Drexel University Construction Management College of Engineering’s ASC Awards Program.

I was very privileged to be the invited speaker last evening at Drexel University Construction Management College of Engineering’s ASC Awards Program.  To be recognized by this organization and group of industry professionals for my commitment and service to the entire construction community, my industry contributions, knowledge and experience is truly an honor and a highlight of my career.  I feel that I have had a privileged career, composed of many great opportunities, but this one stands out for me as one of those milestone moments that will simply be hard to top.  I’m honored, proud and humbled at the same time.    

While I have had the opportunity to address many construction and development related groups throughout the Mid Atlantic, speaking at Drexel University Construction Management College of Engineering was a very special event.  The program is one of the best that I have ever been exposed to in my career and I’m honored and privileged to be a part of it.  This is the one program that is highly successful at bringing contractors and students together and is a model for academic and industry outreach.  I had the pleasure of meeting several students along with their industry/program partners last evening and the pride and the professionalism for this program was clearly evident in each group.  It is taught by some of the best and most recognized instructors, lecturers and professionals in the country.  Their Construction Advisory Council is made up of the most recognized and reputable construction leaders in our region, American Infrastructure, Glibane Construction, Torcon Construction, Turner Construction, Skanska and ABC of Eastern Pennsylvania, just to name a few.  Their students, students that I have been invited to speak with several times prior, are undoubtedly the best educated, most skilled and promising leadership prospects for the future of this great industry.  It is a privilege to have had this incredible experience to speak to the Drexel University Construction Management College of Engineering program students and Construction Advisory Council and I am eternally grateful.

Congratulations to the Drexel University Construction Management Program Teams for their first place 2014 ASC Heavy Construction Team and their second place 2014 ASC Commercial Building Construction Team in the Associated Schools of Construction - ASC Region 1 Competition.  Considering that Drexel begins the competition at a disadvantage since the university’s fall term starts in late September, while all of the other schools typically begin in late August, your accomplishments and wins are even more special and a true testament to the quality of the education received in this prestigious and premier construction management program.  I had the privilege of speaking to several of the award recipients afterwards and clearly understood that this accomplishment was no easy task.  Read more about the event by following this link: Drexel Construction Management Teams Win Big at Regional Competition

Another special thank you goes out to the Philadelphia industry employer and trade associations that provided valuable insight and information regarding recent positive industry developments and relationships within their organizations.  Especially the Mechanical & Service Contractors Associations, Eastern Pennsylvania – Greater Delaware Valley and their partner trades, Plumber’s Union, Local #690 and Steamfitters Union, Local #420, for sharing information about their collaborative relationships and agreements focused on serving owners, developers and the surrounding community.  You contributions added value to the conversation and were greatly appreciated by all.  I hope to circle back with the other industry employer and labor groups in the coming months so we can reengage in larger discussions with a centralized and industry based approach. 

Finally, I urge all industry employers to consider an intern or graduate from the Drexel University Construction Management College of Engineering.  We are truly blessed to have such a recognized and prestigious construction management program that is supported by some of the best in our industry right here in Philadelphia.  Your organization will benefit greatly from their education, professionalism and contributions to your projects and organizational mission. 

Interested in knowing more about the Drexel University Construction Management College of Engineering program or how your organization can learn more about available interns or graduates?  Send me a personal message at wegregory@gregorymcs.com and I will put you in touch with a Drexel University Construction Management College of Engineering program representative that can assist you.  

Thank you again for this memorable opportunity.