Colorado State University Construction Management Department Endowed Chair Donors Honored

Industry members recently gathered on Colorado State University’s campus to recognize lead contributors to the Heavy Construction Management Endowed Chair, a permanent faculty position in the Department of Construction Management.

The first phase of the two-phase plan is to pass the $1.5 million mark, with the longer-term goal of reaching a $3 million endowment next on the horizon.

A reception highlighted two of the lead donors: Colorado Contractors Association of Denver and Connell Resources of Fort Collins. Both completed $250,000 pledges. Other milestone contributors also were recognized and thanked.

Colorado State President Larry Edward Penley attended the reception and commended all of the leaders for partnering with the department to accomplish common goals.

"We’re very close to crossing the finish line in the first phase," said Mostafa Khattab, head of the Department of Construction Management. "Industry members are supporting this initiative through their contributions as well as their personal and professional commitments. This is a dedicated group and will most certainly see this project through."

Recognition and thanks also were given to milestone donors including Rocky Mountain Cement Council, Asphalt Paving Co., LaFarge, Premier Paving, United Companies and Coulson Excavating.

When the first phase endowment funds are secured, the department will hire a professor and supplement the position. In addition, the department will add an additional Asphalt Materials course in the Fall semester.

An endowment task force is helping to wrap up this first phase by rallying support from industry colleagues.

"Once we establish the endowed chair, we will provide even greater returns to the heavy and highway industry by hiring a leader who will take our program to new heights," Khattab said.

The endowment will provide a permanent emphasis in heavy construction management. In addition, the named chair holder will:

–     serve as a liaison between the industry and the construction management department,

–     inspire and lead students to choose heavy construction as a career choice, and

–     build a partnership with the College of Engineering.

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