Industry, Family and Friends Participate in Capstone Senior's Dinner
12/4/06 -Mr. Bob Silverman, Chairman of Winter Group of Companies, was welcomed by an enthusiastic
crowd of 50 guests at the Fall 2006 CMD Capstone and Graduate Dinner held on Monday,
December 4, 2006. Bob’s passion and commitment was evident as he delivered a message
of the importance creating a life balance between one’s profession and community.
Graduating Candidate Valerie Wade shared her personal success story while attending
SPSU including her decision to change her major to Construction Management. A decision
which has awarded her with a career as a Project Engineer with Level 5 Inc a local
Land Developer.
The CMD is honored to recognize Adam Chegwidden as the Valedictorian of the Fall
2006 Undergraduate Class. While attending SPSPU, Adam interned with his dad’s company
(dad is a SPSU alumni) but will join general contractor Van Winkle and Company as
an Assistant Superintendent.
CMD students visit 1180 Peachtree Project
10/25/06 - The specialty construction students visited the 41 story building at ll80
Peachtree street. The field trip was primarily concerned with the building MEP systems;
however the plants grow on the roofing system were interesting.
Southern Polytechnic State University's Construction Program students visit AGC Offices
10/19/06 - From AGC Collegiate News - On Thursday, October 12 approximately 45 students from Southern Polytechnic's construction
degree program visited the Georgia Branch, AGC offices and listened to a presentation
on the chapter's role in the industry. Dr. Brian Moore organized the educational seminar as
part of the student's course work. During the visit Mike Dunham, Executive Vice President
of Georgia Branch, AGC introduced the students to the services and benefits associations
provide to their respective industries and specifically highlighted the chapter's
valuable benefits to the commercial construction industry. He also highlighted trends
within the industry such as the exciting Building Information Modeling (BIM) and encouraged
the students to grow their computer skills and stay tuned to software changes so they
can be prepared as they enter the marketplace. While the students had many questions
throughout the presentation, the state's new licensing law spurred the most discussion.
GUCA Awards CMD Students $8,000 in Scholarships
10/19/06 - Bradley P. Newcomer, Director of Safety & Education at Georgia Utility Contractors
Association, Inc. is pleased to announce the award of $8,000.00 in scholarships to four Construction Management Students:
Joseph Alan Johnson, $4,000.00
Candace Jenkins $2,000.00
Jason Jabar Smith $1,000.00
James Whitely $1,000.00
Scholarship opportunities were open to Junior and Senior class level Civil and Construction
Management students. Award criteria included industry experience and professional
references, membership in professional industry organizations, career goals in construction
and financial need. Awards will be presented at the 2006 GUCA Fall Quarterly Meeting
and Trade Show (Dinner & Presentation) to be held Thursday, October 19, at the Atlanta
Motor Speedway in Hampton , Georgia . This event will allow scholarship winners the
opportunity to network with GUCA members and other construction industry professionals.
Construction Management 2006 CM Fundraiser at Cobb Galleria
10/18/06 - The Construction Management Department of Southern Polytechnic State University
held their fifth annual fundraising event at Cobb Galleria. The event was organized
by the Construction Industry Advisory Board of Southern Polytechnic State University
for the benefit of CM Department. The fundraiser organization committee was lead
by Michael Potts, CEO of Potts Construction Services. The event program included
introduction by Don Davidson President of the advisory board. The guest speaker on
the occasion was Dr. Gena Abraham, State Property Officer and Director Construction
of Georgia State Finance and Investment Commission. Mike Hardin CEO of Harcon, outgoing
Chair of the board introduced the guest speaker Gena Abraham. Dr. Abraham spoke about
the Asset Management Program Initiative taken by the State. She explained the objectives
of Governor's Commission for a New Georgia which has strong private business input
with special mission to better manage State Assets. Dr. Abraham's explained that
GSFIC spends $ 1.1 Billion annually on 11000 facilities approximately. It is the
second largest volume of consolidated funding in the nation today,second only to the
federal government. Dr Abraham with the help of her visual presentation highlighted
a web based strategy underway for inventory control and management of state facilities.
Dr. Abraham also spoke about revisions in the State Construction Manual and growing
trends in the State towards Design-Build delivery methods for Construction Projects.
