The legacy of James L. Allhands, a pioneer in the construction industry and a founding member of the Associated General Contractors (AGC), continues to inspire and shape the future of construction education through the James L. Allhands Essay Competition. Established in his honor, this esteemed competition aims to recognize outstanding student essays that contribute to the advancement of technological, educational, or vocational expertise in the construction industry.
This year, the competition invited senior-level students from ABET or ACCE-accredited university construction management or construction-related engineering programs to reflect on the question, "Why should a career in construction be attractive to today's students, and what changes by the industry and individual employers would make it even more attractive?" Eleven essays were submitted and meticulously reviewed by the selection committee.
The first-place winner, Kendall Dewey of Purdue University, has been selected for her insightful essay. Her essay eloquently articulates the compelling reasons why a career in construction holds immense appeal for today's students and proposes innovative changes that could further enhance the industry's attractiveness. Kendall received $1,000 and her faculty sponsor, Dr. Theodore Weidner received $500. Both the recipient and sponsor were invited as guests of the Foundation to the AGC Annual Convention this past March.
In addition to Kendall Dewey's outstanding achievement, Jacob Nelson of the University of Maine secured second place, and Alivia DeGotta of East Carolina University earned third place. Their essays stood out for their depth of analysis and creative perspectives on the topic.
Looking ahead, the 2025 James L. Allhands Essay Competition will delve into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the construction industry. The essay topic, "How will AI change the construction industry in the next 5 years? What will the role of artificial intelligence be in the construction industry, its future, applications, effects on the industry and those who work in the industry, pros, and cons?" promises to spark engaging discussions and innovative insights. The competition details will be available on the AGC Foundation website in July 2024, inviting aspiring students to share their perspectives on this dynamic subject.
Congratulations to all the contest winners and participants. Their dedication to advancing the construction industry's knowledge and expertise is truly commendable.