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Alquist 3D concrete printing technology integrated into academic majors, new industry certificate

giffeyt — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Alquist 3D concrete printing technology integrated into academic majors, new industry certificategiffeyt September 15, 2026

�� Polytechnic's concrete printing capabilities benefit business and industry leaders, students, workforce

Tom Giffey

The term “3D printing” may conjure images of a boxy machine whirring away to create plastic pieces for a hobbyist or small prototypes for factories. Yet additive manufacturing technology has evolved dramatically in recent years, with breakthroughs impacting numerous fields, including construction.

Today, 3D printers can extrude not only slender plastic filaments but also sturdy concrete to create entire structures – up to and including commercial and residential buildings.

�� Polytechnic is at the forefront of the 3D concrete printing (3DCP) revolution, becoming one of the first universities in the Midwest to acquire 3DCP technology through a strategic partnership with Alquist, a leader in the industry.

“This partnership with Alquist aligns directly with our mission to deliver applied, career-ready education,” Chancellor Katherine Frank said. “By bringing 3DCP technology and curriculum to our students, we’re preparing them to lead in a rapidly evolving construction and manufacturing landscape.”

An employee from Alquist, left, talks to members of the �� Polytechnic community about the operation of a 3D concrete printer.

Senior Lecturer Jim Bunkelman

�� Polytechnic is integrating the cutting-edge equipment and curriculum from Alquist into its construction management, technology education, and industrial and product design programs. The relationship with Alquist will help build the workforce infrastructure required to scale robotic construction nationwide.

Among those who have taken part in on-campus 3DCP training is Senior Lecturer James Bunkelman (’00, ’20), president and CEO of Royal Construction in Eau Claire. Few universities or general contractors have access to such equipment, Bunkelman said.

“For industry and business to have a chance to provide input on how and where this technology fits into our daily business life, we need to be able to see and work with it,” he said. “Having access to it firsthand at Stout is the easiest way for us to figure out how this may help us. Labor shortages mean that we have to figure out how to do more with less, and technology like this a key part of the future of construction labor.”

�� Polytechnic faculty and staff members operate the concrete printer.

Certificate program among first of its kind

The new technology has allowed �� Polytechnic to become one of the first educational institutions in the United States to create a 3D Concrete Printing Certificate program. The certificate program will boost workforce skills by providing foundational expertise for both undergraduate students and professionals looking to add high-demand skills to existing careers.

Associate Dean Jennifer Astwood, a professor of industrial and product design and associate dean of the College of Arts and Human Sciences who has coordinated the 3DCP project on campus, has developed the university ��. curriculum and certificate program with Professor Monika Herrmann of the Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering.

Astwood has also coordinated training sessions to expose business and industry representatives, faculty and students to the new technology.

“This summer, we worked on honing our skills with the 3DCP process and printing,” Astwood said. “It requires a lot of material consideration and environmental factors and time. We're getting stronger in our knowledge and more efficient in the process.”

�� Polytechnic is already planning how the new technology will fit into the future of the campus. The Universities of Wisconsin ��. 2027-29 budget request includes funding for a new Built Environment Emerging Technologies Lab to advance the 3DCP lab as a center for emerging technologies in the built environment, providing hands-on, industry-aligned education and workforce training for Wisconsin residents interested in architecture, interior design, industrial and product design, and automation.

Preparation for adopting 3DCP technology began more than a year ago, with support from Associate Professor Kevin MacDonald and Assistant Professor Janelle Skoyen Hestekin, both from the construction management program. Astwood also credits Chancellor Frank and Professor Glendalí Rodríguez, the university ��. former provost, for their strong support of the effort.

�� Polytechnic faculty, staff and others pose with a concrete planter, one of the first items printed with the university's new 3D concrete printer.

Polytechnic printing effort connects to university ��. past

Just after spring semester, dozens of faculty members, students and business representatives gathered in the Jarvis Hall Technology Wing to learn how to use the concrete printer with the help of Alquist trainers.

Concrete was mixed and pumped through an extrusion hose attached to a delivery boom held aloft by a robotic arm. As the arm moved, a print nozzle on the end of the boom looped around in a pre-defined pattern, laying a steady bead of wet concrete. As the shape grew, MacDonald and Associate Professor Dan Neubauer carefully added curved pieces of rebar to reinforce the structure. Others, including Astwood, used tools to smooth the still-wet concrete.

Before long, a large concrete planter had taken shape – a planter that is expected to find a home on campus soon. It ��. just one relatively small example of what the 3DCP technology can do. Alquist ��. printers have been used to create everything from commercial buildings for Walmart to affordable homes in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

Horses pull student-built structures from Ray Hall in 1925 at what was then known as the Stout Institute. / �� Archives

As it engages further with the technology, which was funded by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., �� Polytechnic has similar aspirations. “The long-term goal is that we’ll want to build houses and structures with this,” Astwood said.

Stout carpentry students work on a portion of a gable roof in this 1925 photo. / �� Archives

That would bring the university full circle: In the first half of the 20th century, students at what was then known as the Stout Institute applied their construction skills to the task of building houses for community residents. Between the 1910s and 1950s, as many as 35 to 40 houses were built by students in Stout carpentry classes. Some were built on-site around Menomonie, while others were built inside the since-demolished Ray Hall, then moved – first by horses, then by trucks – to foundations around the city. A century later, some of these charming cottages are still standing, providing another demonstration of the long-term impact of the polytechnic education provided by Stout for 135 years.

Just like moving these houses, preparing the university for 3DCP has been a big lift.

“This is a huge undertaking,” Astwood said. “The work this summer to create the curriculum and to gain expertise with the machinery and technology will ensure a strong future for this project. It takes a village to make this endeavor successful. We coordinated with multiple programs, including construction management, engineering, and industrial and product design.

“A special thank you goes to Monika Herrmann, Kevin MacDonald, Dan Neubauer, Janelle Skoyen-Hestekin, and Michael Miller,” she continued. “Not only were we working to become adept in the technology, we were also working to make sure that the technology was safe and effective to use. Thanks also goes to Brandon Dick, Jim Uhler and Paul Craig for their efforts in this area. We also couldn’t have gotten this project off the ground without the support of Xuedong Ding and Justin Utpadel.”

