University News

A team of construction management students from Western Illinois University recent won second place in the Associated Schools of Construction Estimating Competition. Pictured, from left, are Suzy Jillson, chief estimator for The Walsh Group, students Glenn Powell, Bill Minnich, Nathan Inman, Tom Isringhausen, Bruce Nieders and Sean Meinert and team Coach Assistant Professor Seongchan Kim.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Construction Management Students Place Second at Competition

October 24, 2013

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL – Students from Western Illinois University's construction management program finished second in the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Estimating Competition, held Oct. 16-19 in Downers Grove.

Assistant Professor Seongchan Kim coached the students in the contest, which included 12 schools from throughout the Midwest. Kim's students won third place in 2007.

Kim said his students began preparing for the competition months in advance. Students needed to demonstrate knowledge of construction planning and specifications, problem solving and methods of construction. They must also make a presentation and show good communication skills. The skills required for the competition include problem solving and scheduling, cost estimating and pricing, safety and quality assurance plans, a written proposal and an oral presentation.

"This year's project was sponsored by Walsh Construction, and students were challenged to prepare a bid proposal for an $11 million school building construction in the Chicago area," Kim said. "The organization announces the type of project a month before the competition and the teams work hard to get ready under the coach's guidance. Everything went well during our prep process this year, and although it required a lot of extra time and work for the students and me, it eventually paid off."

Kim said he is pleased the students performed well and left behind a good impression of the University's construction management program.

"I hope this competition was one of the most valuable moments in the students' lives," Kim said. "They should be proud of themselves."

Team members include construction management majors Bruce Nieders, a senior from Liberty, IL; Glenn Powell, a junior from Indianapolis, IN; Sean Meinert, a senior from Davis, IL; Bill Minnich, a sophomore from Tinley Park, IL; Nathan Inman, a junior from Sherrard, IL and Tom Isringhausen, a senior from Carrollton, IL.

For more information about WIU's Department of Construction Management visit wiu.edu/cbt/engineering_technology/pros_const.php.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing