Sources: Ray Buyle, 785-532-5964, rbuyle@k-state.edu; Scott Jones, 785-532-6432, sjones1@k-state.edu; and Brian Schrotenboer, bts03@k-state.edu
Hometown interest: Carbondale, Chapman, Concordia, Hesston, Holyrood, Perry, Topeka and Wichita, Kan.; Wildwood, Mo.; and Hooker, Okla.
Website: http://www.engg.ksu.edu/agc/
Photos available: http://www.k-state.edu/media/images/dec11/agclcm121311.jpg and http://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/dec11/agc1.html
Cutlines: 1. The parking area, adjacent sidewalk and porch behind the Lutheran Campus Ministries' building after the completion of the construction project. 2. http://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/dec11/agc1.html
News release prepared by: Tyler Sharp, 785-532-2535, tmsharp@k-state.edu
Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011
Tradition of excellence: Student chapter of Associated General Contractors selected again as among nation's best
MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University's student chapter of Associated General Contractors has received considerable acclaim for its philanthropic work. The Associated General Contractors of America selected the chapter in 2009 and 2010 as one of the best collegiate groups in the nation. Little changed in 2011 as the chapter was selected as the second best collegiate group in the nation.
Each chapter is recognized on the basis of activities and community involvement throughout the year. The K-State chapter received the award in 2009 for construction of a memorial commemorating the victims of the June 2008 tornado in Chapman. In 2010, the chapter received the award for helping to revitalize the Lower 9th Ward in New Orleans. The chapter's most recent award was for the replacement of the parking lot and approach for the Lutheran Campus Ministries building near campus.
To complete the project, the chapter volunteered a total of 1,500 man-hours during the 2010-2011 school year. The extensive work included: demolishing the existing approach and parking lot; regrading the entire site to help with drainage and to create a more functional lot; constructing a retaining wall to support the east side of the concrete lot due to property line and grade issues; and the replacement of concrete sidewalk along the building's east side and the back porch's foundation.
The 140-member organization also assisted the Lutheran Campus Ministries with finding low prices and donations for the various necessary materials. Several local contractors provided use of concrete forms, equipment and tools. Riley Construction, Manhattan, donated use of one skid steer to expedite demolition and grading. Designer Construction Inc., also of Manhattan, donated the time and talent of several foremen and finishers to teach proper concrete placement and finishing.
Scott Jones, the university's assistant dean of student life and 2010-2011 Lutheran Campus Ministries board president, was pleased with the final result.
"The changes to our agency are profound," he said. "As a result, we will be better able to achieve our mission in a safer and more responsible manner. Lastly, as a not-for-profit agency, without the benefit of AGC's free labor, it would have been virtually impossible for LCM to have attempted or completed this project. LCM will be forever indebted to AGC for their contributions."
The chapter's community service extends beyond its work with the Lutheran Campus Ministries. Raking leaves, hosting receptions and assisting with other construction projects were just some of the activities that filled the fall and spring semesters.
Brian Schrotenboer, senior in construction science and management and 2011-2012 chapter president, Wildwood, Mo., says the group performs various service activities to form ties within the community.
"Helping out is one of the great things we have to offer because of our skill sets," he said. "It also helps create learning opportunities for our members to see different tasks in action."
In the 2011-2012 school year the chapter has already built a new push-up board for Willie the Wildcat, the university's mascot. The group has also been working on a basement framing and gypsum board project at First Christian Church in Manhattan.
A highly successful student organization such as the student chapter of the Associated General Contractors has a variety of benefits for the university, college and department, according to Ray Buyle, faculty adviser and assistant professor of architectural engineering and construction science.
"There are lots of ways of measuring success," he said. "Making a positive impact in people's lives through the service projects that our students complete can be a measuring stick for success. Achieving national recognition is icing on the cake and helps us to continue to build enthusiasm for raising the bar for next year's goals and achievements."
Along with Schrotenboer, who served as director of public relations, chapter officers during the 2010-2011 school year, all studying or graduates in construction science and management, include:
Justin Wiezorek, senior, Carbondale, webmaster; Wade Adams, senior, Concordia, open house chair; Andy Gilmore, sophomore, Hesston, freshmen/sophomore representative; Kyle Montoya, junior, Holyrood, director of chapter activities; Willie Brooks, a May 2011 graduate, Perry, fundraising chair; Emily Enneking, May 2011 graduate and treasurer, and Noe Turrubiartes, junior and secretary, both from Topeka; and Alejandro DeLuna, senior and assistant treasurer, and Marshall Frey, senior and vice president, both from Wichita.
From out of state: Leonel Hernandez, May 2011 graduate and president, Hooker, Okla.
Eric Bartholomew, assistant professor of architectural engineering and construction science, served as assistant faculty adviser.