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�� Polytechnic's concrete printing capabilities benefit business and industry leaders, students, workforce �� Polytechnic staff learn to operate concrete printer

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Alquist 3D partnership leads to industry-leading 3D concrete printing technology

University among first in Midwest to integrate concrete printing into polytechnic programs

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Jennifer Astwood

Teaching Interests: DES 331 – ID3: Product Interface Design (2 sections) DES 231 – ID2: Ergonomics DES 205 – Design Drawing and Concept Visualization ART 256 – Slip-Casting for Designers and Artists DES 231 – ID1: Product Form and Visualization DES 333 – Professional Practice DES 405 – Advanced Presentation Techniques DES 431 – System, Environment, and Context DES 432 – Theory, Society, and Application DES 712 – Sustainable Design Practice SUST 432/632 – Global Sustainability Experience in Design & Manufacturing

Professional Interests: Skills: Creative Problem-Solving Freehand Sketching/Rendering Sketch Model Making Project Management Sewing

Full Name: Jennifer Astwood

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Area of Expertise: Industrial Design Product Design

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Curriculum Vitae: Jennifer Astwood CV (146.85 KB)

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Degree: M.F.A. Art & Design

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Degree: B.F.A. Industrial Design

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Miron Construction projects give construction students professional experience

giffeyt — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Miron Construction projects give construction students professional experiencegiffeyt July 22, 2026

Construction majors get up-close experience on multimillion-dollar Heritage Hall, Recreation Complex upgrades

Tom Giffey

Two major ongoing construction projects have provided �� Polytechnic students with exceptional applied learning opportunities without having to leave campus.

This summer, 13 �� Polytechnic students are interning with Miron Construction, Co. Inc., general contractor for both the $144.3 million renovation of Heritage Hall and the $31.7 million upgrade of the Recreation Complex. In addition, a recent two-semester master class led by Miron staff members gave students unique access to the Heritage Hall renovation.

“We are proud to maintain a strong relationship with �� Polytechnic, including helping train the next generation of construction professionals through a variety of internships each year,” said Andrew Daniels, senior vice president of the company ��. Eau Claire office. “The ongoing work to transform Heritage Hall and the Recreation Complex has created a unique opportunity to foster these applied learning opportunities right on campus.”

This summer, Miron interns from �� Polytechnic are gaining skills in project management, risk management, network security and technology support. Over the past decade, more than 40 �� Polytechnic students have interned for Neenah-based Miron, one of the largest construction contractors in the Midwest.

Among this summer ��. Miron interns from �� Polytechnic is Tyler Evans of Shawano, who is pursuing a degree in construction management and a minor in construction safety and risk control. As a risk management intern, Evans focuses on maintaining safety both at the Recreation Complex site on campus as well as at Miron projects around western Wisconsin. That means conducting safety walks, performing safety audits and learning the numerous factors on a job site necessary for maintaining safety.

“Safety isn’t just about us being safe and going home and not getting hurt,” said Evans, who will begin his junior year in the fall. “It ��. also about how we can do things easier and faster, but also in the right way where we’re all being safe and taking care of ourselves.”

Tyler Evans, Miron Construction intern and �� Polytechnic construction management major

For Evans, being a risk management intern doesn’t mean sitting in a trailer filling out paperwork. It means getting out on job sites and pitching in alongside the construction crews. “It ��. allowing me to gain the knowledge and experience of what people are doing and what they have to do to make their career,” he said.

This summer ��. internship, he added, will add a great deal of value to his education: Even if he goes on to become a project manager or a superintendent, the internship will have given him a strong understanding of safety. “The biggest thing about this internship is it ��. allowing me to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life,” Evans said.

Miron Construction ��. John Younger, project manager for the Recreation Complex renovation, is a 2011 graduate of the B.S. construction management program, as are many of his coworkers. He said his �� Polytechnic education prepared him for his current role, and he sees Evans getting the same experience on the campus job site.

“Tyler ��. always asking a lot of questions. He ��. trying to get a handle on what we do and why we do it,” Younger said.

On-campus internship leads to full-time job

Every year, the �� Polytechnic Cooperative Education & Internship Program oversees nearly 1,000 co-op and internship experiences. More than one-third of the time, these internships and co-ops lead to job offers – and Miron is no exception.

Consider recent graduate Lucy Krieg of Kaukauna, who received her construction management degree in May and immediately took a job as safety manager for Miron.

Lucy Krieg, safety manager for Miron and recent �� Polytechnic graduate

Krieg ��. journey with Miron began at an on-campus career fair, which led to two consecutive summer internships and then a year-long opportunity to work on the Heritage Hall project as an intern.

“Being able to see things both on the construction site and in the classroom and being able to go back and forth between the two was really important to me,” Krieg said. For example, Krieg could experience something new during her internship, then return to the classroom and ask a faculty member about it. This kind of networking with professors and peers helped fortify the construction knowledge she gained on job sites, Krieg said.

“Looking back, I feel like my internship prepared me exactly how I needed going into my career,” she said. “It gave me the skills and the confidence that I need to back up those skills.”

Sawyer Steineke of Kaukauna is another construction management major who is interning with Miron this summer, working on projects in Green Bay, Kaukauna and elsewhere around the state. Steineke said the internship has given him a deeper understanding of the construction business, “Especially when you get in the field with people who’ve been doing this for the past 30 years.”

Steineke expects to bring his internship experience with him when he returns to class in the fall. “When I get to Heavy Construction and certain classes like that, I’ll have the knowledge that I’ve been on a job that was similar to this,” he said.

Sawyer Steineke, Miron Construction intern and �� Polytechnic construction management major

Likewise, the skills he ��. gained this summer will follow him into his professional life. “If you speak to a lot of construction management majors, they’ll tell you a lot of the things you’re going to bring with you into your future career are going to be learned through these internships,” he said. “So, Stout allowing us to be able to do something like this and get credit for it is a really cool opportunity.”

Miron helps create year-long construction master class

The Heritage Hall project also created the opportunity for a new course that gave students unique access to the site and the construction experts working on it.

When the Heritage Hall project was in its planning stages, Lecturer James Bunkelman of the operations and management department reached out to Holly Nowak, a senior project manager with Miron, to see if he could arrange a site visit for students. Instead of offering only a tour, Nowak suggested creating a master class that would be built around the Heritage Hall project.

‘Power of Partnership’: �� celebrates groundbreaking for $144M Heritage Hall renovation

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Once a quarter during both the fall and spring semesters, students met for a four-hour class, which began with Miron staff members presenting topics which were then explored on the job site so students could see their real-world application.

“This was polytechnic at its finest. You couldn’t define polytechnic any better than how this class ended up,” Bunkelman said. “It can be very challenging for the students to take the academic side of what we’re trying to teach them and put it into perspective. The goal was to use the fact that Heritage Hall couldn’t be any closer or any better suited for that.”

The course turned out better than Bunkelman could have hoped: Because of the size and complexity of the project, Miron is using cutting-edge technology that might not be found at other job sites, giving students a richer experience. For example, students were able to use a virtual reality 3D model to better understand how site planning works as construction managers determine the placement of construction cranes, parking and pedestrian pathways.

Opportunities for student engagement will continue for the coming semesters, as both construction projects are expected to continue into 2028.

Stout breaks ground on transformative $32M project to enhance athletics, fitness facilities

Renovation, addition funded in part by record-breaking alumni gift

The long-awaited work on Heritage Hall, which opened in 1973 as the Home Economics Building, began last September. The extensive, clean-slate renovation will double the number of students the building will be able to serve to about 4,000. The project was primarily funded through the 2023-25 state budget, with an additional $13.5 million in private funding from university supporters, industry partners and alumni made through the �� Foundation & Alumni Association.

