On Feb. 20, 2019, the MSU Student Builders and Contractors Association won 2^nd place for the Outstanding Student Chapter Awards at the National Home Builders Association International Builder’s Show. This is the first time this MSU association has received this award.

The National Association of Home Builders Student Chapter Awards Program promotes student chapter excellence by recognizing active chapters who are involved with their local home builders association.

The Student Builders and Contractors Association works in conjunction with the new MSU Professional Women Builders Student Organization to form a collective student chapter of the National Association of Home Builders at Michigan State University. Both student organizations are affiliated with the Construction Management Program in MSU’s School of Planning, Design and Construction.

“On behalf of the SBCA board, we feel like the award indicates that our efforts are well-placed in creating a community surrounding the Construction Management faculty, students and alumni. We have been working to pull in a larger student base, and with this award, we are hoping that the students who have not yet participated will come and see what we are all about,” said junior Alex Beem, president of the student association.

“We are thankful to have been selected to win this award, and will continue to make strides to ensure that we remain one of the best.” 

The Student Builders and Contractors Association provides a place for students to network with industry professionals and learn more about their field as they near graduation. Membership is open to all construction management students and affiliated majors.

“The SBCA has provided me with the skills to speak confidently to industry professionals, organize group activities and understand the best ways to communicate information to faculty, alumni and students involved with the Construction Management Program,” Beem said.

Construction management assistant professor George Berghorn is their advisor.

“My role is to really be a sounding board for ideas with the student executive board. We meet to discuss their ideas, how those align with the club’s goals, and how to navigate the often complex inner workings of a large university in order to bring their ideas to life,” Berghorn said.

Throughout the academic year, the Student Builders and Contractors Association conducts regular meetings on industry-related topics. Programs have featured contractors, developers, bankers, building inspectors and attorneys specializing in construction.