Dr Abraham said that" We have also saved taxpayers of Georgia over 21 Million through
the sale of surplus property and hope to meet the Governor's mandate to bethel best
managed State by 2007". In her talk Dr. Abraham applauded the leadership role played
by the CM program of SPSU in preparing skilled and educated construction management
professionals and their value to Georgia's economic growth. Dr. Zvi Szafran Vice
President Academic Affairs, Dr Ron Koger Vice President Enrollment and Student Services,
Dean ACC Bill Barnes, Kit Trench from SPSU Foundation, Sting photographer Stephen
Eugene Fyffe, besides a large number of CM students, faculty and staff were also
present at the Fundraiser event. The Fifth Fundraiser event was a success and over
250 guests participated. This event is held yearly to raise funds for the department
activities which include faculty development, facilities improvements, and financial
support for students. Picture titled Organizers: Left to Right are Dr. Khalid Siddiqi
giving away SPSU Souvenir neck ties to Fundraiser organizers Mike Potts CEO Potts
Construction, Mike Hardin CEO Harcon, and Don Davidson Vice Presidential and Stubbs.
Picture Gena Abraham: Dr. Gena Abraham, State Property Officer and Executive Director
Construction Georgia State Finance Investment Commission speaking at the fifth SPSU
CM Department Fundraiser at Cobb Galleria held on October18, 2006. Pictures Group1
and Group2: Show audience from forty Construction Companies who were present on the
occasion
SPSU CMD Students Participate in MCAA Student Summit
10/06/06 -Five students from SPSU met with 160+ other students and faculty advisors
from around the US at the MCAA (mechanical contractors association of America) Student
Summit. This year the summit was in Atlanta. Everyone toured two interesting buildings,
the new LEED certified computer center at GA Tech and the High Museum. Yar was the
tour guide at the GA Tech computer center because of his involvement in the design
and construction of the mechanical systems. Dr. Moore and I attended with the students.
The summit starts the student competition. SPSU is again competing in this competition.
The MCAG was the hosts for this years event.
Dr. Banik's Safety Class Visits the Mansion Project
10/03/06 -CMD students visit the Mansion Project in Atlanta as part of the Safety
Class. The Mansion is a residential development that includes a 43 story hotel and
townhomes in the 3 to 8 million range.
Alumni, Industry, and Friends Participate in Capstone Senior's Dinner
7/19/06 -A dinner was held by the Construction Management (CM) Department of SPSU at Joe Mac
Wilson Student Center on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 to celebrate the accomplishments
of graduating Capstone Seniors. Construction Department Alumni, Industry Leaders,
CNST Faculty and Friends of the Construction Management Department were also invited
on the occasion. Mr. Gary Fowler, CEO and Executive Vice President of the Mechanical
Contractors Association of Georgia, Inc. a long-term financial donor and supporter
of the CM program was the guest speaker on the occasion. Mr. Fowler delivered a talk
on Importance of Relationships as they relate to success and failure in the Construction
Industry. Mr. Gary Fowler Gary presently serves as a trustee on a 200 million dollar
pension trust and a 120 million dollar health and welfare trust. Gary’s major contributions
are his services on the Career Development Committee of the Mechanical Contractors
Association of America (MCA). He has developed, administered and served as a trustee
of apprentice programs in Georgia. Mr. Fowler has served on many committees of the
Georgia Society of Association Executives, the Georgia Departments of Secondary and
Post Secondary Education and special committees of the Georgia House of Representatives.
Pictured (L-R) Dr. Ron Koger, VP Student Services and Academic Affairs; Mr. Eddie West, Alumni / Metro Power; Mr. Gary Fowler, CEO and Executive Vice President of Mechanical Contractors Association of Georgia, Inc.; Dr. Gouranga Banik, CM Faculty; Dr. Khalid Siddiqi, Chair; Mrs. Elahe Hessamfar and Mr. Shariar Makarechi, CM Faculty in charge of Summer 2006 Capstone Class
Class visits the CSO project in Atlanta
6/5/06 - Students from the Building Techniques and Methods 1 Class had the opportunity
to visit the Custer Avenue Combined Sewer Outflow and Dechlorination Facility being
constructed in the city of Atlanta. Personnel from the City of Atlanta, and the contractor
for the project, Gunther-Nash, welcomed the class and took them on a tour of the underground cavern being constructed
at the project. The students were trained in the use of the W 65 self rescuer safety
equipment. It was great experience for all those present. Our appreciation to Mr.