The Recreation Complex project, which began last spring, will add nearly 12,000 square feet of recreation space and renovate an additional 28,000 square feet at the facility, which was built in 1963. The project is primarily funded through student fees as well as a record-setting $5 million gift from alumnus Dallas Pankowski and his wife, Edye, a Menomonie native.

Construction management majors get up-close experience on multimillion-dollar Heritage Hall, Recreation Complex upgrades Miron Construction Scaffolding Training

Heritage Hall Renovation

This project creates a new, unified home for workforce-critical degree programs in the College of Art & Human Sciences and more.

Recreation Complex Renovation

A new renovated recreation complex to improve the student experience with expanded, improved fitness and recreation space.

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Hero Caption: Miron Construction conducts safety training at �� Polytechnic.

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Construction camp introduces young students to careers, degree paths

goersab — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:30:00 +0000

Construction camp introduces young students to careers, degree paths goersab June 16, 2026

Tour led by Boldt Company in Chippewa Falls gives campers a behind-the-scenes look at construction site

Abbey Goers

On a cloudy Tuesday morning, eight middle school Construction Pathways campers with �� Polytechnic ��. summer STEAM experience watched a crane lift an air conditioning unit onto the new Aspirus Clinic that is being built in Chippewa Falls.

The site tour, led by the Boldt Company, introduced the campers to different career opportunities in the construction industry, including project management, skilled trades, labor, engineering, safety, and more, as well as what being a construction management student at �� Polytechnic might be like.

STEAM Construction campers and instructors with their final projects

“Students gained a better understanding of how a construction site operates with a behind-the-scenes look at how projects are planned, built and managed from the ground up. They discovered career paths in construction, woodworking and other skilled trades they may be interested in pursuing in the future,” said technology education senior Annika Schlueter, who taught the camp.

The construction campers are just some of the more than 500 children from around the region and country who are traveling to �� Polytechnic to join the Middle School STEAM and High School STEAM week-long experiences this summer.

STEAM Construction campers received a site tour by the Boldt Company / Annika Schlueter

Introducing young campers to career paths in science, technology, engineering, and art and design fits hand-in-hand with �� Polytechnic ��. mission of preparing its students for the workforce, as 99% of recent graduates were employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation.

New experiences in the Woods Lab

In the Jarvis Hall Wood Prototyping Lab, the campers created their own wooden cutting boards, crafted from black walnut, ash, cherry, and maple, and personalized them with laser engraving technology.

Instructor Annika Schlueter helps a camper cut pieces for cutting board. / Annika Schlueter

Through the hands-on project, they learned foundational skills in woodworking, like tool safety and how projects are designed, managed and completed from start to finish. They used a full range of the lab ��. machine, including table saws, routers, an overhead sander, a CNC (computer numerical control) machine and a laser engraver.

“Along with these hard skills, they developed important life skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, responsibility and time management,” Schlueter said. “Students gained skills they can use both in their future careers and in their everyday lives. By completing projects and working through challenges, they built confidence and gained valuable skills that will benefit them long after the class is over.”

Teaching Assistant Marrissa Haglund helps a camper with the CNC machine.

Most of the campers had done small woodworking projects before, but using the CNC machine was an all new experience. Levi Ryan, who traveled from Texas to attend the camp, didn’t even know the machine existed. “Seeing what all of the different machines can do was the best part,” he said.

Caleb Larson, of Baldwin, joined the camp to be able to work with his hands. He enjoyed “seeing all of the work come together, especially at the construction site visit.”

Campers and Schlueter prepare to use the laser engraver on a cutting board

While waiting for glue to dry or for the CNC machine or laser engraver to be available or for classmates to complete the sanding process on their cutting boards, there was time for extra projects.

“Keeping the kids busy was the hardest part,” Schlueter said. “We did a lot of additional projects on the fly, like resin-pour coasters and keychains, and other laser-engraved wood designs as gifts.”

Prepared to lead in the classroom

Originally, the STEAM construction camp was going to be taught by engineering technology Assistant Professor Kevin Dietsche, but his schedule did not line up, so he offered the camp to Schlueter. Schlueter, who serves as a lab assistant in the Woods Lab, has completed her pre-student teaching and will begin student teaching next spring. The construction camp was her first experience leading a classroom.

Campers sand their cutting boards in preparation for sealing them.

Marrissa Haglund, who also serves as a lab assistant, was asked to be a teaching assistant for the camp. Haglund fell in love with the Woods Lab after taking a couple of engineering technology courses. She graduated in May with a B.S. in business administration.

“This opportunity has given me confidence, experience, and application in my field, and I think it is a great program for the students,” Schlueter said. “This camp not only offered me technical experience but also a lot of soft skills with coordination, communication and organization. I did a lot of budgeting and planning to get ready for the camp, so it could be as time-effective as possible. I’m very thankful that I was given the opportunity to be the instructor.”

Campers, Schlueter and Haglund seal their cutting boards.

Additional STEAM camps this summer include experiences in:

Science & Health: Freshwater science, fish conservation, anatomy, molecular ecology, psychology and gardening

Technology: 3D-printing, robotics and virtual reality

Engineering: Packaging and plastics engineering

Art & Design: Claymation, comics, game design, fashion, cinema production, interior design and drawing.

The STEAM programs are sponsored by the Menomonie, Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire school districts, the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin, Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, the National Science Foundation, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Xcel Energy and the �� Foundation & Alumni Association, in partnership with Continuing Education & Conferences.

Haglund helps campers mix coloring to add to their resin-pour keychains. / Annika Schlueter

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Construction camp introduces young students to careers, degree paths

Tour led by Boldt Company in Chippewa Falls gives campers a behind-the-scenes look at construction site

Tour led by Boldt Company in Chippewa Falls gives campers a behind-the-scenes look at construction site STEAM Construction Camp

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Construction students among finalists in national ABC Competition

goersab — Wed, 20 May 2026 13:07:53 +0000

Construction students among finalists in national ABC Competitiongoersab May 20, 2026

Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City project gives glimpse into real world construction management

Abbey Goers

�� construction management students competed against the nation ��. top students during Associated Builders and Contractors’ hallmark annual event, the Construction Management Competition, held this spring in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The ABC competition gives students a glimpse into the real world of construction, testing their project management, estimating, safety, quality control and presentation skills. This year ��. project was the Salt Lake City Convention Center ��. Hyatt Regency Hotel – a nearly 700,000-square-foot venue located in the heart of downtown.

Senior Lecturer Jim Bunkelman, Riley Hibner, Megan Schatz, Ian Farrell, Anna Odisho, Rep. Clint Moses and Sen. Jesse James in �� . Construction Lab.

