One of the great benefits of supporting this program is that every student ends up in our network as a co-worker, competitor, supplier or customer. Building relationships with these future leaders, while they are still students, allows us to be on the forefront of concrete in Texas.
Rob Van Til
Executive Vice President, Central Region Knife River Corporation
What is your involvement in the CIM program?
I chair the Patrons Board for the CIM program at Texas State University.
Why did you get involved with the program?
I am passionate about the future of our industry. As a Patron, I was impressed by the leadership of Dr. Ryan Penlerick and the high quality of the students in the program. I appreciated the opportunity to increase my engagement with Ryan, the students and the program.
Why have you and your company committed to the CIM program?
As my friend Rich Szecsy likes to say, “Texas is the center of the concrete universe”. I believe that statement to be true and we, as Knife River, have a responsibility to support the growth of concrete leadership in the state.
What are your thoughts about the industry/academic partnership between CIM and its industry partners and Patrons?
The Patrons need to be ready to support the program in four different areas:
Academic Engagement: Get involved with the students. You can look at many options, including teaching a class on campus, providing a plant tour, or taking a group of students to dinner at World of Concrete.
Provide Internships: These students thrive within industry internships. To be successful in the program they need to participate in meaningful internships.
Provide Employment: To date, 100% of our students have found employment upon graduation. We need to keep this streak alive.
Financial Support: As Patrons, we are providing funding for different areas, including student recruitment, scholarships and student engagement events.
How do you think the CIM program will benefit the concrete industry?
These students are the future leaders of our industry in Texas.