Nariman Mirai of Brown and Caldwel for organizing the visit.
CNST Holds Spring Capstone Dinner
4/20/06 - Pictures from Capstone and Graduate Program Dinner held at April 20, 2006
at JMW student center. Mr Rober Chambers from Smith Currie and Hancock Law Firm was
the featured Speaker for the event. Sen in the picture is Jennifer and Bob Chambers
along with Khalid Siddiqi, John Mench, and Vickie Deakins.
Also seen in the picture is the plaque presented to the Construction Department by
the graduating Capstone Seniors.
CNST Students Visit Lafarge Quality Testing Lab
3/28/06 - CNST Students visited the Lafarge Southeast Regional Quality Assurance Lab
in Atlanta located at 866 Glenwood Avenue, SE, Atlanta, Georgia. The students from
the Structures II (CNST 3260) class benefited from this opportunity. They observed
different types of concrete, how to make samples, and different concrete testing procedures
such as the cylinder/beam test and the slump test.
CNST Hosts Spring 2006 Cook-out
3/16/06 - At 5:30 pm the char-grilled smell of hamburgers and hotdogs ticked and tantalized
the senses as Construction students, staff, faculty, and campus guests as they gathered
for the highly anticipated Spring Cookout held on March 16. Architecture and CET
Faculty, Staff and students were also invited to the cook out. As always Grill Masters
Evan Winter, Daniel Rohletter, Adams Potts and company pleased the crowd by serving-up
quality grilled food items and good times. Special thanks to VPAA Zvi Szafran, Dean
Wilson Barnes, Trish Buchanan, and Phyllis Weatherly for stopping by and sharing in
the festivities.
SPSU specialty students visited Seasons 4 manufacturing
3/4/06 - Seasons 4 manufactures custom commercial air conditioning systems. We were
able to see many interesting A/C items such as:
1. stainless steel systems
2. energy wheels
3. triple deck systems
Everyone learned something and enjoyed pizza after the plant tour.
SPSU Spring Open House
2/18/06 - First year construction program student James Whitely is seen in the picture with
the Construction Program Display on the occasion of SPSU Open House held on Saturday,
February 18, 2006. Dr. Khalid Siddiqi, and Dr. Javier Irizarry welcomed parents and
high school seniors to the Spring Open House at Joe Mac Wilson Student Center. Interest
in the BS Construction program continues to soar as potential students recognize the
tremendous job opportunities available to Construction Management graduates of Southern
Polytechnic State University.
Specialty concentration students visit Emerson Technologies
2/15/06 - On Wednesday 15th Feb. construction students visited Emerson Climate Technologies.
They were given a tour of the monitoring facility where several thousand building
are being monitored via building management systems. These systems control air conditioning,
lighting and other building functions. Then we proceeded to the virtual supermarket
and learned about how a building management system interacts with compressors and
coils to maintain temperature. The final stop was at the manufacturing arm CPC where
building management systems are built.
SPSU attend tour of micro brewery sponsored by Atlanta Chapter of ASHRAE
2/7/06 - The Atlanta chapter of ASHRAE offered a tour of a local micro brewery. Students
from UGA & SPSU benefited from the tour. The process and refrigeration were interesting
to all. A good time was had by all. Those of age were treated to free samples!!
Construction Alumni Celebrate Homecoming
2/8/06 - A reception was hosted by the SPSU Alumni Association and Foundation for
Construction Alumni exclusively on February 8, 2006. The Reconnection Event” was held at Joe Mac Wilson Student Center Ball Room of Southern Polytechnic State University. Participants included Construction Alumni, faculty, and President of SPSU Dr. Lisa
Rossbacher. Dr. Rossbacher welcomed the returning Construction Alumni and spoke about
the growth and improvements that have taken place, during the last five years, in
various Construction programs offered by SPSU. Dr. Zvi Szafran Vice President Academic
Affairs also spoke on the occasion about professional growth opportunities now available
to the Alumni. Alumni mingled with their professors and former classmates and Construction Industry Advisory
Board members who were also present on the occasion. A large number of Alumni won
clocks, portfolios, and coffee mugs embossed with Construction Department and SPSU
logos through lucky draws held during the evening. Highlight of the evening was the
giving away of Grand prize, a laptop computer, which was won by Jack Reese who is
a1989 graduate of the Construction Program.