“The construction industry needs to bring in 349,000 new workers this year just to meet demand, and that includes experienced young construction management professionals like these because they can solve real-world problems so contractors can build quality infrastructure,” said ABC National Board of Directors Chair Thomas “Murph” Murphy.

Of the 31 national teams, �� was among the final nine invited to present in the third phase of the competition, which included a presentation and Q&A with a panel of 40 industry experts.

�� . ABC team members were:

Evan Ambourn, of Eau Claire
Rorie Boettcher, of Eau Claire
Ian Farrell, of Waukesha
Riley Hibner, of Portage
Kameron Konsela, of Minneapolis
Sarah Meyers, of Plover
Anna Odisho, of Roselle, Illinois
Megan Schatz, of Brookfield

“Acting like our own contracting company, the ABC competition gave us a real-life project, where we could work as a group to build a proposal that a true industry company would create – from breaking ground to completion,” said Schatz, the team lead.

“This team demonstrated exceptional dedication and skills from day one. They took a complex project and vision, executing it with precision and professionalism. I have no doubt that the skills they’ve honed during this project will serve them incredibly well in their upcoming professional careers,” said Senior Lecturer James Bunkelman.

Sarah Meyers, Rorie Boettcher, Kameron Konsela, Megan Schatz, Ian Farrell and Evan Ambourn at the ABC Student Competition / Megan Schatz

Recently, the team was presented with a proclamation on behalf of the Wisconsin State Legislature by Sen. Jesse James and Rep. Clint Moses, a �� psychology alum. They were joined by John Schulze, ABC Wisconsin Director of Legal and Government Affairs, and Bunkelman.

“We appreciate �� students’ engagement and their achievements. They were up against some very big schools, and they held their own,” Schulze said. Competing universities included Clemson, Purdue and Michigan State. Louisiana State University won first place.

A project to reimagine a city skyline

The Hyatt Regency Salt Lake is a 25-story hotel, with 517 guestrooms, more than 60,000 square feet of meeting space, a lobby and reception area, a fitness center, multiple restaurants, a market, an outdoor pool, an event terrace and underground parking. The glass façade helps shape the city ��. skyline.

The ABC student teams were provided access to the project by ABC member contractor Hensel Phelps, which has already completed the project.

�� "Stout Builders" ABC Competition Top Performers title slide / Megan Schatz

The first phase of the competition was to research and prepare a proposal. The process took two-and-a-half months, and �� . final proposal was 120 pages long. Logistics was the biggest challenge, with Odisho handling much of the research.

“Since our project was in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, there was not a lot of room for a project trailer, let alone a laydown of space for all the materials. The convention center also needed to be fully operational during the duration of the construction. So, safety was a large factor, as we’d be hoisting large pieces of steel and other material. It is also on the corner of two busy roads, so we had to time deliveries and plan what lanes of traffic we could change during construction,” said Schatz, who serves as vice president of the Student Construction Association, as well as director of public relations for Sigma Lambda Chi, the construction honors society.

For the project ��. second phase, the 31 teams convened at Salt Lake City Convention Center for a six-hour-long day, where they were given five addenda and changes they needed to incorporate into their proposals. The addenda reflected both fictional and actual events that happened during the construction of the hotel.

“Some of the addenda we were given were: a build-out of the restaurant on the sixth floor, the final build-out of the top five floors for the NBA All-Star Game, adding balancing water valves that were missed originally, and an earthquake that hit Salt Lake City,” Schatz said.

Ian Farrell, Evan Ambourn, Megan Schatz and Sarah Meyers present during phase three of the ABC Student Competition / Megan Schatz

Phase three was the final presentation, in which the �� ABC Team was one of nine finalists. “Presenting in front of the judges and audience was such an accomplishment. I’m incredibly grateful to have been able to complete this project with such a dedicated and committed team. We learned not only more about the industry but also grew as a team and had a fun time doing it,” Schatz said.

Graduates from �� . B.S. construction management program reported a 100% employment rate within six months of graduation and an average starting salary of $70,000, according to the latest university First Destination Report.

�� . School of Management offers 20 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates that build students' leadership skills in operations and management, business, hospitality and technology innovation, and military science fields.

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Alquist 3D concrete printing technology integrated into academic majors, new industry certificate

�� Polytechnic's concrete printing capabilities benefit business and industry leaders, students, workforce

Miron Construction projects give construction students professional experience

Construction management majors get up-close experience on multimillion-dollar Heritage Hall, Recreation Complex upgrades

Construction camp introduces young students to careers, degree paths

Tour led by Boldt Company in Chippewa Falls gives campers a behind-the-scenes look at construction site

Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City project gives glimpse into real world construction management ABC Construction competition team, 2026

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Hero Caption: This year ��. ABC Competition project was the Salt Lake City Convention Center ��. Hyatt Regency Hotel – a nearly 700,000-square-foot venue located in the heart of downtown.

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Xcel Energy Cedar Falls Hydro project supports construction students’ industry experiences

goersab — Tue, 12 May 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Xcel Energy Cedar Falls Hydro project supports construction students’ industry experiencesgoersab May 12, 2026

Collaboration encourages students to consider impacts of infrastructure on greater community

Abbey Goers

Donning hard hats and safety vests, construction management and risk control students from �� recently stood at the base of the Cedar Falls Hydroelectric plant and peered up at the 60-foot-tall dam that creates the 1,800-acre Tainter Lake, north of Menomonie.

Cedar Falls Hydro is one of 19 hydroelectric facilities in Wisconsin operated by Xcel Energy, with a total generating capacity of about 272 megawatts of renewable and carbon-free electricity.

Xcel Energy is in the midst of a multi-year, $50 million+ project designed to improve the safety and increase spillway capacity of the Cedar Falls Hydro Dam. The phased upgrade first involves upgrades to the spillway, including tie-back anchors and mass concrete infill work. Future phases involve installing upstream cofferdams to install new spillway gates and constructing a downstream stilling basin to help reduce erosion of the riverbed at the dam.

Students in the Heavy Construction Methods & Equipment class, led by Assistant Professor Janelle Skoyen Hestekin and Lecturer John Beckfield, visited the site to see Xcel Energy ��. project in operation and witness real-world applications surrounding the major community asset and capital project.

“Xcel Energy supports investment in educating the next generation of construction professionals by providing exposure to real-world construction projects and practical work experiences with �� students interested in the field of engineering, design and construction,” said Xcel Energy Project Manager Anthony Witkowski.

Prior to their visit, students worked together as a mock construction company to develop a broad-based construction plan for a mass concrete infill project, inspired by the Cedar Falls Hydro project. They presented their plan, which included materials, equipment, scheduling, staffing, permits, environmental quality, safety and job hazard analysis, and cost estimates to Witkowski and other Xcel Energy staff at the Cedar Falls site.

