MARIETTA, Ga. | Sep 20, 2019

Annual gala raises funds for scholarships

Since he was a child, Cory Reeves always had a deep appreciation for the built environment. When it came to deciding on a college, the confluence of architecture, engineering and construction management degree offerings is what brought him to Kennesaw State University.

Now a student in the University’s College of Architecture and Construction Management, he has ingrained himself in campus life, serving as an active member of the Undergraduate Research Club, and the National Association of Home Builders and Association of Energy Engineers student chapters. On Thursday, he became part of the latest cohort of students to receive scholarships from the Department of Construction Management’s Industrial Advisory Board.

“I’m always eager to gain and develop new practical skills, explore research topics and contribute student competitions this year, all of which require me to work fewer hours,” Reeves said. “Thankfully, this scholarship will allow me to not only further my contributions in class but grant me the financial flexibility to participate in auxiliary construction-oriented activities, organizations and competitions outside of the scope of my degree.”

Reeves was one of nine students recognized at the 18^th Annual Industry Advisory Board Fundraiser Gala, held this week at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The event raises funds for scholarships and the development of state-of-the-art teaching facilities. This year, the gala raised more than $155,000, and drew more than 83 sponsorships from individuals and organizations. The amount is expected to grow once silent auction donations are tallied.

In all, more than $19,000 in scholarships were awarded to the following students:

• Cory Reeves
• Brett Bowles
• Andy Brock
• Joseph Congemi
• Skylah Mahan
• Solen Williams
• Keaton Wimish
• Pernell Henry
• Adam Minor

“We have always prided ourselves on the strong connections our University has made with local construction firms, and this gala is a great indicator of the commitment our industry partners have in educating the next generation of construction managers,” said Khalid Siddiqi, interim dean of the College of Architecture and Construction Management. “It is through their investments that we are able to remove the financial burden for students seeking to become tomorrow’s leaders.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary for construction managers in 2016 was $89,300, with a bachelor’s degree being the most common entry-level education. Employment is projected to grow by 5 percent from 2014 to 2024; however, the demand for project managers has outpaced supply, Siddiqi said. KSU offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in construction management, along with certificate programs in project management, land development, special construction and facility management.

Adam Minor, a military veteran who has received scholarship support through the Department of Construction Management for the last three years, said the financial aid has put him one step closer to achieve his long-term goal of creating sustainable developments after graduation. He holds memberships to eight student organizations and honor societies, and last year volunteered more than 150 hours while pursuing his degree.

“This level of involvement would not be possible if it weren’t for scholarships like this,” he said. “It is an honor for my hard work to be recognized by industry professionals, and I feel an obligation to make sure that I put it to good use.”

– Travis Highfield

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.