President Rossbacher meets the Construction Department's Industry Advisory Board Executive
Committee.
1/19/06 -The Executive Committee of Construction Department’s Industry Advisory Board
(CIAB) held a breakfast Meeting on January 19, 2006 at Joe Mac Wils on Student Center
with SPSU President Dr. Rossbacher and Vice President Academic Affairs Dr. Zvi Szafran.
President Rossbacher thanked the Advisory Board members for their sustained support in improving the quality of Construction Management education offered by the Construction Department through MS, BS, and three Certificates programs. Mr. Mike Hardin President CIAB made a detailed presentation about initiatives taken by the board and its various committees on the occasion. The presentation also highlighted the efforts undertaken by the Industry Advisory Board to mobilize local industry support to SPSU and its Construction Department for providing quality Construction Management education. Internships, job placement of Construction program graduates, and ways and means for preserving instructional quality were also discussed during the occasion.
Picture Caption
Seen in the picture from left to right are: Ray Simpson Vice President PBS&J, Dr.
Bill Barnes (Dean School of ACC), Bill Lusk CEO Lusk and Associates, Dr. Zvi Szafran,
Dr. Ron Dempsey, Ms. Vickie Deakins, Don Davidson (Vice president CIAB) Vice President
Inglett and Stubbs, Jonathan Clay Principal The Blue River Group, Dr. Lisa Rossbacher,
Mike Hardin (President CIAB) CEO Harcon Inc., Dr. Khalid Siddiqi Chair Construction
Department; and Mike Potts CEO Potts Construction
Dr. Irizarry is interviewed in "El Construction Latino" (The Latin Builder) radio
program
12/22/05 - Dr. Javier Irizarry is interviewed in the radio program "El Constructor
Latino" on 1190 AM Radio Planeta X where he spoke about education opportunities for
Hispanics in the construction field. He was interviewed by Mr. Jose Leon from the
publication "El Constructor Latino". This publication addresses issues related to
the Hispanic contractor community in the state of Georgia. You can listen to the interview here (available in Spanish only) courtesy of 1190 AM and "El Constructor Latino".
CNST Holds Fall Capstone Dinner
12/01/05 - The Fall Capstone Diner was held at the Joe Mac Wilson Student Center of
Southern Polytechnic State University. The students who participated included students
graduating in the December 17, 2005 Commencement and Graduate program Students of
the Construction Department. The Guest Speaker for the occasion was Mr. Mike Hardin,
CEO Harcon Inc. and his wife Janet Hardin was also present on the occasion.
CNST Holds Fundraising event at Villa Christina
11/06/05 - The Construction department held its annual fundraising event at Villa
Christina. The event was a success and over 225 guests attended. This event is held
yearly to raise funds for department activities which include faculty development,
facilities improvements, and financial support for students.
Fortres Construction Makes Financial Gift to the Construction Department
10/28/05 - Mr. Mike Guinan CEO, Fortress Construction Inc., a SPSU Construction Alum
and former Chair of the Construction Industry Advisory Board presenting a check of
$ 5000 to Dr. Khalid Siddiqi, Chair Construction Department.
CNST Participates in ASC/AGC Competition and receives Honorary Mention
10/20/05 - Two teams for Southern Polytechnic State University's Construction Department
participated in the student competition sponsored by the Associated Schools of Construction
(ASC) and the Associated General Contractors of America, Carolinas Chapter (Carolinas
AGC). The competition was held on October 19 to the 22 in Charlotte, NC. The Design
Build Team received an honorary mention during the competition. This competition provided
students with hands on experience in the preparation of a construction proposal or
bid for real projects.
CNST 3110 students participate in field trip
10/11/05 - Students from the Building Techniques and Methods 1 class were received
by Traton Homes at their project The Gates at Parkise Village. At the site they had
a first hand experience on the concepts taught in the classroom.View the article published in The Marietta Daily Journal.