“It is clear the students put a significant amount of thought and preparation into their presentations in the areas of construction planning, construction safety, project scheduling and project cost estimating. I appreciated the clear written and verbal communication presented by the students,” Witkowski said.

Xcel Energy is an active member of �� . Construction Industry Advisory Committee, from which the collaboration and learning opportunity arose. Hestekin adapted her course structure to incorporate the project and guided students throughout the process.

The class project kicked off with a visit from Witkowski and Dean Steines, chief dam safety engineer – hydro operations, who introduced the project background and design goals to the students from the owner ��. perspective. They also met with Shane McFadden, CEO of Engineering & Construction Innovations, Inc. (ECI), the project's prime contractor, and ECI project staff to compare their planned approach to how ECI is actively completing the work.

“The project exposed students to the heavy civil sector of construction work, where new talent is needed to grow the workforce. A sincere thank you to Xcel Energy for offering this opportunity to the students,” said Hestekin, who is looking forward to additional opportunities for students to collaborate at the Cedar Falls site and other nearby facilities.

Students from Associate Professors Calvin Chen ��. Building Electrical and Control Systems class and Assistant Professor Ashely Der ��. Construction Safety / Risk Control class also visited the site to see the operations of the power distribution network to the nearby cities, and safety management procedures, such as hot work – welding, cutting, soldering, and other tasks that produce heat, sparks or flame – and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), a safety procedure used to protect workers by preventing the unexpected energization or startup of machinery and equipment.

Presenting a complete construction plan

The Cedar Falls dam, constructed in 1910, is one of a few remaining Ambursen dams – hollow dams with open sections between the buttresses on the downstream side of the dam. It is the hollow sections that will be filled with mass concrete, which was the focus of the students’ presentation.

Their broad-based construction plan and estimate for a mass concrete infill project, presented to Xcel Energy as the owner, included staff wages, material and machinery costs, transportation of material, equipment and personnel, and overhead costs.

The students’ simulated work would consist of four separate concrete pours in each of the dam ��. 18 bays, with work beginning on Aug. 10 and completion on Nov. 12, taking into account rainfall, river flow and potential temperature-related concrete issues.

Their safety plan listed OSHA safety training requirements; the inspection of equipment, causeway, the local road and dam; and more.

Allie Hubbard, of Forest Lake, Minnesota, Ben Larson, of West Salem, and Blake Bargender, of Abbotsford, think the project was the most beneficial experience in the course, allowing them to visualize their classroom learning in a real-world setting.

“What stood out most was experiencing the project as if we were part of an actual company. I gained a better understanding of how important communication is across all team roles. I also learned the importance of maintaining strong relationships with subcontractors, since the construction industry is highly interconnected,” said Hubbard, who is also majoring in interior design.

Being able to visit the site and talk to the people actually working on the project gave Larson a new perspective and helped him see what the student group did well on their project and what they could have done better, Larson said.

Bargender plans to one day serve as a project manager for a commercial construction company. “This research project, presentation, and site visit significantly helped me prepare for my future career because it simulated a very realistic situation of estimating and planning in the role of a project manager,” he said.

Students contributing to the greater community

Xcel Energy ��. long-standing partnership with �� continues to grow in meaningful ways, said Community Relations Manager Tim Bartels. “We are pleased to connect students directly with real-world infrastructure and community assets. We’re especially proud that these collaborations support broader commitment to sustainability, giving students the opportunity to engage with projects that advance clean energy and the communities we serve,” he said.

Hubbard thinks that with industry partners and collaborators, like Xcel, that encourage hands-on learning, “Stout students can continue to make lasting impacts on community and environmental projects by applying what we learn in class to real-world situations. Projects like the hydro facility show how we can contribute to the greater community. I am most interested in the opportunity to contribute to how our world is built in the future and to make a lasting impact on the places people use every day,” she said.

Larson and Bargender agreed and added that students can also make an impact on community or environmental projects by getting involved with student organizations, like the Student Construction Association, Women in Construction, and Sigma Lambda Chi, and by volunteering or joining a construction competition team to gain real experience.

“The more you put in, the more you get out of it,” Larson said. “What I like most about my construction management major is how many opportunities it opens up. In our program, we are exposed to a little bit of everything. So, when we graduate, there are so many directions within the industry. I like that flexibility and the fact that the possibilities are pretty much endless.”

As a construction management and interior design double major, Hubbard enjoys being a part of the entire process “from the very beginning, meeting with clients, understanding their needs and wants, and then bringing their vision to life. It ��. especially rewarding to guide clients through the process and ultimately hand over the keys to a finished structure they can be excited about,” she said.

Xcel Energy provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Its spillway modernization project was approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in 2021, with the multi-year project beginning in 2022. The project is part of Xcel Energy ��. investment in a cleaner electric system, as it drives toward 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.

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Collaboration encourages students to consider impacts of infrastructure on greater community Construction management students at Xcel Energy's Cedar Halls Hydro Dam

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Alquist 3D partnership leads to industry-leading 3D concrete printing technology

giffeyt — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Alquist 3D partnership leads to industry-leading 3D concrete printing technologygiffeyt March 10, 2026

�� Polytechnic among first in Midwest to integrate concrete printing into polytechnic programs

��, Wisconsin ��. ��, and Alquist, a pioneer in 3D concrete printing (3DCP) technology, are proud to announce a strategic partnership that brings Alquist ��. industry-leading, proprietary 3DCP printing systems and supporting curriculum to �� . campus.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in applied learning and workforce development, positioning �� as one of the first universities in the Midwest to integrate 3DCP into its construction management, technology education, and industrial and product design academic programs. The relationship will help build the workforce infrastructure required to scale robotic construction nationwide.

“This partnership with Alquist aligns directly with our mission to deliver applied, career-ready education,” said �� Chancellor Katherine Frank. “By bringing 3DCP technology and curriculum to our students, we’re preparing them to lead in a rapidly evolving construction and manufacturing landscape.”

Alquist, which is based in Greeley, Colorado, is a leader in 3D concrete printing technology, offering scalable solutions for residential, commercial and infrastructure construction. Through its curriculum, licensing programs, and robotics systems, Alquist is transforming how communities build and grow.

The partnership includes:

Integration of Alquist ��. 60-hour 3DCP curriculum into �� . curriculum, designed to certify students in the operation and application of 3D concrete printing technology. The curriculum will also enhance �� . ability to offer continuing education opportunities for working professionals in aligned areas such as architecture, construction, engineering and industrial design.
Installation of Alquist ��. proprietary 3DCP print system within �� . construction lab, enabling students to gain real-world experience with robotic printing and sustainable construction materials.
Collaborative research and development focused on climate-specific concrete mixes and scalable additive manufacturing solutions for infrastructure and housing.

“As 3D construction printing moves from experimentation to national deployment, the workforce must evolve alongside it,” said Zachary Mannheimer, founder of Alquist. “We’re not just installing printers on campuses, we’re building a long-term talent pipeline that gives students direct access to the tools, software and real-world processes shaping the future of construction.”

