| Message From The Chair | Student Activites | Department News | Alumni In Action | Save The Date

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Greetings from the Department of Construction Management.  How the time quickly passes.  We have had another busy year.  I hope you enjoy the information included in this issue.  Please feel free to provide comments and/or content for future issues.

Have a great summer.

Tony Songer

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STUDENT ACTIVITIES

CMA Student Organization

Faculty Advisor: Professor Cline

The Construction Management Association is our student chapter of the AGC.  The club complete a variety of projects this past year notably, the Discovery Center of Idaho bridge renovation and National Inter-Agency Fire Center projects.  The CMA also retained their title for the best homecoming float for the Boise State University Homecoming.  Additional activities include sponsoring the 2^nd annual trap shoot competition and construction 7 ½ foot long BBQ grill out of a backhoe bucket.

Discovery Bridge

The existing bridge located in Julia Davis Park was originally designed and built by the BSU Engineering Club in 1989.  After 23 years of hard use the bridge was in a state of disrepair and a hazard to the public. Through funding from NASA in the form of a $10,000 grant the BSU CMA developed a re-design to make the bridge structurally stable esthetically appealing.  The design and construction involved replacing the steps, decking and handrails with Trex composite decking, lifting the bridge and replacing two structural beams, sealing all exposed wooden surfaces with a soy based biodegradable water sealant and placing concrete at the foot of both sets of stairs. All and all 21 members of the CMA, SLC and Engineers in Residence volunteered on the projects construction.  In construction hours alone the man-hours totaled over 700 hours. The bridge was completed ahead of schedule and on budget.  It is now open to the public for safe use crossing over the Boise River to the Discovery Center of Idaho.

NIFC Slab Project 

In the Spring of 2010 the CMA was contacted by the National Inter-Agency Fire Center who was in need of a concrete slab to be placed along with a covered picnic area for their employees.  The CMA provided the

construction management, supervision, and design services for the project.  The club also procured all of the material necessary to complete the job, along with the tools for surveying, excavating and concrete finish work.  This project involved over 100 member hours and because of the time frame involved multiple PMs through the design and construction phase.  The project was completed on time and the total value of the project was around $5,000.  The positive relationship that was developed between the CMA and NIFC will be an ongoing one as designs for the next phase of the picnic area is already underway to start next year.

Homecoming Parade

The CMA held on to their reigning title of best float during the homecoming parade this year after building a giant rotating crane and wrecking ball smashing into a brick wall. Involvement was a little lower this year for the parade as it was scheduled very early in the morning, but the CMA still left their mark handing out candy and waving to the crowd.

NAWIC

Faculty Advisor – Professor Wendrowski

The Department of Construction Management has formed a student chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (“NAWIC”).  The student chapter meets twice per month with local women in the construction industry to discuss issues of particular interest to woman seeking to enter the construction management field.

In June, we joined the Boise chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (“NAWIC”) at its annual MAGIC Camp (“Mentoring a Girl in Construction”).  MAGIC Camp provides girls (ages 13-15) with the opportunity to have fun while learning basic carpentry, electrical, and design skills, and to operate heavy equipment.  Eleven girls attended camp, and, on “Electrical Day,” the girls wired a light switch, wall plug, and light socket; and made their own lamps.  Check out the pink hard hats!!  Other activities included constructing and painting their own tool boxes and tiling and grouting their own tile trivets.

e-Girls

On June 9^th, we participated in BSU College of Engineering’s eighth annual e-Girls camp.  Approximately 60 girls joined us and learned that engineers and scientists, including construction managers, think creatively, enjoy working with others, help the world, and have great careers.  The Construction Management Department presented an activity where the girls constructed a multi-colored Lego® watch tower after calculating the quantity of the material in the watch tower, and the cost of the material and labor they would use.

Sigma Lambda Chi

Faculty Advisor – Professor Mincks

Sigma Lambda Chi is our honor society.  One significant service project conducted by the society was creating a ceremonial Girl Scout display commemorating the 100^th year of girl scouts
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DEPARTMENT NEWS

Construction Leader Lecture

In September, we held our annual Construction Leader Lecture.  Our invited speaker was Greg Howell.  Gregory is co-founder and managing director of the Lean Construction Institute (LCI), a non-profit organization devoted to production management research in design and construction.  The lecture was titled, “Lean Construction: a Revolution in Design and Construction.”  Greg provided a brief history of lean construction and made some key distinctions on the lean transformation occurring in design and construction and its implications for education.

