Students’ Virginia Tech education prepares them to become leaders in their field, and with industry support, Myers-Lawson School of Construction students are showing their talents on a global scale. Twenty students made up four teams that competed worldwide as part of the Associated Schools of Construction competition.

Each of the teams, led by a student coach, partnered with industry sponsors to get them ready for the competition.

Students who participated in the Concrete Team receive sponsored jackets. Photo by Will Drew for Virginia Tech.

Students smile with black jackets.
Students who participated in the Concrete Team receive sponsored jackets. Photo by Will Drew for Virginia Tech.

Concrete Team

The team, sponsored by Baker Construction, participated in two competitions that simulated a real-life bidding process. The competition is one that industry mentor Allie Vogrig has seen make an impact firsthand. 

“I participated in this competition when I was a student. This experience prepared me for my career beyond the limits of the classroom and is the reason I chose to work for a concrete subcontractor,” said Vogrig. “By supporting this team, my company can make a tangible impact on students. It also allows us to network with students who are dedicated to furthering their knowledge.” The students competed in both Peachtree, Georgia, and Chicago, Illinois. They came in third place in Peachtree.

  • Natalya Spivack (Co-captain)
  • Kaleigh Tyler (Co-captain)
  • Joesph Candiotti
  • Matheo Echaniz
  • Aidan Hing 
  • Ethan Kane
  • Alex Sherbak
  • Abby Sneska
  • Stephen Titus

Several of these students also competed in Reno, Nevada as part of the national competition.

three people smile at camera. The woman in the middle holds a jacket.
Student who participated in the CM/QS (Estimating) Team receives a sponsored jacket. Photo by Will Drew for Virginia Tech.

CM/QS (Estimating) Team

On an international scale, two of our students partnered with a team from Global Banking School in the United Kingdom. The two Virginia Tech students along with a student studying in the United Kingdom, competed against other teams of six during the Liverpool, UK competition. The team was sponsored by Cianbro Construction.

  • Natalya Spivack (Co-captain)
  • Kaleigh Tyler (Co-captain) 
Students smile with black jackets.
Students who participated in the Design Build Team receive sponsored jackets. Photo by Will Drew for Virginia Tech.

Design Build Team

This team of six competed in Liverpool as well thanks to industry financial and mentorship support. The team, sponsored by Whiting-Turner, Public Refrigeration, Kahn Company, and Steel Fab, placed third in the competition with the best presentation.

  • Elliot Arking (Captain)
  • Matthew Benevento
  • Shpresa Bucaj
  • Daniel Canfield
  • Nathan Herrick
  • Claire Wright
Students smile with black jackets.
Students who participated in the Heavy Civil Team receive sponsored jackets. Photo by Will Drew for Virginia Tech.

Heavy Civil Team

This team, co-sponsored by Allan Myers and Kokosing, competed in Peachtree, Georgia. They came in second place and received Best Presentation Award. 

  • James “Grant” Sarver (Captain)
  • Thomas Feely
  • Alex Kincaid
  • Robert Laliberte
  • Harrison Spicuzza