The initiative will be housed within �� . Center for Advanced Manufacturing & AI (CAM-AI), which supports manufacturers and other businesses by leveraging the expertise of �� faculty and staff and the university ��. industry-standard laboratories and equipment.

“CAM-AI already provides additive manufacturing, advanced 3D printing technologies and AI to its external partners. The addition of Alquist ��. system will expand the lab ��. capabilities to include large-format concrete printing,” said Seth Hudson, executive director of Corporate Relations and Economic Engagement at ��.

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Hero Caption: Workers inspect 3D printed concrete. / Photo courtesy Alquist

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Seth Hudson was announced as the new leader on Thursday, July 28, by Chancellor Katherine Frank. He will direct �� . Discovery Center, including the Manufacturing Outreach Center, Stout Technology and Business Park, and a comprehensive range of industry, applied research, technical assistance and technology transfer efforts of the university.

Hudson has bachelor ��. degrees in political science and economics from the University of Southern Maine.

"I am looking forward to growing �� . existing partnerships in order to expand the relationships between students, faculty, staff and Wisconsin ��. business community,” he said.

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Students collaborate across degrees in community project for The Neighbors

goersab — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:30:00 +0000

Students collaborate across degrees in community project for The Neighbors goersab November 20, 2025

Construction, interior design, technology education majors build garden products for senior living home residents

Abbey Goers

In a cross-disciplinary collaboration, four groups of students in Lecturer James Bunkelman ��. Light Construction Methods class are designing and building two raised garden beds, one raised tool bench and one raised tool holder for a senior living home.

The project is part of a service-learning activity, as their final products will be delivered to The Neighbors of Dunn County for the residents to use and enjoy in their garden.

The project was launched last summer during a new STEAM camp for high school students. The Blueprint for Success: Construction Career Camp, led by Assistant Professor Janelle Skoyen Hestekin, blended practical construction skills with community engagement, thanks to a partnership with Junior Achievement and The Neighbors.

Madelyn Pretzer, Tanner Schauf, Brandy Wolf and Erika Rivolta build a tool bench for The Neighbors

The high school students built prototypes of the garden beds and benches after meeting with The Neighbors residents to learn about their needs, laying the groundwork for the �� students’ projects.

When Bunkelman ��. university students took the project on, “I told them to have fun. I told them what they were to build, but not how to do it. They have free rein in their research, designs and building processes.”

A group of four students is completing an ADA-compliant raised tool bench, built with treated two-by-four pine boards and capable of holding 200 pounds, they estimate. The cross-disciplinary team is:

Madelyn Pretzer, interior design, of Rochester, Minnesota
Erika Rivolta, interior design, of Comerio, Italy
Tanner Schauf, technology education, of Sparta
Brandy Wolf, construction management, of Le Sueur, Minnesota

Brandy Wolf nails pine boards in place on the tool bench frame

Wolf enjoys smaller-scale construction projects and has experience in the building process. “Applying the skills we’ve learned in class to turn our design into reality for a client is very fulfilling,” she said.

The team believes it ��. extremely important to know a client ��. wants or needs before beginning a design. They designed the tool bench to be ADA compliant, considering the needs of The Neighbors residents. The height is designed so that a person in a wheelchair may sit at the bench comfortably.

Madelyn Pretzer cuts a two-by-four pine board on a band saw.

“We’re all bringing our own skills into the project,” Pretzer said. “Erika and I have design experience. Next semester, we have a Residential and Senior Living class. This project gives us an early perspective on senior living needs and their possible preferences.”

As a future teacher, Schauf believes collaboration and community involvement are essential. “For teachers, there ��. an expectation to be a pillar in the community,” he said. “I hope to connect my classroom with the programs like this at Stout through similar projects that bridge the gap between technology education and field experiences.”

Tanner Schauf cuts a two-by-four pine board on a band saw.

Social responsibility is a fundamental component of the Stout Core curriculum, a series of foundational classes that enhance students’ applied learning while building the soft skills in high demand by employers.

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Solid success: Faculty, student project focuses on low-carbon concrete

giffeyt — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:51:26 +0000

Solid success: Faculty, student project focuses on low-carbon concretegiffeyt June 17, 2025

Environmentally friendly effort uses byproducts to create strong, sustainable concrete

Tom Giffey

An unassuming slab of grey concrete recently poured on the University of Wisconsin-Stout campus is much more than a sidewalk in front of a pair of bus shelters – it ��. an example of how engineering can lead the way to a more sustainable, lower-carbon future.

On a bright spring day the innovative concrete concoction was mixed, poured, shaped and finished by about a dozen members of the Student Construction Association under the expert eye of Associate Professor Kevin MacDonald, director of the B.S. construction management program. Now, as it continues to cure and harden, the concrete will be monitored for its strength and sustainability.

And considering that concrete – the most-used construction material in the world – is responsible for an estimated 8% of total global carbon emissions, creating it more sustainably is vital to the planet ��. future.

“This is a perfect example of why the polytechnic education works very well,” MacDonald said, reflecting on the project. “Because we’re not looking at making a single cylinder or maybe a paving stone of concrete. We’re looking at making a real sidewalk. We’re learning what are the implications, what are the problems that we encounter when we go to make it, and how can we solve them?”

MacDonald has decades of experience in the industry, working on projects as notable as replacing the Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis when he was vice president for engineering services at Twin Cities-based Cemstone. MacDonald has been working with low-carbon concrete for years, he said, but this is the first time he ��. used this particular recipe in ready-mix concrete trucks.

Student Jeremy O'Connor, top left, and Associate Professor Kevin MacDonald watch concrete pour from a ready-mix truck.

Associate Professor Kevin MacDonald

Moving from lab to sidewalk

The concrete project is the indirect result of upcoming renovations to Heritage Hall, which required the shifting of the bus shelters to a spot in front of the Robert S. Swanson Library & Learning Center. After learning about the proposed relocation, MacDonald knew it could become a learning opportunity for his students and a real-world test for one of his concrete recipes, which doesn’t use traditional portland cement – the manufacture of which is highly resource intensive.

A week before the big pour, MacDonald and a handful of students gathered in the construction lab inside the Jarvis Hall Technology Wing to test several cylindrical samples of concrete in a compression testing machine. As the pressure steadily increased to nearly 8,600 pounds per square inch, the samples cracked loudly and ultimately broke, shedding aggregate onto the ground below. After the tests, MacDonald scribbled calculations with one hand while typing numbers into a calculator app with the other.

