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NSC Distributes $460,000 to CIM Institutions
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 At
its meeting at Arizona State University, the CIM National Steering
Committee (NSC) on October 6, was proud to provide support to the
five CIM universities in the amount of $460,000. As a national-level,
broad-based industry coalition, dedicated to a collaborative process
in partnership with CIM institutions and local industry patrons
groups, the mission of the NCS is to develop, support, promote and
sustain a network of higher learning educational institutions with
programs that produce graduates with degrees in Concrete Industry
Management.
According to Dr. Heather Brown at Middle Tennessee State University
(MTSU), the NSC funds are used to send students to industry events,
hosting industry on campus, supplying publications and resources to
the students in the classroom and purchasing laboratory
equipment.
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ASU Hosts National Steering Committee Meeting
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CIM
NSC members, CIM university program directors, and Patrons Group
leaders met at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ on October 5 and
6. Committee meetings were held by the Education, Marketing, Auction
and Long Range Planning Committees. The Board Meeting featured
presentations by each CIM University and CIM Committee Chairs. Thanks
to Dr. James Ezren and his team at ASU for hosting a great event.
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Students Return To Pointe du Hoc
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A
team of CIM students from California State University and Middle
Tennessee State University traveled to France in September to
continue concrete bunker evaluation and research at the World War II D-Day
landing site at Pointe du Hoc, Normandy, France. During their time
abroad, the students  learned
first-hand about historic concrete deterioration, state-of-the-art
non-destructive evaluation, and about this important site and its
history.
According to Rhett Bass, a student of the CIM program at MTSU,
"The trip proved to be a great educational experience for
me. While I believe the classroom is preparing me for a place
in the industry, there is no substitute for seeing firsthand the effects
on concrete in a caustic environment. Exploring the structures of the
sixty-year-old concrete made the classroom concepts and industry
jargon more real."
Bass continued "The CIM programs are unique in that they provide
not only classroom instruction but amazing opportunities to interface
with the industry. It is truly unique in that aspect. While the
economy has not been kind to our industry, the programs and patrons
are still providing excellent opportunities to educate and further
career possibilities."
Chad Golden, a CIM student from California State University - Chico
commented "I would say that it is probably one of the most
unique experiences that I have even been a part of. One would be hard
pressed to find this sort of opportunity anywhere, to go out and
really experience this sort of thing first hand, it's really quite
unique. Many of the students were from various backgrounds and came
from different universities but by the end of the week I think
we were all pretty close. Working on a project like this can create
some lasting bonds. Throughout all my years of schooling I would say
that this is probably the most valuable and most lasting experience
that I have had."
The project is planned to continue for several years, culminating in
historic structure reports for the 20 structures at the site.
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On Campus:
CIM University News
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Texas State University
Building
the CIM Program at Texas State University
Momentum is starting to build for the new CIM Program at Texas State
University. Here are a few highlights from the Texas State program.
·
There are 14 majors in our CIM program currently.
· On September 15, 2009 Sicoma Inc. presented a MP 75 laboratory
mixer to our program at the 55th PCI Annual Convention and Exhibition
in San Antonio, TX. This mixer is valued at $45,000.
· The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) has awarded Dr.
Jiong Hu and his collaborators a contract for a total of $252,557 for
a project entitled "Evaluation, Prevention and Repair of
Microbial Acid-Produced Attack of Concrete" in August 2009.
· Dr. You-Jae Kim joined Texas State University in August 2009 as a
faculty member in the Construction Technology program. He has four
years of work experience as a Project Structural Engineer with High
Concrete Group LLC, in Denver, PA. He is a member of the Seismic
Committee of PCI and holds several certifications from ACI and PCI.
Middle Tennessee State University
Yang
Secures Grant with TDOT
Dr. Zhifu Yang secured a $88,000 grant this semester with the
Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). For 18 months, Dr.
Yang will be studying approved and experimental bridge repair
materials.
