in - they had never dealt with a CCAPS before. By the end, we won them all over, and I think in many cases opened their eyes to new ways of doing things.

Beyond the curricular changes made in the major over the years, it’s also important to remember the changes in our students. I have data going back to the early years of the major, and the percent of BIPOC students and women then was almost always in the single digits. The percent who were Minnesotans was in the high 70s.

This year, we have about 31% BIPOC students, 18% women, and about 65% Minnesotans. These are all positive changes, brought about by the good work of many people, and I both hope and expect that we will see all those numbers continue their current trends.

Successful programs at the university - like CMgt - require the efforts of many people - faculty director, associate dean, advisors, operations staff, scholarship committee, curriculum committee, mentors, the advisory board, internships sites, employers, and more.

The Advisory Board in particular has played a key role in the success of CMGT:

• helping to understand industry trends.
• recommending what should be included in the curriculum.
• providing internships.
• construction site tours.

Good evening, my name is Bill Scherling, I am a PX [Project Executive] with Ryan Companies and a proud alumni of this program. 

What this program meant for my career… 

This program and degree has served as the foundation of my career since I graduated … 25 years ago… For that, I am Grateful. 

My story - I graduated from MSU Mankato in 1992 with a degree in automotive engineering. However, I went back (full-time) to my summer job as a field engineer and eventual manager for a local geotechnical and environmental engineering consulting firm. 

I was excited when this program was announced in 1996 and quickly decided to enroll with the intent on shifting my career path to construction management. Being part of the College of Continuing and Professional Studies, is what made this possible. I could continue to work fulltime and attend classes in the nights and evenings – perfect! 

As I was applying, Peter and the team accepted many of my existing credits and even some work experience. Therefore, I was able to make it through the program with core CM classes in a short couple of years. (so Grateful) 

As I mentioned, this program has served as the foundation for my 25-plus-years in the construction industry…. And one that I continue to lean on. 

I have had the fortune of working for four amazing local general contractors. I have had the privilege of working on many amazing projects and with many amazing people, (many of you are present tonight). Some of my favorite project highlights include: 

• American Express tower – 30-story 1M SF high rise in Minneapolis with Opus (core and shell) and McGough (interiors) (Grateful) 

• Guthrie Theater – Truly a project of a lifetime and opportunity to work with world renowned architect Jean Novel …. it boasts the longest occupiable cantilever in the world and still amazing world class performing Arts destination - w/ McGough (Grateful) 

• Eleven on the River – 45-story luxury high-rise condominium in Mpls, wildly successful, Ryan Integrated DB project delivery. Tallest residential tower in the MW. (Grateful) 

• Boston Scientific, 400k SF RandD showcase facility in MG, honored to be part of supporting BSC in their important mission Advancing Science for Life and a focus of sustainability– LEED Gold and LEED Zero Energy. Ryan integrated Design-Build delivery …(humbled and Grateful) to be part of these and many other projects. 

But beyond these local projects, this program also gave me the foundation and problem-solving tools for my 23 years of service as an army engineer officer. While being part of many projects throughout the US, I also worked on a variety of projects internationally, including 5 different countries (from central America to the middle East). As an army engineer in combat, you rely on risk management and problem-solving skills daily… So again, I am very grateful for the foundation and tools that this program gave me to be successful in that stressful environment. 

As I was thinking about this day and celebration, the one theme that kept coming up was how grateful I am for this program, which literally helped shape my career, but I am also grateful for you, Peter Hilger, for your vision, leadership, and sincere care for your students. Over the years I have met many graduates from this program, and when I mention your name there is always a big smile in reaction. Your selfless-service, passion and dedication to this program are remarkable and one of the primary reasons for its success. 

So, Peter, tonight I am very grateful for you and this program. You have not only directly influenced the careers of most people here tonight, but you have also made a positive impact on our lives. So, thank you, We are Grateful! 

Mr. Chair, Esteemed Members of the Advisory Board
In ’1993 a committee did form
To develop a program the industry did target
Construction Management was thus born
That Continuing Education and Extension would market.

