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Since our founding in 1969, the CM&T program has graduated hundreds of excellent students. BGSU graduates have lead positions
at industrial, residential and heavy highway construction contractors, engineering and architectural firms, public agencies
and trade associations throughout the U.S. Here’s a look at alumni from each of the past four decades.
1976–Timothy J. Mescher, senior project manager at Donley’s Inc, a commercial construction firm in Cleveland
As a senior project manager, Timothy Mescher estimates, negotiates and manages public and private sector projects from health
care and office buildings to industrial, institutional, entertainment and commercial construction. He says construction firms
face enormous competition and need well-educated graduates who have experience with the latest construction technology and
software. “More and more clients are expecting to see renderings, scheduling, estimates and presentations that use the latest
software,” he explains. “This trend demands graduates and employees who understand and embrace new trends and advancements.
While Bowling Green State University’s CM&T program is not the only such program, it is distinctive in the emphasis it places
on keeping abreast of new and emerging technology.”
Mescher notes that Donley’s employs more than a dozen BGSU graduates and actively seeks co-op students because their comprehensive
education allows them to “hit the ground running” and quickly make important contributions to the company.
1986–Philip M. Baatz, project manager at the Lathrop Company, a construction management firm specializing in industrial, retail and health care
projects, in Maumee, Ohio
Philip Baatz credits Bowling Green’s CM&T program for launching him into a successful career and is impressed how the program
has grown and changed by staying connected with the industry. “The co-op was, and remains, such an important part of the CM&T
program. My own co-op was right here at Lathrop. I loved the work, projects and co-workers. I didn’t want to take a chance
that I would miss a great opportunity, so accepted a full-time position prior to my graduation and completed my last few classes
at night. Lathrop currently employs three BGSU co-op students. The co-op offers students exposure to real-world planning,
organizing and coordinating that just can’t be duplicated in the classroom. Employers benefit from the students’ grasp of
new technology and are able to preview potential employees to make sure they are a good fit for the company.”
Baatz credits CM&T faculty’s desire to work with the construction industry for the program’s ongoing success. “The CM&T program
has really blossomed. Faculty are always looking for ways to improve the course offerings in ways that better prepare students
for the work they will do after graduation. In so doing, they improve the level of professionalism within the industry. The
program has developed a very active advisory board which has led to numerous program recommendations and improvements such
as offering a 30-hour OSHA course. By developing this education/industry partnership, the program is positioning itself for
an even stronger future.”
1996–Timothy A. Ward, project manager, C.J. Mahan Construction Company, a heavy and highway contractor in Columbus, Ohio
Timothy Ward is responsible for managing projects in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky for clients such as the West Virginia
Department of Highways, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and General Electric. C.J. Mahan
is a heavy and highway contractor with a principal emphasis on the construction and rehabilitation of concrete and steel bridges.
Ward says the CM&T program is providing valuable services to students and the industry alike. “The co-op program allowed me
to take what I learned in the classroom and apply it in an office or field setting with both owners and contractors. That
opportunity allowed me to focus and be ready for a great career well before my actual graduation day. BGSU’s program has done
a great job of creating an environment that includes all types of construction. Students have the opportunity to learn the
skills necessary to succeed in the residential, commercial, or heavy and highway industries.”
He adds, “Without graduates from CM&T programs, the offices of most contractors would be filled with civil engineers doing
project management work. While this has worked in the past, there is a growing need for individuals skilled in contract management,
scheduling, estimating and coordinating to meet the needs of contractors’ clients in an ever more competitive market.”
2005–Tom Blaz, field manager, Wayne Homes, a residential homebuilder located in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania
Tom Blaz runs field operations on a variety of homes through all stages of construction. He is the middleman between office
and field as well as the link between the homeowner and the company. He says that BGSU positioned him for success by providing
a well-rounded education in preparation for the real world. He jokes, “It is almost as if the CM&T program is hiding their
real agenda by bringing students in to concentrate on a degree, but the real plan is to prepare students for the world.” Blaz
explains that the CM&T program gives students the essential tools to get their foot in the door of a company, as well as the
skills to set their own destiny and prosper within a company and community. In his own case, communication and problem-solving
skills have been of the utmost importance. He says he must be a good communicator to coordinate all of the work between the
office, field and homeowner. When working with so many people, problem-solving skills are also essential and Blaz credits
the CM&T competitions with helping him become a good problem solver.
He agrees with other graduates that the program’s contributions to the industry are invaluable. “The program’s emphasis is
on information, communication, problem-solving and networking. The importance of these skills goes beyond the industry; this
program plays a major role in creating future leaders of the world.”
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