Katie Cross, a construction management junior, was awarded the $3,500 H.L. “Bud” Conrad Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship from the Associated General Contractors of Michigan Endowment Fund.

“Receiving this award and recognition means so much by not only helping me finish my degree and reach my goals, but by showing me that my efforts are being recognized,” Cross said.

“I come from a blue-collar family, and know the reality and value of working hard. My journey in this field has not been without its bumps or struggles, but I have kept pushing further, because I love it.”

In order to be eligible for the scholarship, students must be at least full-time sophomores, attend an ABET- or ACCE-accredited college in Michigan, pursue a degree in construction management or related field, hold a minimum 2.0 GPA, and submit an employment supervisor’s evaluation. 

Cross said that she heard about the scholarship at an MSU Professional Women Builders Student Organization meeting. In addition to being a member of that student organization, she also is a member of the National Association of Women in Construction, and volunteers with the local Habitat for Humanity.

“The most impactful project I have been involved with was volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and helping build affordable housing,” she said.

“It has been so rewarding to provide people not just a house, but a home – somewhere that they can feel comfortable and make memories for the rest of their lives. I have also met so many down to earth people through the organization, and it has opened my eyes to what little we as humans can do to make other individuals’ lives better.”

Cross worked at Key Builders last year, and will be working as a field engineer intern for Rockford Construction this summer. After graduation, she said she would love to work in historic preservation construction.

“I’ve always had a love for old buildings, as well as sustainability and the planet, so being able to mix my love for the two would be my dream job.”