Spotlight on Alumni

Spotlight on: Anlee ('08) and Leean Orama ('09), NJIT

Through the generosity of brothers John and Larry Silvi the Silvi Concrete Annual Scholarship for NJIT CIM students was established. Anlee and Leean Orama are the current Silvi Scholars. In his own words, Leean Orama describes his experiences with CIM, how it feels to be a Silvi Concrete Scholar and what he plans to do upon graduation.

My brother and I were both born and raised in Newark, NJ. I am 21 and Anlee is 22. Initially we both started as Civil Engineering majors here at NJIT. We both enjoy working out in the field. We were looking to concentrate on the construction management aspect of the industry since we grew up hanging drywall with our dad.

We chose the CIM program because we saw the amazing opportunity the industry offers through their collaboration with NJIT. We both saw the CIM program as a unique opportunity to interact with the industry before we even graduate, this will allow us to hit the ground running in the industry right after graduation. I am a junior going into my senior year and Anlee is graduating in Fall 2008.

I strongly believe being in the CIM program has given me an edge and has definitely made me more marketable to companies trying to recruit prepared and skilled college students. After graduation we plan on taking challenging but fun jobs at a company that is dynamic and concerned with helping us grow professionally in the concrete industry. We’re looking to have fun in an industry that doesn’t have monotonous work days and where there is camaraderie between workers.

Being Silvi scholars is a profound privilege that we definitely cherish. In a world where employers are losing common respect for their employees, we see how Silvi has taken the opportunity to invest in the future of an industry that has given so much. This investment is one that will pay its generous dividends in the form of well prepared knowledgeable young talent that’s ready to take the industry to another level. We appreciate the generosity and assistance Silvi and the industry have been giving through the CIM program and we can’t thank them enough!

Spotlight On: Mark Bishop ('08), NJIT

In August 2008, eager NJIT Senior Mark Bishop was the first graduate of the CIM program at NJIT.

What interested you in CIM?
The program caught my eye because I was bored in Civil Engineering and did not see myself doing that for the rest of my life. The concrete industry is constantly changing and is always looking for best people to work in it.

How do you feel about being the first graduate in CIM at NJIT?
I feel honored to be the first graduate of the program. It is really rewarding to find something that you really like and enjoy, and because of that, do extremely well in your classes.

How do you feel about your job outlook?
I feel that the concrete market is endless in opportunities and there is something for everyone. The industry is very willing to help you find a job or an internship, and the people that come and talk to the classes are very willing to help too.

What job title or job responsibilities would you like to do?
I hope to do the managing end of it. I am taking my ACI certification now, and I hope to mix office and field work so that this way I am always challenged and my interests will always be stimulated. My goal is to become an upper-level manager or president of a large concrete production or products facility one day.

Spotlight on: Ian Lane ('07), MTSU

Understanding the importance of supporting educational programs that benefit the industry, Woodland Construction has hired a student from the Concrete Industry Management program. Ian Lane had previously worked at the firm as an intern and joined the firm full-time after his graduation from the program. We asked Ian a few questions about his experiences with the CIM Program and his current position at Woodland.

What school did you graduate from and in which year?
I graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2007.

What is your current position and responsibilities at Woodland?
I am currently a project manager at Woodland Construction in Jupiter, Fla. My responsibilities include design and blueprint review, analysis of projects, preparation of construction documents, bidding, negotiations, subcontractor selection, material purchasing, scheduling, project budget and the actual performance of the concrete scope. I am also responsible for supervising crews of up to 50 trade workers. My first year-and-a-half at Woodland, I worked alongside the on-site supervisors to learn the business and got hands-on experience.

How has the CIM program prepared you for your current job responsibilities?
The CIM program at MTSU did an amazing job preparing me to enter the concrete construction industry. Not only did it give me great opportunities to get real hands-on learning experiences through the CIM labs, ACI student projects and weekend volunteer work, but it also gave me a solid foundation of knowledge that I was able to build upon as my career progressed here at Woodland. Another great tool that the CIM program has is the summer internships. These are invaluable in the sense that I was able get the experience of working for the summer in the field that I was studying and was also able to get a first-hand look at the demands of the industry.

What advice would you give to current CIM students?
Explore all of your options! There are so many interesting and unique job opportunities available for CIM students around the country that they may not be aware of unless they do the research. I have run into numerous people through Woodland, trade shows, etc. that have their own niche carved out in the concrete industry and are looking for people with an education like the one given through the CIM program to jump on board with them.

Spotlight on: Erin Christie ('06) MTSU

Understanding the importance of supporting educational programs that benefit the industry, Ready Mix USA hired Erin Christie, a student from the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) program. We asked Erin a few questions about her experiences with the CIM Program and her current position at Ready Mix.

What school did you graduate from and in which year?
I graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in December of 2006.

What is your current position and responsibilities at Ready Mix USA?
Currently, I am the Environmental Director at Ready Mix. I assist with all of our locations (ready mix, block, aggregate, and sand and gravel) in maintaining environmental compliance with all state, federal and local agencies with the help of environmental team members at the divisional level. Everyday is a new day and usually brings something a little different for me; however my main responsibility is to each of the 26 divisions of Ready Mix USA. One of my other responsibilities is being the liaison for the company with the CIM program at MTSU.

How has the CIM program prepared you for your current job responsibilities?
I have truly been blessed. The education I received through the CIM program is directly related to my current career path. I attribute my success in this industry to both my classes at the university and the experience I received while working for a local producer. I would not be where I am today without the foundation of knowledge provided by the CIM program and the continuation of that knowledge in the field. Because of the reputation of the CIM program at Middle Tennessee State University and the program's track record of producing quality graduates, Ready Mix USA has opened its arms to me and again, provided huge growth opportunities for me.

What advice would you give to current CIM students?
I always get asked by students what they need to do to succeed. My number one piece of advice is to be in the program because you love it. This industry gets in your blood, and I am so proud to be involved with an industry that for the most part, loves what they do. Second, I would say to take advantage of all the opportunities the CIM program has to offer; be involved, go to as many events as possible, meet as many people as you can!

I would also like to express my gratitude to the Industry. For those who created the CIM program and for those that keep the "light burning," I am forever thankful. Also, a special thank you should go to the local producers in Middle Tennessee, who have given so much for over twelve years to help the program succeed, and a very special thanks to Dr. Heather Brown and her staff for all that they do! THANK YOU!

Tamson L. Omps
2004 CIM Graduate
Assistant Manager of Technical Services for a ready mixed concrete producer

“The CIM program offers an amazing opportunity to be part of a growing and vital sector of the economy. It afforded me the ability to choose the region I wanted to live in and the type of company I wanted to work for. I am now able to say that I represent a company that supplied materials to over 90% of the Seattle skyline…how many other industries have the honor of constructing the Emerald City?”

Fred White
2004 CIM Graduate
Management Development for a ready mixed concrete producer

“The CIM program at MTSU has been very instrumental to my career. My knowledge of the industry from the CIM program has made me a valuable asset to my company, and I feel that my future in the concrete industry is very bright.”

Jason Dodson
2001 CIM Graduate
Branch Manager for a concrete repair contractor

“The CIM program prepared me well for my career. In addition to the concrete course work, the business courses have been instrumental in my professional development.”

Christopher K. Davenport
2000 CIM Graduate
Regional Sales Director for a concrete equipment distributor

“The CIM program has given me tremendous opportunities. The in-depth technical curriculum, fused with a business emphasis, has truly allowed me to set realistic and obtainable career goals. The daily interaction with industry professionals and tuned-in professors allow for a real-world industry experience.”