A fella named Corruzzi from A & P did steer
Leaders from KA, Knuston, McGough and Mortenson, 
Ryan, CPMI and more, a committee of peers
To find the faculty and chart the curriculum.

In ’97 under David Grimsrud the program did start
In ‘99 three graduates: Wolff, Bystrzycki and Scherling
In ‘01 came Ann Johnson to direct her part
Adding a Minor and Certificate that our students started earning.

The first faculty all came from industry sharing
Their wisdom and teachings on topics so equal
Estimating, Scheduling, Risk and Value Engineering  
With Documents, Contracts, and other things Legal

We honor those faculty who in ’97 ‘n ‘8 did teach:
Linda Phillips, Cindy Sobiech and Lyle Meyer 
With Dick Kavaney, John Davies and Hilger did reach
The first five students, to build they aspired.

Hilger joined Ann Johnson in ’09 to co-lead
To draft a strategic plan, our program’s future to set
Together we plotted toward Accreditation first received
In 2014, ACCE affirmed our excellence was met.

And to you, esteemed Board, you have been here by us
To listen, to guide, to support - you answer our call.
Led only by a few: Corruzzi, Alana Griffith, and now Paul Kolias
Carry on and guide us, so our students can stand tall.

So, the evidence by resolution is what you now seek
It’s simple, is abundant, and meaningful to provide
So much can be said for 25 years of work so unique
I shall cast you some evidence that is easily applied.

For this TOP 10 recitation (in no particular order), I shall remove the pentameter
Which might be perceived as stepping out of character:

• Number 1: Let’s talk enrollments
  • Since 1997: 1442 enrolled (789 major, 428 minor, 225 Certificate)
  • Since 1997: 18,028 registrations, over 5100 individual students and 953 Construction Management Class offered.
  • Graduates: 1999 – the three we have mentioned, this year 36 with many here this evening, with total alumni at over 700.  
  • And note this!  Spring ‘24: comprised of 30.5% women and 26.6% BIPOC studying in the program (degree, minor, certificate and non-degree), a very high standard for the industry and our peer institutions.  We can be proud of that!
• Number 2: Let’s Talk Fundraising and Scholarships
  • 2010: The first CMgt Scholarship established raising $1,350
  • 2024: Now, 15 Scholarships and Program Fund Created, and 15% of our alumni contributing
  • 2024: $536,000 raised for CMgt, $445,000 scholarship grants awarded to 128 students.  Wow!
  • We have 10 CMgt scholarship funds, 6 of which are endowed, resulting from a special University matching program called Fast Start4Impact that generated these three starter funds: Api, International Facility Mgmt Assn and McGough 
  • YOU, the Advisory Board members! Have created 9 student scholarships, and I have as well, so when I come to ask you for money, you know that I put my money where my mouth is!
  • And our Hard Hat Challenge, started in 2020 has raised $29 thousand from 143 donors benefitting 21 students.  And it continues today – please support our hard hat challenge today.
  • I think for a small program, we are doing quite well, don’t you agree?
     
• Number 3: I cite multiple years of multiple program accreditations, including our last ABET accreditation that had zero issues requiring correction or adjustment, and abundant praise
• Number 4: I cite our early cohort of the Writing Enriched Program where written communication of all types is focused across the curriculum, a directive that you supported as one of the top skills required by graduates.
• Number 5: And speaking of writing, we originated the Golden Pen Award, offered for 15 years to reward proposal writing.  Several past recipients may be here today!  Congrats to Eddie Stenzel and Caleb Smith, this year’s recipients.
  Number 6: I cite development, with our academic support staff, a very robust educational outcomes assessment program that is a recognized model for the entire University of Minnesota.
• Number 7: I cite our leadership among our regional institutions in organizing Construct*ium, generating both collaboration and competition among our peer regional schools with the Quiz Bowl starting in 2014, Built Environment Career Fair in 2015, and the Pursuit Competition, starting in 2016, evolving from the Minnesota Construction Association/Construct*ium Pentathlon event, now the Leadership Training Academy
• Number 8: I cite participants and winners in local, national and international competitions, including the interdisciplinary Solar Decathlon event since 2008, (and grand prize again in 2023), among others
• Number 9: I cite enabling students from various programs to gain an international perspective through the interdisciplinary Pura Vida Study Abroad program to Costa Rica, completing its 10th trip last January, doing meaningful work for organizations of need (and having a bit of “cultural immersion”).
• Last but not least, Number 10: I cite developing a program that is widely respected, and even envied by our peer institutions for its unique advanced standing structure with most classes offered in the evenings (since the beginning), and now many online.  How truly far we have come in 25 years.