ASCC
Foundation Begins Scholarship Program
The American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) has awarded its first
three scholarships to Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)
students in the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) program. The
recipients, Devin Leach, Damon Pulliam and Amanda Reece, will receive
$5,000 each and have their attendance paid to the 2009 ASCC Annual
Conference. To qualify for the scholarship, a student must be
enrolled full time at MTSU, have a concentration in concrete
contracting, and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. The foundation has
also pledged $125,000 to the National Steering Committee of the CIM
program.
California State University, Chico
Program
Announces "One Millionth Dollar" Donation
The CIM program at California State University, Chico has received
its "One Millionth Dollar" donation. According to Douglas
K. Guerrero, Chairman of the Chico State CIM Patrons, this milestone
was achieved through the generous donations for the program made by
110 corporate and36 individualgifts from patrons and contributors
over the last three and a half years.
"These donations, along with the generous gifting from the CIM
National Steering Committee, have made our program the success we
hoped for when our local Patrons Foundation was created in
December 2005. The success-to-date is due to the dedication of the
active Patrons. Not only did we graduate our first seven students in
May, but now expect to have more than 70 declared majors"
said Guerrero.
Arizona State University
ASU Student
Receives ACI Baker Student Fellowship Award
Jennifer Harris, a senior CIM student at ASU is a recent recipient of
an ACI Foundation Fellowship for the 2009-2010 school year. This
award is given to undergraduate students with an interest in a career
in the construction industry, entering their junior or senior year,
and studying in a civil engineering, structural engineering, or
construction industry management program. Jennifer, a single mother
of two children, will graduate in May 2010 and plans to enter
graduate school next fall and study concrete sustainability. Jennifer
plans to one day be a CIM professor!
New Jersey Institute of Technology
NJIT
Program Outlines Enrollment Goals
The CIM program at NJIT recently reported that enrollment was 22
full-time students and announced goals for the upcoming years. One of
the goals is to have ten students enter the program each Fall as
first-time full-time students. In order to accomplish this, the NJIT
program specialist will increase recruiting activity to include more
visits to high schools and county colleges. Greater program
visibility will also be created by focusing on student achievements
(i.e. summer internship program) and improving marketing materials.
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CIM Graduate Profile: Lee Thrasher
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 Understanding
the importance of supporting educational programs that benefit the industry,
Ready Mix USA has hired a student from the Concrete Industry
Management program. We asked Lee Thrasher a few questions about his
experiences with the CIM Program and his current position at Ready
Mix USA.
What school
did you graduate from and when?
I graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in May of 2000
with a Bachelor of Science degree in Concrete Industry Management.
What are
your current position and responsibilities at Ready Mix USA?
I am currently the Quality Control and Project Manager for the Gray,
Mid-East & Tallahassee Divisions. I'm responsible for all aspects
of quality control for approximately 20 plants from Athens, Ga., to
Tallahassee, FL. I also help oversee our larger, multi-year ready mix
projects for the Divisions, as well as assisting with the Divisions'
IT and applications needs, plus market intelligence.
Why did you
choose this position and this company?
I left a multi-national organization to work for an American-owned
and -operated company. I like the family atmosphere that's the heart
of Ready Mix USA. It is very exciting to be a part of a decentralized
company that also has the diversity and size that the Ready Mix USA
Family of Companies offers. Our business model gives each employee
not only the real opportunity to fit into a team environment, but
also to experience firsthand the rewards and recognition created from
doing a good job, since the general managers are so close to their
employees.
How has the
CIM program prepared you for your current job responsibilities?
The "big picture" aspect of the curriculum is very helpful
in understanding the different segments of the industry and their
main functions. Being able to think critically and deliberately
through concrete issues and problems based on case studies and
formalized learning helps in daily resolution of problems and
situations I'm presented with.
Why did you
choose the CIM program?
The CIM program was recommended to me by my employer at the time, Bob
Newton with Harper Construction. I had heard about the program
through construction classes at MTSU as well. Once I looked at the
program, I was hooked on being part of something new and special. As
I got into the first couple of classes, I realized how much I enjoyed
the diversity of concrete and being able to truly experience
something new every day. The concrete industry is as dynamic and
challenging of any of the trade industries. I have always enjoyed
building and creating things, and concrete gives us more
opportunities and options than any other building material out there.