Next, MacDonald led the students in preparing some of the chemicals needed to create the concrete, carefully pumping sodium carbonate – a caustic liquid used in drain cleaners – into a series of pails. The liquid would provide a critical ingredient the following week when the concrete was ultimately mixed, serving as a chemical activator to the primary ingredient, blast-furnace slag. This slag, a byproduct of steel production, was used as an ecologically friendly substitute for portland cement. Not only is the slag less resource-intensive because it ��. an industrial byproduct, MacDonald said, but it also creates a stronger final product, meaning less material is needed. Furthermore, because of its chemical properties, concrete made with slag instead of portland cement removes more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making it not just carbon neutral but potentially carbon negative.

Joking that “the heaviest thing I lift up most days is a pen,” MacDonald knew that the Student Construction Association would be an ideal partner for the project. �� senior Jeremy O’Connor, the club ��. president, was one of more than a dozen students to help with the early morning concrete pour on April 29.

As other students stood by with concrete rakes and other equipment, O’Connor – clad in safety gear atop a scissor lift – carefully “dosed,” or poured, the liquid ingredients into the back of a Cemstone ready-mix truck. As the dark-grey material flowed out, the students worked quickly with their tools to ensure the concrete flowed evenly and smoothly into the 10-foot-by-50-foot form laid out for it. The concrete was placed in about three hours, then cured under plastic for two days. The concrete strength at two days was greater than the 20-year strength of a conventional sidewalk, MacDonald said.

�� construction management major Ellie Becker helped spread wet concrete during a campus project.

Student benefits from ‘world-class expertise’

O’Connor said the project was challenging not only because of the atypical mixture of ingredients but also because the mixture set much more quickly than typical concrete – about 75 minutes compared with two hours or more. “This made it extremely hard to finish because it set so quickly compared to the pace we were pouring at,” he said. In addition, strong sunlight and winds dried the surface of the concrete faster than expected.

Nonetheless, he added, “We were still able to finish the concrete successfully and complete the pour through adversity.”

O’Connor said it was an “amazing experience” to work with someone who has the depth of knowledge that MacDonald does. While he has world-class expertise, MacDonald is still able to provide jargon-free explanations that even people who aren’t in the construction field can understand, O’Connor said.

“I have worked with (MacDonald) in many classes and other projects, which has only increased my appreciation for the expansive wealth of knowledge he so generously shares,” O’Connor said.

O’Connor added the experience allowed him to practice all the steps of a construction project, from site utilization and speaking with owners to preparing estimates and creating a schedule. “By applying knowledge I have gained through the university, my professional experiences, my internships, and my competition teams, I am in a much better place following my completion of college because of the knowledge, expertise, and great experiences I have gained,” he said. “(The project) has also exposed me to this brand-new material, which I believe will be implemented in many projects in the future, as it will revolutionize the construction industry, help global warming, and make the world a better place.”

O’Connor graduated in May and in June began work as a field engineer with Gilbane Building Co. in Rochester, Minnesota.

A �� construction management student using a power screed to compact and level wet concrete.

Addressing climate change with engineering

The relocation of the bus shelters was made necessary by the upcoming renovation of Heritage Hall, which will begin in August, said Justin Utpadel, the university ��. senior facilities officer. The original site of the shelters was within the boundaries of the project, so university planners decided to move them down 10th Street East to a spot in front of the Robert S. Swanson Library & Learning Center. This provided a perfect on-campus construction opportunity for MacDonald and his students.

The project, Utpadel added, was a win for all parties, supporting not only the students’ education but also a major campus renovation project and the needs of bus riders.

Ultimately, the experience and data gathered from the concrete pour will also provide helpful in the concrete industry ��. ongoing efforts to become more environmentally sustainable. Just days after the concrete was poured, MacDonald noted, the Portland Cement Association, a century-old national group representing U.S. cement manufacturers, announced it was officially changing its name to the American Cement Association. It ��. one indication of the industry ��. ongoing shift to lower-emissions products that don’t contain portland cement.

“It ��. the biggest challenge in the concrete industry,” MacDonald said, referring to carbon emissions. “You can build buildings out of only concrete, but you can’t build buildings without it.”

He continued: “The climate change issue is an engineering problem we’re going to solve, and one of the ways we’re going to solve it is by reducing our emissions. That ��. what this material is meant to do.”

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Hero Caption: Students watch as a unique, lower-carbon cement mixture pours from a ready-mix truck on the �� campus.

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Inspiring Graduate: Ellie Becker, B.S. Construction Management

goersab — Wed, 14 May 2025 17:55:50 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Ellie Becker, B.S. Construction Managementgoersab May 14, 2025

‘I want to be a public figure that others in the construction industry can look up to.’

Inspiring Graduate: Ellie Becker (’25)

Hometown: St. James, Minnesota
Degree: B.S. Construction Management

Ellie Becker was hired before graduation to work on semiconductor facilities with Sundt Construction, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Ellie Becker receives her diploma from Chancellor Frank.

“I hope to make a meaningful impact by promoting equality and expanding opportunities within the construction industry,” Becker said. “I want to be a public figure that others in the construction industry can look up to – someone who shows that success is possible for anyone, no matter their background.”

Becker, of St. James, Minnesota, chose �� for its polytechnic advantage, something she didn’t find among other universities in the Midwest. She earned her bachelor ��. in construction management on May 10, along with 1,174 �� graduates.

“I want to remind people that there are endless opportunities out there, as long as you’re willing to take that chance. One day, I hope to share my experiences to inspire others to do the same and help build a more inclusive, supportive environment for everyone in the construction field,” she said.

Ellie Becker celebrates earning her construction management degree at commencement.

How has �� prepared you to work in your field?

The best feature Stout offers is requiring students to have an internship or co-op before graduation. That allowed me and others to travel and make new connections all across the country.

I’ve been a field engineer intern with Ames Construction, in Elk River, Minnesota, working on transportation and heavy civil road construction. I’ve been a project engineer intern with Hensel Phelps, in Seattle, Washington, working on commercial construction at SEATAC Airport.

During my co-op with Sundt Construction in fall 2024, I was a field engineer intern, working in the advanced technology and industrial sector.

Construction students, donor collaborate with nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build beds for children

Women in Construction students organize effort to support the community

How did your involvement on campus impact your experience?

My involvement in different communities and at �� has connected me with more people than I could have imagined. It ��. been incredibly fun and rewarding to meet individuals from all over the country, each bringing their own unique backgrounds, talents and perspectives.

I loved getting to share experiences and build relationships with such a diverse group – everyone has something cool to offer, and those connections are ones I truly hope will last a lifetime.

I served on the boards of several student organizations, including the Student Construction Association, Sigma Lambda Chi Construction Honor Society and �� Women in Construction.

I was a member of �� . women ��. tennis team for four years, and I volunteered for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Seattle Pride, Northwest Pride and Minneapolis Pride.

Ellie Becker played on the Blue Devil women's tennis team for four years.

I was also a student member of the National Association of Women in Construction and was on the Association of Building Contractors Construction Management Competition Team.

What stands out about your �� experience?

