Associated General Contractors of America Also Names Chapters at the University of Kentucky, Oklahoma State University & Boise State University Winners of its Annual Contest Recognizing the Most Successful AGC Student Chapters
Auburn University, University of Kentucky, Oklahoma State University and Boise State University were named the nation’s most outstanding student construction chapters of 2025, the Associated General Contractors of America announced. The student chapters were each honored for one of four categories: Impact Award, Resilient/Emerging Student Chapter, Community Service and Construction Management Skills.
“These student chapters show the real value of investing in people,” said Rick Andritsch, the association’s national president and partner and vice president of business development of VJS Construction Services in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. “They are building the talent and leadership our industry will depend on in the years ahead.”
The AGC Student Chapter Impact Award recognizes chapters that make a meaningful difference in the lives of their members, their communities, and the construction industry. Auburn University’s AGC Student Chapter earned top recognition for its strong commitment to engaging and preparing students for careers in construction through a robust mix of community service, professional development, and networking opportunities. Serving more than 200 students, the chapter has built an especially strong partnership with Alabama AGC and the local Auburn/Opelika section, creating unmatched access to industry leaders across the state. Through regular interaction with owners, project managers, and executives actively involved in hiring, the chapter provides students with valuable real-world connections and career pathways.
The New and Emerging Outstanding Student Chapter Award recognizes exceptional growth and engagement within a chapter’s first three years. The University of Kentucky’s AGC Student Chapter has been recognized for its successful relaunch in 2024 and rapid growth driven by strong partnerships with the local AGC chapter and increased industry engagement. Through an active mix of site visits, guest speakers, social events, and targeted outreach—including expanded promotion across campus departments—the chapter has steadily increased participation, event attendance, and overall student involvement.
Oklahoma State University’s AGC Student Chapter is being recognized for its outstanding service following a devastating 2025 wildfire in Stillwater, Oklahoma, that destroyed Dr. Soojin Yoon’s home and dozens of others. The chapter mobilized alongside relief crews to assist with cleanup efforts, supporting Dr. Yoon and impacted residents while gaining hands-on experience. Their efforts made a meaningful difference in the community and demonstrated the powerful impact of student leadership and service.
Boise State University’s AGC Student Chapter is being recognized with the Construction Management Skills Award for its exceptional work on the Highlands Elementary Ball Wall Project, where students successfully managed all phases of construction from preconstruction through closeout. By self-performing key tasks and coordinating with industry partners, the team demonstrated a strong ability to apply classroom knowledge to real-world project delivery, showcasing advanced construction management and hands-on technical skills.
The four winning chapters received $2,000 each, as well as an additional $1,000 travel stipend to attend AGC’s Annual Convention, which was held last month in Orlando. The chapters were selected by a panel of judges made up of practicing commercial contractors. Student chapters were evaluated on qualifying criteria in each of the four categories for exemplary demonstration of the AGC of America tenants of Skill, Responsibility & Integrity.