RENO Competition

The 2012 ASC Region 6&7 and open student competition held Feb 15-18 in Reno NV was another great event in the life of BSU CM. 1200 students from 40 Universities participated in the competition.  BSU CM had over 70 Faculty, staff, and students participated in this year’s competition.  9 teams, competed in problem areas to include; Commercial, Concrete Solutions, Design-Build, Electrical, Heavy Civil, LEED, Marine, Multi-Family, Pre-construction, and Risk.   The hard work and commitment by students, industry coaches, advisors, and staff support paid off as BSU brought home 2^nd place in Design-Build, and 2^rd place in Risk.

Please visit: renocompetition2012@blogspot.com to see a great summary of the Reno event.

We would like to thank our team sponsors, corporate and individual donors, and all the industry coaches that help make this fantastic experience possible for our students

TEAM SPONSORS include Andersen Construction, Idaho Youth Education Recycling Program, McMillen, LLC.,  Mountain Power, RSCI, and URS Energy and Construction.

CORPORATE DONORS include: ATS Inland NW, Boise Steel Erectors, ESI, Granite Construction, Knife River Corp., Parsons Brinkerhoff, Staker Parson Co/Idaho Sand and Gravel, Traylor Brothers, USGBC Idaho Chapter, WF Construction

INDIVIDUAL DONORS  include: Fred and Joan Giddings, Tim Jones and Gillian Bailey, Howard and Melodie Lenkersdorfer, Kurt Lenkersdorfer, Lurlene Lenkersdorfer, Paul Marlow and C. Barton-Marlow, Kelly and Ann Newton, John Schafer, Steve Sullivan Ryan Tabuchi, Roger and Mary Thompson, David Waite.

December & May Graduations

The Construction Management Alumni Association presented graduating seniors the traditional orange, personalized BSU CM hardhat.

December Outstanding Graduates:  Brian Root and Matt Wilson

May Outstanding Gradate: Shane Medley

May Outstanding Service Award: Daryn Giddings

May Outstanding Service Award: Josh Milton

CM in Belize

Professor Tony Songer introduced a new course, “Social Responsibility in CM” during the spring semester.  The course included spending spring break in the small village of Bella Vista, Belize constructing a playground for kindergartners and helping teach math and english to elementary students. Professor Kirsten Davis joined Tony for the in-country project.    Visit www.cmbelizetrip2012.blogspot.com for a detailed view of the week.

We will be returning to Belize in spring ’13.  Any alumni or companies interested in getting involved please contact tonysonger@boisestate.edu

Faculty Publications/Presentations

Casey Cline
“How individuals learn fall protection” (w/ Kirsten Davis), ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, San Antonio, TX 2012.

Kirsten Davis
“Introducing Mobile Technology into the Construction Management Classroom.”  Management of Construction: Research to Practice 2012 Conference, International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB), Montreal, Quebec, Canada. 

“Study Habits of Students in an Introductory-Level Construction Management Course.”  2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, San Antonio, TX, USA.

“Bridging the Valley of Death: A Preliminary Look at Faculty Views on Adoption of Innovations in Engineering Education.” (with S. Miller and R. Perkins)  2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, San Antonio, TX, USA.

Tony Songer
Invited Speaker: Drexel University Construction Management Distinguished Lecture Series, 2012.
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ALUMNI IN ACTION

Cade Lawrence, Class of ’81

Senior Operations Manager
Hoffman Construction

Cade started with Hoffman Construction right out of school in 1981 and has been working with them now for over (31) years.  He has worked on a diversity of projects (Intel Fabs, MCIW data centers, office buildings, zoo expansion, office buildings, higher – ed facilities, etc…).  His latest adventure was doing a 620 bed psychiatric hospital for the State of Oregon. In regard to my bio it is pretty boring

Alumni, please send us information on your activities!

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SAVE THE DATE: 

September 19, 2012: Construction Leader Lecture

September 20, 2012: CM Career Fair

September 20, 2012: CM Tailgate (BYU game)

September 21, 2012: 3^nd Annual CMA Skeet Shoot

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| Message From The Chair | Student Activites | Department News | Alumni In Action

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Greetings from the Department of Construction Management. We have had an incredible Spring! Great successes at the RENO competition, the 30th Anniversary celebration, student and faculty awards and activities, and the Alumni Golf tourney have kept CM very VERY Busy. The CM Department was also recognized as one of the top 20 CM Departments in the U.S. by Education-Portal.com.

