UNI’s Industrial Technology students nationally recognized

Students in construction management and technology and engineering education, two of the six programs in UNI’s Department of Technology, recently completed and earned national recognition. A team of six UNI construction management students took third place in project management and scheduling and a team of eight UNI technology and engineering education students took first place in teaching lesson and graphic design.

UNI construction management students attended the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Construction Management Competition (CMC) in Long Beach, California. This is a hallmark competition that promotes careers in construction management. The competition is designed to challenge construction knowledge, organization, time management and presentation skills. This competition gives the nation’s top construction management students a glimpse into the real world of construction, as well as an opportunity to showcase their talents. In addition to providing a significant learning opportunity, the competition fosters an environment that will bring out the best in each team; encourage dialogue among the students and foster team spirit as students rise to meet this challenge.

“I can tell you first-hand that the UNI ABC National CM competition team did the University of Northern Iowa proud this week in Long Beach. We are all very proud of their competition efforts and their professionalism throughout the week!” Greg Spinner, president of ABC of Iowa.

Students in the technology and engineering education (TEE) program competed at the National Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association (TEECA) Competition. The TEECA competition is the highest level of competition for pre-service educators in technology and engineering education. Seventeen universities from across the country competed in up to nine different events designed to test their problem-solving skills, communication, planning and execution in various ways. These events are similar to what high school and middle school students experience through the Technology Student Association or Skills USA but on a collegiate level. Of the 17 schools that competed, UNI took fourth place overall, first place in teaching lesson, first place in graphic design and third place in transportation.

“I could not be more proud of how well our students represented themselves, the profession, our program and UNI,” shared Dominick Manusos, TEE program advisor and instructor. “They are not only the best teachers in the nation (first place) but are some of the best students to work with.”