It is a completely fascinating industry that captured me from day
one, and the CIM Program is a wonderful start in the business because
of its overall study of what the concrete industry can be. The
seemingly endless opportunities offered by the CIM Program, and all
the aspects covered by the curriculum, provide one of the best
educational experiences available anywhere.
What classes
did you enjoy the most?
I enjoyed the Introduction to Lab and Materials class, Production
Methods and Facilities, and the two Concrete Construction Methods
classes.
What advice
would you give to current CIM students?
Be involved with companies and their employees who come to campus,
build a network with your fellow students, and don't shortcut any
concrete studies. You are part of the industry the day you join the
program, since the CIM Program is uniquely supported by the industry
itself. This is unlike any other university program in that your
future employer may very well be visiting you in class, at a function
or social, or in the lab. There is great opportunity that comes with
that, as well as a great responsibility. Take those opportunities
seriously, and understand that this program is exceptional in what it
offers. Also, understand that this program is about the concrete
industry and its needs and opportunities, not the money. Too much
emphasis has been placed by students on the financial opportunities
that are out there. The attraction of the CIM Program should be that
this degree provides graduates with unique skills and opportunities
that can provide them a wonderful, rewarding career, if they apply
themselves and work at it.
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CIM Auction to be Held at World of Concrete
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The
CIM Program will host their fifth annual auction to be held at
the World of Concrete on Thursday,  Feb.
4 at 12:00 p.m in the North Hall Room N262 of the Las Vegas
Convention Center.
Organizers hope the 2010 Auction is even bigger than the 2009
Auction, which raised approximately $300,000. In addition to the
traditional auction items, a silent auction will occur in the North
Hall this year. The money raised from both the live and silent
auctions will benefit the CIM National Steering Committee and support
the CIM programs at Middle Tennessee State University, Arizona State
University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, California State
University - Chico, and Texas State University.
"The support from the concrete industry has been tremendous.
Thanks to the World of Concrete (WOC) Show Management, Hanley Wood
Publications, Concrete Producer magazine, Concrete Construction
magazine, McNeilus, and Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, the 2009 auction
helped raise valuable dollars that benefit the CIM programs,"
said Brian Gallagher, Chairman of the CIM Marketing Committee.
To date, the following companies have donated these big ticket items
for the Auction:
· McNeilus concrete
mixer
· Holcim -cement
· LaFarge - cement
· Command Alkon-
batch panel system
Other items available through the silent and live auctions include
concrete saws, drills, vibrators, scaffolding, safety equipment,
screeds, fiber transport systems, dust collectors, NDT
equipment, decorative concrete tools, water meters, pumps,
generators, training sessions, reference books,
advertisements, computers, sports memorabilia, sports travel
packages, golf school packages and vacation travel packages.
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CIM
on Facebook!
CIM has created a fan page on Facebook, and we would like to invite
you to become a fan (search for the CIM program in the Pages
Category). This page was created as a resource for students and
professionals to communicate and interact. With the huge growth of
social media as a communication medium as well as a recruiting tool,
we believe those who participate will greatly benefit.
Join the
Conversation - CIM is on Twitter
In keeping up with the social media revolution, the CIM program is
now on Twitter. Follow us and join the conversation at: twitter.com/ConcreteDegree
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Donations
Needed
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CIM is still seeking donations for 5th annual
auction to be held at the World of Concrete on Thurs., Feb. 4 at 12
p.m.
Those interested in making a donation should contact Wally Johnson at
713.499.6229 or wjohnson@us-concrete.com.
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Our Sponsors
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The CIM NSC is thankful for the generous support from our
industry partners:
American Concrete Institute Foundation
American Concrete Pipe Association
American Society of Concrete Contractors Education Foundation
National Concrete Masonry Association's
Foundation
National Precast Concrete Association
National Ready Mixed Concrete
Association
Portland Cement Association
Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute's Foundation
The RMC Research and Education Foundation
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