Comings and goings include the return of Rebecca Mirsky to our Faculty and the departure of Tom Woodall to a senior consultant position with Jacobs. Rebecca rejoined us this spring after 1 ½ years in Hawaii. Rebecca will be teaching our statics and mechanics, concrete formwork, equipment operations, and green building courses. She’ll also be leading our preparation for accreditation, which occurs in the spring of 2013. It is great having her back.

Tom has spent the past 6 years on the CM team. His primary responsibilities included teaching our equipment operations class and leading our Reno competition efforts. I know he is excited at the opportunity to get back to project sites. We wish him the best of luck.

As I reflect on the past and look toward the future of the Department, one thing is very clear. It is the common commitment to excellence and the caring relationship among the faculty, staff, alumni and industry that makes BSU CM so very special.

I hope you enjoy the information included in this issue. Please feel free to provide comments and/or content for future issues.

Have a great summer.

Tony Songer

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STUDENT ACTIVITIES

CMA Student Organization

The AGC student chapter, Construction Management Association (CMA), was awarded the co-student organization of the year by the ASBSU.

One of CMA’s marquee projects this past semester was a collaboration with the Engineer’s without Borders (EWB) student chapter. CMA and EWB organized and hosted a University wide windmill construction project. The event complimented the University’s required freshman reading of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba. CMA and EWB built a replica of Kamkwamba’s windmill as a model and then invited student teams from all over campus to build smaller versions.

DEPARTMENT NEWS

RENO Competition

The 2011 ASC Region 6&7 and open student competition held Feb 16-19 in Reno NV was another great event in the life of BSU CM. 1100 students from 43 Universities participated in the competition. BSU CM had over 80 Faculty, staff, and students participated in this years competition. 10 teams, yes 10!, competed in problem areas to include; BIM, Commercial, Concrete Solutions, Design-Build, Heavy Civil, LEED, Marine, Multi-Family, Pre-construction, and Risk. The hard work and commitment by students, industry coaches, advisors, and staff support paid off as BSU brought home 1st place in Heavy Civil, 2nd place in Design-Build, and 2nd place in Multi-family.

Please visit: renocompetition2011.blogspot.com to see a great summary of the Reno event.

WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS:

TEAM SPONSORS
Builders Mechanical
ESI
Idaho Youth Education Recycling Program
MarCon, Inc.
McMillen, LLC
Staker Parson Co. – Idaho Sand & Gravel
URS Energy and Construction

ORGANIZATIONS
Idaho Associated General Contractors
Knife River Corporation
Central Paving Company, Inc.
Coleman Homes, LLC
McKinstry
Ozman Construction
Petra, Inc.
Starr Corporation
Traylor Brothers
Cloverdale Plumbing
Lochsa
River Bank
Rosendin Electric, Inc.
Rudolph and Sletton
The Russell Corporation
Western Construction, Inc.

INDIVIDUALS
William and Carol Deasy
Patrick and Bobbie Allaire
Smilie and Virginia Anderson
Casey Cline
Ivan and Elizabeth Custer
Timothy Jones
Paul and C. Barton Marlow
Torry and Kim McAlvain
Bill Mincks
Kelly and Ann Newton
Ryan Tabuchi
Thomas Woodall

30th Anniversary Celebration

On April 16th, the Boise State University Department of Construction Management (CM) celebrated three decades of growth and achievement. The anniversary event celebrated the past and shared a vision of the future.

30 distinguished contributors to the CM program were honored for the significant contributions to the Department, Community, and Profession. Honorees included;

Wesley W. Bettis
Charles B. Bloom
Todd A. Bloom
BSU Construction Management Alumni Chapter
BSU Construction Management Association
Central Paving Co.
David O. Cram
Norman F. Dahm
Anna M. Ellis
Marvin C. Gabert
Peter W. Griesmyer
Korey D. Hall
Dr. Robert Hamilton
David L. Holman
Ray Hoobing
Idaho Association of General Contractors of America
Idaho Sand & Gravel Company
Kreizenbeck Constructors
Jennifer A. Lanzetti
MarCon, Inc.
Joshua C. Martin
McAlvain Construction Co.
Monte C. McClure
Tom L. MacGregor
Dr. Rebecca Mirsky
Morrison Knudsen Company
Neil W. Nelson
Robert J. Ovard
Cheryl Schrader
Kevin C. Sommer
Mark van Gulik

Thank you to Todd Bloom (chair of the CM Industry Advisory Board) for hand making each of the awards pictured above.

