CANR Student wins Outstanding Senior Award
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EmailGiacomo Cirrincione, a first-generation college student and first-generation Sicilian American, whose grandfather worked on renovations to the Statue of Liberty, graduated from the Michigan State University School of Planning Design and Construction.
By ANR Communications
EAST LANSING, Mich. – When Giacomo Cirrincione was young, he realized that some structures leave their mark.
Cirrincione, a first-generation college student and first-generation Sicilian American, whose grandfather worked on renovations to the Statue of Liberty, graduated from the Michigan State University School of Planning, Design and Construction earlier this month.
The Chicago native was named the 2010 Outstanding Senior in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR).
“Ever since I was little, I was always amazed about how construction can leave its mark in the world, society and our local communities,” Cirrincione said. “So I wanted to be a part of that history of impacting the lives of people through construction in a positive way.”
Cirrincione was inspired to major in construction management by his grandfather, after whom he is named.
“Giacomo realizes that just like the built environment leaves a mark on someone like his grandfather, he can leave his mark through his involvement at Michigan State,” said Scott Witter, Ph.D., director of the School of Planning Design and Construction.
Cirrincione said his heritage served as a guide to becoming more involved in college.
Associate Dean of CANR, Eunice Foster, Ph.D., said that Cirrincione’s experiences outside the classroom have enhanced his educational experience and further developed his leadership skills.
“Giacomo is a great example of jumping in with both feet. He not only was a superior student, he also stretched his involvement to give himself an extremely varied experience of the university,” Foster said.
Cirrincione speaks English and Italian, and used his cultural background as a springboard for involvement in several multicultural experiences at MSU.
He was part of the Multi Racial Unity Living Experience, and served on the Unity Project, which helps to build stronger campus leaders for multicultural issues on campus. He also participated in the Residence Halls Association (RHA) and completed an Alternative Spring Break trip to New Orleans.
“Giacomo is very committed to diversity and has shown this commitment in the construction management program and has made an impact with his leadership across the MSU campus. He is very dedicated,” said Jill Cords, career field consultant for the CANR.
Citing Cirrinicione’s dedication, Cords said he drove to Chicago to interview for a summer internship on Friday and was back at MSU to give his speech and get his diploma on Saturday night.
Cirrincione won awards as an Office of Cultural and Academic Transition (OCAT) aide as a student, and credits this position and his general interest in diversity for getting accepted to MSU’s Student Affairs Administration graduate program.
“My commitment to diversity has helped me connect with people and grow and stretch in ways that otherwise would have never been possible,” he said.
He held an internship at Mass Electric Construction Company, and will begin graduate school in the fall.
http://anrcom.msu.edu/anrcom/news/item/canr_student_wins_outstanding_senior_award
