Students majoring in construction at UW-Stout were recognized this spring by two national organizations.
Sigma Lambda Chi, a student construction honor society, received a Gold Award for excellence from the Associated Schools of Construction at its annual conference in Seattle.
The award was accepted by two members of the chapter’s board, Eric Fabich, of Rhinelander, president; and Cody Witman, of Viroqua, vice president. They were accompanied by their adviser, Associate Professor Tim Becker.
Also, a team of students received a Merit of Excellence Award from the Mechanical Contractor’s Association of America at its annual conference in San Diego. The conference attracted 2,400 people.
The MCAA award was based on a competition entered by 28 student teams from around the U.S. and Canada. UW-Stout took seventh place and received $1,000.
In the competition, students create a detailed mechanical contracting proposal during the fall semester, including two field trips to meet with industry professionals.
“Many students find employment with mechanical contractors as a result of this experience. This is a great example of undergraduate student learning through applied research,” said Becker, who also is the MCAA student adviser.
UW-Stout’s undergraduate program in construction typically has 100 percent employment among graduates, with an average starting salary of $55,000.
UW-Stout also has master’s programs in construction management and in sustainable management.
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Photos
Top: UW-Stout’s Sigma Lambda Chi construction chapter receives the Gold Award for excellence. From left are incoming SLC President Keith Rahn; UW-Stout student Eric Fabich, chapter president; UW-Stout student Cody Witman, chapter vice president; Wes Crawford, Purdue University; UW-Stout Associate Professor Tim Becker and Christine Piper, outgoing SLC president.
Bottom: UW-Stout’s mechanical contracting student team received a national merit award. From left are Peter Kristan, Associate Professor Tim Becker, Alex Bartelt, Jarod Berenklau, Kyle Zagel, Connor Destache and Garrett Rasmussen.