The vision for the future included ongoing initiatives to develop a graduate program in Construction Management and a new educational facility called IDAHO GREEN. The graduate program and facility will have a focus on leadership and sustainability in the built environment.

Additionally, the Marv C. Gabert Student Leadership Fund was created to honor Marv Gabert, a professor and chair of the Department of Construction Management for 27 years.

Please contact Tony Songer for information on the graduate program, Idaho Green, or Marv C. Gabert Student Leadership Fund.

May Graduation

The Department of Construction Management held it’s Spring graduation ceremony May 13th. Kristin Schmidt was named outstanding graduate. Tucker Robb received the College of Engineering’s excellence in service award. 11 Seniors were presented the Sigma Lamda Chi regalia. They include; Mary Bevan, Casey Gaughan, Jeff McCoy, Ryan Mitchell, Jarrod Penttila, Tucker Robb, Kristin Schmidt, Marty Taylor, Thomas Waters, Tim Welch, Adam Zavas.

The Construction Management Alumni Association presented graduating seniors the traditional orange, personalized BSU CM hardhat. Josh Martin (07) and Mike Kimball (09) made the presentations. As is tradition, the hardhats were easy to see during the University graduation on the 14th. This included Dean Amy Moll wearing her CM hardhat while presenting diplomas to our grads. Congratulations to all our graduates.

Faculty Awards

Assistant Professor Kirsten Davis
received the Provost’s advising award for the College of Engineering.

Assistant Professor Casey Cline
received the Association of Students outstanding student club advisor award.

Faculty Publications

Rebecca Mirsky
Primary Factors Influencing Green Building in Cities in the Pacific Northwest (with Susan Mason and Tony Marker), Public Works Management & Policy (2011)

New Regulations Can Stimulate Improvements In Efficiency And Sustainability For The U.S Cement Industry, 47th ASC Annual International Conference Proceedings (2011)

Tony Songer
Organization Management in Construction, Spon Press, New York, NY, (with Paul Chinowsky, University of Colorado, editors (2011)

Corporate Social Responsibility: a Strategic and Systematic Solution to Global Poverty (with Steve Darr) First International Conference on Engineering Project Organizations (Nov. 2010)

Procurement – Competition Requirements of Design/Build, Construction Manager at Risk and other Contracts that may have Indeterminate Prices at Award (with Mike Garvin and Mike Loulakis) Transportation Research Board of the National Academies (2011)

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ALUMNI IN ACTION

BSU CM Alumni Back on Campus

Clay Coburn, a 1985 BSU Construction Management graduate, is currently the Precast Yard Engineering Manager for URS (formerly Morrison-Knudsen) on the $880 million Olmsted Dam Project. The 2,700-foot long concrete dam is part of an overall project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to replace two deteriorating lock and dams on the nation’s busiest stretch of commercial navigation in the inland waterways. The dam is located 30 miles upstream from the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. The dam is being constructed using an innovative ‘in-the-wet’ method that consists of precasting the world’s largest concrete shells at the on-site plant. The shells, which are 125 feet wide, 116 feet long, and 30 feet tall, are then lifted by a super gantry and moved to the river’s edge. A catamaran barge then lifts the shells and transports them up the river where they are lowered onto their respective pipe pile foundations. Once the shells are in place, tremie concrete is pumped under water into the area under the precast shells to provide the mass concrete for the dam. A video showing this one-of-a-kind operation can be seen on the following website: http://watch.discoverychannel.ca/#clip438573.

Large infrastructure projects have been a way of life for Clay since he left BSU. He started working for MK in 1986 in their Boise Headquarters performing take-offs, estimating and scheduling for a variety of field projects. He was soon assigned as the Area Field Engineer on the $517 million Ft. Drum Military Base Expansion Project in Upstate New York. The base is home to the elite Tenth Mountain Division of the U.S. Army. He was later promoted to Project Engineer, then Project Manager on a series of minimum, medium and maximum security correctional facilities in Connecticut, New York and Virginia. He continued as a Project Manager on the $200 million multiple schools construction and renovation program in Northwest Ohio for the Ohio Schools Facility Commission. These projects were the training ground for the most challenging project of his career at Olmsted.

Alumni, please send us information on your activities!
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