More great things I could most easily recite
For the next minute or so I’ll slip back to rhyme
The most important of all is to now highlight
The work and support of all over time

Without Advisers our success would not be so high
Only 3 over 25 years: Teresa Fruen, Megan Seltz, Willie Wong  
Deserve thanks for guiding and coaching our students to apply 
Their efforts delivered with empathy and care for so long.

Without our staff, it is true we couldn’t get much done
For they labor the administrative detail to quietly run
A program, the faculty, and this Director (whilst suffering his puns!)
To assure the success of students, who then becoming alums!

Without our faculty thru the years, upon their shoulders we stand
For without their knowledge and enthusiasm, we’d certainly perish
Whilst their passion in students does oft a groan command
In the end, to our students, your knowledge they do cherish.

And finally, yes finally the STUDENTS! we must thank YOU!
For placing your faith and funds in your future to us
It’s been an honor to serve, as best we could here at the U
And now as alums, a joy to know of your support and success.

Thanks to all for coming, for listening and supporting
the Construction Management program, and all that you do.
To spread our good reputation to your network reporting
And on this 25th year occasion, please know, we appreciate you!

SKI-U-MAH!

Mr. Chair, I now offer that, as evidence has been abundantly provided, that there is food and fluid and conversations to be had, that you call the question on this appropriate resolution.  Thank you for your time.

Whereas, the original Founding Advisory Board, led by Mr. Bob Coruzzi from Adolfson & Peterson
Construction, and supported by stakeholders from 14 other construction companies, 12 professional
associations, the Twin Cities Higher Education Partnership, and 23 academic representatives from the
University of Minnesota and other colleges, was convened in 1993 to advise on the creation of the
Construction Management program, and

Whereas, by the Fall Quarter 1997, the first two students were admitted to the program, and the first
courses were offered: Construction Documents and Contracts (CMgt 3011), taught by Linda Phillips, and
Construction Planning and Scheduling (CMgt 3021), taught by Lyle Meyer; by Winter Quarter 1998 were
added Risk Management taught by Cindy Sobiech (CMgt 3012) and Construction Estimating taught by
Peter Hilger (CMgt 3022); by Spring Quarter 1998 Legal and Ethical Issues by Richard Kavaney (CMgt
3013) and Value Engineering taught by John Davies (CMgt 3023); and
Whereas, the first three graduates, Mr. William Scherling, Mr. James Bystrzycki, and Mr. Todd Wolff, were
conferred their degrees in 1999, and through the Summer semester of 2000, they were followed by
Andrew Shetter, Joseph Hughes, Kyle Hagness, and Chad Kavon, representing our first class of alumni,
and

Whereas, these first graduates were followed in Fall 2000 by the first graduate of BASc in Construction
Management, and first graduate of color, Mr. Gilbert Odonkor; and in Spring 2001 the first two women
graduates, Ms. Genevieve McJilton; who currently serves with Mr Odonkor on this Advisory Board; and
Ms. Cristina Saporito, and

Whereas, through Spring 2024 a total of 593 students have graduated with a bachelor’s degree in
Construction Management, 257 with a minor, and 136 with a certificate, and over 5,100 individual
students have taken Construction Management classes.
Be it therefore resolved that this Advisory Board, after taking evidence from its members and the wider
academic and industry community, does hereby recognize and affirm a quarter century of success.

Motion by ___________________ Second by_____________________
ADOPTED at Board Meeting, May 22, 2024.
VOTING (2/3 majority of members present needed to adopt) ____Ayes ____ Nays _____% of total

______________________________________________________________
Mr. Paul Kolias (2005), Chairperson of the Board