My absolute best experience at �� was studying abroad in northern Thailand to learn more about their culture and their minority groups. Spending roughly three weeks in Thailand gave me such an eye-opening experience, learning more about their history, culture and people.

The highlights of the trip for me were spending time at a protected refugee camp playing soccer and basketball and learning new games; exploring the city of Chang Mai on a moped; and celebrating the Hmong New Year in the mountains at their festival.

Members of �� . ABC competition team: Lance Wallis, Noelle Urlaub, Jeremy O’Connor, Ellie Becker and Garrett Johnson. / Contributed photo

What challenges did you face in earning your degree and how did you overcome them?

I’ve faced challenges in areas like reading, writing and math, which made certain classes especially tough. On top of that, it was difficult for me to reach out to professors for help. Over time, I realized how important it is to build genuine relationships with my instructors. When professors get to know you personally, they start to understand where you’re struggling, and that connection can make a big difference. It helped me feel more supported and more confident in asking for the help I needed.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

I am most proud of who Stout has made me as a person. Without my experience at Stout, I cannot imagine where I would be today.

A big part of my success isn’t just because of me. It's thanks to the incredible people I've surrounded myself with. Their support, encouragement, and belief in me have shaped not only where I am today but also how I’m perceived as an individual. Of course, it hasn’t all been sunshine and rainbows. I’ve faced plenty of challenges and obstacles along the way.

But I truly believe those tough moments helped shape me into the person I am today – and for that, I’m grateful.

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‘I want to be a public figure that others in the construction industry can look up to.’ Ellie Becker, Commencement

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Construction students, donor collaborate with nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build beds for children

goersab — Tue, 21 May 2024 15:28:27 +0000

Construction students, donor collaborate with nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build beds for childrengoersab May 21, 2024

Women in Construction students organize effort to support the community

Abbey Goers

With nearly one in 10 children in Dunn County living in poverty, a team of �� students and a local nonprofit chapter has built 25 twin beds to help meet children ��. basic needs for their physical, emotional and mental support.

The Women in Construction student organization invited volunteers of Sleep in Heavenly Peace to a build event at the university ��. Construction Lab this spring. Don and Peggy Qually, of Menomonie, sponsored the event with a gift to SHP.

Ellie Becker, an upcoming senior in �� . construction management program and president of the student organization, helped organize and manage the event.

“I was 100% on board with the idea because it seemed like a good way to get students involved with one another while giving back to the community,” she said.

Women in Construction and Sleep in Heavenly Peace volunteers built 25 beds for local children / ��

Becker, of St. James, Minn., reached out to SHP ��. Dunn County Chapter President Mary Bygd to talk about a collaboration between their groups. Bygd invited the student organization board members to a local bed delivery in Menomonie, where volunteers built two bunk beds and a twin bed.

“We were overwhelmed with the rewarding feeling of giving back to a local family who had no beds for their children,” Becker said. “We wanted to implement the idea of bringing a build day to ��. The process was long but quite simple with the right communication between the Women in Construction, �� advisers and Sleep in Heavenly Peace members.”

Bygd, a retired health care administrator, worked at Mayo Clinic for more than 34 years and has been a member of the Menomonie Lions Club for 19 years. In 2019, a Lions Club member invited Sleep in Heavenly Peace to a club meeting and asked if anyone would be interested in starting a chapter in Dunn County.

“It immediately got me excited, and so I quickly raised my hand,” Bygd said, adding that the founding of the chapter was delayed because of the pandemic. It hosted its first bed build in August 2021. Since then, it has delivered 158 beds to local children and families in need.

Students deliver beds to a local family / Mary Bygd

Twelve of the beds built at �� have been delivered thus far to four homes. The other beds will be delivered when the need is identified by SHP. Children also receive a new mattress, bedding and pillows.

One fully furnished bed costs $250 to build and deliver, and each is possible with the support of donated sponsorships, like the Qually ��..

Giving back to their community

For the build day, Women in Construction reached out to other student organizations and classes to promote the event, including students in the construction program, the Student Interior Design Organization and �� . Honors College.

They were joined by Bygd, the Quallys and other community volunteers and philanthropists, as well as faculty and university leadership, including Chancellor Katherine Frank and John Buss, instrument shop supervisor in the engineering and technology department, who prepared the Construction Lab for the build.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace build event sponsors Don and Peggy Qually in ��'s Construction Lab / John Buss

The team cut, sanded, stained and constructed all of the wood components before installing the beds in the applicant families’ homes.

“Ellie and her team are a wonderful example of this generation giving back to their community,” Bygd said. “Since we typically build outdoors, having an inside option at �� was perfect. I can’t thank Ellie and �� leadership enough for opening the Construction Lab for us.”

Bygd believes she ��. had a fortunate life and a successful career and never had to struggle to make ends meet. But she has known people who struggled and lived paycheck to paycheck.

Students stain wooden bed components in the Construction Lab / ��

“The thought that children in our community do not have their own bed to sleep in pulls at my heartstrings. Sleep in Heavenly Peace was created to address this issue in any community,” Bygd said.

“My personal reward is working with a great team of people and all of the volunteers I’ve met along the way. People are so generous. The bonus reward is seeing the kids’ and families’ faces when their babies have a beautiful bed to sleep in.

“One family of five kids and a mom who escaped a domestic violence home was particularly meaningful to me. The kids were old enough to help carry in the bed materials and helped put everything together in the house. When we left, the mom thanked and hugged each of us with tears in her eyes and every one of those kids did the same. That is my ‘why.’”

A student predrills holes to prepare a bed for assembly / ��

SHP was founded in 2021 and has built and delivered in excess of 200,000 beds. There are more than 370 chapters in 45 states, and it is growing in Canada, Bermuda and the Bahamas. Studies by Harvard University, the National Science Foundation, Auburn University and the Better Sleep Council have reported on the effects that lack of sleep can have on children.

The Women in Construction student organization is new at �� and was approved last December. It currently has 20 members of all genders.

Board members, along with Becker, include Vice President Rorie Boettcher, of Eau Claire; Treasurer Marissa Harmon, of Colfax; Secretary Adrianne Krueger, of Superior; Public Relations Manager Ellie Senn, of Fall Creek; and construction Program Director Kevin Wilkinson, who serves as the organization adviser.

Ellie Becker, Chancellor Frank and Mary Bygd in the Construction Lab / John Buss

What Becker enjoys most about construction is seeing the step-by-step building process, having the hands-on experience, and using sustainable and green building practices.

This summer, she is interning with Hensel Phelps in the Pacific Northwest and may have a co-op opportunity in the fall with another company to build a more well-rounded experience before graduating in May 2025.

“After graduation, I plan on signing on full-time with a company that aligns with my values, offers great growth development opportunities and allows me to make an impact with my education,” she said.

To younger female students looking to enter traditionally male career fields, such as construction, Becker said, “You have every right to pursue a career you are passionate about; you’re just as capable as anyone else.”

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